Public Meetings - Santa Rosa, California

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission held a regular meeting on July 13, 2023, starting at 4:30 p.m. and adjourning at 6:23 p.m. All seven commissioners were present, though Commissioner Terrence Sanders recused himself from item 9.1 (Fir Ridge Meadows) due to a past campaign contribution from the applicant, which was returned. The meeting covered a staff report on the House Santa Rosa housing initiative, a public hearing on the Fir Ridge Meadows subdivision, and routine administrative items. Consent Calendar - None. No consent items were listed on the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Cliff Wigham (property owner and organizer of the Gateway Coalition in the Roberts District) spoke during non-agenda public comments. He raised concerns about the current zoning of the Roberts District (6.0 floor area ratio) and argued it should be reduced to 2.0 or revert to 25-40 units per acre, citing the area's alignment with Roseland and the city's own staff report on EIFD. He also attempted to display a map but encountered technical issues. - Gregory Fearon (public comment on House Santa Rosa) expressed support for the project and advocated for a strong user group to make the tool more user-friendly, drawing on his experience as a software developer. - Natalie Manning (resident at 1908 Lion Court, adjacent to Fir Ridge Meadows) commented on the importance of heritage trees, particularly a significant oak and coast redwoods, and expressed concerns about bird species and construction impacts. She asked about tree replacement and phasing of construction. - Gregory Fearon (again on Fir Ridge Meadows) commented on the project's history, noting that the site was originally intended for affordable housing and expressing regret that the current proposal is market-rate. He urged the commission to ensure proceeds from the land sale are used for low-income housing. - Debbie Mies (resident near Fir Ridge Meadows) raised concerns about traffic, stating that the traffic study understates actual volumes, and asked about noise ordinance enforcement and how to access the traffic study. - Greg Marcarelli (resident at 1907 Lion Court) expressed concerns about wildlife (hawks, owls, bobcats) and the proposed road alignment, questioned the tree health assessments, and asked whether the project could be built in phases or if the land could be donated back to the city. Department Reports - Staff Liaison Jessica Jones reported on several items: the draft General Plan public version is expected to be available for review as early as July 17, 2023, with community outreach through the end of summer and a joint commission/council meeting in fall 2023 to review the draft General Plan and EIR. The City Council upheld the commission's approval of the Tierra de Rosas tentative map on July 11, 2023. The short-term rental ordinance will go to the City Council for second reading on July 25, 2023, including changes requested by the commission. Discussion Items - House Santa Rosa Report (Item 8.1) – Presented by Planner Conor McKay. The project is a grant-funded initiative (LEAP grant from HCD) to accelerate housing production in Santa Rosa. Two tools were presented: a development feasibility map/dashboard that allows users to filter parcels by criteria (e.g., density, height, parking, affordable units) and a real-time development map/dashboard showing housing projects in the pipeline by council district. The grant originally required expenditure by September 2023, but the state is expected to extend the deadline to September 2024. Approximately 500 survey responses were received earlier. Commissioners offered feedback, including suggestions for adding a constraints heading (instead of

The Santa Rosa City Council held a special meeting on July 11, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. The sole purpose was to conduct a closed session under Public Employment (Government Code section 54957) to interview candidates for the City Attorney position. The meeting reconvened in open session at 3:58 p.m., and the City Attorney reported that the Council gave direction to the recruiter and Human Resources, but no final action was taken. The meeting adjourned at 3:59 p.m. Discussion Items - 2.1 Public Employment – City Attorney Interviews: The Council met in closed session from 8:32 a.m. to 3:41 p.m. to interview candidates for the City Attorney position. Councilmember Eddie Alvarez was absent; Councilmember Victoria Fleming joined at 8:32 a.m. No public comments were made on the closed session item. Key Outcomes - The Council gave direction to the recruiter and Human Resources regarding the City Attorney recruitment, but no final action was taken. The item was received and filed.

