Logo courtesy of City of Dixon

DIXON, CA (MPG) - At the June 16 meeting of the Dixon City Council, Councilmember Don Hendershot asked for discussion on a consent calendar item, a potential Letter of Support for Senate Bill 1087, the Sustainable Communities Strategy Modernization Act.  

Staff explained the bill aims to provide more flexibility in funding mechanisms for transportation projects, with a focus on plans that include a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. 

Councilmember Thom Bogue worried that the bill would focus on more enforcement against local jurisdictions rather than easing regulatory burdens. In particular, he worried about a required eight-year emission standards update. 

Staff explained that the eight-year update is already an existing state law requirement, and the proposed bill would align that requirement with the sustainable community strategies emission report, which is currently required every four years. This way, both can be completed on the same cycle, reducing the regulatory burden on local jurisdictions.

Vice Mayor Jim Ernest suggested that California’s conservation movement has complicated other processes, creating a “gridlock.” He said this bill could be a way of “threading the needle between the conservation…but making the process easier.” He added that Solano Transportation Authority supports the bill, and as they’re a frequent regional partner to the city, he was inclined to support it as well. 

A representative for STA called in, stating that the bill should reduce bureaucratic hurdles and streamline project implementation. But he wasn’t yet able to provide complete details about potential impacts on local residents or businesses, so Hendershot and Bogue both felt there was not enough clarity at this time to support the bill. 

The council voted 3-2 not to support the bill, with Vice Mayor Ernest and Councilmember Kevin Johnson dissenting. 

The council also considered an agreement with the Dixon Independent Voice newspaper for legal notice publications. After an open bidding process for 2026-27 fiscal year service, Dixon Independent Voice was the only responsive bidder. They were also the selected bidder for the prior fiscal year, at $27 per one column inch. 

Publisher Paul Scholl spoke during the item, stating that the rate has not increased from the prior year, and city and newspaper staff work well together, ensuring an efficient process. 

The council voted unanimously to approve the contract. 

The next meeting of the Dixon City Council is scheduled for July 7.