Santa Rosa City Council Meeting - December 2, 2025

The Santa Rosa City Council met on December 2, 2025, at 2:30 PM to discuss several key items, including a community empowerment plan update, a capital improvement program status report, a long-negotiated agreement for the Jennings Avenue bicycle and pedestrian railroad crossing, a proposal for dynamic pricing at Bennett Valley Golf Course, and the appointment of an interim city manager. All council members were present except Councilmember Alvarez was absent initially but later arrived. The meeting included public testimony on multiple agenda items and closed with unanimous votes on most items except the golf course pricing.

Consent Calendar

• The council unanimously adopted consent items 13.1 through 13.8, which included routine approvals, mid-block crosswalk authorization, and an extension of the homeless emergency. Public comment was received in support of the traffic calming measures and the Buccalo programs.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Duane DeWitt (Roseland resident) expressed support for the community empowerment plan and suggested written announcements and district meetings for the incoming city manager. He later commented on capital projects, urging safe sidewalks on Barham Avenue and naming South Davis Park after George Maby, a WWII casualty. On the Jennings Crossing, he warned against trusting SMART and urged ironclad agreements. He also raised concerns about criminal activity in Roseland Creek and called for police presence.
• Janice Carmen supported DeWitt’s idea for meet-and-greets with the city manager and later noted that she was misquoted in previous meeting minutes (item 12). She also commented on road conditions in East Santa Rosa, describing the city as dirty and in need of street improvements.
• Fred Olibach praised city amenities in the Northeast Quadrant and supported the capital improvement program.
• Steve Bertelba (public comment on Jennings Crossing) urged swift completion, noting the danger of bicyclists on busy roads and the low accident risk of pedestrian crossings.
• Abby Arnold supported the Jennings Crossing agreement and advocated for community education on train safety.
• James Duncan (public comment on Jennings Crossing) argued that SMART’s requirements were contrary to the CPUC ruling and that the agreement should be invalid if SMART lacks jurisdiction; he also opposed SMART’s ability to terminate construction without cause.
• Joanna (resident near Jennings) expressed distress over SMART’s exceptional demands and the risk of closure after investment.
• Kalilani (new resident on Manhattan Way) said the crossing would be life-changing for her as a cyclist and for children biking to school.
• Chris Gunther (Bikeable Santa Rosa) thanked staff and expressed relief at reaching this point, while noting regret over delays.
• Daniel Pablo (Coffee Park area) urged the council to raise the minimum wage, citing county increases and the need to help the poorest residents.

Discussion Items

• Community Empowerment Plan Update – Anna Horta, Community Engagement Manager, presented December events including the Handmade Holiday Craft Fair (50th anniversary, Dec 5-6), creek cleanup volunteer days (Dec 6 & 20), a police holiday toy drive, a citywide food drive, and a park volunteer program on Dec 13. Councilmember Rogers commended the team for hosting town halls in every district. The plan was received without formal action.
• Capital Improvement Program Update – Krista Siegenthaler, Deputy Director of Engineering Services, reported major milestones: Hearn Community Hub groundbreaking (Oct), Fire Station 5 temporary occupancy and ribbon cutting (Nov), and Highway 101 bicycle/pedestrian overcrossing bidding (bids open Dec 16). Since August, five projects were successfully bid (four under engineer’s estimate), and 17 projects have been awarded in 2025, with 20 more planned for Q1 2026. Parks projects using Measure M funding are underway, including Dutch Floor Park (completing Jan), South Davis Park, Kawana Springs Garden, and Howarth Courts. The Southeast Greenway master plan RFP will go out in early 2026. Councilmember McDonald and Mayor Stepp praised the team’s work.
• Jennings Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Railroad Crossing – Assistant City Manager Jason Nutt and Assistant City Attorney Adam Abel presented the results of negotiations with SMART. Key points: The “but for” clause (which made the city liable regardless of cause) was removed. Negligence language was expanded to include sole negligence, gross negligence, and willful misconduct. The license area was narrowed to “in connection with or adjacent to” the crossing. The construction and funding agreement includes one-way indemnification (SMART indemnified, city not mutually), but contractors will list the city as additional insured. Staff recommended approval despite the lack of mutual indemnification, citing controlled risk. The council unanimously approved the motion to delegate authority to the city manager to execute the agreements and return to SMART’s board.
• Bennett Valley Golf Course Dynamic Pricing – Jason Nutt presented a proposal by Kemper Sports for dynamic pricing on non-resident golf fees to increase revenue without reducing rounds. The model uses variable pricing based on historical data, weather, sales, and demand, with a range below and above current flat rates. Estimated annual revenue increase: $85,000 (conservative, based on 60% of non-resident rounds paying the maximum). The proposal applies only to non-residents (20-25% of rounds). Councilmember Fleming voiced philosophical objections, arguing government should not use dynamic pricing. Councilmember Ben Wellos cited confusion and concerns for affordability. Councilmember Alvarez also opposed dynamic pricing but would support a flat increase. Councilmember McDonald and Vice Mayor O’Krepke supported it as a creative way to reduce the general fund subsidy (currently ~$500,000/year). The resolution passed 5-2, with Councilmembers Fleming and Ben Wellos voting no.
• Appointment of Interim City Manager – Assistant City Manager Nutt introduced Lori Ann Farrell, former city manager of Costa Mesa, selected by council in closed session. Her compensation: salary of $291,200 annually, temporary housing assistance ($3,000/month), auto allowance ($500/month), and benefits consistent with executive management. The council unanimously approved her appointment effective January 2, 2026, and introduced the ordinance setting her salary.

Key Outcomes

• The council received the community empowerment plan update without formal action.
• The capital improvement program report was received, with praise from council.
• Consent items 13.1–13.8 were approved unanimously.
• The Jennings Avenue crossing agreement (real property license and construction/funding) was approved unanimously, with delegation of authority to the city manager.
• Dynamic pricing for non-resident golf fees at Bennett Valley Golf Course was approved by a vote of 5-2 (Rogers, McDonald, Alvarez, O’Krepke, Stepp in favor; Fleming, Ben Wellos opposed).
• Lori Ann Farrell was appointed interim city manager unanimously, and the salary ordinance was introduced.
• No reportable action from closed session.