The Santa Rosa City Council held a regular meeting on July 11, 2023, starting with a closed session at 3:30 PM and reconvening for the open session at 4:26 PM. The meeting included proclamations, staff briefings, reports, consent calendar approvals, and two public hearings, adjourning at 6:45 PM. All five present council members (Mayor Natalie Rogers, Vice Mayor Dianna MacDonald, Council Members Victoria Fleming, Jeff Okrepkie, and Mark Stapp) were joined by Council Members Eddie Alvarez and Chris Rogers at 5:01 PM and 5:02 PM respectively. Proclamations - Alan Silow: Recognized for his 20+ year career as President and CEO of the Santa Rosa Symphony, including 20 consecutive years of being cash positive, growing the endowment from $1.5 million to $17 million, and helping raise $145 million for the Green Music Center. He was named the Symphony's first President and CEO Emeritus. - Parks Make Life Better Month: July 2023 was proclaimed as Parks Make Life Better Month. Deputy Director Jen Santos highlighted the department's over 1,000 acres of parks and the hiring of 300+ temporary employees for summer programs. Staff Briefings - Community Empowerment Plan Update: Lon Peterson reported on recruitment efforts for a communications engagement manager and an administrative secretary. - Park a Month Program Update: Jen Santos and staff presented the program's success: 415 volunteers (double the previous year), 11 events, and 1,245 volunteer hours. The next event is scheduled for Pioneer Park. City Attorney Report - City Attorney Sue Gallagher reported a settlement in Pelayo vs. Utility Partners of America for $250,000, affirmed by the courts, and noted 26 pending litigation cases. Council Reports - Mayor Rogers announced a $10 million grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to purchase new American-built buses and improve transit services. - Council Member Stapp reported on community events and the Ag + Open Space Advisory Committee recommendation for additional funding for Tierra de Rosas (but not Colgan Creek). - Council Member C. Rogers reported on the Climate Action Subcommittee, SCTA/RCPA, and Sonoma Clean Power, including updates on PG&E's proposed asset reorganization. - Council Member Okrepkie reported on the Boys & Girls Club grand opening in Roseland and a police command staff briefing. - Council Member Okrepkie was appointed chair of the Public Safety Subcommittee. Consent Calendar - Approved items 12.1–12.9 and 12.11–12.17 unanimously, with an amendment to item 12.7 (authorizing the City Manager instead of the Assistant City Manager to execute grant documents). Item 12.10 was continued to a date uncertain. - Key approvals included: design-build procurement for Samuel L. Jones Hall Homeless Shelter Phase 2; pavement maintenance contract for $2,698,573; federal legislative advocacy services for $588,000; acceptance of a $3,883,032.30 Encampment Resolution Funding grant; purchase of a mobile hostage negotiation unit for $313,520.19; purchase of five transit/paratransit cutaway vehicles for $1,023,437; acceptance of a $5,000,000 California State Library grant; and various contract amendments. - Public comments on item 12.17 (mobile home rent control) were made by JoAnn Jones (support), Tom LaPenna (support, suggested removal of in-place transfer component), and Margaret DeMatteo (Legal Aid, support). - A pre-recorded comment on item 12.6 questioned the purchase of gas-powered vehicles. Staff explained that cutaway vehicles are not yet available in electric versions meeting range requirements, and the city is transitioning where feasible. Public Hearings Tierra de Rosas Appeal (EXT22-0019) - John Paulsen, appellant, argued that the project violates a recorded easement for parking and circulation. Public comments included support from Robert Nellessen and Satnam Walia (parking concerns), and opposition from Ramon Meraz, Joshua Shipper (Generation Housing), Margaret DeMatteo (Legal Aid), and Eris Weaver (Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition), who supported the project and upholding the Planning Commission's decision. - Council voted 7-0 to deny the appeal and uphold the Planning Commission's approval of a one-year extension for the tentative map. Resolution of Necessity for Highway 101 Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing - The Council considered acquiring 709 square feet of fee simple interest and a 3,495 square foot temporary construction easement from 1975 Cleveland Avenue (APN 012-490-052) for the project. Staff detailed negotiation efforts and the project's public benefits. - Public comment from Eris Weaver (Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition) supported the project. - Council voted 7-0 to adopt the resolution of necessity. Public Comments on Non-Agenda Matters - Nathan Coogan requested improved signage for dog off-leash areas at Tanglewood Park. - Eris Weaver praised the newly completed two-way protected cycle track on Armory and encouraged similar projects on other high-traffic roads. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved unanimously. - Ordinance ORD-2023-009 adopted on second reading, setting a cumulative limit on mobile home rent increases for 2023 and 2024. - Resolution RES-2023-125 adopted denying the Tierra de Rosas appeal. - Resolution RES-2023-126 adopted for the resolution of necessity for the Highway 101 overcrossing. - Interim City Attorney appointed (Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP) with an ordinance to establish compensation introduced. - Minutes for June 6 and June 20, 2023, approved as submitted.

