Agenda packet — Cotati City Council, January 28, 2025

AGENDA

JOINT MEETING OF THE COTATI CITY COUNCIL AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE

FORMER COTATI COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
City Council Chamber, City Hall 201 W. Sierra Avenue
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
6:00 PM REGULAR MEETING
The Cotati City Council welcomes you to its meetings that are generally scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month. Your interest and participation are encouraged and appreciated.

City Council meeting agendas, minutes and recordings are posted on the City’s Meeting Portal at www.cotaticity.gov. For questions about the agenda or to receive the City Council agenda by e-mail, contact the Deputy City Clerk at [email protected] or 707-665-3622.

Cotati City Council Meetings will be conducted in person in the Council Chamber. To guarantee your ability to participate, you must attend the meeting in person. As a courtesy to the public, the City allows citizens the opportunity to view and offer public comments virtually through Zoom Online video conferencing platform. Technical difficulties may occur that make the Zoom platform unavailable. If Zoom is unavailable, the meeting will continue. Participants considering using Zoom should consider attending in person, if they desire to ensure their ability to view the meeting and offer public comments.

Subject to the above disclaimer, Zoom Online video conferencing is available to watch or listen in the following ways:

1. Using the following online livestream meeting portal link: https://cotaticity.primegov.com/public/portal

2. Cable T.V. Broadcast, local channel 28
Members of the public can participate in the meeting online by clicking the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88183701416?pwd=23QkpUS9phWQKod5DYicYUUCoP517Y.1 If you do not have the ability to join online, but would like to participate in the meeting, you can call into the meeting using your telephone, by dialing one of the following numbers and entering the meeting credentials:

Webinar ID: 881 8370 1416 Passcode: 051621
+1 (669) 900-6833 or +1 (346) 248-7799 or +1 (253) 215-8782 or +1 (301) 715-8592 or +1 (312) 626-6799 or +1 (929) 436-2866 Attendees may join the meeting any time after 5:45pm. Attendees will be muted until they are called upon for Public Comment. To make a public comment, use the “raise hand” icon on your smart device or desktop computer, or dial *9 if you are using just your telephone. Please listen carefully for the Mayor or City Clerk to address you by name (or phone number) and for the audible Zoom notification that you have been unmuted. Once you begin your public comment, your three minutes will begin.

If you would prefer to submit your public comment in writing, please email your comments to [email protected]. If you are commenting on a specific agenda item or items, please state the agenda item number(s) in the subject line of the email. All comments received via email will be provided to the City Council or Planning Commission in writing and included as part of the record of the meeting.

Notice is hereby given that Council may discuss and/or take action on any or all of the items listed on this agenda.

Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Cotati City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for inspection in the online Meeting Portal at www.cotaticity.gov and in the City Manager’s office located at 201 West Sierra Avenue, Cotati, California, during the City’s posted business hours.

Disabled Accommodation: Upon request, this agenda will be made available in appropriate formats to persons with disabilities as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting should contact the Deputy City Clerk at (707) 665-3622 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

Rules of Decorum: To avoid distraction, the following meeting etiquette shall be enforced. • Silence electronic devices, including cell phones.

Cotati City Council Packet January 28, 2025
• Audience members are advised to keep conversations to a minimum or conduct them outside the building. • Photographs or video recordings using tri-pods or other means that would be distracting are to be taken only from the designated media area. • The Presiding Officer shall request that the audience withhold expressions of support or opposition for speakers in the interest of time and to encourage the full expression of differing views. (City Council Policy 2023-01 III.B.1.) Public Comment (Action items): Public comment on any one agenda item where the City Council will be taking some action is limited to no more than three (3) minutes per person. Action items are typically designated on the agenda title.

Public Comment (Non-Action items): Public comment on non- action agenda items shall be received during the designated portion of the agenda.

Comments shall be limited to no more than three (3) minutes for all non-action agenda items.

Waiver Warning: If you challenge decisions/direction of the City Council of the City of Cotati in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at public hearing(s) described in this agenda, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Cotati at, or prior to, the public hearing(s).

City Council meetings are conducted according to City Council Policy 2023-01: City Council Rules. This policy available for inspection in the online Meeting Portal at www.cotaticity.gov and in the City Manager’s office located at 201 West Sierra Avenue, Cotati, California, during the City’s posted business hours.

Those wishing to address the Council are asked to complete a speaker card and give it to the City Clerk. When you are called, step to the podium and state your name and address for the record. Persons wishing to address the Council are not required to identify themselves or complete a speaker card; (Gov’t. Code § 54953.3); however, this information assists the Mayor by ensuring that all persons wishing to address the Council are recognized and it assists the City Clerk in preparing the City Council meeting minutes.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ROLL CALL

3. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The City of Cotati recognizes that we’re on the ancestral lands of the Coastal Miwok, who are the original caretakers of this area. We respectfully acknowledge the Indigenous peoples who have been stewarding and maintaining a relationship on this land as knowledge keepers for millennia. This acknowledgement does not take the place of authentic relationships with Indigenous communities but serves as a gesture of respect to the land we are on.

4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF WAIVING OF READING OF ALL

RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES INTRODUCED AND/OR ADOPTED UNDER THIS

AGENDA (ACTION)
A. COTATI CITY COUNCIL – REGULAR MEETING – JAN 14, 2025

6. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Meeting Orientation for New Attendees/Viewers. In conformance with the Brown Act and the adopted City Council Rules, the meeting agenda includes items labeled as Action Items, where the City Council may consider the item. If the City Council considers the item, citizens will be afforded the opportunity to provide comments relevant to the item being discussed. The meeting agenda also includes a Citizens Business item, which is the designated place on the agenda where citizens have the right to say whatever they wish. However, the Brown Act prohibits the City Council from taking action or considering any item that is not on this agenda, to ensure that other members of the community who wish to provide comment are notified in advance through a properly noticed meeting agenda.

B. Measure S supports police services, a variety of recreation programs for all ages, and the Cotati City Council Packet January 28, 2025
maintenance of our streets, parks, and public buildings. See details on the web at cotaticity.gov C. Citizens interested in receiving City of Cotati community alerts via text or email are encouraged to enroll with CivicReady, by signing up on the City’s website, www.cotaticity.gov, under the “How do I” link at the top of the homepage.

D. Like always, we love to hear from you, so please feel free to contact the City at 707-792-4600 or [email protected]. If you have a non-emergency issue after normal business hours, you can contact us at 707-792-4611 and of course if you have an emergency, please contact 9-1-1. Continue to look for updates on the City's website and social media channels available on Facebook, Instagram, and CivicReady.

7. APPROVAL OF FINAL AGENDA (ACTION)
This item will only be opened for the public comment if the City Council proposes to take any action to modify this agenda.

