Public Meetings - Santa Rosa, California

The Santa Rosa City Council met on August 6, 2024, in a combined closed session, study session, and regular meeting. The meeting began at 1:31 PM with a closed session for labor negotiations, followed by a study session on the Development Services Strategic Business Plan and the Vision Zero Implementation Plan Update. The regular session started at 4:00 PM and included approval of consent items, a second reading of the retail tobacco sales ordinance, and two major ballot measures: a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) increase and a General Business Tax overhaul. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 PM. Consent Calendar - 13.1 – Resolution approving an administrative cost recovery lien of $3,552.40 against property at 1597 West Avenue for uncorrected code violations. Adopted unanimously (7-0). - 13.2 – Resolution approving an administrative cost recovery lien of $34,562.44 against property at 616 Mendocino Avenue. Adopted unanimously (7-0). - 13.3 – Resolution extending the Exclusive Negotiation Agreement with Rogal Projects for 90 additional days for potential development of 625 and 637 3rd Street (Garage 5). Adopted unanimously (7-0). - 13.4 – Resolution approving a second amendment to General Service Agreement F002145 with Waterworks Industries Inc. for aquatic weed control, increasing compensation by $26,264.03 to a total of $119,189.03. Adopted unanimously (7-0). - 13.5 – Resolution supporting the City’s participation in the Sonoma County Transportation Authority’s application for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. Adopted unanimously (7-0). - 13.6 – Second reading of Ordinance No. ORD-2024-010, adding Chapter 6-20 “Regulation of Retail Tobacco Sales” to the Santa Rosa Municipal Code. Adopted 6-0-1 (Council Member Alvarez recused due to financial interest in a cannabis business). Public Comments & Testimony - Closed Session (Item 3.1): Sam Hoel (Santa Rosa Firefighters Local 1401) urged the Council to authorize fair bargaining using comparable cities, stating that the current negotiations are not proceeding in good faith. Stephen DelPorto (Santa Rosa Firefighters) supported the firefighters’ stance and asked for a fair contract based on comparable cities. - Study Session 4.1 (Development Services Strategic Plan): Calum Weeks (Generation Housing) expressed support for the plan and requested quarterly or biannual public updates on implementation. - Study Session 4.2 (Vision Zero): Eris Weaver (Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition) voiced strong support for the quick-build, action-oriented approach. Abby Arnold (California Streets Initiative) encouraged rapid implementation and education campaigns. Calum Weeks (resident) shared personal safety concerns and praised staff. Alexa Forrester (Bikeable Santa Rosa) supported the plan and urged the Council to withstand short-term complaints. - Consent Items 13.1-13.6: Mary Lou Schmidt, Greg Damron, and Michelle McGarry (all from Tobacco Free Sonoma County Coalition) spoke in favor of the tobacco retail licensing ordinance, citing youth vaping rates. Michael Hilber and Duane DeWitt spoke against the cost recovery liens (13.1 and 13.2), arguing that the property owners may face mental health or financial hardship and that the city should show more mercy. - Item 14 (Non-Agenda): Colleen Fernald spoke about the power of elected office, murder, and peace. Michael Hilber raised concerns about drug dealing. Duane DeWitt discussed health, safety, and welfare in the Roseland community. - Item 15.1 (Transient Occupancy Tax): Michael Hilber opposed the TOT increase, calling it a “junk fee” and expressing concern about the total tax burden on visitors. Duane DeWitt suggested cutting funding to the Chamber of Commerce and selling city properties instead of raising taxes. - Item 15.2 (General Business Tax): Dr. Warren Chin (Sonoma Mendocino Lake County Medical Association) opposed the original measure but appreciated modifications; he requested an exemption for Medi-Cal and Medicare providers and a phased increase of the cap. Joanne Webster (North Bay Leadership Council) supported the revised proposal with modifications and thanked staff for outreach. Michael Hilber opposed the measure, calling it onerous. Duane DeWitt spoke in favor of raising the cap to $50,000 for large businesses. Adina Flores opposed the measure, citing conflicts of interest and lack of audits. Discussion Items - 4.1 Development Services Strategic Business Plan: Director Gabe Osburn and Aaron Baggarly (Matrix Consulting Group) presented findings from an 18-month process, including surveys of 5,500 customers (10% response rate) and staff input. Key recommendations included creating a single development czar, improving technology, and standardizing customer service. Council discussion focused on fee review cycles, a centralized customer service number, and better communication with constituents. Council Member Alvarez requested proactive education for entrepreneurs on future uses. Council Member Fleming suggested a flowchart for staff to handle constituent inquiries. - 4.2 Vision Zero Implementation Plan Update: Director Dan Hennessey presented data: 74 deaths and 535 serious injuries in Santa Rosa over 11 years, with an estimated $1.3 billion cost. He highlighted the high injury network, equity concerns, and the need for speed reduction and street design changes. The Council supported the plan and the accompanying SS4A grant application (Item 13.5). Council members expressed strong support for quick-build projects and acknowledged expected public pushback. Council Member McDonald asked about Safe Routes to School; staff noted