The Cultural Heritage Board met on June 21, 2023, from 4:36 PM to 6:16 PM. Five members were present (Chair Meuser, Vice Chair Garrett, Board Members Carney, Fennell, Klyn); one member (Boren) was absent. The meeting included a presentation on the grant-funded House Santa Rosa project and a brainstorming session on unpermitted work in preservation districts, which was continued to July 19, 2023. No public comments were made. Consent Calendar - None. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items - 8.1 Report - House Santa Rosa: Project Planner Conor McKay presented a grant-funded initiative to accelerate housing production. The project includes two deliverables: a citywide development feasibility tool (allowing users to search parcels for development regulations and incentives) and a real-time development map/dashboard (tracking housing projects, parking, height, etc.). Board members asked about public access, integration with existing GIS maps, and the potential to include historic district requirements. Board members expressed strong support for the tool, noting its value for transparency and education, especially in historic districts. No vote was taken; the board provided feedback. - 8.2 Brainstorm Ideas to Address Unpermitted Work in Preservation Districts: Staff Liaison Murray introduced the item, the third step to discuss work done without permits in preservation districts. Board members shared concerns about homeowners not knowing rules, fees, and the difficulty of navigating the city website. Chair Meuser presented a hypothetical fence-replacement scenario showing potential costs of $1,941 and a 4-month process for a major landmark alteration permit. Board members discussed the need for better outreach, simplified processes for minor alterations (e.g., fences, windows), and potential fee reductions. A motion was made by Chair Meuser, seconded by Vice Chair Garrett, to continue the discussion to the next meeting on July 19, 2023. The motion carried unanimously (5-0, with Boren absent). Key Outcomes - Item 8.2: Motion to continue the brainstorming discussion to the July 19, 2023 meeting passed 5-0. Staff will provide links to relevant codes, fee schedules, and other resources to board members for review before the next meeting. - Department Reports: Staff Liaison Murray reported that the Cultural Heritage Board's activity is increasing, and reminded members to respond to quorum checks promptly. She also provided an update on Fremont Park: the historic evaluation draft was expected at the end of May, with a staff review meeting in early June, after which the report will be brought to the board. The board requested that the report be posted as early as possible before the meeting.

The Santa Rosa City Council met in regular session on June 20, 2023, starting with a closed session at 1:00 PM and reconvening in open session at 4:21 PM. The meeting covered consent items, the Independent Police Auditor's annual report, a public hearing on mobilehome rent control, and adoption of the FY 2023-24 budget. Several key decisions were made, including the introduction of a mobilehome rent cap ordinance and approval of a budget that added two police officers and two field evidence technicians. Consent Calendar - 12.1 Approved a professional services agreement with LWP Claims Solutions, Inc. for workers' compensation claims administration for up to three years with four one-year extensions, not to exceed $3,448,108. - 12.2 Approved a Fourth Amendment with Legal Aid of Sonoma County, increasing compensation by $111,000 (total $488,000) and extending performance through June 30, 2024. - 12.3 Approved a Third Amendment with Bureau Veritas North America, Inc. for fire code plan review services, increasing compensation by $275,000 (total $570,000). - 12.4 Adopted the Article XIIIB appropriation limit for FY 2023-24 at $319,856,000. - 12.5 Approved a Fourth Amendment with Woolpert, Inc. for Cityworks software licenses and services, increasing compensation by $367,200 (total $2,323,467) and extending through June 2026. - 12.6 Extended the local homeless emergency proclamation (Resolution No. 28839). - 12.7 Adopted an ordinance providing a 30-day grace period to renew expired short-term rental permits issued during the first year of the ordinance (second reading). Public Comments & Testimony - Consent Calendar (12.2, 12.6, 12.7): Duane De Witt (Sonoma County Housing Advocacy Group) and Ronit Rubinoff (Legal Aid Sonoma County) spoke in support of items 12.2 and 12.6; Allen Thomas spoke in support of 12.7, expressing concerns about