Public Meetings - Santa Rosa, California

The City Council held a special meeting on April 20, 2026, convening at 12:30 PM and adjourning at 5:02 PM. The sole purpose of the meeting was a closed session to conduct interviews for the position of City Manager. No public comment was received, and no reportable action was taken. Closed Session - The City Council recessed into closed session at 12:30 PM to discuss Item 3.1: Public Employment (City Manager Interviews). - Council Member Caroline Bañuelos participated remotely under Just Cause provisions due to a contagious illness. - The closed session concluded at 4:50 PM, and the meeting reconvened in open session at 5:01 PM. Report from Closed Session - Mayor Stapp reported that there was no reportable action from the closed session. Attendance - At the start of the meeting, six members were present: Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Members Eddie Alvarez, Victoria Fleming, Dianna MacDonald, and Natalie Rogers. Council Member Bañuelos was absent. - Upon reconvening, five members were present: Mayor Stapp, Vice Mayor Okrepkie, and Council Members Alvarez, Fleming, and MacDonald. Council Members Bañuelos and Rogers were absent.

On April 10, 2026, the Santa Rosa City Council convened a special meeting at 8:00 AM to conduct closed‑session interviews for the City Manager position. The meeting opened with public comments on the selection criteria and the interim city manager, then recessed into closed session. It reconvened at 4:17 PM, at which time the Mayor reported no reportable action. The meeting adjourned at 4:18 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - Duane DeWitt (Roseland resident) urged the Council to ensure the new city manager supports the Open Government Task Force recommendations, commits to long‑term service for operational continuity, and receives a pay package that is mindful of the city’s budget constraints. - Janice Karrman spoke in support of interim city manager Lori, praising her character, leadership, and “gravitas,” and encouraged the Council to embrace and support her. Key Outcomes - The Council met in closed session from approximately 8:07 AM to 4:17 PM to interview candidates for the City Manager position. - Upon reconvening, Mayor Stapp reported that there was no reportable action from closed session. - At the reconvened open session, the roll call showed four members present (Mayor Stapp, Vice Mayor Okrepkie, Council Member Bañuelos, and Council Member Rogers) and three absent (Council Members Alvarez, Fleming, and MacDonald). - The meeting was adjourned at 4:18 PM.

Meeting Date: April 9, 2026 Meeting Time: 4:30 PM – 4:42 PM Location: City Hall, Council Chamber, 100 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa, CA The Planning Commission convened for a regular meeting at 4:30 PM. The session was brief, consisting of a single public hearing on the pre‑zoning of 1977 Marsh Road for annexation and sewer connection. The Commission voted unanimously (6‑0, one absent) to recommend approval to the City Council. Consent Calendar - None. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke on any agenda or non‑agenda items. Discussion Items - Department Report (Staff Liaison Jessica Jones): - Announced an upcoming appeal (June second meeting) of a Zoning Administrator action for a community care facility on Benjamin’s Road. - Noted the cancellation of the April 23, 2026 meeting due to lack of items. - Reported that the City Council approved the first reading of the Conditional Use Permit streamlining ordinance (from the Commission) on April 7, 2026; second reading is scheduled for April 21, 2026, with an effective date of May 21, 2026. - The Spring Lake Village item (heard previously by the Commission) is scheduled for Council on May 12, 2026. - The Del Valle drive‑through approval (denied by the Commission) is being appealed; tentatively set for Council on July 28, 2026. - Public Hearing – 1977 Marsh Road Annexation & Sewer Connection (PLN25‑0580): - Presented by Senior Planner Hana Michaelson. - Request: Pre‑zone the 1977 Marsh Road parcel to RR‑20 (Rural Residential) to allow annexation into the City for sewer service connection and future construction of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). - CEQA Exempt under Section 15183 (consistency with General Plan) and Section 15319 (annexation of existing structures at pre‑zoning density). - The parcel is a county island in northwest Santa Rosa; General Plan land use is Very Low Density Residential. - One public comment (from an adjacent neighbor) inquired about sewer main size and connection costs; Water Engineering Services provided that mains are 8 inches (east and south) or 10 inches (south sewer), and connection fees are set annually. - LAFCO conducted a sentiment survey of all 25 property owners in the county island (October and December 2025); only four expressed interest in annexation, and no logical boundary could be drawn, so LAFCO recommended single‑parcel annexation. - Commissioners Horton, Sanders, Carter, and Weeks each disclosed having visited the vicinity but had no ex parte communications. - Staff recommended approval; no opposition or further questions from the public. Key Outcomes - Motion by Commissioner Cisco, seconded by Vice Chair Duggan: - To adopt Resolution No. PC‑RES‑2026‑015, recommending that the City Council pre‑zone the property at 1977 Marsh Road to RR‑20 (Rural Residential) zoning district (APN 036‑035‑011, File No. PLN25‑0580) and waive reading of the text. - Vote: 6‑0 (Commissioners Weeks, Duggan, Carter, Cisco, Horton, Sanders voted yes; Commissioner Pardo absent) – motion carried. - The approval becomes final unless appealed within 10 calendar days (fee required). - The Commission adjourned at 4:42 PM.

