Santa Rosa City Council Regular Meeting - March 5, 2024

The Santa Rosa City Council held a regular meeting on March 5, 2024, beginning with a closed session at 3:00 p.m. and reconvening in open session at 4:09 p.m. The council adopted several resolutions, including an extension of the homeless emergency, a professional services agreement for ADA updates, a grant application for the Lower Colgan Creek Restoration Project, a city-wide Integrated Pest Management (IPM) policy, and an update to development-related service fees. The meeting also featured proclamations for Red Cross Month, Arbor Week, and National Women's History Month, as well as a staff briefing on the Community Empowerment Plan. Extensive public comment on non-agenda matters focused on calls for a ceasefire resolution regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Mayor Natalie Rogers and Council Member Chris Rogers were absent.

Proclamations & Presentations

• Red Cross Month (7.1): Council Member Alvarez presented the proclamation. Recipients Andy Witthorn and Steve Countouriotis noted that 90% of Red Cross volunteers are unpaid, and the organization provides disaster response, blood collection, and support for military families. Public comment included support and a suggestion to also recognize the Red Crescent.
• Arbor Week (7.2): Council Member Fleming presented the proclamation. Deputy Director Jen Santos and Parks Superintendent James Castro announced an Arbor Day tree planting event on March 9 at Skyhawk Community Park, planting over 30 trees. Public comment emphasized planting native trees and restoring the city arborist position. Staff noted they responded to 34 downed trees in 16 hours during a recent storm without a dedicated tree crew.
• National Women's History Month (7.3): Council Member MacDonald presented the proclamation to Melanie Jones-Carter, Chair of the Commission on the Status of Women, and Ana Dais. The commission highlighted ad hoc committees on reproductive rights, human trafficking, and voter turnout.
• Community Empowerment Plan (8.1): Lon Peterson, Chief Communications Officer, introduced new staff: Francheasca Roberson (DEI & EEO Officer) and Ana Horta (Community Engagement Manager). Peterson announced a police department community engagement meeting on March 6 and a survey open until March 18.

Consent Calendar

• 13.1 – Extension of Homeless Emergency: Adopted Resolution RES-2024-029, extending the local homeless emergency proclamation. Public comment expressed support, noting progress but ongoing need.
• 13.2 – ADA Transition Plan Update: Adopted Resolution RES-2024-030, approving a professional services agreement with Disability Access Consultants, LLC for up to $398,046.
• 13.3 – Lower Colgan Creek Restoration Phase 3 Grant Application: Adopted Resolution RES-2024-031, authorizing a grant application to the Wildlife Conservation Board for a monarch and pollinator habitat project.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Closed Session (Item 3.1): Duane De Witt spoke in support of fair wage increases for lower-paid city employees during labor negotiations.
• Consent Calendar: Thomas Els thanked the council for continuing the homeless emergency.
• Integrated Pest Management Policy (15.1): Thomas Els supported the policy and suggested using natural remedies like vinegar and pepper mixtures. Tess expressed concern about exceptions, especially on ball fields, and advocated for banning all pesticides. Susan Lamont supported the policy but urged eventual elimination of all pesticides and requested staff cease referring to the public as "audience."
• Development Fee Update (16.1): Calum Weeks (Generation Housing) expressed full support, calling the fee reductions "bold solutions" for affordable housing, child care, and groceries. Thomas Els supported but suggested recovering fee reductions from developers after occupancy. Roxy urged more incentives for affordable housing vs. market rate.
• Non-Agenda Matters (Items 14 & 18): A large majority of speakers (approximately 25 individuals) urged the council to adopt a ceasefire resolution regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Speakers included residents, Jewish community members, Palestinian Americans, and others, citing humanitarian concerns, children’s deaths, and the city’s responsibility. One speaker opposed a ceasefire, arguing Israel has a right to defend itself and that Hamas started the conflict. Several speakers referenced a draft ceasefire resolution available at SRceasefire.com. Council members did not respond or take action on these requests.

Discussion Items

• City-Wide Integrated Pest Management Policy (15.1): Sean McNeil, Deputy Director of Environmental Services, presented the policy. It bans neonicotinoids, minimizes all pesticides using a least-toxic approach, requires certified applicators, and bans glyphosate in sensitive areas (playgrounds, public gathering spaces) with limited exceptions (public health/safety, road medians, closed ball fields, invasive plant management). Transparency measures include a public website and annual reporting. Council members asked few questions and praised the staff’s work.
• Development Related Cost of Service Fee Update (16.1): Gabe Osburn, Planning Director, and Cindy Sconce (MGT Consulting) presented the fee study. The current cost recovery is about 77%; the updated fees aim for ~70% recovery. The proposal includes a 25% reduction for trade permits (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), 50% reduction for residential sidewalk encroachment permits, 50% reduction for non-applicant planning appeals, and 50% reduction for groceries in food deserts/downtown, daycare facilities, market-rate housing in downtown (4+ units), and 100% affordable housing (at or below 60% AMI) citywide. Annual CPI adjustments would be authorized. The projected revenue increase is 20% (about $2.4 million) if permit volumes hold. The effective date is July 1, 2024, and fees will not be retroactive for projects already in process.

Key Outcomes

• Votes (all 5-0, Mayor and Council Member Rogers absent):
  • Approved Consent Calendar (Resolutions RES-2024-029, 030, 031).
  • Adopted Resolution RES-2024-032 (Integrated Pest Management Policy).
  • Adopted Resolution RES-2024-033 (Development Service Fees with reductions and annual CPI adjustments).
• Closed Session: No reportable action on labor negotiations.
• No action taken on the ceasefire requests; the council did not place a ceasefire resolution on the agenda or discuss the matter. The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 26, 2024.