the renewal process but appreciating the grace period. - Non-Agenda Matters (Item 13): Duane De Witt invited the community to a car show and advocated for an Enhanced Infrastructure Finance District in Roseland. Terry Sanders commended the City Manager and announced gospel choir workshops. - Independent Police Auditor Annual Report (14.1): Multiple speakers provided suggestions on police oversight. Barbara Gresseschi, Carl Tannenbaum (CLEAN), Eric Fraser, and Jim Duffy commented on transparency, complaint processes, and code enforcement. - Mobilehome Rent Control (15.1): Over 15 residents and advocates spoke, with many supporting the rent increase cap but opposing the 10% in-place transfer fee. Tom La Penna (Santa Rosa Manufactured Homeowners Association) requested overlay zoning for senior parks. Legal Aid of Sonoma County supported the amendment but urged further action. - Budget Adoption (15.2): Over a dozen speakers, including downtown business owners and property managers, strongly urged adding two Downtown Enforcement Team (DET) officers. Speakers highlighted safety concerns, employee fears, and economic impacts. No speakers opposed the DET addition. Discussion Items - 14.1 Independent Police Auditor Annual Report: OIR Group (Michael Gennaco, Brian Corr, Stephen Connolly) presented findings from their first year of oversight. They reviewed 67 internal investigations (53 citizen complaints, 14 internally generated), noted trends in officer communication, and issued eight recommendations including expanding formal interviews and improving use-of-force review. Council members commended the department's transparency and discussed real-time reporting and community engagement. The report was received and filed. - 15.1 Mobilehome Rent Control Amendment: Staff proposed limiting cumulative rent increases for 2023-2024 to the lesser of 8% total (4% for 2023 plus 2024's allowed increase) or the actual CPI-based amounts. Parks that had already applied a 5.7% increase in 2023 would have their 2024 increase capped so the two-year total does not exceed 8%. Council member Chris Rogers expressed frustration that some park owners had taken advantage of the timing gap. Public comment raised concerns about the 10% in-place transfer fee and lack of a mobilehome commission. Council introduced the ordinance unanimously (7-0). - 15.2 FY 2023-24 Budget Adoption: Staff presented a $461.3 million operations and maintenance budget and $74.9 million capital improvement budget, with a general fund deficit of $2.5 million offset by fiscal stability funds. Council discussed adding two police officers ($460,000) and two field evidence technicians ($160,000) to the Downtown Enforcement Team, costing an estimated $850,000 total. Council member Fleming proposed $375,000 for a playgrounds pilot program as an upstream investment, but that substitute motion failed (3-3-1, with Vice Mayor MacDonald abstaining). The budget was adopted with amendments including: elimination of 1.0 vacant assistant city attorney; addition of 1.0 employee relations manager; downgrade of 1.0 community engagement coordinator to admin secretary; addition of 2.0 police officers and 2.0 field evidence technicians; and oversight requirements on labor negotiation spending (report quarterly). A separate Measure O implementation plan was also approved. Key Outcomes - Mobilehome Rent Control: Introduced an ordinance (unanimous) to cap cumulative rent increases for 2023/2024. Final adoption anticipated at a future meeting. - FY 2023-24 Budget: Adopted (7-0) after amendments including the addition of 2.0 FTE Downtown Enforcement Team officers and 2.0 FTE field evidence technicians, with corresponding adjustments to maintain Measure O baseline compliance for violence prevention programs. Also approved: staffing changes (elimination of 1.0 vacant assistant city attorney, addition of 1.0 employee relations manager, downgrade of 1.0 community engagement coordinator to admin secretary), and a requirement that the city manager report quarterly on labor negotiation costs. - Parks and Recreation Budget: Approved (6-0-1, Vice Mayor MacDonald abstaining). A substitute motion to add $375,000 for a playgrounds pilot program failed (3-3-1). - Independent Police Auditor Report: Received and filed; council directed that implementation of recommendations be discussed at the Public Safety Subcommittee. - Settlements Reported: City Attorney reported two settlements: $612,500 for STG Unocal Place vs. City (property damage) and $250,000 for Peleyo vs. Utility Partners of America and City (prevailing wage claim).