The Santa Rosa City Council met on April 7, 2026, at 2:30 PM for a closed session and reconvened at 4:00 PM for regular business. The meeting included proclamations, staff briefings, a consent calendar of 13 items, a public hearing on conditional use permit streamlining, and reports on the Homelessness Solutions Strategic Plan and the Police Department's Annual Military Equipment Report. The meeting adjourned at 6:25 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved 13 consent items (13.1 through 13.13) by a 6-0-0-0 vote (Council Member Alvarez absent). Items included: - Second amendments to legal services agreements with Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP (general municipal legal services, +$45,000; personnel/employment legal services, +$100,000). - First amendment with Kramer Workplace Investigations for employment-related investigations (+$150,000, total $250,000) and ratification of $4,961 in erroneously made payments. - Purchase orders for a Vac-Con 1100 Xcavator ($682,634.73) and a DTC Thermoplastic Application System ($216,258.40) via cooperative contracts. - Addition of subcontractor Sonoma Marin Electric to the Garage Hoist project (no additional cost). - Resolutions authorizing SB1 Road Maintenance funding ($4,820,318 for Oakmont Pavement Maintenance), TDA Article 3 grants ($15,000 for a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon at College Avenue and Beaver Street, and $143,189 for Safety Demonstration Projects at High Injury Intersections), TDA Article IV/State Transit Assistance application ($16,600,000), SB1 State of Good Repair funding ($30,788), summary vacation of a portion of public service easement at Lyon Court, acceptance of a Prohousing Incentive Program grant ($1.25 million), and adoption on second reading of Ordinance No. ORD-2026-005 (adding Chapter 13-40 to the City Code to establish that civil immigration enforcement is not a city purpose and to prohibit use of city property that would disrupt operations or discourage access to services). Public Comments & Testimony - Fred Allebach spoke in favor of the fair housing proclamation, emphasizing the triple bottom line of sustainability and the importance of affordable housing at 30% of income. He also commented on upcoming traffic discussions and the city's performance in the March meeting, complimenting the council and police department's alignment with North Bay values. - David Harris expressed concern over the escalation of costs for the Highway 101 overcrossing project since 2004, noting a pending lawsuit, and suggested a separate fee schedule for nonprofits and a sunset date for the conditional use permit streamlining. He also asked about sales history of military equipment. - Maryanne Michaels thanked the council for their work on the immigration enforcement ordinance (Item 13.13). - Al Lerman (Mitote Food Park) spoke in support of the conditional use permit streamlining, noting it would reduce processing time from weeks and months to days. - Peter spoke on legal vs. lawful systems, the power of magic, and expanding community gardens to address homelessness, referencing Luther Burbank. - Elena (Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California) thanked the council for the fair housing proclamation and highlighted challenges in the current political climate. - Zobida McCorguodale and Maria Kapitonova thanked the council for the American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness proclamation. Discussion Items - Proclamations: The council presented three proclamations: National Child Abuse Prevention Month (to CASA), Fair Housing Month (to Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California), and American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month. Representatives accepted and spoke. - Staff Briefings: - Earth Day at Courthouse Square: Jennifer Nesbitt announced the 17th Annual Earth Day Festival on April 25, 2026, from 12-4 PM, with an estimated attendance of 2,000, free bike parking, 60 vendors, live performances, and creek cleanups. - Community Empowerment Plan Update: Ana Horta outlined upcoming events including a Hopper Avenue Corridor Fire Recovery virtual meeting (April 8), Park and Month volunteer day (April 11), police traffic safety meetings (April 16, May, June), volunteer planting days, and board vacancies. - City Manager's Report: Jason Nutt highlighted upcoming groundbreakings for the Highway 101 bike/ped overcrossing (April 11) and Hopper Avenue reconstruction (April 14), improvements at Comstock Pedestrian Mall, and awards to Chief John Cregan (Allen W. Sill Founders