Public Meetings - Santa Rosa, California

The Santa Rosa City Council met on March 14, 2023, starting with a Closed Session at 2:00 PM (items 2.1-2.3 on City Manager evaluation, labor negotiations, and litigation). The Regular Session convened at 4:40 PM. The Council adopted unanimously seven consent items, rescinded the June 2021 drought emergency declaration and Stage 3 of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan, and adopted an urgency ordinance to align Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations with new state laws. Consent Calendar - Item 12.1: Approved a Second Amendment with Teri Black & Company, LLC for executive recruitment, increasing the contract to $250,000 (Resolution RES-2023-044). - Item 12.2: Approved a Design Funding Agreement with SMART for $153,854.80 to design the West Third Street signal at the SMART Multiuse Path Crossing (RES-2023-045). - Item 12.3: Authorized a request for $507,036 in Low Carbon Transit Operations Program funds to purchase a battery electric bus (RES-2023-046). - Item 12.4: Authorized filing applications for $9,899,120 in Federal Transit Administration grants for electric buses and charging infrastructure (RES-2023-047). - Item 12.5: Approved a Second Amendment with Renne Public Law Group LLP for labor/employment law services, increasing the contract to $500,000 (RES-2023-048). - Item 12.6: Terminated the local COVID-19 emergency proclamation first declared March 2, 2020 (RES-2023-049). - Item 12.7: Extended the local homeless emergency proclamation (RES-2023-050). Public Comments & Testimony - Duane DeWitt (two separate comments) expressed full support for increased budgeting and staffing for tree care, invited Council to a veteran barbecue, and advocated for preserving natural riparian corridors for groundwater recharge, specifically Roseland Creek. - Peter Tschernoff (multiple comments) spoke in support of Arbor Week, gardening for therapy and the homeless, criticized banking systems and media, referenced Operation Mockingbird, and urged focusing on purposefulness for the homeless. - Juan Venegas, Field Representative with NorCal Carpenter's Union Local 751, expressed strong support for labor standards (apprenticeships, health care, local hire) on future city projects. - Ana Diaz, Roseland School District trustee, requested a crosswalk on Burbank Avenue across from Roseland Creek Elementary. - Eric Fraser, Truth in Tourism, criticized the city's handling of short-term rental regulations, stating the city has "spent millions" and not delivered justice, and urged factual decision-making. Discussion Items - Proclamations: The Council presented proclamations for Americorps Week (March 12-18), Arbor Week in Santa Rosa (March 5-11), and National Surveyors Week (March 19-25). Staff reported 45 trees planted in the past year via volunteer efforts. - Community Empowerment Plan Update (Item 7.1): Danielle Garduno reported that the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging mini-grant program launches April 1 (up to $5,000/project), the citywide internship program has filled 6 of 10 positions, and the Mary Lou Lowrider Patrol Car exhibit is planned at Finley Community Center. - City Manager/City Attorney Reports: City Manager Smith announced Transit Driver Appreciation Day (March 18), the Clean Santa Rosa volunteer program partnering with Caltrans, and Women in Public Safety Day (March 18). City Attorney Gallagher reported no settlements over $50,000 in February 2023 and summarized 30 pending cases (15 personal injury, 8 general litigation, 3 police, 3 writs, 1 receivership). - Item 14.1 – Drought Emergency Rescission: Santa Rosa Water staff (Jennifer Burke and Peter Martin) presented that Lake Sonoma is at 118% capacity (289,600 acre-feet), providing more than four years of water supply. Community-wide water use was reduced by 18% from June 2021 to February 2023, saving 1.8 billion gallons. The Council rescinded the June 29, 2021 drought emergency, Stage 3 restrictions, and directed staff to implement demand reduction measures consistent with State Water Board emergency regulations. - Item 15.1 – Accessory Dwelling Unit Urgency Ordinance: Staff reported that new state laws (AB 2221 and SB 897, effective January 1, 2023) voided the city's prior local ADU ordinance. The urgency ordinance reinstates local protections (e.g., hillside setback/height limits, compatibility in historic districts) while complying with state law. Statistics: ADU permits issued rose from 10 per year (2015-2017) to 113 in 2022. Key Outcomes - All seven consent items were adopted unanimously (7-0). - The resolution to rescind the drought emergency (RES-2023-051) was adopted unanimously (7-0). - The ADU urgency ordinance (ORD-2023-003) was adopted unanimously (7-0) requiring five affirmative votes per City Charter. - The Council received and filed the written communication supporting AB 30 on atmospheric rivers. - The meeting adjourned at 6:35 PM in remembrance of Reverend Curtis Byrd, former Planning Commissioner and Gray Foundation president.