limited resources. - 15.1 Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Ballot Measure: Chief Financial Officer Alan Alton presented the proposal to increase the TOT from 9% to 11% (estimated $1.2 million additional annual revenue). The measure would bring the combined TOT and BIA rate to 16%, tying Santa Rosa with Healdsburg for the highest in the county. Council Member Stapp noted that recent state law (junk fees) requires upfront disclosure. The Council voted to introduce the ordinance and approve the resolution for the November 2024 ballot. - 15.2 General Business Tax Ballot Measure: Alan Alton presented a revised proposal after extensive stakeholder outreach. The new plan: keep rates the same, raise the maximum tax cap from $3,000 to $10,000, introduce gross receipts tiers, and add an annual CPI adjustment (2% floor, 4% ceiling). Estimated additional revenue: $3 million annually (down from the original $12 million). Council Member Rogers requested that the Economic Development Subcommittee explore reductions for Medi-Cal and Medicare providers. The Council voted to introduce the ordinance and approve the ballot resolution, and separately to assign the subcommittee to consider incentives for medical providers and other businesses. Key Outcomes - Study Session Notes: No formal action taken on Items 4.1 and 4.2, but Council provided direction to staff on development services improvements and strongly supported the Vision Zero implementation. - Consent Items 13.1-13.5: All adopted unanimously (7-0). - Consent Item 13.6 (Tobacco Ordinance): Adopted on second reading (6-0-1, Alvarez recused). - Item 11.2 (League of California Cities Delegate): Voted to designate Mayor N. Rogers as voting delegate, Vice Mayor Stapp and Council Member Okrepkie as alternates (7-0). - Item 11.3.1 (Future Agenda Item): Approved placing a reconsideration of specific fee increases adopted March 5, 2024, on a future agenda (7-0). - Item 15.1 (TOT Ballot Measure): Ordinance introduced and resolution adopted to place the measure on the November 5, 2024, ballot (7-0). Mayor Rogers designated to submit argument in favor. - Item 15.2 (General Business Tax Ballot Measure): Ordinance introduced and resolution adopted to place the measure on the November 5, 2024, ballot (4-0-3, with Mayor Rogers, Alvarez, and Fleming recused due to rental property ownership). Vice Mayor Stapp designated to submit argument in favor. Additionally, the Council voted to refer the consideration of a reduction for Medi-Cal and Medicare providers to the Economic Development Subcommittee (4-0-3).

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission met on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber. All seven commissioners were present, including newly sworn-in Commissioner Aaron Pardo. The meeting focused on a public hearing to recommend pre-zoning for a water system improvement project in the Robin Way area, followed by a unanimous vote. Consent Calendar - The Planning Commission unanimously approved the June 27, 2024 draft minutes as submitted. - There were no consent items. Public Comments & Testimony - Chair Weeks opened and closed public comment twice, but no members of the public spoke on non-agenda items or on the public hearing. Department Reports - Deputy Director of Planning Jessica Jones reported that four members of the Cultural Heritage Board resigned in writing during a recent meeting, causing the board to lose quorum. The resignations were related to increased landmark alteration permit fees recently adopted by the City Council. Staff are working to streamline the landmark alteration process and will provide updates. Public Hearing: Robin Way Water System Improvements – Annexation Pre-Zoning (ANX23-002/003) - Project Planner Sheikhali presented the proposal to pre-zone 34 parcels on Barbara Drive, Robin Way, Eddy Drive, Moorland Avenue, and Bellview Avenue in preparation for annexation into Santa Rosa. 29 of these parcels would receive city water service due to known nitrate contamination in the area, while 5 parcels (on the east side of Moorland Avenue) would be annexed without water service. - The project is funded by the State of California, with a 2019 citation for nitrate contamination and a 2021 LAFCO decision to annex 29 parcels, later expanded to include 5 additional parcels for an orderly boundary. - Proposed zoning includes R-1-6 (single-family residential) and R-2 (medium density multifamily residential), consistent with the General Plan. - Staff answered commissioner questions: Santa Rosa Water Supervising Engineer Andy Allen stated no emergency water hookups have been provided to date; LAFCO had no comments on the proposal; and the area will remain within the South Santa Rosa Specific Plan boundaries, though land use changes are unlikely. - Commissioner Pardo disclosed that he sold a commercial building to one of the homeowners listed in the project's property information more than a year ago, but stated he has no current financial interest or conflict requiring abstention. Key Outcomes - Commissioner Cisco moved, seconded by Vice Chair Duggan, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. PC-2024-011, recommending that the City Council pre-zone the properties into R-1-6 and R-2 districts. - The motion carried unanimously with a vote of 7-0 (Chair Weeks, Vice Chair Duggan, Commissioners Carter, Cisco, Pardo, Peterson, and Sanders all voting yes). - All commissioners stated they could make the required findings and expressed support for the project. - Note: The agenda lists the item as ANX23-002, while the resolution text and meeting minutes reference ANX23-003; the minutes reflect the resolution as adopted. - The meeting adjourned at 4:51 p.m.