On June 14, 2023, the Santa Rosa Public Safety Subcommittee convened but was immediately adjourned due to a lack of quorum. In consultation with the city attorney and city manager, the subcommittee proceeded with an informal presentation of the Independent Police Auditor's (OIR Group) 2022 Annual Report. No official action was taken, but public comment was accepted. The presentation focused on the first year of OIR's work, including community outreach, case reviews, and recommendations. Public Comments & Testimony - Dwayne DeWitt (Roseland resident) thanked the committee and police department, and emphasized a need for more robust communication between SRPD and the community, especially in Roseland. He suggested beat officers walking and talking with residents, and more events like "Coffee with a Cop" specifically geared toward building trust. - Nancy Pemberton (Committee for Law Enforcement Accountability) commended the work but raised concerns about the lack of interviewing complainants in investigations. She questioned two specific complaint exonerations where explanations seemed insufficient, urging better transparency on minor interactions that erode public trust. - Omar Medina (District 1 resident) voiced support for civilian oversight beyond the current model, citing the need for accountability and trust. He noted that while expert auditors are valuable, a civilian oversight board—like Ayolero at the county level—could further build community confidence. - Susan Lamont (District 2) urged OIR and the police department to increase public awareness of their work through media outreach, as many residents are unaware of the oversight process. She suggested regular press coverage to maintain interest and input. - Jim Duffy (Rohnert Park, oversight practitioner) raised concerns about the Downtown Enforcement Team operating under different protocols, and recommended that the subcommittee host a presentation on those strategies. He echoed Nancy Pemberton on recommendation 1 (interviewing subject officers) and advocated for expanding interviews to all complainants and witnesses. He also encouraged ongoing anti-bias training and suggested the City Council consider more independent appointment processes for the Community Advisory Team (CCAT). Discussion Items - OIR Group Presentation: Michael Gennaco, Stephen Connolly, and Brian Corr presented the 2022 Annual Report. Key points: - OIR has 20+ years of experience in law enforcement oversight and provides real-time monitoring of internal investigations and civilian complaints. - The department provided OIR full, unfettered access to its internal database and body-worn camera footage—a uniquely robust model. - In year one, OIR monitored 67 investigative matters (53 public complaints, 14 internally generated). They concurred with all case outcomes, noting the department’s good-faith process. - They observed that the department sometimes relies too heavily on body-worn camera evidence and recommended more frequent interviews of subject officers. They also suggested a more holistic use-of-force review process and that the department's discipline for low-level violations may be too lenient compared to other jurisdictions. - Community outreach in August 2022 included listening sessions and drop-in events in Roseland; feedback largely centered on homelessness enforcement and the Daniel Clay police shooting. - Eight recommendations were made, focusing on the discipline process, use-of-force review, and ongoing anti-bias training. - Chief of Police Reaction: Chief expressed strong support for the OIR relationship, emphasizing the value of an independent lens and the department's commitment to transparency. He noted they will carefully analyze recommendations and move forward with positive changes. Key Outcomes - No votes or official decisions were made due to the lack of quorum. - OIR Group will present the report to the full City Council on June 20/21, 2023. - Additional community engagement opportunities were announced: drop-in sessions at Tia Maria on June 21 (9–11 a.m.), presentation to the Community Advisory Team (4 p.m.), and a community meeting (6–7 p.m.). - The subcommittee encouraged continued public participation in upcoming meetings.

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission held a regular meeting on June 8, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The primary agenda item was a public hearing to review 18 new projects in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for consistency with the City's 2035 General Plan, as required by Government Code Section 65401. The Commission unanimously approved a resolution finding the projects consistent with the General Plan. The meeting adjourned at 4:46 p.m. Consent Calendar - The minutes from April 13, 2023, April 27, 2023, and May 11, 2023, were approved as submitted without any changes or corrections. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comments, either in person or via Zoom. Discussion Items - Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Review: Planner Sheila Wolski presented the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 CIP, which includes 18 new projects: 12 from the Water Department, 5 from Transportation and Public Works, and 1 from Recreation and Parks. The presentation highlighted several visible projects, including: - A bike lane gap closure at Steel Lane Elementary School, which will create a dedicated bus pull-out area and install new curb, gutter, and sidewalk. - Construction of a Class I pathway on the south side of Hearn Avenue between Corby Avenue and the SMART Multi-Use Path, including pavement rehabilitation and striping. - Striping modifications on Mendocino Avenue from 4th to 10th Street. - Installation of dual eastbound left turn lanes at Denton Avenue and Sebastopol Road. - Acquisition and development of a neighborhood park along Colgan Creek near Bellevue Avenue and Dutton Meadow in Southwest Santa Rosa. Note: The location was revised from the original agenda packet (as of June 7, 2023). - The presentation also covered operational projects with citywide impacts, including: - Geysers Geothermal Power Plants, which account for 9% of green power produced in California and generate clean electricity for 100,000 households. Projects include assessing pump station conditions and upgrading electrical components. - Seven Laguna Treatment Plant projects, including booster station replacement, reclamation system condition assessment, repair of digesters 3 and 4, purchase of a Delta Pond standby generator, boiler replacement, and upgrades to booster pumps and gas conditioning system. - Planner Wolski noted that the finding of General Plan consistency is not subject to CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) because it is not a project per CEQA Guidelines Section 15378; each individual project will undergo separate environmental review before implementation. - Commissioner Peterson asked about the timeline for the Colgan Creek/Bellevue Park project, but staff deferred the question to other departments. Key Outcomes - The Commission passed Resolution PC-2023-017, finding the 18 new projects in the FY 2023-2024 CIP consistent with the City's 2035 General Plan. - The motion to adopt the resolution was made by Commissioner Cisco, seconded by Commissioner Carter. - The vote was 5-0 in favor (Chair Weeks, Commissioners Peterson, Carter, Cisco, and Holton). Vice Chair Duggan and Commissioner Sanders were absent. - Commissioners expressed support for the projects, noting they appear consistent with the General Plan and represent a good expenditure of capital funds. Commissioner Carter specifically welcomed new park development in the southern Roseland area, and Commissioner Holton expressed excitement about the water treatment programs.