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission met on March 9, 2023, at 4:30 PM in the Council Chamber. The sole scheduled item was a public hearing on the Brittain Townhomes project, a proposed 82-unit for-sale townhome condominium development at 851 Brittain Lane. The commission unanimously approved the vesting tentative map with amendments. Public Hearing – Brittain Townhomes (MAJ22-002) - Project Overview: The project is located at the northwest corner of Brittain Lane and Sebastopol Road. It proposes 82 units on 5.92 acres (14.3 units/acre) in a medium-density residential zone. The project includes 164 parking spaces, 8 moderate-income homes, and a density bonus waiver to use private streets. The project is within the Sebastopol Road Corridor Priority Development Area. - Staff Presentation: Project Planner Kristinae Toomians presented the history, including a neighborhood meeting (March 2022), concept design review, and zoning administrator approval of the EIR addendum and minor design review (January 2023). Staff recommended approval with two amendments: adding a whereas clause to the resolution acknowledging the EIR addendum adopted by the zoning administrator, and modifying condition 2 in the DAC report to include the word "substantially" regarding building materials. - Applicant Presentation: Samantha Hauser of City Ventures presented the project, highlighting its sustainable features (solar all-electric, EV charging, low-impact landscaping), design responsiveness to neighborhood feedback (two-story scale, preservation of mature valley oaks, access from Sebastopol Road), and the company's experience in Santa Rosa. - Commissioner Questions: Commissioners asked about the vesting tentative map's duration (same as standard tentative map), the timeline for construction (permits in 6-9 months, groundbreaking April 2024), solar panel configuration (monolithic array, exclusive use areas, maintained by HOA), and the density bonus contract (already signed). - Public Testimony: No public comments were made in person or via Zoom. The public hearing was opened at 5:00 PM and closed at 5:01 PM. Key Outcomes - Motion: Commissioner Cisco moved to adopt the resolution with the proposed amendments (adding a whereas clause and amending condition 2 to include "substantially"), seconded by Commissioner Holton. - Vote: Unanimous (7-0) in favor. - Resolution No. PC-2023-006: Approves the Brittain Townhomes Vesting Tentative Map at 851 Brittain Lane, subject to the conditions in the staff report and the amendments. - Appeal Period: The decision is final unless an appeal is filed within 10 calendar days of the action.

