Public Meetings - Santa Rosa, California

June 13, 2024 Overview - Meeting Time: 4:30 p.m. to 4:42 p.m. - Location: City Hall Council Chamber, 100 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa, CA - Attendance: Chair Karen Weeks, Commissioner Charles Carter, Commissioner Patti Cisco, and Commissioner Julian Peterson (4 present); Vice Chair Vicki Duggan and Commissioner Terrence Sanders (2 absent). - Key Action: Unanimous adoption of Resolution PC-2024-009, finding the seven new projects in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) consistent with the City of Santa Rosa 2035 General Plan. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The draft minutes from the May 9, 2024 meeting were approved as submitted. No public comments were received on the minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Comment on Non-Agenda Matters: None. The public hearing on the CIP item was also opened and closed with no public testimony. Commissioner Reports - Commissioner Carter reported on the May 27, 2024 Subdivision Committee meeting, where a minor subdivision of a 0.96-acre parcel into four single-family lots (zoned R1-6) on Calistoga Road was approved. - Chair Weeks reported that the City Council had upheld the Planning Commission’s recommendation on the Bunya Bunya tree appeal, supporting staff’s recommendation. Discussion Items Public Hearing: Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Consistency with the General Plan - Presenter: Sheila Wolski, City Planner, Planning and Economic Development Department. - Background: Government Code Section 65401 requires the Planning Commission to annually review public projects in the CIP for consistency with the General Plan. Seven new projects were evaluated for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. - Projects Presented: - Water Projects: 1. Slope stabilization/slip-out repair near the Mayacamas pump station (highest priority from a 2017 geotechnical study). 2. Replacement of variable frequency devices (VFDs) at pump stations (many over 15 years old). 3. New building for reclamation pump station E at the Laguna treatment plant (existing building in disrepair). - Parks Projects: 4. Improvements at city parks (specific project not named in the transcript). - Bicycle Infrastructure Projects: 5. Bicycle infrastructure improvements (details not specified in transcript). - General Plan Consistency: Each project was shown to align with General Plan goals and policies, such as ensuring adequate water supply, mitigating hazards, upgrading utilities, improving infrastructure, providing safe streets for bicyclists, and expanding non-motorized transportation. - Environmental Review: The determination of general plan consistency is not subject to CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) because it is not a project under CEQA Guidelines Section 15378. However, each of the seven projects must undergo separate environmental review before implementation, with the responsible department obtaining an environmental determination from the city’s environmental coordinator and, if applicable, final review by the Board of Public Utilities or City Council. - Commission Deliberation: All four commissioners stated they could make the required findings for consistency. No questions were asked. Key Outcomes - Motion: Commissioner Cisco moved to adopt the resolution finding the seven new CIP projects consistent with the General Plan and waive further reading of the text. Commissioner Peterson seconded. - Vote: 4-0 in favor (Chair Weeks, Commissioner Carter, Commissioner Cisco, Commissioner Peterson all voted aye). Vice Chair Duggan and Commissioner Sanders were absent. - Resolution Adopted: Resolution No. PC-2024-009. Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned at 4:42 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 27, 2024.

The Santa Rosa City Council held a special meeting on June 6, 2024, at 3:37 p.m. to consider a single agenda item: approval of Councilmember Chris Rogers' absences from regular City Council meetings. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Natalie Rogers, and all seven council members were present. The meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m. Discussion Items - Approval of Councilmember Chris Rogers’ Absences: City Attorney Teresa Stricker presented the item, explaining that Councilmember Rogers had welcomed a new baby and had missed the regular meetings on May 21, 2024, and June 4, 2024. Under City Council Rule I.F., an absence of 30 consecutive days from regular meetings without permission could result in a vacancy. The City Attorney recommended excusing the absences through the end of June 2024 as a precaution, even though Rogers planned to attend the June 18, 2024, meeting. No public comments were made. Councilmember Victoria Fleming made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Eddie Alvarez, to approve the absences from May 21, 2024, through the end of June 2024. (Note: The transcript of the meeting incorrectly states the starting date as "May first," but the official agenda, minutes, and the motion all refer to May 21, 2024, consistent with the written recommendation.) Key Outcomes - Unanimous Vote: The motion carried 7-0, with all council members voting yes: Mayor Natalie Rogers, Vice Mayor Mark Stapp, Councilmembers Eddie Alvarez, Victoria Fleming, Dianna MacDonald, Jeff Okrepkie, and Chris Rogers. - Outcome: Councilmember Chris Rogers' absences from regular City Council meetings from May 21, 2024, through the end of June 2024 were officially approved, preventing any vacancy under Rule I.F.