The Santa Rosa City Council held a regular meeting on June 6, 2023, starting at 3:00 PM with board interviews and reconvening at 4:00 PM for the regular session. The meeting included proclamations, staff briefings, consent items, a public hearing on short-term rentals, and other agenda items. All votes were unanimous except where noted. Councilmember Eddie Alvarez was absent for the initial interviews but joined at 4:04 PM; all seven members were present for the main session. Proclamations and Presentations - Women Veterans Day - June 2, 2023: Council Member Fleming presented the proclamation to Rose Nowak (Vice President, Redwood Empire Unit 77, Military Women Across the Nation) and Kate O'Hare Palmer. Nowak noted the 75th anniversary of women in military service and the recent loss of the last WWII woman veteran in Santa Rosa. - Juneteenth - June 19, 2023: Council Member Alvarez presented the proclamation to Nancy Rogers (President-CEO, North Bay Black Chamber of Commerce). Rogers and Celeste Austin spoke on the history of Juneteenth and the importance of continued freedom efforts. Staff Briefings - Safe Parking Program Update: Housing and Community Services staff (Kelli Kuykendall and Sasha Cohen) reported that the program, opened March 2022, has 50 spaces at 55 Stony Point Road, operated by Catholic Charities. In year one, it served 148 people; 60 participants were current; 87 exits occurred, with 20 (23%) moving to permanent housing—exceeding the countywide average of 16% for emergency shelter exits. The annual operating budget is approximately $1.3 million, funded through June 2024. Council Member Rogers asked for more data on the 67 non-housing exits; staff committed to providing it. Council Member Fleming suggested exploring adding more spaces, but staff noted capacity constraints due to parking lot needs. - Community Empowerment Plan Update: Lon Peterson reported on the new C-CAT cohort, the independent police auditor report presentation (June 14 to Public Safety Subcommittee, June 20 to Council, June 21 at Finley Community Center), community police experience programs, and the DEIB Spaces Mini-Grant program (up to $5,000 per applicant, total $150,000, applications due June 30). Public Comments - Several commenters (Ms. Gray, Evette Minor, Duane DeWitt) spoke in support of reinstating the multicultural roots program, which was pulled. - During the short-term rental hearing, numerous residents spoke both in support and opposition. Supporters cited economic benefits, responsible operation, and the need for a grace period for expired permits. Opponents cited nuisance, fire risk, loss of housing, and inconsistency with residential zoning. Consent Calendar - Resolution RES-2023-088: Support for Assembly Bill 436 (repealing cruising prohibitions). Adopted unanimously. - Resolution RES-2023-089: Acquisition of 470 Sebastopol Road for future police substation and interim library use. Adopted unanimously. - Resolution RES-2023-090: Intergovernmental Agreement with County of Sonoma for mail services (up to $500,000). Adopted unanimously. - Resolution RES-2023-091: One-year extension with Geotab USA (increase $175,000, total $425,000). Adopted unanimously. - Resolution RES-2023-092: Establishing speed limits in Central Business District (20 mph on 13 segments, 25 mph on 3 segments). Adopted unanimously. - Resolution RES-2023-093: Second amendment to PSA with MV Transportation for ADA paratransit (increase $1,850,000, total $5,885,331). Adopted unanimously. - Resolution RES-2023-094: MOU with Sonoma County Junior College District for CityBus unlimited rides (through June 30, 2028, renewable to 2033). Adopted unanimously. - Resolution RES-2023-095: Declaring Laserfiche as a Trusted System. Adopted unanimously. - Ordinance ORD-2023-005: Second reading - City Manager compensation increases (5% merit, 2.5% COLA, etc.). Adopted unanimously. - Ordinance ORD-2023-006: Second reading - Zoning Code amendments to comply with state legislation. Adopted unanimously. - Ordinance ORD-2023-007: Second reading - Repealing cruising prohibition (Chapter 11-16). Pulled from consent for separate vote; adopted unanimously after public support from lowrider community members. Discussion Items - Public Financing Authority Appointments: Council interviewed four applicants (Farbod Assefnia, Hugh Futrell, Peter Stanley, Don Tomasi). They voted unanimously to waive residency requirements for property owners within the EIFD, then approved a motion giving Mayor Rogers discretion to appoint Hugh Futrell or Peter Stanley to either the City or Joint position, with Don Tomasi as alternate. Public comment from Duane DeWitt opposed the waiver. - Zero Emission Bus Rollout Plan: Staff presented the plan to achieve a fully zero-emission fleet by 2037 (fixed-route by 2035, paratransit by 2037), ahead of