The Santa Rosa City Council met on July 23, 2024, beginning with a 12:35 p.m. closed session, followed by a study session and regular meeting. The Council heard a transit integration study, approved a seven-item consent calendar, adopted a retail tobacco sales licensing ordinance, and confirmed the annual weed abatement report. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Closed Session and Labor Negotiations - The Council recessed to closed session at 1:08 p.m. and reconvened at 4:52 p.m. Items 3.1 through 3.5 were received and filed; the City Attorney reported no reportable action. - Firefighters and union representatives spoke in support of fair compensation, saying Santa Rosa firefighters rank 10th of 10 among comparable cities, face recruitment and retention challenges, and respond to about 30,000 calls annually versus about 19,000 for the closest competitor. Speakers highlighted vacancies and asked the Council to act in good-faith bargaining. Study Session: Sonoma County Integrated Transit Service Plan - Staff presented the SCTA-led Integrated Transit Service Plan, developed with Santa Rosa CityBus, Sonoma County Transit, and Petaluma Transit. Key findings: about 90% of Sonoma County trips stay in the county; a 2023 survey drew 774 responses; 51% of riders were satisfied, for a net satisfaction score of about 31%; 45% of riders lack vehicle access; and 70% said better schedule coordination would help. - The plan includes 27 recommendations covering data collection, fare coordination, paratransit, overlapping Highway 101 service, and potential microtransit. Council members discussed workforce development, including a possible SRJC bus operator pre-apprenticeship, and service to SSU. - Public comment: Thomas Ells supported origin-destination data and a SMART stop at Hearn Avenue; Duane De Witt asked for prioritized paratransit and veterans services; Adina Flores questioned SMART's future if the tiny tax is not renewed. City Attorney, City Manager, and Council Reports - The City Attorney reported no settlements over $50,000 in June. The written minutes cite a pending caseload of approximately 30 matters, while the transcript records roughly 38 litigation matters. - The City Manager addressed Cultural Heritage Board concerns and announced upcoming community events including Ice Cream with a Cop, Coffee with a Cop, and National Night Out. - Councilmember MacDonald made a motion, seconded by Mayor Rogers, to bring back for reconsideration fee increases for historic landmark alteration permits and historic district fees; no separate vote is recorded in the minutes/transcript. - Councilmembers reported on subcommittee and liaison meetings, including the Public Safety Subcommittee, MTC's $20 billion Bay Area Housing Finance bond, and appointments. Public Comments on Non-Agenda Matters - Multiple speakers urged the Council to adopt a ceasefire resolution regarding Palestine/Israel, reading a “People's Resolution” and criticizing Council silence. - Auto dealer representatives Jerry Reid and Dianna Freeman opposed the proposed General Business Tax increases, saying high-sales/low-profit dealerships would be disproportionately harmed. Freeman Auto and Smothers European both cited potential tax increases from annual business license costs to $145,000 or adding roughly $300,000. - Duane DeWitt spoke about Roseland library and neighborhood center promises; Thomas Ells spoke about embodied carbon and demolition. Consent Calendar - The Council approved Items 13.1 through 13.7 by a 6-0 vote, with Councilmember Alvarez absent. Approvals included: - Contract award to Ghilotti Brothers for Roseland Pavement Maintenance 2024, $1,999,838.90, with 10% contingency, total $2,199,822.79. - Go Sonoma (Measure DD) cooperative agreements with SCTA. - First amendment with Renne Public Policy Group for state legislative advocacy, adding $155,000 for a total not to exceed $529,580. - ESRI GIS software agreement renewal, $1,099,800 for six years, total $2,044,800. - Accela software support extension, $166,899.26 for one year, cumulative $1,941,641. - Universal Site Services sweeping services amendment, $65,134.32, total $262,537.28. - Extension of the local homeless emergency proclamation (Resolution RES-2024-125). Continued Report Items - The General Business Tax ballot measure and the Transient Occupancy Tax ballot measure were continued to the August 6, 2024 regular meeting. Public Hearing: Retail Tobacco Sales Ordinance - The Council held a public hearing on adding Chapter 6-20 (“Regulation of Retail Tobacco Sales”) to the Santa Rosa City Code. The ordinance requires a retail tobacco license, creates a 600-foot buffer from schools and parks, bans flavored tobacco and electronic smoking devices, and establishes minimum package sizes/pricing. - Youth advocates, health groups (Aliados Health, American Heart Association, Tobacco Free Sonoma County, Blue Zones Project), and community members spoke in support, emphasizing enforcement and flavored product