The Santa Rosa City Council convened at 2:00 p.m. for a closed session and reconvened for the regular open session at 4:01 p.m., adjourning at 8:23 p.m. Six members were present; Councilmember Chris Rogers was absent. Notable actions included adoption of consent items, direction to revise the tobacco retail licensing ordinance, denial of an appeal to remove a heritage tree, and approval of the police department's annual military equipment report. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of May 7 and May 8, 2024, regular meetings as submitted. - Adopted resolutions 13.1 through 13.6 by a 6-0 vote (C. Rogers absent). These included: - Resolution RES-2024-077 increasing Blanket Purchase Order with Geotab USA by $175,000 to a total of $600,000. - Resolution RES-2024-078 appropriating $263,000 from General Fund unassigned reserves for a settlement with Meadowgreen No. 2 Homeowners Association. - Resolutions RES-2024-079 and RES-2024-080 calling the November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election for Council Districts 1, 3, 5, and 7 and adopting candidate statement regulations. - Resolution RES-2024-081 extending the local homeless emergency proclamation. - Ordinances ORD-2024-008 and ORD-2024-009 adopting second readings of the Oakmont Planned Development text amendment and pre-zoning for 5817 Highway 12. Public Comments & Testimony - Multiple members of the public spoke during the meeting. Duane DeWitt spoke in support of the wildfire awareness proclamation, community empowerment efforts, homeless emergency extension, and the tobacco ordinance, and raised concerns about veteran homelessness and weed abatement in Roseland. - Public comment on the tobacco ordinance (13.7): Dr. Eva Yeeda, Greg Damron, Michelle McGarre, Avril Ramirez, Mary Lou Schmidt, Pam Granger (Tobacco Free Sonoma County), Duane DeWitt, and Dr. Lauren Gritzer spoke in support. Harman Dhillon and JP spoke in opposition, raising concerns about business impacts and jurisdictional inconsistency. - Non-agenda public comment: Logan Leddy, Theresa Holm, and Miriam Pimentel shared personal experiences in support of affordable housing. - Public comment on the Bunya Bunya tree appeal: Henry, a Silvercrest resident, spoke in support of removing the tree, citing falling branches and cones as dangerous. Discussion Items - Proclamation: Councilmember MacDonald presented the National Wildfire Awareness Month proclamation to Fire Marshal Paul Lowenthal. - Community Empowerment Plan Update: Ana Horta and Francheasca Roberson presented updates, including the selection of 15 committee members for VIBE (Voices for Inclusion, Belonging, and Equity) and ongoing equity plan work. Tobacco Retail Licensing Ordinance (Item 13.7) - Assistant City Manager Jason Nutt answered Council questions regarding license transferability and fine/revocation structures. The proposed ordinance would impose a tobacco retail license fee and limit license transfers to family or corporate transfers. Councilmembers debated the impact on small businesses versus the public health goal of reducing youth access. - A motion to adopt the ordinance as presented by Councilmember Fleming failed 2-3 (Fleming and MacDonald yes; Rogers, Stapp, and Okrepkie no; C. Rogers absent; Alvarez recused). - A subsequent motion by Vice Mayor Stapp, seconded by Okrepkie, to direct staff to revise the ordinance to allow license transfers for business owners unexpectedly adversely affected by geographic restrictions and to align fines/revocation with the County's structure passed 5-0 (C. Rogers absent; Alvarez recused). Bunya Bunya Tree Removal Appeal (Item 16.1) - This public hearing concerned an appeal by the Salvation Army of the Planning Commission's 5-2 denial of a permit to remove an approximately 125-foot-tall Bunya Bunya tree at 1080 2nd Street. - Staff and Planning Commission Chair Karen Weeks recommended denial, citing the tree's aesthetic, heritage, and lack of code basis for maintenance costs. The appellant (Salvation Army) argued liability risks, falling branches and 20-pound cones, and the burden of maintenance costs for their 186-unit HUD senior housing community. - Councilmember MacDonald recused herself due to a previous business relationship with the Salvation Army. The Council voted 5-0 (C. Rogers absent; MacDonald recused) to deny the appeal and uphold the Planning Commission's denial, adopting Resolution RES-2024-082. Police Department Annual Military Equipment Report (Item 15.1) - Chief John Cregan and Lieutenant Tommy Isachsen presented the AB 481 annual report covering June to December 2023. The report detailed usage of drones, armored vehicle, breaching tools, projectiles, and specialized firearms; most items had zero field deployments and were used only in training. The department requested approval to continue use and future purchases such as 25 suppressors and a drone attachment. - Councilmember Fleming expressed concern about the Bearcat's use at a faith-based 'Faith in Blue' event, stating it was not an appropriate use of public resources. - The Council adopted the amended Resolution RES-2024-083 approving the report and determining that the military equipment ordinance should not be repealed or amended, by a 6-0 vote. Independent Police Auditor Annual Report (Item 15.2) - The OIR Group (Michael Gennaco, Brian Corr, and Stephen Connolly) presented its annual oversight report. They highlighted the real-time audit model, community outreach, and findings: 56 new internal affairs cases (41 public complaints, down from 2022), all homelessness-related complaints were exonerated, and few biased policing allegations were found. Six technical recommendations were made, focusing on documentation and communication with complainants. - The report was received and filed without formal action. Key Outcomes - Approved consent resolutions and ordinances 13.1–13.6 (6-0). - Directed staff to return with revisions to the tobacco retail ordinance on license transfers and fine/revocation alignment with the County (5-0). - Denied the Bunya Bunya tree removal appeal, upholding the Planning Commission's denial (5-0). - Approved the Police Department's Annual Military Equipment Report and renewed the ordinance (6-0). - Received and filed the Independent Police Auditor Annual Report. - Recognized Councilmember Chris Rogers' absence and congratulated him on the birth of his child.