the 2040 state mandate. Total estimated cost is $55 million, with $22 million secured. The plan includes depot charging and battery-electric buses. Public comment from two speakers raised concerns about environmental justice and the mining of battery materials, but no opposition was formally voiced. Resolution RES-2023-096 approved unanimously. Public Hearing: Short-Term Rentals Ordinance Amendments - Staff presented proposed amendments to Chapter 20-48, including technical changes, new definitions, unit-type restrictions, limits on permits per owner, outdoor burning prohibition, lighting standards, trash/recycling rules, and water conservation signage. The Planning Commission had recommended these with a 4-2 vote on April 27, 2023. - Public hearing opened at 8:40 PM and closed at 10:12 PM. Numerous speakers expressed both support and opposition, with many emphasizing the need for a renewal grace period and grandfathering for existing multi-permit owners. - Councilmember C. Rogers made a motion to introduce the ordinance with amendments: (1) a one-time 30-day grace period for expired permits, (2) permanent 30-day renewal grace period, (3) clarification on outdoor burning (allowing gas/propane but not solid fuels for non-hosted; hosted exempt), (4) transferability to family members, (5) grandfathering existing multi-permit owners, (6) affidavit for hosted rentals, (7) tiered violation penalties, (8) first violation fines for TOT/BIA/operating without permit, (9) permanent revocation after third violation, (10) keep cap on non-hosted STRs at current level with natural attrition, no new applications, and (11) renewal reminder notifications. - A substitute motion by Councilmember Fleming to eliminate all non-hosted rentals in residential zones failed 1-6 (only Fleming voted yes). - A friendly amendment from Fleming to bring a study session for a potential ballot measure on eliminating STRs in residential areas was accepted. - The amended motion passed 6-1 with Councilmember Fleming voting no. Key Outcomes - Approved Consent Calendar items (resolutions and ordinances) with unanimous votes. - Adopted Resolution RES-2023-096 for the Zero Emission Bus Rollout Plan. - Introduced Ordinance amendments for Short-Term Rentals with specific changes, including a 30-day grace period for expired permits (one-time for current expired, permanent for future renewals), grandfathering of existing multi-permit owners, tiered penalties, and a study session for a potential ballot measure. - Directed staff to bring back an ordinance for a second reading on July 11, 2023, incorporating the amendments. - No action taken on the non-hosted STR cap (198) except that new applications will not be accepted, and the cap will decrease through natural attrition. - Meeting adjourned at 11:42 PM.

The Santa Rosa City Council met on May 23, 2023, starting at 2:30 p.m. with a closed session, followed by board interviews at 3:30 p.m., and a regular session at 4:00 p.m. The meeting included proclamations, a staff briefing, approval of consent items, a repeal of the cruising ordinance, and introduction of a housing code amendment. The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m. Consent Calendar - Item 13.1: Adoption of Final Report of City Council Priorities – Approved unanimously (5-0). The report summarizes the March 9-10, 2023 priority-setting workshop. - Item 13.2: Eighth Amendment to Agreement with R3 Consulting Group, Inc. – Approved unanimously (5-0). Authorizes a $70,000 rate review of Recology’s January 1, 2024 rate application, with total contract not to exceed $448,910. - Item 13.3: Resolution Opposing Initiative 21-0042A1 – Approved unanimously (5-0). Opposes the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act, a proposed statewide ballot measure for November 2024. - Item 13.4: First Amendment to Agreement with Turbo Data Systems, Inc. – Approved unanimously (5-0). Extends parking citation processing services through June 30, 2024, and increases compensation by $94,000 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $519,000. - Item 13.5: Amendment No. 2 to City Manager’s Employment Agreement – Approved unanimously (5-0). Provides a 5% merit increase effective January 1, 2023 (to $290,588), a 2.5% COLA effective July 2, 2023 (to $297,853), additional merit increases through 2025, a $4,800 wellness benefit, a five-year contract term, and an opportunity to explore housing loan options. Public Comments & Testimony - On Consent Items: Duane DeWitt criticized the lack of public detail on the priorities report and opposed the ballot measure and City Manager pay. Eric Fraser and Gregory Fearon also commented on transparency and the need for better public access to information. - On Non-Agenda Matters (Item 14): Several Roseland University Prep students (Kevin Becerra Herrera, Alexandra