8. CITIZEN BUSINESS AND PUBLIC COMMENT FOR CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS Any member of the public wishing to speak to the Council on any item(s) listed on the Consent Calendar or any matter(s) not listed on the agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council may do so at this time. Pursuant to the Brown Act, the Council is not allowed to consider issues or take action on any item not listed on the agenda. Pursuant to City Council Policy 2023-01, comments of any member of the public are normally restricted to a total of three (3) minutes in length per person for matters not on the agenda and a total of three (3) minutes per person in length for any and all items on the Consent Calendar. The Mayor may extend the time limit for a reasonable time where a disability accommodation has been requested. To facilitate public comment, the timer indicator lights will display yellow when there are thirty seconds remaining, and red when time has expired.

9. CONSENT CALENDAR (ACTION)
A. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPOINTING THE ENGINEER OF WORK FOR

PREPARING THE COTATI LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR FY 25-26 and FY 26-27
It is recommended that the City Council of the City of Cotati adopt a resolution appointing the City Engineer, as the Engineer of Work for the FY 2025-26 and 2026-27 Cotati Landscape and Lighting District and directing the preparation and filing of the Annual Engineer's Report pursuant to Section 22622 of the Streets and Highways Code.

10. DIRECTION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

11. REGULAR AGENDA (ACTION)
A. APPROVAL OF 2025 COTATI CULTURAL GRANT AWARDEES
It is recommended that the City Council of the City of Cotati adopt a resolution approving the Cotati Cultural Event Small Grant Program awardees for the 2025 cycle year.

B. MAYORS AND COUNCILMEMBERS COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
It is recommended that the City Council review letters of interest received and provide the Mayor with Direction for voting at the upcoming Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association and City Selection Committee meeting.

C. ACTION TO FILL CITY COUNCIL VACANCY BY APPOINTMENT OR BY

ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO HOLD A SPECIAL ELECTION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a motion to fill the vacant City Councilmember seat by appointment or alternatively adopt a resolution to hold a special election.

Cotati City Council Packet January 28, 2025
D. PROCLAMATION SCHEDULE FOR 2025
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a motion approving a proclamation schedule for 2025.

12. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT

13. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS

14. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-ACTION AGENDA ITEMS

15. INFORMATION RECEIVED AFTER THE AGENDA WAS POSTED

16. ADJOURNMENT
Certification of Posting of the Notice: I declare under penalty of perjury that I am employed by the City of Cotati and that I posted this notice on the City’s website, bulletin boards of City Hall, Veterans’ Memorial Building and the SMART Train Depot, on or before January 24, 2025. /s/ Kevin Patterson, Deputy City Clerk

MINUTES

JOINT MEETING OF THE COTATI CITY COUNCIL AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE

FORMER COTATI COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
City Council Chamber, City Hall 201 W. Sierra Avenue
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
6:00 PM REGULAR MEETING

1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ford called the meeting to order at 6:00pm.

2. ROLL CALL
Attendee Name Title Status
Ben Ford Mayor Present
Sylvia Lemus Vice Mayor Present
Susan Harvey Councilmember Present
Laura Sparks Councilmember Present
Kathleen Rivers Councilmember Present
Staff Present: City Manager Damien O’Bid, Assistant City Attorney Ali Wolf, Deputy City Clerk Kevin Patterson, Director of Administrative Services Angela Courter, Director of Community Development Noah Housh, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Craig Scott, Police Chief Chris Simmons, Associate Planner Autumn Buss

4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF WAIVING OF READING OF ALL

RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES INTRODUCED AND/OR ADOPTED UNDER THIS

AGENDA (ACTION)
A. COTATI CITY COUNCIL – REGULAR MEETING – DEC 10, 2024 5 of 86 Cotati City Council Minutes January 14, 2025
No public comment.

RESULT: Approve [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Susan Harvey, Councilmember
SECONDER: Sylvia Lemus, Councilmember
AYES: Ford, Lemus, Harvey, Sparks, Rivers
NAYS: None

B. Measure S supports police services, a variety of recreation programs for all ages, and the maintenance of our streets, parks, and public buildings. See details on the web at cotaticity.gov.

C. Citizens interested in receiving City of Cotati community alerts via text or email are encouraged to enroll with CivicReady, by signing up on the City’s website, www.cotaticity.gov, under the “How do I” link at the top of the homepage.

8. APPROVAL OF FINAL AGENDA (ACTION)
Mayor Ford proposed to move Citizen’s Business/Public Comment for Consent Calendar Items to immediately follow announcements, before presentations. There being no objection from the Council, the item was moved.

Public Comment:

George Barich of Cotati

9. CITIZEN BUSINESS AND PUBLIC COMMENT FOR CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS Any member of the public wishing to speak to the Council on any item(s) listed on the Consent Calendar or any matter(s) not listed on the agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council may do so at this time. Pursuant to the Brown Act, the Council is not allowed to consider issues or take action on any item not listed on the agenda. Pursuant to City Council Policy 2023-01, comments of any member of the public are normally restricted to a total of three (3) minutes in length per person for matters not on the agenda and a total of three (3) minutes per person in length for any and all items on the Consent Calendar. The Mayor may extend the time limit for a reasonable time where a disability accommodation has been requested. To facilitate public comment, the Deputy Clerk will alert speakers when there are thirty seconds remaining.

Public Comment:
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Cotati City Council Minutes January 14, 2025
Jason Tarmino of PG&E
Laurie Alderman of Cotati
Charlie Reinheart
George Barich of Cotati

10. CONSENT CALENDAR (ACTION)
A. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI AMENDING TITLE 17 (LAND USE) OF THE COTATI

MUNICIPAL CODE IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE LAW BY REPEALING AND REPLACING SECTION 17.42.170 ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS/JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND AMENDING SECTION 17.90.020

DEFINITIONS OF SPECIALIZED TERMS AND PHRASES
B. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING 2025 ROLLIN' ROSIES CAR SHOW IN LA PLAZA PARK ON MAY 10, 2025 C. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2025 CITY

OF COTATI CLIMATE READY COTATI FAIR
D. APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR REMOVAL OF EUCALYPTUS TREES ON W

SIERRA AVENUE
E. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A

DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE ON BEHALF OF THE RANCHO ADOBE FIRE

PROTECTION DISTRICT
RESULT: Adopt [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Susan Harvey, Councilmember
SECONDER: Laura Sparks, Mayor
AYES: Harvey, Ford, Lemus, Rivers, Sparks
NAYS: None

7. PRESENTATIONS
A. SONOMA WATER TRANSMISSION SYSTEM PROJECTS
Presentation by Kent Gylfe, Director of Engineering for Sonoma Water.

Councilmembers comment.

Public Comment:

Neil Hancock of Cotati
B. 2024 RECAP - MARIN/SONOMA MOSQUITO & VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT Presentation by Peter Bonkrude, District Manager for the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District.