bans. - Jaime Rojas (National Association of Tobacco Outlets) and William Mines spoke in opposition, arguing the flavor ban is already state law, that more enforcement not new restrictions is needed, and that adult choice is being restricted. - The Council adopted an amended ordinance on a 6-0 vote (Alvarez recused). The amendments: retain the density cap of one retailer per 2,500 residents (reducing the cap to about 71 over time), adopt higher fine amounts with a $10,000 cap per instance, and move the renewal-start date to July 1, 2025 rather than 2026. The Council also authorized the City Manager to negotiate an agreement with Sonoma County for license administration and compliance monitoring. Public Hearing: Weed Abatement Program - The Fire Department presented the annual weed abatement report covering roughly 11,000 inspected properties. No public testimony was offered. The Council unanimously confirmed the itemized report and authorized liens via Resolution RES-2024-126 on a 6-0 vote, with Councilmember Alvarez absent. Key Outcomes - Approved the integrated transit study session as information and staff direction. - Approved the consent calendar (6-0). - Introduced and passed the Retail Tobacco Sales ordinance on first reading (6-0, Alvarez recused). - Confirmed the weed abatement report and liens (6-0, Alvarez absent). - Continued the General Business Tax and Transient Occupancy Tax ballot measures to August 6, 2024. - Adjourned at 8:20 p.m. in honor of Fire Engineer Franco De Monte’s 36 years of service.

The Public Safety Subcommittee of the Santa Rosa City Council met on July 23, 2024, at 9:03 a.m. (adjourned at 11:12 a.m.) to discuss the Police Department’s response to the Independent Police Auditor’s recommendations, the proposed Real Time Crime Center, and updates from the Police and Fire Departments. No formal action was taken; all items were informational. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (April 23, 2024): Mayor Natalie Rogers abstained because she was not present at the April meeting. The minutes were approved as submitted. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 6.2 – Real Time Crime Center: - Lauren Mendelsohn (Sonoma County ACLU) spoke in opposition, stating the center would create a vast surveillance network and that the community, not police, should lead decisions on surveillance technology. - Keith Rhinehart thanked the police department for its culture shift but expressed concerns about drones capturing minor domestic incidents and potentially drawing families into the justice system. - Danielle Nelson (General Manager, Santa Rosa Plaza) spoke in support, noting that organized retail theft is a serious issue and that the center would help combat crime and support downtown businesses. - Susan Carrell (reading a statement from Robin Jures, Center for Justice) opposed the center, calling it “spying” on citizens and visitors and expressing fear about its potential misuse. - Omar Figueroa (personal capacity) opposed the center, citing the need for a formal surveillance technology ordinance with guardrails, including prohibitions on facial recognition and predictive policing, and warning of liability under the Fourth Amendment. - Melissa Stewart (small business owner, parent) expressed support, noting that crime in her neighborhood and at schools (e.g., a student killed at Montgomery High School) makes her feel unsafe, and she sees the center as a necessary tool. - Susan Lamont (District 2) opposed the center on broader grounds, arguing that it creates a permanent surveillance infrastructure that could be abused by future leaders or federal authorities. - Jennifer LaPorta opposed the center, stating it crosses a line into unwarranted invasion of privacy and disproportionately impacts marginalized communities; she advocated for community-based solutions. Discussion Items - 6.1 Response to Independent Police Auditor’s (OIR) Recommendations: - Captain Dan Marincik and Chief John Cregan presented the Police Department’s response to the six recommendations from OIR’s 2023 annual report. The department agreed with all recommendations and detailed steps taken, including: providing more detailed finding letters (within confidentiality limits), documenting non-disciplinary interventions, enhancing objectivity of subject interviews after force incidents, emphasizing learning opportunities in force reviews, updating the database template to include “training and counseling,” and implementing a Major Incident Review Board for critical incidents. Chief Cregan highlighted statistics: the department responded to 122,000 calls, made 7,000 arrests, used force in 193 incidents (0.15% of calls), had zero in-custody deaths, zero officer-involved shootings, and seized 255 illegal guns in 2023. - Subcommittee members praised the department’s culture shift and transparency. Councilmember Alvarez asked about predictive policing; Chief Cregan confirmed no such technology is used or planned. Mayor Rogers noted the