Mendoza, Eunice Lopez, Christian Mojico, Daniela Grassi) spoke about the Roseland Creek Care Project, including art outreach on pollution reduction and hands-on restoration. Alina Nuebel and teacher Silvia I. Langan advocated for the project and a community micro-grid. Maureen Linde, Eric Fraser, and David Long spoke against current short-term rental rules, citing noise, disruption, and zoning inconsistencies. Duane DeWitt praised the creek work and urged conservation of Roseland Creek. Gregory Fearon highlighted the city’s affordable housing map and noted that approximately 2,000 mobile home park units lost regulatory affordability controls in February 2023. - On Cruising Ordinance Repeal (Item 15.1): Jose Mico Quiroz and Teresa Medina expressed strong support for repealing the ordinance, sharing personal stories about lowrider culture and its positive role in community and healing. Discussion Items - Closed Session (Item 2.1): The council met in closed session regarding STG Unocal Place, LLC v. City of Santa Rosa. The city attorney reported that the council approved a settlement of $612,500, with the claimant also agreeing to defend and indemnify the city against future third-party claims. The initial claim was over $2 million. - Proclamations (Items 7.1-7.4): Presented proclamations for National Public Works Week (May 21-27), Jewish American Heritage Month, Wildfire Awareness Month, and Mental Health Awareness Month. Recipients and community members spoke, including Rabbi George Gittleman on anti-Semitism, Division Chief Paul Lowenthal on wildfire prevention, and inResponse Director Katie Swan on mental health crisis response. The inResponse team has responded to 2,893 calls in 2022, with 1,762 diverted from law enforcement. - Staff Briefing (Item 8.1): Jennifer Burke, Director of Santa Rosa Water, provided an update on the Russian River Water Forum, a grant-funded collaborative effort to address water supply resiliency following PG&E’s planned decommissioning of the Potter Valley Project. The forum includes a steering committee, planning group, and leadership council. The council’s policy direction includes supporting continued water flow, a regional entity, and proportional funding. - Mayor’s Absence (Item 11.1.12.1): The council approved (4-0-1, Mayor Rogers abstaining) a motion allowing Mayor Rogers a possible extended absence from June 4 to July 11, 2023, due to travel, with remote participation as allowed by the Brown Act. - Board Appointments (Item 11.2): Appointed Ever Deras-Flores to the Personnel Board (At-Large), Michael Stanford (Labor Representative), Paul Schwarz (Senior Community Representative, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board), and Abel Jeffcoat (Disabled Community Representative, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board). All appointments were approved 5-0. - Public Financing Authority Appointments (Item 11.2.2): Approved Mayor Rogers’ appointments of Council Members Fleming and C. Rogers as members, and Council Member Stapp as alternate, to the Public Financing Authority (5-0). - Repeal of Cruising Ordinance (Item 15.1): The council introduced on first reading an ordinance to repeal Chapter 11-16, which prohibited cruising in the core area. Staff noted the ordinance has not been enforced for years and signs have been removed. The repeal aligns with state legislation (AB 463) and recognizes lowrider culture as a positive community and violence prevention element. The motion passed 5-0. - Housing Legislation Zoning Code Text Amendment (Item 16.1): The council introduced on first reading an ordinance to amend Title 20 of the City Code to comply with 2022 state housing laws. Key changes include reducing parking requirements near transit (AB 2097, AB 2244), extending density bonus provisions (AB 682, AB 2334), allowing residential development on commercial land (SB 6, AB 2011), and educational agency land (AB 2295). The planning commission recommended the changes as required by law. The motion passed 5-0. - Item 16.2: The public hearing on the 1650 W Steele Lane Apartments appeal was continued to a date uncertain due to low council attendance. Key Outcomes - Closed Session Settlement: Approved $612,500 settlement for STG Unocal Place, LLC v. City of Santa Rosa. - Consent Items: All five items approved unanimously (5-0). - Mayor’s Absence: Approved 4-0-1 (Mayor abstaining). - Board Appointments: All four appointments approved unanimously (5-0). - Public Financing Authority Appointments: Approved unanimously (5-0). - Cruising Ordinance Repeal: Introduced on first reading, approved unanimously (5-0). - Housing Legislation Zoning Code Amendment: Introduced on first reading, approved unanimously (5-0). - Next Meeting: The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at a time to be set by the Mayor.