Councilmembers comment.
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Cotati City Council Minutes January 14, 2025
No public comment.

11. DIRECTION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
None.

12. REGULAR AGENDA (ACTION)
A. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

FOR STRATEGIC COORDINATION WITH SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY AND

THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
Before the presentation for this item began, Mayor Ford announced that he was recusing himself due to a conflict of interest, as an employee of SSU. Vice Mayor Lemus chaired the item.

Presentation by City Manager Damien O’Bid.

Councilmembers comment.

Public Comment:

George Barich of Cotati
This item was re-opened for a second public comment period.

Public Comment:

Jeff Keating of SSU
RESULT: Approve [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Susan Harvey, Councilmember
SECONDER: Kay Rivers, Councilmember
AYES: Harvey, Lemus, Rivers, Sparks
NAYS: None
B. UPDATE ON LAWS AND POLICIES THAT REGULATE SMALL-SCALE FOOD AND

RETAIL BUSINESSES IN COTATI
Presentation by Associate Planner Autumn Buss.

Councilmembers comment.

Public Comment:

Laurie Alderman of Cotati
George Barich of Cotati
Neil Hancock of Cotati
Council expressed interest in implementing the potential future actions, including standards for sidewalk vendors, classifying cottage food as a home occupation business, and setting standards for food truck operations, to be considered with Strategic Planning. 8 of 86
Cotati City Council Minutes January 14, 2025
C. DISCUSSION AND BACKGROUND ON THE RANCHO CORDOVA COMMUNITY

COUNCIL
Presentation by City Manager Damien O’Bid.

Councilmembers comment.

Public Comment:

George Barich of Cotati
Laurie Alderman of Cotati
Council gave feedback to staff that they did not wish to discuss the Community Council concept at Strategic Planning, but incorporate the individual goals and programs that City Council has prioritized in the annual work plan through the Strategic Planning process.

D. COUNCIL ASSIGNMENTS AS REPRESENTATIVES AND LIAISONS TO VARIOUS COMMITTEES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025
Presentation by City Manager Damien O’Bid.

Councilmembers comment.

Public Comment:

George Barich of Cotati
Councilmembers directed updates to assignments as follows:
-Edit 2x2x2x2 committee to show Councilmember Rivers and Councilmember Sparks as members (the committee does not have alternates).
-Add Councilmember Sparks as an alternate to the Sonoma Mountain Twilight Rotary Club. -No further changes.

13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Report by City Manager Damien O’Bid.

14. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Councilmembers report out on local and regional events and meetings.

15. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
Public Comment:

George Barich of Cotati

16. INFORMATION RECEIVED AFTER THE AGENDA WAS POSTED

17. ADJOURNMENT
Council returned from closed session at 10:47pm. Mayor Ford announced that there was nothing to report out of closed session.
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Cotati City Council Minutes January 14, 2025
Mayor Ford adjourned the meeting at 10:47pm.
/s/ Kevin Patterson, Deputy City Clerk
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Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: CONSENT CALENDAR (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPOINTING THE

ENGINEER OF WORK FOR PREPARING THE COTATI

LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR
FY 25-26 and FY 26-27
Date: January 28, 2025
Written by: Henry Babits, Engineering Technician
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council of the City of Cotati adopt a resolution appointing the City Engineer, as the Engineer of Work for the FY 2025-26 and 2026-27 Cotati Landscape and Lighting District and directing the preparation and filing of the Annual Engineer's Report pursuant to Section 22622 of the Streets and Highways Code.

Background
In FY 17/18, the City consolidated the ten landscape and lighting assessment districts into one District. The ten Cotati Landscaping and Lighting Assessment Districts (“Districts”) were initially formed by the City from 1989 to 2003 in accordance with the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 (“Landscaping and Lighting Act”) to pay for costs associated with maintaining landscaping and streetlights within developments. The ten initial districts are kept separate within the consolidated District as individual zones, each with their original name. 11 of 86
Analysis/Discussion
The Landscaping and Lighting Act requires that the City undertake certain proceedings for any fiscal year in which assessments are to be levied and collected. These proceedings are typically accomplished at three separate Council meetings with the following actions: 1) Adopt a resolution appointing the Engineer of Work and directing the preparation of the annual Engineer’s Report. 2) Approve the Preliminary Engineer’s Report, declare the City Council’s intent to levy and collect assessments and set a date for a public hearing. 3) Conduct a public hearing, approve the Final Engineer’s Report and authorize the levying and collection of assessments for the upcoming fiscal year. The attached resolution begins the proceedings for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 Fiscal Years. The Engineer’s Report will analyze the anticipated FY 2025- 26 and FY 2026-27 costs for each zone in the District and determine the corresponding assessment amounts. The City Council can make changes to the Engineer’s Report once it has been prepared and filed. There are no annexations to the District anticipated for FY 2025-26 or 2026-27.

Financial Considerations
Costs associated with the annual proceedings and the annual operation, maintenance and administration of the Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District are recovered from the annual assessments levied on the properties within the District. The City prepares the annual engineer’s report in-house with no consultant, as such no budgetary appropriation is required.

Environmental Issues
Where it can be determined with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA review.

This general rule can be applied to activities which could be subject to the CEQA process, but which logic dictates should not be subject to CEQA review. Therefore, based on the information provided above, the proposed resolution assigning an engineer of work is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 14.03.021 of the CEQA Guidelines in that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant impact on the environment. 12 of 86
RESOLUTION NO. (XX)

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI APPOINTING

THE CITY ENGINEER AS THE ENGINEER OF WORK FOR THE CITY OF

COTATI LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT AND

DIRECTING THE PREPARATION AND FILING OF THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 AND 2026-27 (PURSUANT TO THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972)
WHEREAS, the City initially formed ten Cotati Landscaping and Lighting Assessment Districts (“Districts”) from 1989 to 2003 in accordance with the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 (“Landscaping and Lighting Act”) to pay for costs associated with maintaining landscaping and streetlights within developments; and
WHEREAS, in FY 2017-18, the City consolidated the ten landscape and lighting assessment districts into one District; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 22622 of the Streets and Highways Code, the City Council must annually appoint the Engineer of Work and direct the preparation and filing of the annual Engineer’s Report in order to levy and collect assessments on any following fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, it is anticipated that there will be no annexations into the Assessment District in FY 2025-26 or FY 2026-27; and
WHEREAS, the action of appointing an Engineer of Record and directing them to prepare the FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27 LLAD Engineer’s Report does not constitute a project as defined by California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378; therefore, no further environmental review is required.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Cotati does hereby appoint the City Engineer as the Engineer of Work for the City of Cotati’s Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District and does hereby direct him to prepare and to file the Annual Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2025-26 and 2026-27 showing any changes, pursuant to Section 22622 of the Streets and Highways Code.

IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED that the foregoing resolution was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Cotati held on January 28, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:

Approved:___________________________
Mayor
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Attest:______________________________
Kevin Patterson, Deputy City Clerk
Approved as to form:______________________________
City Attorney
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Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: REGULAR AGENDA (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: APPROVAL OF 2025 COTATI CULTURAL GRANT

AWARDEES
Date: January 28, 2025
Written by: Ashley Wilson, Recreation Manager
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council of the City of Cotati adopt a resolution approving the Cotati Cultural Event Small Grant Program awardees for the 2025 cycle year.

Background
At the September 24, 2024, City Council Meeting, the City Council approved the Cotati Cultural Event Small Grant Program. The purpose of the program is to encourage organizations and groups to host new and multicultural events in Cotati that promote an equitable, compassionate, and healthy community, that honor diversity as a source of strength.

Analysis/Discussion
This is the first year of the grant cycle and because of the timing of when it was approved, there was a shortened application period. In future year cycles, there will be a longer application period for groups and individuals to apply for the grant.

For the 2025 grant cycle, the City received seven applications. One application was disqualified for being incomplete. Below are short descriptions of each of the other six proposed events.

1. Dia De Los Muertos, Carlos Pena – Altars will be set up in La Plaza Park for community members and businesses, as well as live entertainment, cultural demonstrations, and a mix of art making experiences. The event hosts will collaborate with local artists, partnered food vendors, and other organizations, including SSU multicultural groups, business chambers, and Hispanic radio stations.
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2. Cotati Accordion Festival, Scott Goree – This longstanding Cotati two-day music festival event has a polka tent, zydeco dance party, younger musician stage, and two main stages.

There are eighty vendors, food, beer, and wine, and approximately 150 volunteers annually.

3. Day of the Dead, Girasol Collective – Altars will be set up centrally in the park for all to add their own items. Traditional Mexican music performances will take place including mariachi and folkloric, children’s activities will include crafts and storytelling sessions for children to learn the history of the Day of the Dead, as well as creating sugar skulls and papel picado. Vendors will be local and offering handmade goods, art, crafts, and authentic Mexican food including tamales, pan de Muerto, etc.

4. Running Fence Run 10k, Liberty Cookies, Inc. – This run will be a 10k run from Liberty School to the Hub and a 5k run from the Hub to Railroad St. and is a celebration of the 49th anniversary of the Christo and Jeane-Claude’s Running Fence art project. There will be a race day festival in the park after the run and there will be art displays in the park, inspired by the Running Fence.

5. Cotati Big-Time, Progressive Tribal Alliance – This event will feature Native American dancers, singers, food, and educational opportunities such as workshops, arts and crafts, interactive exhibits with displays of art, history, and artifacts, hands on activities, and storytelling for members of the native and non-native community, to celebrate and share Indigenous traditions.

6. Cotati Big Time, Common Space Community Land Trust – This Native American celebration will feature Indigenous dancers, speakers, vendors, food and indigenous crafts, and potentially educational signage with history. The event will also include partnerships with non-native organizations to promote restorative relationships and provide an accurate history of the first peoples of Cotati.

All applications were reviewed by a staff committee. Scoring was based on the following criteria:
- Creativity – Uses imagination and innovation to create a new, different, and/or unique and memorable experience for attendees.
- Diversity – Highlights the culture of one or more ethnic groups or communities of interest.
- Inclusivity/Access – Increases access to music, arts, history, culture, or heritage, for people who may not feel included in community life, including low-income residents, people with disabilities, and other special populations. - Feasibility – The event can be delivered with the available resources, time, and skills, as proposed in the application.
- Sustainability – The event will continue past the grant period. - Promotes Community Togetherness/Broad Community Appeal - Cotati Local Resident/Business Owner
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Based on the criteria and quality of applications, the City recommends awarding two applicants for the 2025 grant cycle, each with a $5,000 award. The recommendation is to award The Progressive Tribal Alliance to host their proposed Cotati Big Time event and Girasol Collective to host their Day of the Dead event.

The Progressive Tribal Alliance (PTA) would bring a new event to Cotati, with a focus on creating an inclusive space where individuals from all backgrounds can come together to celebrate and learn from Native American cultures. Their intention is to continue the event after the grant cycle has ended and be an annual tradition. They have an established event framework with templates, volunteer coordination systems, and strong partnerships with local businesses and stakeholders. Given the event experience the PTA has and their connections and support, this applicant is well equipped to host a successful and safe event in La Plaza Park.

Girasol Collective would also bring a new event to Cotati, designed to honor and promote Latino traditions within the community through a family friendly celebration that highlights the rich heritage of Dia De Los Muertos, fostering cultural appreciation and understanding. The event is planned to be offered annually, with the organization becoming more financially stable through revenue streams, community support, and fundraising efforts. They have experience organizing cultural and community focused events, strong ties with local vendors and cultural advocates, and a network of volunteers. As an up-and-coming organization that specializes in event coordination, small business promotion, and digital marketing, while having a deep connection with the local Latino community, awarding Girasol Collective will provide them with the support they need to create a meaningful and impactful annual event in Cotati.

Since there were duplicate event applications for both awardee proposals, the City recommends that each recipient reach out and make reasonable efforts to collaborate with the other applicants proposing similar events.

Each event will come back to the City Council at a later date for approval on the special event permits, to include any street closure, sales, fee waivers, or other requests.

Financial Considerations
The financial considerations for the Cotati Cultural Event Small Grant Program awardees is $10,000, which was approved at the September 24, 2024, City Council meeting. Funding would come from the City Council annual contributions budget through the City’s General Fund. No additional appropriation is required.

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI
APPROVING THE 2025 COTATI CULTURAL EVENT SMALL GRANT

AWARDEES
WHEREAS, the City of Cotati has a desire to bring more multicultural events to Cotati; and WHEREAS, the City of Cotati approved the Cotati Cultural Event Small Grant Program at the September 24, 2024 City Council Meeting; and
WHEREAS, six completed applications were received for the 2025 grant cycle year; and WHEREAS, two applications were identified by the review committee as the highest rated and best suited to be selected as awardees; and
WHEREAS, the two events selected to receive five thousand dollars each in grant funds are the Progressive Tribal Alliance and Girasol Collective; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that awarding grants to these events are part of a comprehensive economic development strategy in that new multicultural events may increase visitation to the City, promote the Cotati community and result in increased sales tax revenues; and
WHEREAS, the City Council further finds that the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the City of Cotati will not be jeopardized by the approval of these grant awards; and WHEREAS, the applications for this program are attached as Exhibit A; and WHEREAS, the scoring rubric for this program is attached as Exhibit B; and WHEREAS, the action of approving a Cultural Events Grant program does not constitute a project as defined by California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378; therefore, no further environmental review is required.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that
Section 1. Findings. The above recitals are declared to be true and correct and are incorporated herein as findings of the City Council.