Award), the Transportation and Public Works and Santa Rosa Water departments (Environmental Project of the Year for Lower Colgan Creek), and Sara Kozel (40 Under 40). - Council Member Reports: Reports included updates on the West End quarterly meeting, Sonoma County Homeless Coalition (potential 15% reduction in homeless services funding), Cal Cities Policy Committees, Springfest, Black Chamber egg hunt, WACTAC meeting, Measure H oversight committee, SRPD awards banquet, Fire Department ride-along, and Southwest Airlines inaugural flights to the county. - Public Hearing – Conditional Use Permit Streamlining: Deputy Director Jessica Jones presented amendments to the Zoning Code to create a Director Level Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process, reduce CUP levels for certain uses, and update Temporary Use Permits. The fee for the Director CUP is set at approximately $800 (consistent with other director-level processes). The council introduced the ordinance and adopted the resolution by a 5-0-0-0 vote (Mayor Stapp and Council Member Alvarez absent). Council members requested an update in 18 months. - Report – Homelessness Solutions Strategic Plan Year Three (2025): Sasha Brown and Kelli Kuykendall presented the year three report. Key outcomes: homelessness in Santa Rosa decreased by 31% since 2022 (from 1,658 to 1,140), 718 individuals were housed in FY2024-25 (24% increase over prior year), 245 households prevented from homelessness through Keep People House Sonoma, encampments with 10+ dwellings prevented, and occupied vehicles reduced by 95%. The city invested $4.3 million annually in homeless services. The council received the report by a 5-0-0-0 vote. - Report – Police Department Annual Military Equipment Report: Chief John Cregan and Lieutenant Chris Mahurin presented the AB 481 annual report. The department has 8 of 15 categories of military equipment. The report covered use, funding, acquisition, and community engagement (a meeting in January with 30 attendees). The council adopted a resolution (amended to correct terminology) determining not to repeal or amend the military equipment use ordinance by a 5-0-0-0 vote. Key Outcomes - Consent Items: Approved 13 items unanimously (6-0). - Conditional Use Permit Streamlining: Ordinance introduced and resolution adopted (5-0). The new Director Level CUP process will take 6-8 weeks and cost $800, compared to the previous minor CUP process at $10,000 and 3-4 months. An update is expected in 18 months. - Homelessness Solutions Strategic Plan: Received the Year Three report (5-0). The council noted the 31% reduction and the need for continued funding, especially given potential cuts at the county level. - Military Equipment Report: Adopted resolution to maintain the existing ordinance (5-0). The department will continue to use and acquire equipment within current budget, with no equipment procured from military sources.

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission held a regular meeting on March 26, 2026, at 4:30 PM in the Council Chamber. All seven commissioners were present. The meeting covered approval of minutes, a report on the General Plan and Inclusionary Housing Annual Review for 2025, a public hearing for a conditional use permit for distilled spirits sales at a convenience store, and a public hearing for the Spring Lake Village East Grove senior living project. The commission accepted the annual report, approved the liquor permit, and recommended City Council approval of the East Grove project with five resolutions. Consent Calendar - Draft minutes from March 12, 2026, were approved as submitted. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made on non-agenda items. - During the public hearing for Item 11.2 (Spring Lake Village East Grove), four residents of the nearby Villa Los Alamos condominiums spoke in opposition: - Rachel opposed the project, citing concerns about the removal of 264 trees (including 76 live oaks, 4 redwoods, 18 valley oaks), impacts on threatened species (amphibians, birds, bats, steelhead), traffic safety at the Highway 12/Los Alamos Road intersection, wildfire evacuation risks, and noise. She noted the intersection is dangerous and that the alternative chosen still has significant environmental impacts. - Alyse spoke in opposition, emphasizing the loss of a beautiful meadow, the destruction of over 200 trees, harm to endangered species, archaeological significance to indigenous people, and traffic issues. She argued the project is motivated by greed rather than genuine elder care. - Lori opposed the project, focusing on noise impacts. She