The Santa Rosa City Council met on February 28, 2023, in a hybrid format (in-person and via Zoom) starting with a closed session at 1:30 PM, a study session at 3:00 PM, and the regular session at 4:00 PM. The meeting included a proclamation for Black History Month, a wellness study session, approval of consent items, public hearings on the South Davis Neighborhood Park Master Plan Amendment and the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan, and extended discussion on the Hearn Community Hub professional services agreement. Consent Calendar - Items 12.1–12.4 and 12.6 were adopted unanimously (7-0): - Resolution authorizing a matching grant application to the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District for Lower Colgan Creek Neighborhood Park improvements ($1,000,000 grant request; total project budget $2,500,000). - Resolution authorizing application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s Prohousing Incentive Pilot Program for up to $1,650,000. - Resolution approving purchase of ten 2023 Ford Mach‑E battery electric vehicles for a total of $544,688.40. - Resolution authorizing participation in a joint application to Cycle 6 of the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) for $15,900,000 in transit fleet electrification and passenger amenities. - Resolution approving a lease agreement between the Housing Authority and the City for property at 983 Sonoma Avenue for use by the inRESPONSE team. - Item 12.7 (Second Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Renne Public Law Group LLP) was continued to the March 14, 2023 meeting. - Item 12.5 (Professional Services Agreement with Kitchell/CEM, Inc. for the Hearn Community Hub) was pulled for separate vote and later adopted (see Discussion Items). Public Comments & Testimony - On Item 12.5 (Hearn Community Hub): Several community members spoke, many with the assistance of Spanish interpretation. Speakers expressed strong support for a multicultural community center and requested that ARPA funds allocated for it be replaced if used for project management. They asked for transparency, a copy of the community input report, and equal partnership in planning. Specific requests included artificial turf fields, prioritization of the center, and no delays. Speakers: Manny Morales, Renee Sumner (Raíces Collective), Ofelia, Marisol, Concepción, and Isabel Lopez (Executive Director, Raíces Collective). - On Non‑Agenda Matters (Item 13): Twelve speakers addressed topics including: - Need for a crosswalk and sidewalks at Jackson Drive and Montgomery Drive (Erica Bosco, Tyler Croy). - Lonzo Arterberry, a Cardinal Newman High School football player, described racism at his school and being removed from the team for speaking up; he thanked Mayor Rogers for her example. - Tom LaPenna, President of Santa Rosa Manufactured Home Owners Association, requested $100,000 from the mediation fund to compensate 487 homes in five parks excluded from rent control, facing 5.7% increases instead of 3.99%. - Support for Mayor Rogers and concern about racism in Sonoma County (Elias Hinit, Esther Lemus). - Request for a resolution supporting the right to rescue and non‑violent activists facing prosecution for exposing factory farm conditions (Samantha Eaches, Erik Allen). - Suggestions on affordable rental housing (Bob Harder). Discussion Items - Closed Session (1:30 PM–2:15 PM): The City Attorney reported that Council provided direction on two real property negotiations (470 and 500 Sebastopol Road) but no final action was taken. - Wellness Study Session (3:00 PM–3:30 PM): Amy Reeve (HR Director), Dominique Blanquie, and Indira Alfaro presented an overview of the city’s wellness programs, including the CONCERN EAP (utilization up from 9.6% to 18.8%), CORTICO app for first responders, and the $500 wellness incentive. Councilmember Stapp noted the impressive correlation between the wellness program and reduced injury costs at the Police Department. No public comment. - Proclamation – Black History Month (Item 6.1): Mayor Rogers presented the proclamation. Speakers from NAACP, 100 Black Men of Sonoma County, Petaluma Blacks for Community Development, and others thanked the Council and emphasized year‑round recognition. - City Manager’s/City Attorney’s Reports: City Manager Maraskeshia Smith reminded about the Hopper Avenue Corridor community meeting (March 1). City Attorney Sue Gallagher outlined new Brown Act rules for remote attendance (AB 2449) and reported 31 pending litigation cases, with 5 dismissals, 2 settlements, and 8 upcoming trials. - Item 12.5 – Hearn Community Hub Professional Services Agreement (Pulled from Consent): Extensive discussion on the $5,812,022 contract with Kitchell/CEM. Councilmember Alvarez pulled the item to address community concerns. Assistant City Manager Jason Nutt and Real Estate