Section 2. Approvals. The Cotati Cultural Small Grant Program recipients for the 2025 cycle will be the Progressive Tribal Alliance and Girasol Collective, with grants of five thousand ($5,000) dollars awarded to each organization.

Section 3. Effective Date of this Resolution. This Resolution shall become effective immediately.

Section 4. Severability. Each portion of this resolution is severable. Should any portion of this resolution be adjudged to be invalid and unenforceable by a body of competent jurisdiction, then 19 of 86
the remaining resolution portions shall be and continue in full force and effect, except as to those resolution portions that have been adjudged invalid. The City Council of the City of Cotati hereby declares that it would have adopted this resolution and each section, subsection, clause, sentence, phrase and other portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that one or more section, subsection, clause, sentence, phrase, or other portion may be held invalid or unconstitutional.

IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED that the foregoing resolution was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Cotati held on January 28, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:

Approved:___________________________
Mayor
Attest:______________________________
Kevin Patterson, Deputy City Clerk
Approved as to form:______________________________
City Attorney
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2 EXEMPLARY
(7-10 POINTS)
1 ADEQUATE
(4-6 POINTS)
0 INSUFFCIENT
(0-3 POINTS)

COMMENTS
The proposal presents an
innovative and original
concept that is new to
Cotati.

The proposed event is new
to Cotati but has been
hosted in nearby
communities.

The proposal presents an
event that is similar to
existing events or is an
existing event.

The application exceptional
diversity, engaging multiple
cultural, ethnic, and/or
social groups and reflects a
broad and accurate
representation of various
cultural perspectives.

The proposed event
involves some engagement
with different ethnic,
cultural, and/or social
groups but could include
more or is not
comprehensive in the
application.

The proposed event lacks
clear effort to include
diverse groups and shows
minimal to no
representation of diverse
cultural perspectives.

The application leaves no
question as to how activities
will be adapted when
appropriate to create an
inclusive environment for all
populations, including those
with specific disabilities and
limitations.

The application implies
intent to provide an
inclusive environment for
all populations, but does
not clearly articulate the
specifics about adaptations
to be employed.

The application includes
few or no plans to adapt
activities to create an
inclusive environment.

Personnel, event activities
timeline, and budget
expenditures congruent
with project description and
outcomes.

Deficiencies or
overestimations exist in
personnel, timeline, or
budget within tolerable
range, outcomes appear
achievable despite gaps or
leaps.

Insufficient information
about personnel, event
activities timeline, or
budget expenditures to
gauge feasibility.

Applicant

CRITERION

CREATIVITY - USES

IMAGINATION AND

INNOVATION TO CREATE A

NEW, DIFFERENT, AND/OR

UNIQUE AND MEMORABLE

EVENT EXPERIENCE FOR
ATTENDEES (10PTS)

DIVERSITY -

HIGHLIGHTS THE

CULTURE OF ONE OR

MORE PARTICULAR

ETHNIC GROUPS OR

COMMUNITIES OF
INTEREST. (10PTS)

INCLUSVITY /ACCESS -

INCREASES ACCESS TO MUSIC,

ARTS, HISTORY, CULTURE, OR

HERITAGE, FOR PEOPLE WHO

MAY NOT FEEL INCLUDED IN

COMMUNITY LIFE, INCLUDING

LOW INCOME RESIDENTS,

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

AND OTHER SPECIAL
POPULATIONS. (10PTS)

FEASABILITY - THE

EVENT CAN BE

DELIVERED WITH THE

AVAILABLE RESOURCES,

TIME, AND SKILLS, AS

PROPOSED IN THE
APPLICATION (10PTS)

COTATI CULTURAL GRANT SCORING RUBRIC
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2 EXEMPLARY
(7-10 POINTS)
1 ADEQUATE
(4-6 POINTS)
0 INSUFFCIENT
(0-3 POINTS)

COMMENTS
Evidence presented that
event or its impact can be
sustained locally beyond
grant period, if results
warrant.

Event plan is temporary,
designed to end when
grant ends, or some effort
to secure commitment
beyond grant period is
represented.

No meaningful plans for
future event beyond
funding term appear in
application.

The event proposes high
engagement and
encourages widespread
community participation
and addresses critical
needs or interests of the
community.

Proposed community
engagement is limited with
moderate participation and
has some relevance but
may not fully align with
community needs or
interests.

The proposal shows low
levels of community
engagement and
participation or shows
minimal relevance to
community needs or
interests.

The applicant lives in or
has a business in Cotati.

The applicant lives in or
has a business in Sonoma
County.

The application does not
live in or have a business in
Sonoma County.

Applicant

CRITERION

SUSTAINABILITY -

THE EVENT WILL

CONTINUE PAST THE

GRANT PERIOD
(10PTS)

PROMOTES

COMMUNITY

TOGETHERNESS/
BROAD

COMMUNITY
APPEAL (10PTS)

COTATI LOCAL

RESIDENT/BUSINESS
OWNER (10PTS)

TOTAL SCORES

COTATI CULTURAL GRANT SCORING RUBRIC
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Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: REGULAR AGENDA (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: MAYORS AND COUNCILMEMBERS COMMITTEE

APPOINTMENTS
Date: January 28, 2025
Written by: Damien O'Bid, City Manager
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council review letters of interest received and provide the Mayor with Direction for voting at the upcoming Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association and City Selection Committee meeting.

Background
The City of Cotati is a member of the Sonoma County Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association and the Sonoma County City Selection Committee. Each body appoints members to various regional Boards and Commissions. The voting delegates from the City are the Mayor (primary) and Vice Mayor (alternate). If there are no letters of interest, the by-laws of the Sonoma County Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association allows for nominations from the floor at the meeting.

Analysis/Discussion
At its February 13, 2025 meeting, the Sonoma County Mayors’ and Council Members’ Association (SCMCA) Board of Directors and City Selection Committee will make appointment for the following vacated positions:

Board of Directors Appointments:

North Bay Division LOCC, Executive Board – 1 Seat (to fill expiring term of Jackie Elward of Rohnert Park). 2-year term starting in February.

Letters Received:
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Jackie Elward, Rohnert Park
Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Citizens Advisory Committee – 1 Seat (to fill expiring term of Mark Stapp of Santa Rosa). 2-year term starting in February.

Letters Received:

Karen Nau, Petaluma
Marjorie Morgenstern, Cloverdale
Frank Quint, Petaluma
Alex DeCarli, Petaluma
Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) Commission – 3 Seats. 4-year fixed term. 2 – SCTA appointments (members appointed must also be a city/town representative for the Sonoma County Transportation Authority) to fill the vacancies by Melanie Bagby of Cloverdale and Chris Rogers of Santa Rosa. These appointments will finish out the current terms of Bagby and Rogers that end in February 2027.

