Fairfield City Council Updated on Gateways Study, Action on Measure L

During their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, the City Council received an update on a draft of the Heart of Fairfield Gateways and Branding Study and took action on a potential extension of Measure L.

Staff from the City and Melton Design Group first presented draft designs for gateway signs into the Heart of Fairfield. The signage proposal attempts to incorporate aspects of Fairfield's community, such as Suisun Valley or Travis Air Force Base. Locations are planned at various entrances to the Heart of Fairfield Specific Plan area, along with other parts of the City like Travis Boulevard and Air Base Parkway.

Following the presentation on draft study, city staff then facilitated a discussion to place a proposed extension to Measure L on the November ballot. Measure L, which was first passed in 2003, requires a vote of the voters to amend the Urban Limit Line around the City. The Urban Limit Line prevents the extension of municipal services, such as water or sewage, to areas outside city limits. Measure L is set to expire at the end of the year, at which time the City Council will then have the power to annex areas outside of the City.

Staff recommended that the Council not place Measure L on the ballot as it may limit the City’s power when updating the general plan, which is set to begin later this year and end sometime between 2022-2024. Many members of the public came out in support of Measure L, wanting power to remain with the voters over fears of annexing greenspace to facilitate projects like Woodcreek 66. Others were also concerned about encroachment on Travis Air Force Base, which could threaten the AFB’s presence in the City.

Councilmember Chuck Timm proposed establishing a moratorium on new land annexations until the completion of the general plan update. However, as pointed out by one speaker, this does not include annexations for municipal services. A vote was taken on the subject; however, the outcome of the vote is unclear. The topic will return to the Council during a future meeting.

As always, you can watch the full City Council meeting here.

We’ll be sure to keep you updated on any new developments en el futuro!

City of Fairfield - City Council Agenda 2020-07-21