Manager Jill Scott clarified that the contract covers project management/construction management for the entire Hearn Community Hub (fire station, library, community cultural center). They stated the city is committed to fully funding all components, with a current funding gap only for the aquatic center. The contract is phased (first 90 days for scope refinement) and does not commit the city to a specific design. The motion to adopt Resolution RES‑2023‑041 passed 7‑0 after further discussion on community engagement. - Public Hearing – South Davis Neighborhood Park Master Plan Amendment (Item 15.2): Emily Ander and Brianna Morrison presented the updated plan (playground, picnic areas, walking paths, renovated basketball half‑court, fitness stations, native plants, security lighting). The triangular lot east of Highway 101 was removed from the plan. Public comment included concerns about lighting, parking, night activities, and tree preservation, but overall support. Council adopted Resolution RES‑2023‑042 unanimously (7‑0). - Public Hearing – HOME‑ARP Allocation Plan (Item 15.1): Mark Hughes presented the plan recommending $2,737,433 in supportive services focusing on homelessness prevention, with an RFP process for sub‑recipients. No public comment. Council adopted Resolution RES‑2023‑043 unanimously (7‑0). Key Outcomes - Resolutions adopted (all with 7‑0 votes): - RES‑2023‑036: Lower Colgan Creek Neighborhood Park grant. - RES‑2023‑037: Prohousing Incentive Pilot Program application. - RES‑2023‑038: Purchase of ten Ford Mach‑E electric vehicles. - RES‑2023‑039: TIRCP Cycle 6 application ($15.9M). - RES‑2023‑040: Lease at 983 Sonoma Avenue (inRESPONSE). - RES‑2023‑041: Hearn Community Hub professional services agreement with Kitchell/CEM (not to exceed $5,812,022). - RES‑2023‑042: South Davis Neighborhood Park Master Plan Amendment. - RES‑2023‑043: HOME‑ARP Allocation Plan submittal and implementation. - Item 12.7 continued to March 14, 2023. - Council direction: Staff to work with Council on communication cadence for the Hearn Community Hub project; community engagement to continue through design phases. - Public safety concerns from non‑agenda comments (crosswalk, racism at Cardinal Newman, rent control) to be followed up by staff.

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission held a regular virtual meeting on February 23, 2023, at 4:30 PM. The meeting included approval of minutes, commissioner reports, and two public hearings. The Commission approved the Meadowood Ranch Subdivision (6-1) and continued the Brittain Townhomes project to March 9, 2023. Commissioner Reports - Commissioner Carter reported that the Subdivision Committee met and approved a six-lot subdivision on Brush Creek. - Chair Weeks appointed Commissioner Sanders to the Waterway Advisory Committee. - Commissioner Sanders expressed gratitude to the Commission, City Council, and staff for the opportunity to serve. Department Reports - Staff Liaison Jessica Jones announced that this meeting was the last virtual meeting; future meetings will be held in-person starting March 9, 2023, with a virtual option for the public. Discussion Items - 8.1 Meadowood Ranch Subdivision (PRJ21-021): Public hearing for a Conditional Use Permit and Tentative Map to subdivide 11.21 acres into 89 lots for a 137-unit (including 48 ADUs) for-rent housing project at 2853 & 2875 Dutton Meadow. Staff Planner Sheila Wolski presented the project details, including two requested exceptions: a reduced front setback from 10 to 8 feet and reduced private open space. Applicant Peter Johnson (New Growth Living) presented the project's design, management, and parking provisions. Public commenter Anthony Westergaard (resident of 2827 Dutton Meadow) raised concerns about sewer extension, Dutton Meadow widening, traffic, a nesting hawk tree, and potential wetlands. Staff and applicant responded. Commissioners discussed traffic impacts on Hearn Avenue, infrastructure timing, and the need for housing. Commissioner Holton opposed due to traffic concerns. The Commission approved the Conditional Use Permit (Resolution PC-2023-004) and Tentative Map (Resolution PC-2023-005) by a vote of 6-1, with Commissioner Holton dissenting. - 8.2 Brittain Townhomes (MAJ22-002): Public hearing for a Vesting Tentative Map for an 82-unit for-sale townhome project at 851 Brittain Lane. The agenda was reordered to address this item first. Staff requested a continuance due to a noticing deficiency. The Commission unanimously voted (7-0) to continue the item to a date certain of March 9, 2023. Key Outcomes - Approved the Meadowood Ranch Subdivision (Conditional Use Permit and Tentative Map) by a vote of 6-1. - Continued the Brittain Townhomes item to the March 9, 2023 meeting. - The meeting was adjourned at 5:48 PM in memory of former Planning Commissioner Mike Seneff.