Letters Received:

Gerard Giudice, Rohnert Park
Janice Cader Thompson, Petaluma
Todd Lands, Cloverdale
Ariel Kelley, Healdsburg
1 – Non-SCTA appointment (must be from a city/town on the rail line) to fill the expiring term of Debora Fudge of Windsor. This appointment will start a new 4-year fixed term beginning in February.

Letters Received:

Victoria Fleming, Santa Rosa
Chris Herrod, Healdsburg
Alex DeCarli, Petaluma
Sylvia Lemus, Cotati
City Selection Committee Appointments:

Bay Area Air Quality Management District Board – 1 Seat (to fill expiring term of Brian Barnacle of Petaluma). 2-year term starting in February.

Letters Received:

Brian Barnacle, Petaluma
Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District – 1 Seat (to fill expiring term of Gerard Giudice of Rohnert Park). 2-year term starting in February.

Letters Received:
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Gerard Giudice, Rohnert Park
Frank Quint, Petaluma
Sonoma County Consolidated Oversight Board – 1 Seat (to fill vacancy of Chris Rogers of Santa Rosa). Term limit at the discretion of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.

Letters Received:

Jackie Elward, Rohnert Park
Stephen Zollman, Sebastopol
Financial Considerations
Not applicable.

Jackie Elward
Samantha Rodriguez
Councilmembers
________________
I’ve been an active member of the League of California Cities since elected to the Rohnert Park City Council in 2020 and appointed to the North Bay Division, LOCC, Executive Board in February of 2023. I would love to continue expanding my understanding of the challenges faced by all the member cities and towns, and I am excited at the opportunity to continue to work collaboratively with the League of California Cities. I believe working together and sharing common experiences will help us come up with creative solutions to ongoing issues.

Marcela Piedra
City Manager
Michelle Marchetta Kenyon
City Attorney
Lee Burdick
Assistant City Attorney
Cindy Bagley
Director of Community Services Thank you so much for your consideration of my request for reJamie Cannon appointment to the North Bay Division, LOCC, Executive Board.

Director of Human Resources
Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions at (707) 588-2223, or by email at [email protected].

Vanessa Garrett
Director of Public Works
Alicia Giudice
Director of
Development Services Sincerely,
Sylvia Lopez Cuevas
City Clerk J
Tim Mattos City of Rohnert Park
Public Safety Director
Betsy Howze Cc: City Council
Finance Director City Manager
City Clerk
City Selection Committee Clerk of the Board
[email protected] and
[email protected]
130 Avram Avenue  Rohnert Park CA  94928  (707) 588-2226  Fax (707) 794-9248 www.rpcity.org
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January 19, 2025
SCMCA City Selection Committee
Michelle Norman
Kyreen Gonzalez
County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Dr. Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Re: Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Letter of Interest To Whom it May Concern,
Please accept my request for your support for my appointment to the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. Agriculture, water, farmlands, wildlife and quality of life in Sonoma County is very important to me. Would love to have an opportunity to contribute to future decisions in this area.

Raised on a local Family Farm in Petaluma, I learned the importance of Agriculture and education of sustainable agriculture for future generations. My family’s land is near the Petaluma Urban Growth Boundary, it was very important for me, to protect it, supporting the recent ballot measure to expand the UGB for another 50 years. As well, as volunteering to help defeat Measure J which would have harmed our local agricultural businesses and put our local farms/ranches, in jeopardy.

In the past, I have raised awareness to the importance to our local State Parks and keeping them open to the public. My love of the community and history, earned me the Petaluma 1995 Good Egg Award.

Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park is one of the County’s first ranchos, owned by General Vallejo. It is an example of how important Agricultural lands are to our area, protecting and maintaining the waterways for wildlife etc.

My first term on the Petaluma City Council was 2004-2008, during that term, the City approved a 20- year General Plan. In 2022, I was elected again, as the District 3 Council member, again, Petaluma is working to finalize another 20-year General Plan. Looking to the future, yet remembering the past, is important to me. Quality of life for my family, friends, and neighbors is my commitment, as I serve on the City Council. I would very much like to have an opportunity to serve on a County Committee too.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit my name to this County committee, I ask for your support as a new member. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 707-529-2487 or [email protected]
Sincerely,
Karen Nau
City of Petaluma
Council member
District 3
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1/20/25, 11:12 AM Gmail - Letter of Interest
Lauren Berges <[email protected]>
Letter of Interest
1 message
Marjorie Morgenstern <[email protected]> Sun, Jan 19, 2025 at 8:13 PM To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
I would like to submit a letter of interest to become a member of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Citizens Advisory Committee.

I grew up in Marin County at the very end of a dead end street. First the land next to our home was privately owned. Eventually the land became Open Space and the entire community was delighted that the land would be preserved and that the community could finally utilize the land for hiking gatherings and picnics. I believe Open Space and Agricultural Preservation are extremely important for our entire community. Not only is Open Space beautiful it is highly recreational as well. Open Space is important for protecting and preserving the environment.

Agricultural Preservation is important because it supports the environment along with nurturing biodiversity, local communities and the economy. Preserved farmland creates habitats for wildlife, improved soiled health, along with helping to reduce water pollution while ensuring local food supply. Preserved farmland supports numerous jobs in agriculture and in the food sector.

I would like to participate in preserving Sonoma County Open Space and Farmland for generations to come.

Farmland preservation insures that farming is here to stay. Sonoma County is a vital part of the Country’s food and wine supply and I would like to participate on a committee that supports these endeavors.

Thank you,
City of Cloverdale Councilmember Marjorie Morgenstern
Sent from my iPad
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/?ik=8cbee50ff6&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1821739773705753131&simpl=msg-f:1821739773705753131 1/1 57 of 86
January 20, 2025
2025 Chair City,
City of Rohnert Park
Sonoma County Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association
130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Re Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Citizens Advisory Committee Letter of Interest
Honorable Mayors and Councilmembers,
I write to respectfully request your support for my appointment to the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Citizens Advisory Committee. I firmly support the District’s mission to preserve agricultural lands, community identity, community health, water, and wildlands.

My diverse background and passion for open spaces gives me a unique perspective that will serve this advisory board well. I am an avid user of our open spaces through hiking, backpacking, and biking, I am a strong supporter of our county’s agriculture and view it as a cornerstone of our economy and culture. I am deeply rooted in our community and committed to serving it. I’ve served on Petaluma’s Transit Advisory Committee since 2023 (Chair for past 6 months). I also served simultaneously on Petaluma’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee and was the Vice Chair of this committee during this same time. My terms on these committees ended when I recently won my election to Petaluma’s City Council, at which time I was reappointed to both committees as the council liaison.

I hold a BA in Accounting and an MBA from Saint Martin’s University in Lacey Washington.

My professional background is in supply chain transportation. I’ve held key leadership positions for companies like Target and my current employer Restoration Hardware. My years of experience have taught me how to lead teams, collaborate and work with others to accomplish important goals. Our opens spaces are critical for our community’s quality of life and I’m confident my experience will help me offer meaningful contributions to this important committee.