The Santa Rosa City Council met on May 21, 2024, starting with a Closed Session at 3:30 PM and reconvening in Open Session at 4:50 PM. The meeting, which adjourned at 10:36 PM, featured a controversial public hearing on a new Tobacco Retail License (TRL) ordinance, which passed on a 4-1 vote. The Council also approved an update to the Oakmont Planned Development policy statement, a pre-zoning for an annexation, an investment policy for OPEB prefunding, and accepted the annual Diversity Report. A debate occurred over the appointment to the Sonoma County Transportation Authority. Consent Calendar - Adopted Items 13.1 through 13.6 in a single block, including resolutions for appropriating $2,038,897 in grant funds for overdue water/wastewater charges, submitting the Calistoga Road Reconstruction project for $4,596,103 in SB1 funding, waiving bids for the purchase of a crane truck ($200,303) and Chevrolet Tahoe SSVs ($575,000), approving the purchase of three Ford F-150 Police Responder vehicles ($159,617), and amending a contract with Environmental Logistics, Inc. ($299,000). Vote: 6-0 (Council Member C. Rogers absent). Public Comments & Testimony - Non-Agenda Matters (Item 14): - Dwayne DeWitt thanked council for attending Earth Day in Roseland and advocated for using natural materials in parks. - Sarah Botz, Kurtis Bennett, and Lauren Friedman spoke about the proliferation of illicit massage businesses in midtown Santa Rosa, urging the council to take strong enforcement action. - Omar Lopez (Generation Housing) expressed support for impact fee reform. - Tess Caldwell urged the council to adopt a ceasefire resolution regarding Gaza and divest city investments from companies supplying weapons to Israel. - Jacob Rich (Burbank Housing) and Alina Vega spoke in support of prioritizing affordable housing and impact fee tiering. - Public Hearings: - Oakmont PD (16.1): Iris Harrell, an Oakmont resident, spoke in support of the text amendment, commending the city's planning department for its assistance. - Tobacco TRL (16.3): - In Support: Blythe Young (American Heart Association), Jeanne Kearns (AHA), Michelle McGarry (youth vaping cessation worker), Carmen Flores and Irene Perez (health promoters/concerned parents), Kristin Colgrove (nurse), Jill Philpott, Greg Damron (parent, prevention educator), Courtney Scott (Zero Waste Sonoma, on hazardous waste of vapes), Lauren Gritzer (UCSF Dentistry), Ramon Meraz, and Pamela Granger (Tobacco Free Sonoma County). They argued the ordinance is necessary to protect youth, reduce health impacts, and address environmental hazards. - In Opposition / Requesting Modifications: Manu Dhaliwal, Tarun Takiar, Kamal Menon, Satinder Gill, Harman Dhillon, William Mines, JP Singh, Max Cook (high school student), and Amin. They argued the ban on ESDs and flavored products would harm their businesses, drive sales to online or unregulated markets, create jurisdictional inequity, and lacked sufficient outreach to stakeholders. Many requested a delay for more community meetings and a focus on education. Discussion Items - Proclamations & Awards (Items 7.1-7.4): The Council issued proclamations for Eritrean Independence Day, National Public Works Week (recognizing staff), and Water Awareness Month. Water Efficiency Awards were presented to Alan Ziff, Burbank Housing, and Fountaingrove Dentistry. - City Attorney's Litigation Report (Item 9.1): The City Attorney reported one settlement over $50,000 in April 2024 (Guerrero v. City, $125,000) and approximately 39 pending litigation matters. - Investment Policy Statement for PEMHCA 115 Trust (Item 15.1): Scott Wagner (Deputy Finance Director) presented a proposal to pre-fund Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) by transferring $12,281,000 from an internal service fund to an IRS Section 115 Trust. This allows the funds to be counted against the city's $25 million liability and earn higher returns. - Diversity of Boards, Commissions, and Committees Report (Item 15.2): City Clerk Dina Manis presented the annual report. Of 54 appointments made in 2023, 46% were female and 54% male. The report showed a need for increased Hispanic representation on boards. Council members discussed the importance of broad recruitment and applicant pools. - Future Agenda Item: Voting Process Amendment (Item 11.2.1): Council agreed to place a future discussion on amending the voting process for appointed council positions (Mayor, Vice Mayor, vacant seats). Vote: 6-0. - Appointment to SCTA/RCPA (Item 11.3.1): - A motion to appoint Mayor N. Rogers as the primary representative and C. Rogers as the alternate failed in a 3-3 tie. - A subsequent motion to appoint Council Member Okrepkie as the primary representative and C. Rogers as the alternate was approved 6-0. The debate centered on ensuring continuity and understanding the complex regional funding and policy landscape, as Council Member C. Rogers is not seeking re-election. Key Outcomes - Oakmont Planned Development Amendment (16.1): Adopted an ordinance updating boundary maps, defaulting to the Zoning Code for permitting, and establishing by-right uses for Parks & Rec parcels. Vote: 6-0. - John Pol Annexation Pre-zoning (16.2): Adopted an ordinance pre-zoning 5817 Highway 12 to RR-20-SR-RC to allow connection to city utilities. Vote: 6-0. - Tobacco Retail License Ordinance (16.3): Introduced an ordinance adding Chapter 6-20 to the Municipal Code requiring a license for tobacco retailers. It includes a ban on flavored tobacco and electronic smoking devices, a 600-foot buffer from youth-oriented areas, density restrictions, and standard minimum pack sizes/pricing. The Council authorized the City Manager to negotiate an enforcement agreement with Sonoma County. - Vote: 4-1-0-1 (Yes: Vice Mayor Stapp, Council Members Fleming, MacDonald, Okrepkie. No: Mayor N. Rogers. Recused: Council Member Alvarez. Absent: Council Member C. Rogers). - The ordinance takes effect January 1, 2025.

