Logo courtesy of the City of Dixon

DIXON, CA (MPG) – At the Feb. 17 meeting of the Dixon City Council, an update to the Capital Facilities Fees (CFF), also known as development impact fees, which are collected to cover the increased cost of services and infrastructure was considered. Council briefly discussed this at a prior meeting, but requested more information from staff before proceeding. 

The Capital Facilities Fees are adjusted annually based on inflation or deflation in construction costs. The adjustment can be based on the Construction Cost Index (CCI) averaged across 20 major cities across the country, or on the closest of those cities. In previous years, the city has followed the 20-city average, which this year would necessitate a 2.4% increase. 

Instead, staff recommended using the closest of those cities, San Francisco, to better represent costs in the northern California region, resulting in a 0.5% decrease this year. 

Councilmember Thom Bogue said he appreciated the additional information, and the council voted unanimously to approve the update. 

The council considered a resolution approving the Community-Based Transportation Plan (CBTP), which engages residents in identifying transportation needs and challenges.

Public Works Director Louren Kotow said the city is partnering with Solano County Transportation Authority in the development of the plan, which includes prioritizing the identified issues and developing strategies to address them.

Having an active Community-Based Transportation Plan will guide planning and implementation efforts, making the city more competitive for funding grants to support priority projects. 

The council voted unanimously to adopt the Community-Based Transportation Plan.

The council considered a $150,000 contract with Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc., for a 2026 Development Outreach and Communications plan, which is a council-identified goal for this year. The entire project cost is $267,000, with some funded through developer contributions.

There has been an increase in development within the city in recent years, including applications for multiple housing developments and general plan amendments. Some residents have been outspoken about wanting more input into these potential projects and more transparency from the city on the application review process. 

Staff presented the Development Outreach and Communications plan to serve that purpose – to proactively inform and engage the community about the development process, project proposals and opportunities for public participation. Through the plan, staff aims to increase engagement, educate the public through fact-based information and gather community input about their long-term vision for the city as well as major projects under consideration. 

Staff met with various local stakeholders while developing the plan, such as Keep Dixon Green, Don't Double Dixon and the Dixon Chamber of Commerce.

City Attorney Doug White explained that the city is legally required to process and consider all development applications, and this plan will help the public better understand and engage with the process. 

Councilmember Kevin Johnson said it’s important to improve open communication with the public, and the plan was approved unanimously. 

The council approved a renewed contract for City Engineer/Director of Utilities Christopher Fong.

They also approved Randy Shafer to serve as the city’s Fire Chief, after holding the acting chief position since March 2025. Mayor Steven Bird said Shafer truly earned this permanent position, and the council unanimously approved his appointment.

The next meeting of the Dixon City Council is scheduled for March 3.