importance of treating residents with dignity and respect. - 6.2 Real Time Crime Center (RTCC): - Chief Cregan, joined by Lieutenant Josh Ludtke, outlined the vision for the RTCC: a consolidation of existing technologies (ALPRs, surveillance cameras, drones, body-worn cameras, CAD, RMS) into an integrated platform to improve real-time situational awareness, response times, and investigative efficiency. Key points: - Funding: $898,000 federal earmark specifically for community gun violence reduction; no general fund money used. - Technology: No facial recognition, no predictive policing, no gunshot detection in phase 1. Drones are used reactively for missing persons, fleeing suspects, and crime scene mapping, not for proactive patrols. - Policies: Existing department policies on ALPRs, cameras, and drones are publicly available; a new RTCC policy is being drafted. Data retention: ALPR data stored on encrypted servers for 30 days only. No sharing with ICE (per California law). Routine audits planned. - Community engagement: Chief met with ACLU in December 2023, held a strategic plan meeting in March 2024, and continues to attend community meetings. He declined to support a surveillance ordinance like Sebastopol’s, citing operational limitations, grant competitiveness, and increased city liability. - Subcommittee discussion addressed privacy concerns, security of data, future funding, and safeguards against misuse. Councilmember Alvarez expressed fear that the RTCC is a “Pandora’s box” and requested a formal ordinance memorializing boundaries. Chair Okrepkie noted that no action could be taken by the subcommittee and that any future changes would require full council approval. - 8.1 Police Department Update: - Chief Cregan reported that all sworn officer positions are filled, with 28 female officers (a department record) and the latest academy class 50% female. The department won multiple awards for DUI enforcement, including Department of the Year for Northern California, with over 850 DUI arrests in 2023. - 8.2 Fire Department Update: - Fire Chief Scott Westrope reported that the department has 10 vacant suppression positions, with 6 new firefighters in an internal academy. Construction of Fire Station 5 is underway (completion April 2025), and Fire Station 8 in Roseland is in the design-build phase (contract award expected October 2024). Two new engines have arrived in Sacramento; five more expected fall 2024. Two SAFER grant squads went into service July 16, with a combined 137 incidents in the first seven days and an average turnout time of 40 seconds. The department is working on implementing Measure H (sales tax) with a draft implementation plan due December 2024. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or actions were taken; all items were for discussion and information. - The next regular meeting of the Public Safety Subcommittee is scheduled for October 15, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. - Mayor Rogers requested that the ACLU’s proposed surveillance technology ordinance be sent to council members for further review. - Councilmember Alvarez expressed interest in formalizing boundaries for the RTCC through an ordinance or resolution.

This was a brief regular meeting of the Santa Rosa Board of Building Regulations Appeals. The meeting included introduction of the Acting Chief Building Official and a discussion regarding electrical code requirements for energy storage systems (ESS) and solar installations. No appeals were heard and no public comments were received. The meeting was adjourned after approximately 6 minutes. Note on date discrepancy: The meeting minutes indicate the meeting occurred on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, but the prompt specifies the meeting took place on July 18, 2024. The summary below uses the date from the prompt. Department Announcements - Acting Chief Building Official Jimmy Bliss introduced himself, noting he has been with the city for five years, starting as a plan examiner and working up to a check engineer. He previously worked in private sector structural design and engineering. He stated he is excited to carry on the city's legacy. - Board members inquired about the online diagrams for PCS (Power Control Systems) for ESS systems and solar. One member noted receiving pushback from contractors regarding requirements for ESS on 100-amp main service panels, referencing diagrams showing an 80-amp PCS circuit on a fully loaded 100-amp panel, which appeared to risk overloading the bus. The Acting Chief Building Official acknowledged the complexity and offered to discuss the electrical code details offline. Public Comments & Testimony - Chair Cooper opened and closed public comment at 4:14 p.m. No members of the public spoke. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken on substantive matters. The only action was a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and passed by voice vote (all in favor). The meeting adjourned at 4:17 p.m.