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission met on Thursday, May 9, 2024, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:59 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Commissioners present: Chair Karen Weeks, Vice Chair Vicki Duggan, Commissioner Charles Carter, Commissioner Julian Peterson, and Commissioner Terrence Sanders. Commissioner Patti Cisco was absent. The meeting included a presentation on the Active Transportation Plan update, a study session on the 2023 General Plan Annual Review, and a public hearing on a time extension for the Holly Hock Subdivision. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made on non-agenda items. - During the Active Transportation Plan presentation, Eris Weaver, Executive Director of the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, spoke in support of the plan but raised several concerns: he questioned the accuracy of the existing conditions report (noting that the word "most" was used when statistics were closer to half), pointed out that the Vision Zero definition should be "zero fatalities" not "zero collisions," and noted that the report's description of transit connections implied the SMART train station was adjacent when it is half a mile away with an unpleasant walk. - During the public hearing for the Holly Hock Subdivision, Larry Corban, a neighbor at 1770 Meda Avenue, spoke in support of the time extension but expressed concerns about the lack of sidewalks on Meda Avenue, no crosswalks from the subdivision to existing sidewalks, and traffic safety. He also questioned whether this was the fourth extension (staff clarified it was the second extension, with two automatic extensions from resilient city measures). Discussion Items Presentation: Santa Rosa Active Transportation Plan Update Torina Wilson, Transportation Planner, presented an update to the 2018 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, to be renamed the Active Transportation Plan. The plan aims to create low-stress facilities for all ages and abilities, with a focus on equity priority communities. Key features include an active trip potential analysis, extensive public outreach (including a bike-in block party on May 16 and a community workshop on May 23), and an interactive online map. The plan is expected to be adopted by City Council in Spring 2025. Commissioners asked questions about Vision Zero integration, equity priority community outreach, and the need for protected bike lanes near schools. Commissioner Peterson encouraged "thinking big" to reduce car dependency, and Vice Chair Duggan offered specific suggestions regarding Humboldt Bike Boulevard and enforcement of bike lane parking. Study Session: 2023 General Plan, Inclusionary Housing & Growth Management Annual Review Report Sheila Wolski, City Planner, presented the annual report covering 2023 progress. Highlights included: 1,708 residential building permits issued (1,376 multifamily), progress toward the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), and several projects in planning or construction (e.g., Reynata at Perennial Park, Fountain Grove Apartments, Caritas Village). Other elements covered: land use (Boys & Girls Club expansion, Ceres Community Project), youth and family programs (violence prevention partnership, children's college savings accounts with 980 accounts opened), transportation (bike/pedestrian improvements, free youth transit ridership with 390,000 youth trips in 2023), parks (Finlay Aquatics Center expected completion early summer 2024, Kawana Springs Community Garden planning), public safety (In-Response mental health team), and climate action. Commissioners asked about "luxury" units and affordability, accessory dwelling unit pre-approved plans, the Southeast Greenway timeline, Fremont Park updates, the missing middle ordinance, and use of "high resource areas" (revised from "affluent"). Staff responded and noted revisions would be made before the report goes to City Council. The commission received and approved the report. Public Hearing: Holly Hock Subdivision Time Extension (EXT24-0002 & EXT24-0003) Jandon Briscoe, City Planner, presented a request for a second one-year time extension for the approved Tentative Subdivision Map at 1650 Meda Avenue, which subdivides a 2-acre parcel into 16 single-family small lots. The original approval was in August 2017; a first extension was approved in August 2023. The requested extension would move the expiration date to February 10, 2025. Staff recommended approval, noting the project is exempt from CEQA. No ex parte disclosures were made. The public hearing included Larry Corban's comments. After discussion, the commission approved the extension. Key Outcomes - Approval of Minutes: The April 11, 2024 draft minutes were approved as submitted. - Active Transportation Plan: Presentation received; no formal action taken. Commissioners provided feedback and directed staff to continue outreach. - 2023 General Plan Annual Review Report: The Planning Commission received and approved the report (as a study session, acceptance recommending transmittal to City Council for consent calendar). Staff will incorporate revisions before council submittal. - Holly Hock Subdivision Time Extension: Motion by Vice Chair Duggan, seconded by Commissioner Sanders, to approve Resolution PC-2024-008 approving the second one-year time extension. The motion carried 5-0 (Commissioner Cisco absent). The decision is final unless appealed within 10 calendar days. - Commissioner Reports: Commissioner Sanders noted the Rose Parade on May 18. Chair Weeks reminded of Merit Award nominations due in early June. - Other: Staff noted that Assistant City Attorney Ashley Crocker was absent and legal counsel was provided via Zoom from Burke Williams & Sorensen.

