DIXON, CA (MPG) - On Jan. 21, the Dixon City Council held both a special meeting and a regular meeting.

The special meeting was a study session for a proposed residential community, Harvest at Dixon. The 836-acre site is located in agricultural land to the southeast of Dixon, outside the current city limits. The application requests a general plan update, rezoning, design review, development agreement and annexation into the City of Dixon.

The project would be completed in phases, depending on market conditions and housing demand, with the intention to build 6,000 new homes, approximately 300 per year over 20 to 25 years. The current plan includes 239 acres of low-density residential housing, 291 acres of medium-density housing and 47 acres for mixed use. Public facilities on 15 acres could include a new elementary school, daycare, church and community center. Parks and open spaces would take up 140 acres and there would be 101 acres of roadway. New infrastructure will be needed to bring water, sewer and drainage to the site.

This is still a preliminary application and no action was needed at the meeting. This is the beginning of a lengthy review process and the plans will be shaped by various studies, public outreach and directives from the Planning Commission and City Council.

A final review and vote by Dixon City Council is expected by the end of 2026 and, if approved, Solano County would need to approve annexation of the site. Then the developers would request the required building permits and design approvals. Actual construction is not expected to commence until approximately 2030.

During Public Comment, several union representatives spoke in support of the project, since the construction could provide jobs for local workers. They also said the new homes could provide affordable housing options for those workers and their families.

Other union leaders were more tentative in their support, stating that the project could be a great benefit but only if the developers commit to hiring local labor forces.

Some residents expressed concerns that the number of new homes would essentially equate to a whole new town and they wondered how the city would support the increase in population, infrastructure and services. 

Others were worried about the impact on agricultural land. The neighboring farms use wells for irrigation and one resident said their water production could be diminished if new wells are drilled in the area for the proposed housing development.

During council questions and comments, the councilmembers agreed that it’s important to maintain Dixon’s small-town feel, consider the impact on agriculture and adjacent properties, evaluate how infrastructure will be maintained and ensure the school district can handle the incorporation of a new school site.

Councilmember Kevin Johnson said that throughout the process, he will be asking, “Is this right for Dixon?”

Mayor Steven Bird agreed that there is a need for housing and amenities in Dixon. He said that “growth is inevitable” but “it’s got to be managed, it’s got to be thought out and planned out and make sure we have everything in place so we can support that growth.”

Bird clarified that this was a study session to provide input and consider possibilities, such as a community center, civic center or performing arts theater, which could provide enhanced benefits for the community.

Councilmember Don Hendershot said he appreciated hearing all the questions and comments, which will help him form his opinion. The water issues will be a very significant consideration, he said. 

Before closing the public hearing, City Council reminded the public that they can reach out to any of the councilmembers to provide feedback through email, phone calls or in-person meetings, and residents can also submit their feedback through the city’s website at cityofdixonca.gov.

Two public outreach meetings on the project are scheduled at the Dixon Senior/Multiuse Center (201 South 5th St.), hosted by the developer at 10 a.m. Feb. 1 and hosted by the city at 5:30 p.m. March 27.

The project is expected to come back to City Council in a year or two, with studies and public outreach occurring during that time. More information is available on the city’s website, www.cityofdixonca.gov/harvestatdixon, or the developers’ website, www.harvestatdixon.com.

During the regular meeting, City Council accepted the city treasurer’s quarterly report, with Councilmember Johnson remarking that all the city’s investments are currently outperforming the expected benchmarks.

The council also heard an update about the design progress for Fire Station 82, which is planned for a ¾-acre site at the intersection of Lavender Lane and Pitt School Road. A five-bay design with a pull-through return will allow engines to exit on Pitt School Road and pull back into the station from Lavender Lane. The 8,200-square-foot station will feature four dormitory rooms, three full bathrooms, gear storage and laundry, kitchen, patio, fitness area, lobby and office. Other key features include a fuel storage tank, generator, solar panels and low-maintenance landscaping.

The design and public outreach process started in 2022 and the design is now complete. The estimated cost for the project is $9.2 million, with an additional $600,000 for procurement, construction management and inspection, and city-purchased items such as furniture, equipment and appliances.

Funds have not yet been budgeted but the city has $3.3 million in fire impact fees that could be allocated to the project. The city could request bonds to cover the unfunded portion, which would result in $500,000 to $600,000 in annual debt service payments out of the general fund. Staff would also look for potential grants to cover some of the costs.

The project will come back to City Council members at a future meeting to authorize a budget and then they would request construction bids, which is typically a four-month process. After the construction contract is awarded, construction will take approximately 18 months. 

During Public Comment, one Dixon resident said that a bond would cost more money over time, adding to the overall cost of the project: “Who’s going to pay for this bond?” He also questioned why Dixon needs two fire stations, since he said that service is sufficient with the existing Station 81 on the north side of the city. And he wondered when the city would start hiring female firefighters.

Johnson said the council needs to see a budget soon so they can get the financing in order and expedite the project.

Councilmember Thom Bogue asked why the city can’t rely on development fees for this project: “Why are we going out for a bond versus letting what was put in place take care of the job.”

City Manager Jim Lindley explained that “the developer fees, AB 1600 fees, and others collected in that portion of town do not sufficiently cover the cost of building a fire station and the city does not have the reserves available to spend on the fire station.”

The next Dixon City Council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 4.