The Cultural Heritage Board of Santa Rosa met on July 17, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order with five members present (Chair Meuser, Board Members Garrett, Boren, Fennell, and Klyn) and one absent (Vice Chair Carney). However, during the meeting, Chair Meuser announced his resignation effective July 18, 2024, in protest of recent fee increases for landmark alteration permits. Three other board members (Garrett, Fennell, Boren) and later Board Member Klyn also resigned effective immediately, leading to a loss of quorum. The meeting was adjourned at 4:51 p.m. without considering the scheduled items. Consent Calendar - None. Public Comments & Testimony - Duane DeWitt (Roseland resident) spoke about the possibility of a historic designation in the Roseland District. He proposed the concept of "neighbor woods" to preserve natural areas along Roseland Creek, and asked for recognition of George Maby, a Roseland resident killed on the USS Arizona, by renaming a park. He expressed concern about rapid development and lack of communication from the city. Discussion Items - Board Member Reports: Chair Meuser reported on the City of Santa Rosa's updated fee schedule (Resolution 2024-033, effective July 1, 2024). He stated that the fee study by MGT Consulting did not include input from the Cultural Heritage Board or historic property owners. He provided detailed fee increases: - Major landmark alteration permit: from $999 to $17,762. - Minor landmark alteration permit: from $409 to $8,830. - Example: a porch repair requiring a major alteration permit would now cost $21,671 in fees (up from $2,734). He argued these fees would discourage compliance, reduce home repairs, lower property values, and prompt neighborhoods to seek de-designation. He announced his resignation effective July 18, 2024, in protest. - Board Member Garrett: Resigned effective immediately, stating the city is not interested in preserving historic districts. - Board Member Fennell: Resigned effective immediately, citing disappointment that the board was not consulted and that the fees undermine the board's purpose. - Board Member Boren: Resigned effective immediately, echoing the concerns. - Board Member Klyn: Resigned effective immediately, stating she could not continue in good faith. - Assistant City Attorney Ashle Crocker: Informed the board that the meeting needed to adjourn due to loss of quorum (only Chair Meuser remained of the five initial members). She noted the scheduled items would be continued to a date uncertain. Key Outcomes - Loss of Quorum: With four resignations effective immediately, the board lacked a quorum to conduct business. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 4:51 p.m. - Continued Items: The scheduled presentations on Rosenberg’s Rules of Order Training (Item 9.1) and the MTC Wayfinding Signage Prototype Project (Item 9.2) were continued to a date uncertain. - Resignations: Five board members resigned (Chair Meuser effective July 18; Garrett, Fennell, Boren, Klyn effective immediately). The board will need to fill multiple vacancies before processing any landmark alteration permits.

The Santa Rosa City Council met on July 9, 2024, starting with a closed session at 12:00 PM, followed by a study session at 2:30 PM and a regular session at 4:00 PM. Key topics included a study session on proposed revenue measures (Transient Occupancy Tax and Business License Tax increases), approval of numerous consent items including labor agreements, and public comments on the Summerfield Theater and a call for a ceasefire resolution. The meeting adjourned at 5:56 PM. Consent Calendar - Motion 13.1 – Approved first amendment to a professional services agreement with Callander Associates for design services on the Hopper Avenue Corridor Fire Recovery Improvements Project, increasing compensation by $310,974 for a total not-to-exceed $777,734. - Resolution 13.2 – Continued to the July 23, 2024 meeting (Go Sonoma Cooperative Agreements). - Resolution 13.3 – Adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Santa Rosa Creek Trail Access at North Dutton (West Side) Project. - Resolution 13.4 – Approved additional contingency funds ($150,000) for HVAC maintenance services with Matrix HG, Inc., total contingency now $990,000. - Resolution 13.5 – Approved a five-year blanket purchase order with Day Management Corporation for communications equipment maintenance, total not-to-exceed $568,414.08 plus 10% contingency. - Resolution 13.6 – Approved second amendment to a professional services agreement with Turbo Data Systems Inc. for citation processing, adding 5 years and $490,000 for a total not-to-exceed $1,009,000. - Resolution 13.7 – Approved a professional services agreement with Dudek for preparation of The Woodlands Environmental Impact Report ($389,785, funded by applicant) and amended the FY2024-25 budget accordingly. - Resolution 13.8 – Approved fifth amendment to an agreement with PlaceWorks Inc. for General Plan 2050, GHG reduction, and Housing Element implementation, increasing compensation by $153,756 for a total not-to-exceed $2,953,665. - Resolution 13.9 – Approved a 60-day extension of the Exclusive Negotiation Agreement with Burbank Housing Development Corporation and 10 E Street, LLC for the White House Site (730 3rd Street). - Resolution 13.10 – Approved a three-year renewal of Microsoft Enterprise Agreement for software licenses and cloud services, total $2,352,547.48. - Resolution 13.11 – Approved second amendment to