The Santa Rosa City Council held the second day of a continued budget study session on May 8, 2024, from 9:06 a.m. to 2:52 p.m., to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operations and Maintenance Budget and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget. Presentations were given by the Planning & Economic Development, Recreation & Parks, Transportation & Public Works, Water departments, and on the overall CIP. Council members provided feedback and direction to staff, with no formal action taken as this was a study session. Public Comments & Testimony - Thea Hensel spoke in support of the Southeast Greenway project and parks. - Chris Bowen spoke in support of the Southeast Greenway project and parks. - Eric Fraser spoke regarding the budget presentations and the city's financial future, expressing concern about deferred maintenance and reliance on ratepayers. - Abbey Arnold spoke in support of affordable housing, noting Santa Rosa is the eighth most expensive place for Gen Z to live. - Jen Klose (Generation Housing) spoke regarding impact fees as a tool to solve the housing crisis, advocating for a policy that allows micro-adjustments and encourages developers. - Heather Thurber spoke in support of allocations of park staff and funding for the Southeast Greenway project. - Rebecca Sullivan (by speaker card) requested budgeting for school resource officer programs. - Melissa Stewart (by speaker card) requested funding for school resource officer programs. Discussion Items - Planning & Economic Development (PED): Director Gabe Osburn presented a 6.6% increase in the General Fund largely due to added positions for graffiti abatement and vacant lot programs. Staff proposed adding an administrative analyst for economic development. Permit volumes are showing a downward trend. The department completed 798 housing units in 2023, issued permits for 1,711 units (including 392 affordable), and ranked seventh in the state for pro-housing designation. Discussion included customer service improvements, staffing for boards/commissions, and the impact of state legislation. - Recreation & Parks: Director Donte Watson presented a budget with minor changes, including a reduction in park development impact fees (PDI) and a $500,000 transfer from the General Fund for the Bennett Valley Golf Course. The department reported over 900,000 participants in park events, 60,000 activity registrations, and 100,000 swim center participants. Key accomplishments included the Finley Aquatic Center (large pool expected to open June 2024, splash pad in fall), and progress on the Southeast Greenway acquisition (closing escrow anticipated July 2024). Council discussed expanding camp hours for working families, with Councilmember Fleming urging a model that accommodates modern family needs for full-day child care. - Transportation & Public Works (TPW): Director Dan Hennessey presented a flat budget overall, with a $1 million increase for fleet maintenance. Transit faces a $1.3 million increase in fleet costs and operator shortages (14 of 58 positions vacant). Ridership is recovering slowly; currently routes have one-hour headways, which is considered a bare minimum. TPW filled over 7,500 potholes and removed 1,700 cubic yards of debris from streets. The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) presentation highlighted an overall project list exceeding $1 billion, with only 0.41% funded in the coming year. Hennessey proposed developing a prioritization methodology aligned with council goals and returning with results by November/December. - Santa Rosa Water: Director Jennifer Burke presented a budget that required cutting $5.6 million from water CIP and $10.5 million from sewer CIP to balance. Increases were driven by a 10% wholesale water rate increase ($1.9 million), higher electricity costs, and biosolids disposal costs. The department serves 213,000 customers, delivers 6 billion gallons of water annually, and produced 7.2 billion gallons of recycled water in the past year. A rate study is underway, with a new five-year rate schedule expected by the end of 2024. - Capital Improvement Program (CIP): Director Hennessey reviewed the city's $50 million CIP budget, with over half from water funds. Specific projects discussed: the pedestrian/bicycle overcrossing (estimated $46 million, $41 million available), the Heron Community Hub (estimated $51 million, $41 million available), and various park and street projects. The city has a list of needed projects exceeding $1 billion. Key Outcomes - Council gave clear direction to prioritize In-Response (homeless response) in the budget, with a placeholder for future funding beyond ARPA. Safe Parking was also discussed as important, but council asked staff to explore other funding sources. - Council expressed support for fully funding economic development and streamlining housing and affordable housing policies, including potential impact fee adjustments. - Council asked staff to review the quadrant system for park funding and propose a more equitable distribution method that accelerates project completion. - Council directed TPW to develop a project prioritization methodology (focused on delivery, equity, and climate goals) and return with a plan by fall 2024. - Council indicated support for continuing the Metro Chamber contract ($100,000) for downtown square programming for FY 2024-25, pending a broader discussion on event strategy. - Council emphasized the need to retain and recruit city employees as the top priority, signaling willingness to address labor costs to avoid service disruptions. - No formal votes were taken; staff will bring a final proposed budget to council for adoption.

The Santa Rosa City Council held a regular meeting on May 7, 2024, starting with a closed session at 12:00 PM, a study session on the FY 2024-25 budget at 12:30 PM, and the regular session at 4:00 PM. The meeting included proclamations, a public hearing, consent items, staff briefings, and future agenda requests. Key outcomes included approval of revised Bennett Valley Golf Course fees, adoption of the City Council Goals & Objectives with amendments emphasizing employee recruitment and retention and economic development, and direction to place discussions on senior overlay for mobile home parks and language access policy on future agendas. Consent Calendar - Adoption of Final City Council Priorities (Item 13.1): Approved with amendments adding a bullet to Goal 1 ("Implement the Economic Development Strategic Plan") and a bullet to Goal 3 ("Recruit and retain staff and set competitive standards and pay to ensure workforce stability"). Motion carried 7-0. - Professional Services Agreement for Court Renovations (Item 13.2): Approved a $314,304 agreement with Callander Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc. for design and geotechnical engineering services at Howarth Memorial and Galvin Community Parks. (Resolution RES-2024-063, 7-0) - Extension of Exclusive Negotiation Agreement – 625 and 637 3rd Street (Item 13.3): Approved a 90-day extension of the Exclusive Negotiation Agreement with Rogal Projects for potential disposition and development of the property known as Garage 5. (Resolution RES-2024-064, 7-0) - Purchase of Battery Electric Buses (Item 13.4): Approved two resolutions authorizing purchase of six 40-foot battery electric buses from New Flyer of America, Inc. and six from Gillig, LLC, each not-to-exceed $9,000,000. (Resolutions RES-2024-065 and RES-2024-066, 7-0) - State of Good Repair