Santa Rosa City Council Regular Meeting - June 3, 2025

The Santa Rosa City Council met on June 3, 2025, starting with a closed session at 2:00 PM and reconvening in open session at 4:02 PM. The meeting included presentations, multiple public hearings, and a lengthy consent agenda. Major actions included adopting the General Plan 2050, approving a Downtown Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) plan, and voting on several land-use amendments. All council members were present initially; Council Member Okrepkie left during the evening and was absent for later votes.

Consent Calendar

• Adoption of Final Report of City Council Priorities 2025‑2027 – Approved unanimously (6‑0, Okrepkie absent).
• Installation of Speed Cushion on Eighth Street between A Street and B Street – Approved.
• Maintenance Agreement with Caltrans for Mendocino Avenue Overcrossing – Approved.
• Transfer of Real Property Interests to Caltrans for State Route 12/Boas Drive Intersection Safety Project – Approved.
• Cooperative Purchase of Computer and Server Equipment from Dell Marketing L.P. (up to $2,100,000 over three years) – Approved.
• Amendment to Operations and Maintenance Management Agreement with Touchstone Golf LLC for Bennett Valley Golf Course – Approved. This extends the term two years through June 7, 2027, with an additional two‑year city option and consents to an ownership assignment to Kemper Sports Management. Council Member MacDonald queried why the general fund still subsidizes the course; staff explained Touchstone is a management company, and course revenue belongs to the city. Further discussion on fee increases and irrigation improvements followed.
• First Amendment to Joint Powers Agreement with Rincon Valley Union School District for Recreational Area – Approved.
• Extension of Proclamation of Local Homeless Emergency – Approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Closed Session Comments: Peter Alexander and Thomas Ells spoke on behalf of Clare Hartman regarding litigation against the city.
• FEMA Flood Risk Mapping: Richard expressed concerns about FEMA flood insurance practices (broker profits, claim settlement issues). Janice Karrman urged discounted insurance for seniors.
• Council Reports: Adina Flores thanked the mayor for speaking to conservatives and requested additional speaker series.
• Gas Station Zoning Item: Janice Karrman opposed any weakening of the gas station moratorium, citing a recent denial and appeal on North Wright Road.
• ABAG Appointments: Frank Quint (Petaluma council member) spoke in support of his appointment, emphasizing his transportation and economic development background. Adina Flores supported Susan Adams and criticized Quint’s ties to a council member she described as racist.
• Public Hearing 16.2 (General Plan Package):
  • Ken MacNab (KMac Advising) expressed support for the 2050 General Plan and its EIR, while noting some of his comments were not incorporated.
  • Richard criticized the city’s annexation process, arguing the city forfeits millions in wealth creation for taxpayers.
  • Janice Karrman raised concerns about traffic, air quality, fire risk, and evacuation on Acacia Lane.
  • Ron Reinking supported rezoning Dutton Avenue back to industrial, citing a shortage of viable industrial parcels.
  • Mark Garay, owner of 3150 Dutton Avenue, opposed new tribal cultural resource conditions of approval added after the Planning Commission meeting, calling them onerous and lacking nexus. The City Attorney and Assistant City Attorney defended the conditions under Senate Bill 18 and recent case law.
• Public Hearing 16.3 (EIFD): Richard argued the EIFD resembles redevelopment, which was abolished due to corruption, and that bonds benefit wealthy investors tax‑free while the city incurs debt with vacant retail already existing.
• Non‑Agenda Public Comments:
  • Richard urged the city to apply for FEMA’s competitive 404 mitigation program.
  • Janice Karrman described a sidewalk citation dispute related to nearby construction.
  • Adina Flores requested recognition of Children’s Awareness Month and remembered Gianna Duran.