claimed she measured noise levels up to 200 decibels from the intersection, which she said is harmful, and noted that the entrance would be across from Villa Los Alamos. She also expressed concerns about traffic and parking changes in the area. - Lucas Farley read a closing statement on behalf of Rachel. He opposed the project, stating it is a niche development for a small, wealthy population and benefits only a few board members from Los Angeles, while the negative impacts affect 26,000 Rincon Valley residents. He questioned the community integration of the existing Spring Lake Village and called the project a step toward a cloistered private community. Discussion Items - General Plan and Inclusionary Housing Annual Review Report for 2025 (Item 10.1): City Planner Sachnoor Bisla and Supervising Planner Amy Nicholson presented a comprehensive review of progress on General Plan 2050 goals, housing production, inclusionary housing ordinance, economic development, transportation, fire services, and other elements. Notable highlights: 847 new residential units permitted in 2025 (third highest in six years), over $1.4 million in housing impact fees collected, and the launch of the South Santa Rosa Specific Plan. Commissioners asked questions about enhanced infrastructure financing districts (EIFD), fire response times (82% within six minutes), and evacuation analysis. The commission accepted the report unanimously (7-0). - Conditional Use Permit for 24 Seven Foods & Fuel (Item 11.1): Project Planner Jandon Briscoe presented a request to add distilled spirits for off-site consumption (Type 21 license) at an existing convenience store at 3230 Coffey Lane. The site currently sells beer and wine. The applicant, Steve Rawlings, explained that the request is driven by the market for ready-to-drink beverages (e.g., White Claw vodka soda) which contain distilled spirits. He assured the commission that liquor would be stored behind the counter and that the business would address an unpermitted food truck on site. Police had no objections. The commission approved the permit unanimously (7-0) via Resolution PC-RES-2026-009. - Spring Lake Village East Grove (Item 11.2): Supervising Planner Monet Sheikhali and consultant Brian Baccherini (GHD) presented the project, which proposes 32 independent senior living units (14 cottages and 18 units in a three-story villa) on a vacant parcel near Highway 12. The project requires certification of a Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR), a conditional use permit, a hillside development permit, rezoning from RR-40-SR to PD-0308-SR, and a text amendment to the Planned Development policy statement. Staff noted extensive tribal consultation, the selection of Alternative Two (maximum avoidance of cultural resources), and that the EIR found no significant unavoidable impacts. Applicant Mary McMullen (COO of Front Porch, a nonprofit) and attorney Barbara Schusman emphasized the need for senior housing, the nonprofit nature of the organization, and the extensive mitigation measures. Commissioner Horton recused himself due to a lease adjacent to the property. Four public commenters opposed the project (see Public Comments). Staff and consultants responded to concerns about tree removal, traffic (80 daily trips, under CEQA threshold), noise (constructed to meet city limits), and wildfire evacuation (fire marshal noted Spring Lake Village is highly prepared and the city has a flush plan for evacuations). The commission recommended approval by the City Council on all five resolutions, each passing 6-0 (Horton recused): - Resolution PC-RES-2026-010: Certify the Final EIR and adopt CEQA findings. - Resolution PC-RES-2026-011: Approve a Minor Conditional Use Permit for the 32-unit community care facility. - Resolution PC-RES-2026-012: Approve a Hillside Development Permit. - Resolution PC-RES-2026-013: Rezone 225 Los Alamos Road to PD-0308-SR. - Resolution PC-RES-2026-014: Adopt a Text Amendment to the Planned Development 0308 Policy Statement. Key Outcomes - Approved: Minutes of March 12, 2026 (unanimous). - Accepted: General Plan and Inclusionary Housing Annual Review Report for 2025 (7-0). - Approved: Resolution PC-RES-2026-009 for a Conditional Use Permit for distilled spirits sales at 3230 Coffey Lane (7-0). - Recommended to City Council (6-0, Horton recused): Five resolutions for the Spring Lake Village East Grove project, including certification of the Final EIR, a conditional use permit, a hillside development permit, rezoning, and a text amendment. The recommendation will move to the City Council for final action.