Program (Item 13.5): Approved the SB1 State of Good Repair Project List and authorized filing of FY 2024-2025 funding claim estimated at $27,383. (Resolution RES-2024-067, 7-0) - Transportation Development Act and State Transit Assistance (Item 13.6): Authorized application for approximately $17,200,000 in FY 2024-2025 funds for transit operations and capital. (Resolution RES-2024-068, 7-0) - Low Carbon Transit Operations Program Funding (Item 13.7): Authorized request for $543,405 in LCTOP funds to assist in purchasing a battery electric bus. (Resolution RES-2024-069, 7-0) Public Comments & Testimony - On Proclamation – Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Persons Awareness Day (Item 7.3): Multiple speakers including Yolanda Smith Ocampo, Frank Gonzales, Micky, Lisa Diaz McQuaid, and Adina Flores expressed support, with some calling for a culture center and justice for victims. - On Proclamation – Bike to Work Month (Item 7.1): Chris Gunther (Bikeable Santa Rosa) spoke in support and promoted Bike to Work Day events. - On Proclamation – Affordable Housing Month (Item 7.2): Angie Dillon-Shore (First 5 Sonoma County), Abby Torrez, Jen Klose, Max Zhang (Generation Housing), Kyle and Jordan Gregoire spoke in support, urging action on impact fee reform and investment in affordable housing. Adina Flores also commented on the importance of genuine action beyond proclamations. - Public Comment on Non-Agenda Matters (Item 14): Approximately 12 speakers addressed employee compensation, retention, and morale. Representatives from Teamsters 856 (Robert Maddock, Matt Finnegan, Sasha Brown) and city employees (Chris Huffman, Bernie Buchanan, Miles Burgin, Juan Flores, Jandon Brisco, Christian Candelaria, Jeff Bittner, Jerilynn Schisser) called for equitable wages, parental leave, bilingual pay, and competitive compensation to address recruitment and retention problems. - Public Comment on Non-Agenda Matters (Item 18): Mark Spencer Martin raised concerns about police misconduct policy compliance; John Kozlowski spoke on equal pay; Michael Hilber commented on utility fees and wages; Jason Sweeney urged council to adopt a ceasefire resolution regarding Gaza. - Public Hearing – Bennett Valley Golf Course Fees (Item 16.1): Catherine Conrado, Lynne Carlile, Sheila Bell, and Richard Carlile (Save the Bennett Valley Golf Course) spoke in support of the modest fee increases. Ken Richter and Michael Hilber opposed, with Hilber arguing against general fund subsidies for the golf course. An unidentified speaker supported general rate increases but noted inconsistencies in the proposal. - Consent Items (Item 13): Comments on Item 13.1 from Robert Maddock (Teamsters) and Cassidy Anderson (city employee) urged making employees a top priority. Michael Hilber objected to union use of public comment time for negotiation-related issues. - Future Agenda Item – Senior Overlay for Mobile Home Parks (Item 11.2.1): Tom La Penna (Santa Rosa Manufactured Homes Association) and JoAnn Jones (Santa Rosa Manufactured Homeowners Association) spoke in support of the senior overlay to protect affordable housing for seniors. - Staff Briefing – Active Transportation Plan (Item 8.1): Michael Hilber spoke in support of improved bike racks, citing examples from Davis. Discussion Items - FY 2024-25 Budget Study Session (Item 4.1): The study session (Days 1 and 2) covered the citywide budget overview, general fund deficit of $5.3 million, use of fiscal stability reserves (remaining $18.7 million), and proposed mitigation measures. Council discussed continuation of ARPA-funded programs (in response, safe parking) with broad support for maintaining them. Staff presented departmental budgets for Administration, City Attorney, Communications, Human Resources, Finance, Non-Departmental, IT, Housing & Community Services, Fire, and Police. Key points: 12 additional firefighters via SAFER grant, $7.08 million; fire department responded to 30,000 calls in 2023, 82 calls/day average; police department reported 234,000 calls, 122,000 dispatches, reduction in response times to 6:57 (priority 1), 1,595 calls to schools annually; in-response team handled 4,700 calls in 2023; police hired 37 new employees, aiming for zero vacancies. Council directed staff to include in response in future budget and to remove limited-term paramedic positions in the final budget. - Public Hearing – Bennett Valley Golf Course Fees (Item 16.1): Council discussed the proposed 10% fee increase and introduction of resident/non-resident rates. Some concerns raised about data accuracy (twilight rate discrepancy) and potential impact on non-resident rounds. Overall, council supported the increase to improve financial sustainability and fund deferred maintenance. - Future Agenda Items (Item 11.2): Council approved placing a discussion on developing a senior overlay for mobile home parks on a future agenda (motion 7-0). Also approved placing a discussion on a language access/translation policy on a future agenda (motion 7-0). The request for cell phone tower buffer zones was withdrawn by Councilmember Alvarez; City Manager Smith will add it to a project list for goal-setting in 2025. - Staff Briefing – Active Transportation Plan Update (Item 8.1): Transportation Planner Torina Wilson presented the update to the 2018 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, now renamed the Active Transportation Plan. Public outreach is ongoing, with 11 events and an online survey. Adoption anticipated in spring 2025. Council received information and had no action. - Staff Briefing – Community Empowerment Plan Update (Item 8.2): Community Engagement Manager Ana Horta reported on upcoming events including Women in Public Safety Day, violence prevention outreach, and police department community meetings on AB 481 military equipment report. Received as information. - Council Reports (Item 11): Council members reported on various community events and subcommittee meetings. Councilmember Rogers requested a future agenda item to discuss amending the voting process for Council appointed positions (Mayor, Vice Mayor, vacant seats, board/commission appointments). The request was concurred by Mayor Rogers. Key Outcomes - Adoption of City Council Goals & Objectives FY 2024-2025 (Item 13.1) – Approved as amended with two additional bullets (economic development plan implementation and employee recruitment/retention). The motion carried 7-0. - Approval of Revised Bennett Valley Golf Course Fees (Item 16.1) – Resolution RES-2024-062 approved with updated Exhibit A, effective July 1, 2024. The motion carried 7-0. - Direction on ARPA-Funded Programs – Council expressed strong support for continuing in response and safe parking programs. Staff will include in response in the final budget and remove limited-term paramedic positions to facilitate 24/7 operation and Medi-Cal billing. - Future Agenda Items – Council approved placing discussions on (1) senior overlay for mobile home parks and (2) language access/translation policy on future agendas. The cell phone tower buffer zone request was withdrawn and will be considered during 2025 goal-setting. - Councilmember Rogers Request – Council agreed to agendize a discussion on amending voting procedures for Council appointments (ranked-choice voting proposed). This was added to a future agenda. - Study Session Adjourned – The budget study session was continued to May 8, 2024, at 9:00 AM. - Meeting Adjourned – The meeting adjourned at 8:32 PM in honor of Cindy Benzerara, a former city employee.