This meeting of the Santa Rosa City Council, held on February 14, 2023, from 3:30 p.m. to 7:27 p.m., included interviews for the Housing Authority, a public hearing on the 2023-2031 Housing Element Update, and approval of several consent items. Council members present: Mayor Natalie Rogers, Vice Mayor Dianna MacDonald, Council Members Eddie Alvarez, Victoria Fleming, Jeff Okrepkie, and Chris Rogers. Council Member Mark Stapp was absent. The meeting also featured a staff briefing on the Community Empowerment Plan, a report on upcoming changes to the Brown Act, and a resolution to hire a retired annuitant as part-time Acting Chief Assistant City Attorney. Interviews for Housing Authority Vacancies - The Council interviewed four applicants for three at-large vacancies on the Housing Authority (terms expiring December 31, 2026): Andrew Smith, Jeremy Newton, Jeffrey Owen, and Tony Neal. - Public comment: Duane DeWitt urged the Council to prioritize downtown affordable housing and expressed concern about the lack of housing authority focus on downtown priorities. He also noted that he had applied but was not interviewed. - The Council voted to reappoint Jeffrey Owen (6-0-1, Stapp absent), appoint Jeremy Newton (6-0-1), and appoint Andrew Smith (4-2, with Okrepkie and C. Rogers voting no). The third vacancy was filled by Andrew Smith after a motion by Mayor Rogers; Council Members Okrepkie and C. Rogers voted no. Staff will bring a resolution confirming the appointments at the next meeting. Community Empowerment Plan Update (Item 8.1) - Danielle Garduno, Office of Community Engagement, reported on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mini-Grant Program, the Citywide Internship Program, and next steps for the Community Empowerment Plan. Applications for mini-grants will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, reviewed quarterly. - Public comment: Duane DeWitt expressed that community empowerment was not occurring in Roseland and other underserved areas, and that the bureaucracy was not effectively reaching residents. - The item was received and filed. City Attorney’s Report (Item 9) - City Attorney Sue Gallagher informed the Council that AB 361 (allowing remote participation without constraints) will expire at the end of February 2023. Starting in March, Council members will be subject to pre-existing Brown Act rules (remote location must be posted and accessible to the public) or new provisions under AB 2449 for just cause or emergency circumstances. The public will continue to have hybrid participation options. Consent Calendar - Items 13.1–13.5 and 13.8 were approved unanimously (6-0-1, Stapp absent): - 13.1: Authorization to issue a Design-Build Request for Proposals for the Fulton Road Riparian Habitat Mitigation Project. - 13.2: Resolution adopting amended Council Policy 000-47 “Community Promotion Funds” (RES-2023-028). - 13.3: Resolution approving a second amendment to the HVAC maintenance contract with Matrix HG, Inc., increasing compensation by $65,806.22 (total not to exceed $235,624.63) (RES-2023-029). - 13.4: Resolution approving an amendment to blanket purchase order with Smothers Parts International for automotive parts, increasing compensation by $350,000 (total not to exceed $447,000) (RES-2023-030). - 13.5: Resolution establishing speed limits on Cross Creek Road: 25 mph between Thomas Lake Harris Drive and Cross Creek Circle North, 30 mph between Cross Creek Circle North and Riebli Road (RES-2023-031). - 13.8: Resolution authorizing continued use of teleconferencing for public meetings under AB 361 until state and county health emergencies are lifted (RE-2023-032). - Items 13.6 and 13.7 were approved (5-0-2, Okrepkie abstained, Stapp absent): - 13.6: Ordinance (second reading) pre-zoning 4646 Badger Road and 999 Middle Rincon Road to R-1-6 (Single-Family Residential) (ORD-2023-001). - 13.7: Ordinance (second reading) pre-zoning 1600 Manzanita Avenue to RR-40-SR (Rural Residential Scenic Road Combining District) (ORD-2023-002). - Public comment: Duane DeWitt recommended public workshops on Item 13.2 and advocated for maintaining hybrid meetings and reconsidering the 3-minute speaking limit. Public Comments on Non-Agenda Matters (Item 14) - Multiple speakers addressed crosswalk safety near schools, requesting the Council add the issue to a future agenda. Speakers included Krystal England, Thomas Ells, Sandra Lemos, Monika Zapata, Martha Valdez, and Nancy (Santa Rosa City Schools employee). - Tom LaPenna discussed five mobile home parks not included in the mobile home park ordinance and requested clarification of the rent control amount on the city website. - Margaret DeMatteo, Legal Aid of Sonoma County, requested prioritization of mobile home rent increase issues for the March 9th goal setting meeting. - Gregory Fearon highlighted available federal funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. - Several other speakers addressed housing, homelessness, and utility meters. Public Hearing – Housing Element Update (2023-2031) (Item 16.1) - The Council held a public hearing to consider a General Plan Amendment adopting the 2023-2031 (6th cycle) Housing