a professional services agreement with Jacob Green & Associates for goal workplan implementation support, adding $61,800 for a total $141,800. - Resolutions 13.12–13.24 – Adopted Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and wage/terms agreements for various city employee bargaining units, effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027 (or 2026 for Unit 9 Fire Safety Management). These agreements cover police officers, police management, fire management, maintenance, transit, mechanics, utility operators, support services, professional, technical, executive management, middle management, confidential, city attorneys, and miscellaneous mid-management. Compensation changes include salary increases, market equity adjustments, increased automobile allowances, additional holidays, and expanded benefits. All consent items were approved unanimously (5-0) with Councilmembers Alvarez and Fleming absent. Public Comments & Testimony - Study Session (Item 4.2) – - Carl R. Jaeger, President of Sonoma County Coalition of Hosts and Friends, spoke in opposition to the proposed TOT increase, arguing that when combined with BIA assessments, the total rate would be the highest in the county, and suggested that lifting the ban on short-term rentals could generate more revenue. - Ananda Sweet, Santa Rosa Metro Chamber of Commerce, spoke on the Business License Tax measure, urging additional outreach to impacted businesses and a more nuanced approach to avoid unintended consequences for businesses with high gross receipts but low profit margins. - Duane DeWitt and Robert (short-term rental owner) also spoke in opposition to the proposed revenue measures, suggesting alternative approaches such as selling city properties and improving collection of existing taxes. - Public Comment on Non-Agenda Matters (Item 14/18) – - Several speakers (Paul Seif, Arthur Gonzalez Martinez, Terre Stefan, Derek Stefan) spoke in support of saving the Summerfield Theater, urging the Council to preserve it as a community cultural institution rather than seeing it replaced by a Planet Fitness. A petition with over 1,000 signatures was cited. - Gregory Fearon, representing HEAPA, spoke on the 35th anniversary of 1249 Ripley being given to SAY, requesting that the property be preserved for continued use and that surplus city properties be made available to local non-profits for low-income housing. - Susan Lamont spoke on various topics, including the need for a ceasefire resolution and criticizing the Council for not listening to the people. - Jason Sweeney spoke in support of adopting a resolution requesting a ceasefire in Gaza, stating that the community has been asking for months and that the Council's silence obstructs democracy. Discussion Items - Study Session: Proposed Revenue Measures (Item 4.2) – Staff presented a proposal to increase the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) from 9% to 11% (estimated $1.5 million additional annual revenue) and to modernize the General Business License Tax (BLT) by removing the $3,000 cap and implementing a hybrid model with higher rates for businesses with gross receipts above certain thresholds. The BLT changes would affect about 400 of the city's 12,900 businesses, with the rest unchanged. The measures are intended to address the city's $13.3 million general fund deficit. Councilmembers discussed concerns about competitiveness with neighboring cities, impact on small landlords and businesses with thin margins, and the need for more outreach. They gave direction to staff to bring back additional information, including comparisons to nearby cities and details on the most affected businesses, with a potential timeline for a vote on July 23 or August 6, 2024. - Staff Briefing: Community Empowerment Plan Update (Item 8.1) – Ana Horta provided an update on upcoming community events, including a summer event in South Park on July 20 and participation in Juneteenth celebrations. - Staff Briefing: Violence Prevention Partnership Community Climate Update (Item 8.2) – Lt. Kyle Philp and Danielle Garduno presented data on youth gang violence, noting an uptick in incidents involving 13-17 year-olds, with 5,556 calls for service in the downtown area year-to-date, less than 1% violent. The gang crimes team made 20 arrests related to 19 cases. The VPP team conducted outreach, engaged with schools, and provided support to families. The juvenile hall is currently full with over 60 youth. The biggest needs identified are street outreach mentorship and parent support. Key Outcomes - Revenue Measures (Item 4.2) – No final action was taken. Council directed staff to return with additional analysis, including comparisons to nearby cities, information on the 21 most affected businesses, and consideration of alternative models. Potential timeline: agendize for July 23, with possible continuation to August 6, 2024 (the legal deadline for the November ballot). - Consent Calendar – Approved 5-0, including all labor agreements and other routine items. - Minutes – Approved as submitted. - Appointment – Mayor Rogers appointed Henry Huang to the Design Review Board. - Legislative Updates – Council received and filed letters supporting multiple state and federal bills, including SB 903 (PFAS ban), SB 1101 (prescribed burns), AB 817 (remote participation), AB 2346 (organic waste), AB 2583 (school zone safety), and others, as well as a budget letter urging $1 billion for Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) program.