The Public Safety Subcommittee of the Santa Rosa City Council met on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 9:02 a.m. in the City Council Chamber. Chair Jeff Okrepkie and Councilmember Eddie Alvarez were present; Mayor Natalie Rogers was absent. The meeting adjourned at 11:21 a.m. The subcommittee discussed illicit massage establishments, the Fire Department’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, and received operational updates from both the Police and Fire Departments. Consent Calendar - 3.1 Approval of Minutes: The January 23, 2024 regular meeting minutes were approved as submitted. Public Comments & Testimony On Item 5.1 – Illicit Massage Establishments: - Rick McElroy (Director of Law and Code Enforcement Relations, California Massage Therapy Council, CAMTC) spoke in support of providing more tools for Police and Code Enforcement to shut down illicit establishments; reported that a network review identified 30-37 illicit massage businesses in Santa Rosa; offered monthly training for officers. - Gina Perine (massage therapist, new resident) urged finding a balance to protect legitimate therapists while addressing human trafficking and prostitution. - Mark Dixon (Chairman, CAMTC Board) expressed support for eliminating illicit businesses and offered CAMTC’s readiness to implement staffing support; asked the city to contact their CEO. - Patrick Murray (resident) spoke in favor of applying federal, state, and local laws to address the problem. - Kurtis Bennett (resident) asked about adequate funding for SRPD and Code Enforcement, how success will be measured, and the timeline; urged collaboration with other stakeholders and taking up CAMTC’s offer. - Katerina Plskova (massage therapist) stated illicit businesses harm legitimate massage businesses and requested protection for those that meet legal requirements. - Kristina Sundulage noted 30 businesses in the area, 14 within a two-mile loop; questioned why the city allows uncertified businesses to continue and asked for progress notifications. - Grace Cheung (resident) raised concerns about illicit massage linked to human trafficking, located in residential areas, and potential backlash against Asian community; requested language and cultural support for victims. - Terry Funday (resident, spouse of massage therapist) commended CAMTC’s improvements to the process and encouraged using CAMTC resources. - Brad Childs (resident) noted expired fictitious business name permits and lack of follow-up; requested the city budget for inspections. - Beverly May (Director of Governmental Affairs and Human Trafficking, CAMTC) clarified CAMTC is a public benefit regulatory agency, not a membership association; offered free assistance to cities and counties, including model ordinance provisions. No public comments were made on Items 5.2, 7.1, or 7.2. Discussion Items 5.1 Illicit Massage Establishments - Presentation: Police Captain Dan Marincik, Senior Code Enforcement Officer Daniela DeBaca, and Assistant Chief Building Official Lou Kirk provided an overview. The police department shifted from undercover enforcement (which often victimized front-line workers) to administrative actions through Code Enforcement, emphasizing partnership with Verity (a sexual assault resource center) to offer victims support. In February 2024, compliance checks were conducted at eight establishments; seven cases remain open. The current city ordinance is about 14 years old and needs updating. Staff indicated a new ordinance could be developed in 3-4 weeks by researching best practices from other cities. - Discussion: Subcommittee members asked about buffer zones, correlation with sexual crime levels, language support, and how success would be measured. Chair Okrepkie gave direction to the city manager to work with departments to update the ordinance and strengthen enforcement, while avoiding overburdening legitimate businesses. Councilmember Alvarez concurred and urged collaboration with CAMTC. 5.2 Fire Department Strategic Plan (2024-2029) - Presentation: Fire Chief Scott Westrope presented the strategic planning process, which included internal, external stakeholder, and community input (three in-person meetings, two virtual, bilingual services). The new mission, vision, and values were revised for clarity. Five strategic goals were outlined: (1) Revitalize workforce through innovative recruitment; (2) Improve physical resources (facilities, fleet); (3) Enhance technological readiness and communication infrastructure; (4) Enhance service delivery (staffing, response models); (5) Strengthen community engagement, safety, and preparedness. - Discussion: The plan aligns with the city’s infill development goals and emerging technologies. Chief Westrope noted that Measure H (sales tax for fire services, passed March 2024) will provide funding for 35 new positions, three new fire stations, and other resources, but implementation is pending the outcome of a state business roundtable initiative that could affect revenue. 7.2 Fire Department Update - Presentation: Chief Westrope reported staffing of 169 positions (13 vacancies); 12 new hires via SAFER grant; Station 5 construction underway; Station 8 in design phase; fleet updates including two engines on assembly line and two squad vehicles (quick attack) funded by Santa Rosa Fire Foundation, expected in service July 1, 2024; and Measure H implementation planning (tax effective October 2024, first revenue early 2025). - Discussion: The department is working with labor and city departments on a multi-year implementation plan for Measure H resources. Councilmember Alvarez requested public outreach on squad vehicles and a potential study session on the business roundtable initiative’s impacts. 