The Santa Rosa City Council met on March 24, 2026, for a regular meeting that began with a closed session at 1:00 PM, followed by a study session at 3:00 PM, and the regular session at 4:00 PM, adjourning at 11:07 PM. The meeting included a public hearing on the Pura Vida Recovery Services appeal, introduction of an ordinance restricting immigration enforcement on city property, approval of a water rate increase, and acceptance of the General Plan Annual Review. Consent Calendar - Approved 13 items (motion carried 6-0, with Council Member Fleming voting no and two recusals: Council Member MacDonald on Item 13.1 (Animal Damage Management) and Vice Mayor Okrepkie on Item 13.5 (Westcoast Solar Energy)). Notable items include: - Third Amendment to Blanket Purchase Order with Animal Damage Management ($35,000 increase, total $135,000). - 2025 Annual Public Records Requests Report accepted. - Second Amendment with California Public Policy Group ($60,000 increase, total $208,800). - Waiver of competitive bid for Turnstone Data Inc. ($163,985) for parking data analytics. - Second Amendment with Westcoast Solar Energy ($44,000, total $124,030) for eGauge monitoring. - Contract award to Argonaut Constructors for Calistoga Road Pavement Rehabilitation ($10,592,049) and Galvin Courts Renovation ($4,239,254.55). - Second Amendment with Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation ($250,000 increase, total $350,000) for workplace investigations. - Appropriation of $7,592,405.31 in Regional Enterprise Funds for Laguna Treatment Plant Disinfection Improvements. - Service Contract with Santa Rosa City School District ($72,019) for summer youth programs. - Extension of Proclamation of Local Homeless Emergency. - Adoption of ordinance implementing 2023-2031 Housing Element (second reading). - Adoption of ordinance amending Massage Regulation (second reading). Public Comments & Testimony - Study Session (South Santa Rosa Specific Plan): Multiple speakers from the Moorland neighborhood and advocacy groups expressed support for including Moorland in future annexation discussions and emphasized anti-displacement policies. Fred Allebach urged focus on equity. Ken MacNab (KMAC Advising) supported Alternative 2. Others requested translation improvements and cautioned against cherry-picking annexation. - Public Hearing (Pura Vida Recovery Services): Approximately 60 speakers. Supporters (including former clients, family members, recovery advocates) highlighted the need for treatment and positive impact. Opponents (Skyhawk United, residents) cited fire evacuation risks, zoning incompatibility, parking, and concerns about intensity. Dr. David Chen (appellant) and Kelsey Maynard/Erin Carlstrom presented arguments against the project. Applicant Alex Wignall and staff responded. - Ordinance on Immigration Enforcement: Approximately 20 speakers, all supporting the ordinance but urging stronger non-collaboration language. Speakers included members of Sanctuary Coalition, Indivisible, and community members. Scott Johnson requested data-sharing restrictions. Maryanne Michaels asked for ICE-free zones near schools. - Water Rate Increase: No public comments. - General Plan Annual Review: No public comments. - Non-Agenda Public Comments: Gregory Fearon suggested watching Board of Supervisors meeting. Duane De Witt discussed veteran homelessness. Jason Sweeney and others spoke on Gaza and immigration. Lindsey Kurjecki spoke about personal challenges seeking help. Discussion Items - Study Session – South Santa Rosa Specific Plan (Item 4.1): Staff presented three land use alternatives (Mixed Use Corridor, City Centered Growth, Centers). Council discussed annexation feasibility, fiscal impacts, and displacement risks. Council leaned toward Alternative 2 or hybrid. Staff directed to incorporate community feedback and return with preferred alternative. - Immigration Enforcement Ordinance (Item 15.3): Assistant City Manager Jason Nutt and City Attorney Teresa Stricker presented the proposed Chapter 13-40, modeled on San Francisco's ordinance. It establishes that civil immigration enforcement is not a city purpose and prohibits use of city property that disrupts operations or discourages access to services. Council debated adding non-collaboration language; staff recommended passing now and returning with amendments. Motion to introduce on first reading passed 7-0. - Sonoma Water Rate Increase (Item 15.1): Sonoma Water proposed an 8.21% wholesale rate increase for FY 2026-27 ($1,400.86 to $1,515.87 per acre foot). Santa Rosa Water estimated a net 6.4% increase (approx. $5.33/month for average household). Council directed its Water Advisory Committee representative to vote yes at the April 6, 2026 WAC meeting. Motion passed 6-1 (Fleming absent). - General Plan and Inclusionary Housing Annual Review (Item 15.2): Staff presented 2025 progress on housing, transportation, economic development, parks, safety, and environmental goals. Council waived joint study session requirement and accepted the report. Motion passed 6-1 (Fleming absent). Key Outcomes - Pura Vida Recovery Services Appeal (Item 16.1): Council denied both appeals and upheld the Planning Commission's approval of a Minor Conditional Use Permit for a 24-bed community care facility at 5761 Mountain Hawk Drive. Motion carried 6-0 (MacDonald recused). Resolution No. RES-2026-026. - Immigration Enforcement Ordinance: Introduced on first reading (unanimous 7-0). A second reading and adoption will occur at a future meeting. Ordinance adding Chapter 13-40 to the Santa Rosa City Code. - Water Rate Increase: Council directed its WAC representative to vote in favor of Sonoma Water's proposed FY 2026-27 budget and rate increase. - General Plan Annual Review: Report accepted; Council Policy 200-01 waived for joint study session. - Consent Calendar: Approved with noted recusals. Resolutions adopted: RES-2026-027 (Van Dermyden Makus), RES-2026-028 (Laguna Treatment Plant), RES-2026-029 (Summer Youth Programs), RES-2026-030 (Homeless Emergency extension). Ordinances adopted on second reading: ORD-2026-003 (Housing Element), ORD-2026-004 (Massage Regulation). - Closed Session: No reportable action on City Manager employment. - Proclamations: Women's History Month and American Red Cross Month proclaimed. - Staff Briefing: "Let's Talk Santa Rosa" engagement tool received; survey to launch March 25.