Lastly, I’m passionate about climate change and I believe preserving our open spaces is critical to our efforts to reverse the course we are on. I am excited to join the Petaluma City Council, and I am committed to protecting our open spaces would enjoy an opportunity to work on this issue regionally.

I would be honored by your support for this appointment and respectfully ask for your vote. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 707-971-9226 or by email at [email protected] S
Frank Quint
Petaluma City Council member
cc: Members of Petaluma City Council
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Docusign Envelope ID: 41F979C6-E2CC-4DD4-89ED-E608C92CCF91 January 6, 2025
Clerk of the Board
County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Dr, Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Attn: Michelle Norman [email protected] City Council Karen Gonzalez [email protected] Gerard Giudice Re: Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District Letter of Interest Mayor Emily Sanborn
Vice Mayor
Dear City Selection Committee,
Susan Hollingsworth Adams
Jackie Elward
In light of the upcoming vacancies, I am writing to respectfully request your support for the appointment to the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District Board of Directors, for a four-year term. Samantha Rodriguez Councilmembers
________________
I was first elected in 2020, and since then I have served as a Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Councilmember on the Rohnert Park City Council. In December of last year, I was elected by the Rohnert Park City Council to serve as Mayor for 2025. For many years, I have served as a Director for the Sonoma County Transportation Authority/Regional Climate Protection Authority, and in 2022, I was appointed as Director for the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District Board. I am a long-time resident of Rohnert Park and have had the fortune of witness each phase of the system come to fruition. I have been a supporter of SMART connecting cities since regular service opened in 2017.

Marcela Piedra
City Manager
Michelle Marchetta Kenyon
City Attorney
Lee Burdick
Assistant City Attorney
Cindy Bagley
Director of Community Services
Jamie Cannon
Director of Human Resources
The combination of my professional and live experiences as a resident residing on the rail line in Sonoma County will bring a unique perspective as member of the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District Board of Directors.

Vanessa Garrett
Director of Public Works
Alicia Giudice
Director of
Development Services Thank you for your consideration of my request for an appointment to the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District Board of Directors. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions at (707) 899-3087, or by email at [email protected]. I appreciate your support.

Sylvia Lopez Cuevas
City Clerk
Tim Mattos
Public Safety Director
Kind Regards,
Betsy Howze
Finance Director
Gerard Giudice
Mayor, City of Rohnert Park
Cc: Rohnert Park City Council and City Manager
Cc: Lauren Berges, [email protected]
130 Avram Avenue  Rohnert Park CA  94928  (707) 588-2226  Fax (707) 794-9248 www.rpcity.org
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CITY OF PETALUMA
POST OFFICE BOX 61
PETALUMA, CA 94953-0061
January 19, 2025 Janice Cader Thompson
District 1
Re: Request for Appointment to the Sonoma Marin Rail Transit (SMART) Commission Dear Board of Directors:

Dear Mayors and Council Members,
I am seeking one of two SMART-SCTA/RCPA seats representing the nine Sonoma County cities on the SMART board of directors and I humbly ask for your support. With all three seats being vacated (two SMART-SCTA/RCPA, one SMART only), it is vital to appoint experienced councilmembers who understand the intricacies of transportation funding, SMART’s role in driving city-centered development, and the importance of both the train and multi-modal trail to our cities and region. A SMART sales tax renewal will likely be on a ballot in the next two years. My hard-earned experience passing local measures and working with regional partners will be vital to SMART’s success and I will work tirelessly to make sure the renewal passes.

I currently serve as Petaluma’s representative on SCTA/RCPA where I strongly advocate for transit equity and mobility as part of Petaluma’s commitment to citycentered development and carbon neutrality. As a member of the SMART board, as I have at SCTA/RCPA, I will advocate for policies to complete SMART to Healdsburg and north to Cloverdale, as well as policies to ensure safe and reliable access to the SMART corridor from communities in east and west county.

I will use my experience and regional relationships to make sure the interests of all nine cities are represented and that the most vulnerable populations have opportunities to access safe, reliable, transportation options.

My approach to projects is to find innovative and practical solutions, work closely with partners, and to support equity, mobility and carbon neutrality. Like other cities, Petaluma city bus rides are fare-free, and we recently added Luma Go, our county’s first door-to-door pickup service. Both programs have proven successful and are utilized by Petaluma’s seniors, communities of color, and the vulnerable and underserved. Our goal is to expand Luma Go for those who need alternate transportation options —I will bring my commitment to innovative solutions that benefit all to representing your city on the SMART board.

Petaluma City Hall
11 English Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone (707) 778-4345
Thank you for your careful consideration. I will work tirelessly to pass the sales tax renewal, bring my long years of experience working for practical and innovative solutions, and make sure your community’s interests are represented at SMART.

E-Mail:
[email protected]
Feel free to call or email if you have any questions.
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Sincerely,
Janice Cader Thompson
Janice Cader Thompson
Councilmember for District 1
City of Petaluma
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Cloverdale Mayor Todd Lands
124 N Cloverdale Boulevard
Cloverdale, CA 95425
[email protected]
(707) 280-1366
1/10/2025
SMART Board of Directors
Old Redwood Highway
Suite 200
Petaluma, CA 94954
Subject: SMART Board Letter of Interest
Dear SMART Board of Directors,
I am writing to express my interest in concurrently serving as the Cloverdale city/town representative to the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) Board of Directors and the Sonoma County Transit Authority (SCTA). As an experienced leader with a strong commitment to advancing infrastructure, providing services to economically vulnerable residents, and enhancing connectivity within our communities, my interest in serving aligns SMART’s objectives.

Serving as Mayor of Cloverdale for three consecutive terms, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in improving public services and infrastructure. During my tenure, I’ve advanced projects aimed at supporting socio-economically disadvantaged populations, ensuring that vital services reach those who need them most. I’ve collaborated with diverse stakeholders across jurisdictions to deliver positive outcomes.

SMART’s planned extension to Windsor, Healdsburg, and finally Cloverdale, aligns with my community’s desire to be connected to the rest of the region. I’m particularly interested in the potential of SMART’s rail and pathway system to enhance access to jobs, education, retail hubs, and housing, while also boosting tourism and economic growth in Cloverdale. My familiarity with local needs and priorities positions me uniquely to advocate for SMART’s expansion and ridership in northernmost Sonoma County.

In addition to my leadership experience, I bring a strong track record of fiscal responsibility and resource optimization. Crafting and managing balanced budgets has been a cornerstone of my public service career, beginning with my tenure on the board of Cloverdale Unified School District and most recently, as mayor, filling a one-million-dollar deficit and bringing the City’s spending back into the black. I highly value ensuring that community projects are both impactful and sustainable. I am confident my skills would be valuable to SMART’s ongoing success as a steward of public funds and resources.
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I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my leadership experience, budgetary acumen, and dedication to sustainable growth makes me a good choice to serve as the city/town representative to the SMART Board.