Element. Staff presented the plan, including a housing needs assessment, fair housing analysis, site inventory, and 42 actions/programs. The plan does not require rezoning to meet the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of 4,685 units. - Public comment: 19 speakers provided comments. Many expressed support for the plan but offered suggestions, including: - Eliminating inclusionary housing requirements (Adrian Covert, Lauren Fuhry). - Eliminating parking minimums citywide (Adrian Covert, Alexa Forrester, Steve Birdlebough). - Increasing bike parking and improving bike/pedestrian infrastructure (Evan Wiig, Kristen Kiefer). - Strengthening tenant protections and anti-displacement measures (Margaret DeMatteo). - Ensuring equitable distribution of affordable housing across the city (Duane DeWitt, Bob Harder). - Supporting the plan’s adoption to avoid the “builder’s remedy” and maintain state compliance. - The Council closed the public hearing at 7:11 p.m. Key Outcomes - Housing Element Adoption: The Council voted 6-0-1 (Stapp absent) to adopt two resolutions: 1. Resolution RES-2023-033 adopting an addendum to the 2035 General Plan EIR for the Housing Element Update. 2. Resolution RES-2023-034 adopting the General Plan Amendment to update the Housing Element for 2023-2031, including affirmatively furthering fair housing, and authorizing staff to submit the adopted element to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for certification. The motion also allowed staff to make minor revisions without returning to the Council. - Hiring of Retired Annuitant (Item 15.1): The Council approved Resolution RES-2023-035 to hire Jeffrey Berk, retired Chief Assistant City Attorney, as a part-time Acting Chief Assistant City Attorney from February 21, 2023, through February 20, 2024, or until the permanent position is filled. Compensation: $101.46 per hour with no benefits. Vote: 6-0-1 (Stapp absent). - Housing Authority Appointments: Jeffrey Owen, Jeremy Newton, and Andrew Smith were appointed to the Housing Authority. Staff will bring a resolution to confirm the appointments at the next meeting. - Directives: Staff was directed to re-advertise the third Housing Authority vacancy (after the Council filled all three positions by appointing Andrew Smith instead of leaving the third vacant). The Council also noted that the public will continue to have hybrid access to meetings even after the expiration of AB 361 for Council members.

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission held a regular meeting on January 26, 2023, starting at 4:30 p.m. and adjourning at 6:10 p.m. The primary item was a public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on the adoption of the 2023-2031 (6th cycle) Housing Element and an Addendum to the General Plan Environmental Impact Report. The meeting was conducted virtually via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All six commissioners were present. Consent Calendar - None. Public Comments & Testimony - Callum Weeks, Policy Director for Generation Housing, spoke during the public hearing. He thanked staff for their work and for providing redline versions of changes. He expressed support for the Housing Element overall but recommended two specific changes: extend the city's ADU fee structure to multifamily units of the same size, and adopt the County of Sonoma's residential unit equivalency definition. He urged the city to maintain an equity-focused approach to avoid repeating past mistakes that led to racial and economic segregation. Discussion Items - Staff from the Planning and Economic Development Department (Supervising Planner Amy Lyle, Equity and Public Health Planner Beatrice Guerrero Auna, and Consultant Cynthia Walsh from Placeworks) presented the Housing Element. The presentation covered: - Housing element requirements and the 8-year update cycle (2023-2031). - The Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of 4,685 units, broken down by income levels. - Public outreach efforts, including surveys (500 respondents, 42% renters, 72% women, 15% Latino/Hispanic), bilingual materials, and engagement with equity priority communities. - Fair housing assessment showing racial and income segregation, with Highway 101 as a barrier. - Site inventory analysis showing adequate capacity without rezoning, using a conservative approach for downtown sites and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). - The 42 housing programs (7 continuing, 19 modified, 16 new) to address identified needs. - Next steps: recommendation to City Council on February 14, 2023, then submission to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for certification. - Commissioners asked questions and provided comments: - Commissioner Duggan inquired about responses to a letter from Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California, Section 8 voucher waitlist (over 7,900 families, 7-10 year wait), planning fees, and several technical corrections. Staff noted that some requests require council direction and that fee study is underway. - Vice Chair Peterson questioned the feasibility of including older approved projects (some over 10 years) in the site inventory and the realism of using ADUs to increase diversity in high-resource areas. Staff explained the conservative assumptions and the longer-term General Plan update. - Commissioner Carter asked about ABAG population projections and expressed concerns about reliance on lower-density housing in higher-income areas. - Chair Weeks raised questions about funding sources, homeless services updates (safe parking program, Caritas Village), and design review board changes. - Staff clarified that many corrections and updates (e.g., point-in-time count, new housing projects) will be incorporated into the final document before submission to HCD. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: Commissioner Cisco moved, and Commissioner Carter seconded, to adopt Resolution PC-2023-003, which recommends that the City Council (1) adopt the Addendum to the General Plan EIR, (2) adopt a General Plan Amendment to update the Housing Element for 2023-2031, affirmatively furthering fair housing and complying with state housing element law, and (3) authorize staff to submit the adopted Housing Element to HCD for certification. The motion carried 6-0 (all commissioners present voting yes). - The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for February 23, 2023, which will be the last virtual meeting before returning to in-person sessions. Note: The agenda stated the City Council would consider adoption on February 14, 2022, but the correct date provided during the meeting is February 14, 2023.

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission met virtually on January 12, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. to consider two public hearing items: a rezoning of properties along West Barham and Barham Avenues to Light Industrial, and a Conditional Use Permit for a commercial cannabis microbusiness at 460 Timothy Road. The meeting lasted approximately 39 minutes, with Commissioner Cisco abstaining from both agenda items. Both proposals received unanimous support from the remaining commissioners. Consent Calendar - None. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received on non-agenda items. - During the public hearings: - Item 8.1 (Rezone): Applicant representative Nick Abbott expressed support, noting that the existing PD zoning is outdated and has hindered business development. He commended staff for including neighboring parcels to avoid a spot rezone. - Item 8.2 (Cannabis CUP): Applicant architect Michael Napolitano thanked staff and the commission for their guidance and stated he was available for questions. Discussion Items - Department Reports: Staff Liaison Jones reported on new and reappointed Planning Commissioners (effective February 1), including the appointment of Terry Sanders to the seventh seat. She also reminded commissioners of an upcoming League of California Cities conference and the January 26 meeting to consider the draft Housing Element. - Commissioner Abstentions: Commissioner Cisco disclosed that both projects are within 500 feet of her property and abstained from voting on items 8.1 and 8.2, leaving the meeting at 4:39 p.m. - 8.1 – Rezone – 11 W. Barham Avenue (REZ22-003): Project Planner Suzanne Hartman presented a rezoning of seven parcels from Planned Development (PD 96-002) to IL (Light Industrial) to achieve General Plan consistency. No new development is proposed; one existing use will become legal nonconforming. The project is CEQA-exempt per Section 15183. No public comments opposing the project were received. Commissioners expressed support, noting the PD zoning is outdated and the rezone aligns with the General Plan. All commissioners who voted made the required findings. - 8.2 – Conditional Use Permit – 460 Timothy Road (CUP22-025): Project Planner Monet Sheikhali presented a Major Conditional Use Permit for a commercial cannabis microbusiness at an existing 14,949-square-foot industrial building. The proposal includes 10,610 sq ft for cultivation, 252 sq ft for non-volatile manufacturing, and 395 sq ft for distribution, plus a 3,429-sq-ft building addition and site improvements (landscaping, parking). Hours of operation: 24/7, with three to four employees per shift. The site is separated from residential uses by a wall and road. Staff determined the project qualifies for three CEQA exemptions. A certified odor control plan, security plan, lighting, noise, and delivery plans were submitted. No public comments were received. Commissioners commended the completeness of the application and noted conditions in Exhibit A protect neighboring residences. Key Outcomes - Item 8.1: The Planning Commission voted 5–0–1 (Commissioner Cisco abstained) to adopt Resolution PC-2023-001, recommending City Council approval of the rezoning of seven parcels along West Barham and Barham Avenues from PD to IL. - Item 8.2: The Planning Commission voted 5–0–1 (Commissioner Cisco abstained) to adopt Resolution PC-2023-002, approving a Conditional Use Permit for a commercial cannabis microbusiness at 460 Timothy Road (File Nos. PRJ22-008, CUP22-025, DR22-017). - Decisions are final unless appealed within 10 calendar days.