At 4:30 PM, Chair Karen Weeks called the meeting to order with all six commissioners present (Chair Weeks, Vice Chair Duggan, Commissioners Carter, Cisco, Peterson, Sanders). The meeting adjourned at 4:58 PM. The primary action was a unanimous vote to grant a one-year time extension for the West Hearn Veterans Village tentative map (EXT24-0004), allowing the applicant until March 15, 2025 to record the final map. Commissioner Reports - Commissioner Sanders reported on the Waterways Advisory Committee meeting, noting that 82,000 pounds of trash are removed from Santa Rosa creeks annually, with 80% attributed to the homeless population. He also mentioned an upcoming Creek Week clean-up event and a tour of hidden creek areas (date not specified). - Chair Weeks announced a new commissioner (Aaron Pardo) starting in July and a packet on Rosenberg's Rules distributed at a mayor's lunch, with an offer for a refresher course. Department Reports - Jessica Jones, Deputy Director of Planning, updated on the South Santa Rosa Specific Plan, which is in early community engagement stages. A mailer was sent to property owners and tenants in the plan area, and an Engagement Advisory Committee is being formed. She also noted site tours of the Cannery project are available, with the next tour scheduled for August 1, 2024 at 11:30 AM. Public Comments & Testimony - Non-agenda items: No public comments were made. - Public Hearing – West Hearn Veterans Village Extension: - Sav Flores (opposition): Resident on Hearn Avenue argued the project lot size (approximately 2.93 acres) does not meet the required 3+ acres for four single-family homes with ADUs under the rural heritage zoning. He presented survey documents claiming discrepancies and requested denial of the extension. - Guido LaGuioni (support): A veteran and resident near the facility praised the operation (run by Nation's Finest) and urged approval to house more veterans. Discussion Items - Public Hearing – West Hearn Veterans Village Time Extension: Senior Planner Monet Sheikhali presented the staff report. The tentative map was originally approved by the City Council on March 15, 2022 (after a planning commission approval and appeal). The extension is the first of up to five possible one-year extensions under the Map Act. Staff received six emails and one phone call: one in support, the rest opposing based on rural heritage zoning concerns and an alleged survey inconsistency. Staff responded that the map findings were properly made, density meets the R-R-20 zone (minimum 20,000 sq ft per lot), and future development will comply with setbacks and height. - Staff Engineer Jesus McKeag and applicant engineer Andrew Deserk (via Zoom) addressed public comments: the emergency vehicle access (EVA) driveway does not require pedestrian amenities and is not a street; a corner record survey confirmed the same boundary lines as the original Volker subdivision, so no change in lot size. Commissioners verified the information was accurate. - Commissioner Cisco asked staff to address the survey and EVA questions; staff provided detailed responses. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: Commissioner Cisco moved to adopt Resolution No. PC-2024-010 granting a one-year time extension for the Hearn Veterans Village tentative map. Commissioner Sanders seconded. The motion carried 6-0 (all commissioners present voting aye). All commissioners stated they could make the required findings for the extension. - Next Steps: The applicant must record the final map by March 15, 2025 and may apply for up to four additional one-year extensions if needed. The decision is final unless appealed within 10 calendar days.

The Santa Rosa Cultural Heritage Board met on June 19, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. The meeting included public comments on Roseland preservation and a public hearing for a Landmark Alteration Permit to renovate the exterior of 410 Santa Rosa Avenue and convert ground-floor commercial space to residential. After deliberation, the board approved the permit with conditions. Public Comments & Testimony - Duane DeWitt (Roseland resident) spoke during non-agenda public comment, urging the board to consider preserving areas in Roseland, particularly the Burbank Avenue Fire Station, and recommending designation of preservation districts. - Duane DeWitt also spoke during the public hearing on item 9.1, expressing support for the project, noting a surplus of vacant commercial properties and a need for housing, and encouraging approval without further delays. Discussion Items - Public Hearing – Landmark Alteration for 410 Santa Rosa Avenue (File LMA24-008): The project proposes exterior modifications including new windows/doors, Boral Channel bevel siding, a plastered stairway, and second-level balconies. The lower-level commercial space would convert to a residential unit. Staff (Suzanne Hartman) presented findings that the changes are consistent with zoning, compatible with the Burbank Gardens Preservation District (non-contributing property), and exempt from CEQA. Board members expressed concerns: Board Member Fennell questioned the loss of commercial use and the building's decline; Board Member Garrett worried about the balconies being out of character; Board Members Klyn and Marzlin shared concerns. The applicant (Shane Kelly) explained the stucco covering original wood siding, and the planned use. After board discussion, a motion was made and amended to add conditions: remove the front balconies, ensure second-floor windows match the historic photo dimensions and design, and finish the entire exterior in stucco. The amendments were accepted. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve Resolution CHB-2024-002 for a Landmark Alteration Permit at 410 Santa Rosa Avenue, as amended with three conditions: (1) eliminate balconies on the front facade, (2) second-level windows to match historic resource evaluation photo (size, dimensions, design), (3) entire building exterior to be stucco. - Vote: 6-0 in favor (Chair Meuser absent). The decision is final unless appealed within 10 calendar days. - The meeting adjourned at 5:41 p.m.