7.1 Police Department Update - Presentation: Police Chief John Cregan provided updates on three initiatives: - inRESPONSE Mental Health Support Team: In 2023, the team responded to 4,759 calls (3,568 of which would have required a police officer); system navigators made 4,418 contacts. The program is limited by term-limited paramedic positions; sustainability discussion needed. - Traffic Enforcement and Safety: Traffic stops increased 60% (from under 14,000 in 2022 to over 22,000 in 2023); citations increased 139% (from 3,400 to 8,200). Fatal collisions dropped 75% (from 8 in 2022 to 2 in 2023). Injury collisions decreased 3%. The department added one motorcycle officer, now 10 full-time traffic officers. - Violence Reduction Efforts: Homicides decreased from 12 in 2022 to 10 in 2023; zero homicides in 2024 as of the meeting. Juvenile arrests with illegal firearms increased 321% (from 5 to 21). Illegal firearms seized: 255 in 2023; on pace for over 400 in 2024. Shots-fired calls decreased from 420 to 361. - Discussion: The chief noted a direct correlation between increased enforcement and reduced violence. Subcommittee members praised the results and asked about cross-departmental coordination with Transportation and Public Works on traffic safety. Key Outcomes - Approved the January 23, 2024 regular meeting minutes. - Direction given to the city manager to update the city’s ordinance on illicit massage establishments, strengthening enforcement while protecting legitimate businesses, and to collaborate with CAMTC and other partners. - Noted the need for a future discussion on sustainable funding for the inRESPONSE program (to be addressed during upcoming budget study sessions). - No formal votes were taken on other items; feedback and direction provided to staff. - Next regular meeting scheduled for July 23, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.

The Cultural Heritage Board of Santa Rosa met on April 17, 2024, at 4:30 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting covered approval of minutes, public comments, election of a Vice Chair, and a detailed review of the Historic Resource Study for Fremont Park. The board discussed the park’s eligibility for historic designation, rehabilitation strategies, and community input. Public Comments & Testimony - Duane De Witt (Roseland resident) spoke during non-agenda public comment about the Roseland Creek clean-up day on Earth Day, April 20, 2024, and noted the demolition of historic houses in the area despite earlier plans to preserve them. - Jane Bender (former volunteer) spoke in support of the Fremont Park project, recalling a $30,000 restoration effort about 20 years ago that restored the fountain, waterfall, and stonework. She urged the board to preserve the park’s historic character and expressed willingness to help again. - Duane De Witt (second public comment) urged the board to pursue state and federal historic recognition for the park, voiced concerns about maintenance and management, and suggested incorporating rainwater harvesting and low-impact development. He noted a city water conservation subcommittee meeting earlier that day. Board Business: Vice Chair Election - Item 4.3 – Board Member Marzlin nominated Board Member Patrick Carney for Vice Chair, seconded by Vice Chair Garrett. The motion carried unanimously 6-0 (one absent). Carney will serve as Vice Chair. Discussion Items - Fremont Neighborhood Park – Historic Resource Study Report (Item 8.1) - Project Planner Scott Wilkinson, historian Eleanor Cox (MIG), and designers Gia Wilson and David Meyer (MSLA) presented the study findings. - The study concluded Fremont Park is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and California Register under criteria A1 (city planning/parks system) and C3 (Beaux-Arts design by master landscape architect Howard Gilkey). The period of significance is 1929–1931. - Character-defining features include the central north-south axis, secondary east-west axis, lily pond and cascading fountain, symmetrical plantings, tertiary walkways, red brick edging, open lawns, specimen trees, and a redwood grove. - The recommended treatment approach is rehabilitation (per Secretary of the Interior standards), allowing for new compatible uses while preserving historic integrity. - Previous community surveys (over 200 respondents) prioritized safety, family-friendly recreation, and features like ping-pong tables, chess, natural play areas, and swings. - Staff noted that the existing sculpture (donated by the Block Foundation) is not original and the foundation is amenable to its removal. - Board members expressed strong support for historic listing and urged that character-defining features be retained and not altered to the point of losing significance. Chair Meuser requested that the design draft be brought back to the board for review before finalization. Key Outcomes - The board unanimously elected Patrick Carney as Vice Chair (6-0). - The board reviewed the Historic Resource Study and provided input. No formal vote was taken, but the board directed staff to: - Pursue historic recognition for Fremont Park on the National and California Registers. - Follow the rehabilitation approach under Secretary of the Interior standards. - Preserve the character-defining features, especially the cascading fountain, pond, central axis, and landscaping. - Bring a detailed design draft back to the board for review and input before proceeding with the master plan update. - Engage with the community again in summer 2024 for further design input. - The meeting adjourned at 5:39 PM.