Date: March 12, 2026 Time: 4:30 PM – 5:42 PM Location: City Hall Council Chamber, 100 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa, CA Commissioners Present: Chair Karen Weeks, Vice Chair Vicki Duggan, Commissioner Charles Carter, Commissioner Patti Cisco, Commissioner Miles Horton, Commissioner Terrence Sanders (6) Absent: Commissioner Aaron Pardo Recusal: Commissioner Sanders recused from item 11.3 due to a personal relationship with a member of the applicant's representation team. --- Consent Calendar - None. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments on non-agenda matters. Discussion Items 11.2 Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Streamlining – Zoning Code Text Amendments Presenter: Jessica Jones, Deputy Director of Planning Background: The City proposes amendments to the Zoning Code to streamline the CUP process, supporting economic development. Three main elements: 1) Create a Director-level CUP process for administrative review unless a public hearing is requested within 14 days after notice to property owners within 600 feet; 2) Reduce the level of CUP required for certain uses (e.g., Major to Minor, Minor to Director); 3) Update Temporary Use Permit rules to allow pop-up retail and interim activities on vacant or underutilized sites. Public Hearing: Opened and closed at 4:48 PM with no speakers. Commissioner Discussion: Commissioner Cisco asked about alcohol sales requirements and noted discrepancies between code requirements and available police data. Staff acknowledged the issue and committed to future policy work. Vice Chair Duggan raised late correspondence from Mr. Evans requesting additional items (paint, tile, appliances, furniture, mattresses) be added to industrial land use tables. Staff recommended adding the "furniture, furnishings, appliance, equipment store" use to Table 2-10 (industrial districts) as permitted by right in Business Park and Light Industrial, not allowed in General Industrial. The commission agreed to incorporate this addition. Vote: Motion to recommend adoption to City Council passed 6-0 (Commissioner Pardo absent). Resolution No. PC-RES-2026-007. 11.3 MD Market – Major Conditional Use Permit for Alcohol Sales and Extended Hours Location: 1478 Guerneville Road Applicant: Mangal Singh Dhillon (MD Market) Proposal: A neighborhood-serving retail market (permitted by right) seeking a Major CUP for off-site alcohol sales and extended hours of operation from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM, seven days per week (standard permitted hours are 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM). The site is a 5,040 sq. ft. former Kelly Moore paint store with no building expansion. Improvements include parking lot restriping, lighting upgrades, and security features. Presenter: Kristinae Toomians, Senior Planner Public Hearing: Opened at 5:12 PM, closed at 5:21 PM. Three speakers: - Dr. Les Shipley (opposed): Argued the area is professional/medical offices, has nearby apartments with crime issues, and the store would attract crime. Noted that the Smart Train station nearby creates safety concerns, and that the applicant's other stores focus on alcohol, not food. - Janice Shipley (opposed): Concerned about late-night alcohol sales (6 AM to midnight) near professional offices and residential areas. Cited a Boston University study showing a 23% increase in violent crimes when alcohol stores are open late. Stated the area already has enough alcohol outlets. - James Nobles (supported): Commercial broker, highlighted the quality of the operator, the activation of a vacant building, and consistency with the new General Plan. Commissioner Discussion: - Commissioner Cisco asked about the justification for extended hours. Applicant stated staff start at 5 AM and customers come after work, and that other MD Markets have extended hours successfully. - Commissioner Cisco also requested better data maps (ABC and police beat overlays) for future alcohol CUP reviews. - Commissioner Carter and Chair Weeks initially favored reducing hours to 11 PM, but after discussion and noting that the additional hour would support transit-oriented development (Smart Train arrival at 9:59 PM) and activate the area, the commission agreed to keep the extended hours. - Police Lieutenant Hackett (via Zoom) confirmed that the police department had no concern with extended hours given the security conditions. - Commissioner Horton supported extended hours, citing the General Plan's mixed-use transit village vision and walkability goals. Vote: Motion to approve the Major CUP with alcohol sales and extended hours (6 AM–12 AM, 7 days/week) passed 5-0 (Commissioner Sanders recused, Commissioner Pardo absent). Resolution No. PC-RES-2026-008. Key Outcomes - CUP Streamlining: The Planning Commission unanimously voted (6-0) to recommend the Zoning Code text amendments to the City Council. The recommendation includes adding "furniture, furnishings, appliance, equipment store" as a permitted use in Business Park and Light Industrial districts. - MD Market CUP: The Commission approved (5-0) the Major Conditional Use Permit for off-site alcohol sales and extended hours (6:00 AM to 12:00 AM, seven days per week) at 1478 Guerneville Road, subject to conditions (exterior lighting, surveillance cameras, on-site management, operational standards to discourage loitering). - Next Steps: The CUP decision is final unless appealed within 10 calendar days. The CUP streamlining recommendation will be considered by the City Council. Staff will continue policy work on aligning police data with CUP review criteria.