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission held a special virtual meeting on December 14, 2022, at 4:30 PM to conduct public hearings on two land use items: a conditional use permit for a cannabis cultivation facility and a six-unit duet home subdivision. The meeting adjourned at 5:30 PM. Commissioners present: Chair Karen Weeks, Vice Chair Julian Peterson, Commissioner Charles Carter, and Commissioner Patti Cisco. Commissioners Vicki Duggan and Jeffrey Holton were absent. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 4.2 (Stone Bridge Duet Homes): Peter Schmidt, president of the Meadows at Oakmont homeowners association, expressed concerns about drainage from the proposed project and requested information on construction timelines. No other public comments were received on either item. Discussion Items - Item 4.1 – Conditional Use Permit for Cannabis Cultivation (3043 Wiljan Ct – CUP22-029): Project Planner Monet Sheikhali presented the proposal for a Type 3A commercial cannabis cultivation facility within an existing 19,627-square-foot industrial building. The project includes a certified odor mitigation plan, security plan, and no exterior changes. Staff recommended approval under CEQA Class 1 and Class 32 exemptions. The applicant, James Lee, noted the planner’s helpfulness. No questions or opposition were raised. - Item 4.2 – Stone Bridge Road Duet Homes (6611 Stone Bridge Rd – PRJ21-022): Project Planner Mike Wixon presented the proposal to subdivide a 0.75-acre vacant corner lot into six attached single-family lots (three duet buildings). The project is in a general commercial zone, and attached single-family housing is permitted via conditional use permit. Staff recommended CEQA exemptions (Class 32, 15183, and previously adopted mitigated negative declaration for the broader subdivision). Commissioner Cisco raised concerns about: the loss of the commercial site without analysis of future commercial needs; the design turning its back on Oakmont Drive; and the project being entirely market-rate. She questioned whether a general plan amendment should have been considered. Vice Chair Peterson and Chair Weeks supported the project, noting neighborhood support, existing commercial potential nearby, and policy flexibility. Commissioner Carter supported the project, finding the required findings could be made. Key Outcomes - Item 4.1: Motion by Commissioner Cisco, seconded by Vice Chair Peterson, to adopt Resolution PC-2022-037 approving the conditional use permit for cannabis cultivation. Passed 4-0 (Weeks, Peterson, Carter, Cisco in favor; Duggan and Holton absent). - Item 4.2 (Conditional Use Permit): Motion by Vice Chair Peterson, seconded by Commissioner Carter, to adopt Resolution PC-2022-038 approving the conditional use permit for the Stone Bridge Duet Homes. Passed 3-1 (Weeks, Peterson, Carter in favor; Cisco opposed; Duggan and Holton absent). - Item 4.2 (Tentative Map): Motion by Vice Chair Peterson, seconded by Commissioner Carter, to adopt Resolution PC-2022-039 approving the tentative map to subdivide the parcel into six lots. Passed 3-1 (same vote). - Both actions are final unless appealed within 10 calendar days. - The design review permit for the project will be considered separately by the Design Review Board in January 2023.

The meeting agenda, minutes, and transcript were not included in the input. A summary cannot be generated.