Discussion Items

• Closed Session Report: City Attorney Teresa Stricker reported that the Council unanimously directed joining a lawsuit (San Francisco et al. v. Trump et al.) to prevent federal funding cuts to local governments that do not cooperate with immigration authorities, as such cooperation would likely violate state law and city policy.
• Proclamation – National Wildfire Awareness Month: Presented to Interim Fire Marshal Kemplen Robbins, who noted fire season began June 2 and described the annual weed abatement program.
• Staff Briefings:
  • Community Empowerment Plan Update: Ana Horta reported upcoming events (June 8 market, June 18 graffiti meeting, June 25 water‑smart expo).
  • FEMA Flood Risk Mapping Project: Flannery Banks and Jimmy Bliss presented updates on the multi‑year mapping for Santa Rosa Creek watershed. Preliminary maps expected by end of June, with a 90‑day appeal period. The city disagreed with some mapped areas and will hold a public meeting with FEMA and the county.
• Mayor/Council Reports:
  • Council Member Okrepkie reported on the ICSC conference in Las Vegas to attract investment.
  • Council Member Rogers highlighted a Memorial Day remembrance and community support.
  • Council Member MacDonald reported on Violence Prevention Partnership (600 hours of youth services, tattoo removal program, fentanyl awareness) and recommended a future agenda item to hire a consulting group for departmental efficiency review (seconded, placed on future agenda).
  • Council Member Bañuelos discussed the behavioral health bridge housing site (80 beds) and meetings with Railroad Square Association (public safety concerns) and Recology.
  • Council Member Fleming noted the SMART train Windsor station opening and seniors ride free.
  • Vice Mayor Alvarez reported on the Abel de Luna Community Center dedication and a youth barbecue.
  • Mayor Stapp highlighted successful downtown events (Rose Parade, Pride, Wednesday Night Market), top priorities from Mayors’ and Council Members’ Association (mental health, homelessness, emergency preparedness, shared resources), and Santa Rosa being named “most business friendly city in Sonoma County” by NorthBay Biz magazine.
• Formation of Ad‑Hoc Committee for United Soccer League: Mayor Stapp established a two‑member committee (himself and Council Member Okrepkie) to explore feasibility of a USL partnership.
• Future Agenda Item – Zoning Code Section 20‑61.020(E) (Gas Station Modifications): Council Member Okrepkie requested a discussion on modifications to existing gas stations. After debate (some members favored limiting to renovations), the motion to agendize passed 6‑1 (Fleming opposed).
• Sonoma County Mayors’ and Council Members’ Association – ABAG Appointments: Council appointed Susan Adams (primary) and Stephen Zollman (alternate) and authorized the mayor to vote on late nominations – both motions passed 7‑0.
• Public Hearing 16.1 – Status of Vacant Positions (AB 2561): Human Resources Director Dominique Blanquie presented an 8.24% citywide vacancy rate (based on 1,289 FTEs). Staff noted 50‑60 vacant positions, but due to the hiring freeze, no salary savings are expected. The report was received unanimously.
• Public Hearing 16.2 – First 2025 General Plan Amendment Package: This comprehensive item included three sub‑items: a) Housing Element Amendment: Transfer of 641 RHNA units (34 very low‑income, 607 above moderate) from the county due to the Lance Drive annexation, plus two clerical corrections – approved 6‑0. b) Dutton Avenue General Plan Amendment and Rezoning: Change land use at 3150 Dutton Avenue from Medium Density Residential to General Industry and rezone accordingly – approved 6‑0. The General Plan 2050 includes a compensating density increase on Acacia Lane to maintain “No Net Loss.” An addendum to the 2018 Mitigated Negative Declaration was adopted; tribal consultation conditions were debated but kept. c) General Plan 2050 Final EIR, General Plan 2050, and Specific Plan Amendments: Certify EIR, adopt Statement of Overriding Considerations, adopt General Plan 2050 – approved 6‑0. Key features include 21 areas of change, an environmental justice element, a greenhouse gas reduction strategy (40% below 1990 by 2030, 85% by 2045), and missing middle housing zoning.
• Public Hearing 16.3 – Downtown Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) Infrastructure Financing Plan: Gabe Osburn presented the plan to form an EIFD (Downtown Business Corridor) funded by property tax increment (50% city, 25% county). Projected revenues: city $72 million (ad valorem) + $33 million (VLF), county $120 million; total available ~$81 million. Funds allocated 80% to catalyst projects/placemaking, 20% to affordable housing, with bonding beginning after 2030 and a 10‑year review. The county approved earlier that day. The plan was adopted 6‑0.

Key Outcomes

• Closed Session Direction: Unanimous vote to join multi‑city lawsuit against federal immigration‑related funding cuts.
• General Plan 2050: Six resolutions and one ordinance approved (all 6‑0, Okrepkie absent): Housing Element amendment, Dutton Avenue GPA and rezoning, Dutton Avenue MND addendum, General Plan 2050 EIR certification, General Plan 2050 adoption, and introduction of Dutton Avenue rezoning ordinance.
• EIFD Infrastructure Financing Plan: Approved unanimously (6‑0). Next steps: PFA final hearing June 16, judicial validation, and Board of Equalization application.
• Future Agenda Items: Two items set: gas station zoning code modifications (6‑1) and hiring a consulting group for departmental efficiency (placed on future agenda by request).
• Ad‑Hoc Committee: United Soccer League committee formed (Mayor Stapp and Council Member Okrepkie).
• ABAG Appointments: Susan Adams (primary), Stephen Zollman (alternate).
• Consent Agenda: All eight items approved (6‑0).
• Public Hearings: Vacancy report received; General Plan package and EIFD plan adopted.
• Meeting Adjourned: at 7:33 PM; next regular meeting June 17, 2025.