The Santa Rosa City Council met on March 10, 2026, starting at 2:52 PM with a closed session and study session, followed by the regular session at 4:00 PM. All votes were 5-0-0-0 with Mayor Mark Stapp and Council Member Victoria Fleming absent. Key actions included approving two TEFRA bond issuances for affordable housing, adopting zoning code amendments for massage regulations and housing element implementation, and authorizing a Design-Build RFP for park and pavement projects with direction to prioritize PFAS-free artificial turf at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Study Session – SB 707 Brown Act Amendments - The City Clerk and City Attorney presented an overview of recent Brown Act changes under Senate Bill 707 (2025), effective January 1 and July 1, 2026. Topics included new remote participation rules, social media prohibitions, disruptive behavior provisions, reasonable accommodations, mandatory remote public comment for council meetings, and agenda translation requirements. - Council provided direction to staff: (1) not to authorize fully remote participation for eligible subsidiary bodies (bicycle/pedestrian, parks & rec, water advisory), (2) update the council manual for public comment length and minutes, (3) consider an exception to the open government ordinance to allow the council to proceed with meetings without Spanish interpretation after good-faith efforts during an internet disruption, (4) retain current agenda translation requirements (5% population threshold, no cap), and (5) update citizen participation policy. Proclamations & Presentations - National Surveyors Week (March 15–21, 2026) – Presented to Bruce John, Sonoma County Chapter of the California Land Surveyor’s Association. - Luther Burbank Home & Gardens – Presented to Linda Hall, Board President, who noted 96 volunteers contributed 9,076.25 hours in 2025 (economic value $364,320.68). Upcoming events: April 11 exhibit for 100th anniversary of Burbank’s death, April 18 plant sale. - Arbor Week (March 8–14, 2026) – Presented to Parks Superintendent James Castro, who highlighted the department’s reduced staff (from 62 to 23 FTE) and the March 14 Arbor Day celebration planting over 40 trees. Public Comments & Testimony - Non-Agenda Matters (Item 14) – Speakers addressed: - Shane Weinstein (ATU Local 1575) opposed MASCOTS regional transit cuts, noting that after 8 PM Sonoma County becomes a transit desert; 45 weekday and 47 weekend riders rely on those routes. - Adina Flores alleged a false arrest and fraudulent police reports. - Sean Evans (SBA) announced disaster loan deadlines for tidal flooding (physical damage: April 6, 2026; economic injury: November 3, 2026). - Fred Allebach urged consideration of displacement from the South Santa Rosa Specific Plan. - Al Lerma and Randy supported reinstating evening Golden Gate Transit funding. - Public Hearing 16.2 (Apple Valley Bonds) – Lauren Fuhry (Burbank Housing) thanked staff. - Public Hearing 16.4 (Housing Element) – Alethea Larson (The Living Room) supported tiny homes, noting 34 individuals housed via trailers and tiny homes in four years. Fred Allebach commented on the urban growth boundary and low-density zoning limiting affordable housing. - Report Item 15.1 (Design-Build & Turf) – Fred Allebach supported turf alternatives. Tommy Isacson (Santa Rosa Youth Soccer League, police officer) strongly supported synthetic turf with lighting, citing crime prevention and youth development. Discussion Items - Consent Calendar – Items 13.1, 13.2, 13.4, 13.5, 13.6, 13.7 approved. Item 13.3 (Animal Damage Management) continued to March 24 due to Council Member MacDonald’s recusal, which broke the quorum. - Massage Ordinance Amendments (16.3) – Staff presented changes to Chapter 20-49 to enable Live Scan background checks and refine definitions. Police Chief Cregan described a three-pronged approach: code enforcement partnership, criminal enforcement (three search warrants, multiple arrests, seizure of hundreds of thousands of dollars), and landlord engagement. Council approved unanimously. - Housing Element Implementation (16.4) – Staff introduced amendments to allow tiny homes on wheels (only in rural residential zoned districts, one per lot, size and design standards), housing cooperatives, farm worker housing, residential care facilities, and ADU updates per state law. Planning application fees for tiny homes set at $2,885 (lowest minor use permit fee). Council approved. - Design-Build RFP for Park & Pavement Projects (15.1) – Staff recommended design-build for Oakmont Pavement Maintenance, MLK Jr. Park sports field and play area, and Bayer Park natural play area. Extensive discussion on artificial vs. natural turf for the MLK soccer field. Director Hennessey presented lifecycle cost analysis: artificial turf costs 2x more to install but 20% of maintenance costs over 10 years, with similar total costs but higher usage capacity. Council members expressed strong support for artificial turf with PFAS-free materials, citing equity, youth engagement, reduced water use, and maintenance burden on parks staff. Staff confirmed ability to fund the full project (not phased) and will bring budget approval in May. Council approved the motion with direction to prioritize PFAS-free, environmentally friendly turf systems. Key Outcomes - Study Session – Direction given to staff on Brown Act implementation (see above). - Consent Items Approved (13.1, 13.2, 13.4–13.7): - Second Amendment to Blanket Purchase Order with Linde Gas & Equipment Inc. ($100,000 increase, total $199,000). - Purchase of three mid-size trucks ($121,482.75). - Third Amendment to BPO with Scott’s PPE Recon, Inc. ($32,000 increase, total $113,000). - Master Services Agreement with CivicPlus, LLC ($169,317 for three years). - Seventh Amendment to legal services agreement with Geary, Shea, O’Donnell, Grattan & Mitchell P.C. ($40,000 increase, total $680,000) and appropriation of $70,000 from unassigned General Fund. - Second reading and adoption of ordinance rezoning 10 properties (ORD-2026-002). - Item 13.3 – Continued to March 24, 2026, due to lack of quorum. - Resolution RES-2026-021 – Approved $5 million in tax-exempt bonds for Del Nido Apartments (206 units, 850 Russell Ave). - Resolution RES-2026-022 – Approved $40 million in exempt facility bonds for Apple Valley Scattered Site Apartments (232 units, multiple addresses). - Ordinance (first reading) and Resolution RES-2026-023 – Approved massage ordinance amendments and Live Scan authorization. - Ordinance (first reading) and Resolution RES-2026-024 – Approved housing element implementation amendments and tiny homes on wheels application fees. - Motion – Authorized issuance of Design-Build RFP for Oakmont Pavement Maintenance, MLK Jr. Park (sports field and play area, with direction for PFAS-free artificial turf), and Bayer Park Natural Play Area. Staff to incorporate council direction into RFP and return with budget in May.

The Santa Rosa City Council held a special meeting on March 10, 2026, primarily to convene in closed session. The meeting was called to order at 1:34 p.m. by Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie. Four council members were present (Vice Mayor Okrepkie, Council Members Bañuelos, MacDonald, and Rogers), while Mayor Stapp and Council Members Alvarez and Fleming were absent. Mayor Stapp and Council Member Alvarez later joined the closed session remotely under just cause provisions of the Brown Act. The meeting recessed to closed session at 1:34 p.m. and reconvened at approximately 2:27 p.m. Closed Session - The council held a closed session under Government Code § 54956.9, subdivision (d)(2) and (e)(2) regarding significant exposure to litigation: one potential case involving an employment-related claim. No public comments were made on the closed session item. Key Outcomes - City Attorney Teresa Stricker reported that there was no reportable action from closed session. - The meeting adjourned at 2:28 p.m. Note: The raw transcript contains conflicting roll call information (indicating all members present at one point), but the official minutes show four members present and three absent. The minutes are taken as authoritative.