Warm regards,
Todd Lands,
Cloverdale Mayor
(707) 280-1366
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CITY OF HEALDSBURG
401 Grove Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448-4723
Visit us at www.healdsburg.gov
January 20, 2025
Sonoma County Mayors' & Councilmembers' Association
Re: SMART Board - SCTA Seat Letter of Interest
Honorable Mayors and Councilmembers,
As I begin my second term on the Healdsburg City Council, I am writing to request your support for my appointment to one of the two SCTA/RCPA seats on the SMART Board of Directors as the Sonoma County Mayors & Councilmembers appointee.

I am uniquely positioned to help SMART achieve its key priorities over the next four years:

Successfully reauthorizing the SMART sales tax prior to its expiration.

Securing funding to complete SMART’s extension through Healdsburg to Cloverdale, including the pathway.

Increasing ridership and operationalizing freight rail service to meet critical regional economic and climate goals.

For the past four years, I have served on the Sonoma County Transportation Authority/Regional Climate Protection Authority (SCTA/RCPA), planning, funding, and implementing regional and local transportation projects. In this role, I have worked diligently to advocate for Sonoma County as a whole. This has included ensuring our fair share of transportation and roadway funding and fostering collaboration among agencies often operating in silos.

Before joining the City Council, I served as CEO of Corazón Healdsburg, an equity-driven nonprofit advocating for underserved residents. In that role, I worked closely with SMART staff to secure resources and engage marginalized communities in SMART planning and funding efforts in Northern Sonoma County. I turned those insights into successful grant applications, increased ridership, and pathway planning that benefited both SMART and our local residents.

As a Sonoma County Planning Commissioner representing District 4 from 2017 to 2020, I built relationships with our tribal partners across the county. I have leveraged these relationships to secure federal and state funding for SMART through advocacy on key grant applications and by raising awareness of passenger rail as a vital transit equity issue for Native communities at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

As an attorney with expertise in land use law and environmental policy, I bring a deep understanding of CEQA, complex funding structures, and real estate agreements. These skills will be invaluable in executing environmental planning and construction for SMART’s northern extensions and exploring future expansions toward the Capitol Corridor.

Finally, as a parent of a nine- and eleven-year-old, I bring a personal perspective on nurturing the next generation in Sonoma County. Today families and students are using SMART in record numbers to get to school, work and other critical destinations. This lens will inform my advocacy on the SMART board as it implements the Plan Bay Area 2050 vision.

In this coming term, SMART and our regional partners will be tasked with prioritizing strategies to create a more resilient and equitable future for Sonoma County and the Bay Area. It would be an honor to put my experience to work for you on the SMART Board and I humbly ask for your support.

Ariel Kelley
Healdsburg City Councilmember
[email protected] | 707-385-1282
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1/6/25, 9:37 AM Gmail - SMART Position
Lauren Berges <[email protected]>
SMART Position
1 message
Fleming, Victoria <[email protected]> Mon, Jan 6, 2025 at 9:25 AM To: Lauren Berges <[email protected]>
January 6, 2024
Dear Mayors and Council Members,
I am writing to you to express my interest in service as your “non-SCTA” representative to SMART.

My interest in serving comes from a desire to streamline communication about planning and funding between SMART and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission which I have served on since 2021.

In this time I have successfully advocated to add the Healdsburg Station to Plan Bay Area and have been in frequent communication with staff at SMART and Board Members.

Thank you for considering me for this position. If you have any questions, please reach out to talk with me.

Warmly,
Victoria Fleming
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/?ik=8cbee50ff6&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1820521204067457619&simpl=msg-f:1820521204067457619 1/1 66 of 86
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January 20, 2025
2025 Chair, City of Rohnert Park
Sonoma County Mayors’ and Councilmember’s Association (SCMCA) 130 Avram Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Attn: Lauren Berges, MCA Clerk, [email protected]
Dear SCMCA Chair, et al.,
I am enthusiastic about submitting my letter of interest for the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) Board of Director position. My understanding is there are three positions open – two are for SCTA Board of Directors and one is for a Non-SCTA Board of Director. My interest is in the Non-SCTA Board of Director opening.

I’m passionate about the work of SMART and excited that Cotati has this opportunity to have one of its members be selected for the Board to represent our entire region. Cotati is currently working on an update to the Santero Way Specific Plan which would facilitate a residentially focused transit-oriented community (TOC) surrounding the SMART station in Cotati, which may be the first TOC in the Bay Area. Having this TOC experience would enable me to share that with the other nine (9) cities in the county. This is going to benefit infill and other similar projects at the other cities in Sonoma County.

In Cotati, the City Council recently approved an agreement with the City of Rohnert Park and Sonoma State University to work on issues on a collaborative basis, and SMART would be one of those areas. Ensuring that SMART and the parallel multi-use path continues towards completion is of utmost importance to all residents in Sonoma County. The new Redwood Bikeshare program installed in Cotati, has the highest ridership in Sonoma County and could be attributed to our SMART station’s proximity to Sonoma State University. I’m aware that SMART has some important work and initiatives and know I would be able to lend my skills and support.

I’m a hard-working public servant that works strategically with others to connect and build coalitions. As a Board Director, I would be able to use my bilingual public information officer experience to help outreach for the upcoming sales tax renewal. Also, my experience and ideas would help with community engagement and engaging groups of voters and riders who are traditionally difficult to reach.

I will be fully committed to the SMART Board and look forward to serving to help the Board and organization meet its goals and objectives. Since I retired from my 34-year career in public service at the County of Sonoma, I have been serving as a City Councilmember in Cotati and look forward to sharing and connecting all communities with the work and aspirations of SMART.

Thank you for your time and consideration and please let me know if I can answer any further questions.

Sincerely,
Sylvia Lemus
Sylvia Lemus
Vice-Mayor, City of Cotati
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvia-lemus-369a4929/
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CITY OF PETALUMA
POST OFFICE BOX 61
PETALUMA, CA 94953-0061
Brian Barnacle
Councilmember
Petaluma City Hall
11 English Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone (707) 778-4345
Msg Phone (707) 778-4541
E-Mail:
[email protected]
December 30, 2024
Clerk of the Board
County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Dr., Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Attn: Michelle Norman and Kyreen Gonzalez
Cc: Lauren Berges
Re: Re-appointment to Bay Area Air Quality Management District Board of Directors Dear Sonoma County Mayors and Council Members,
I am writing to ask for your support in re-appointing me to serve on the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Board of Directors.

The last 13 years of my career have been focused on energy, transportation, and buildings policy and program development. My experience with air quality improvement measures includes building and appliance regulations, and electrification of light duty vehicles, first/last-mile delivery, and heavy-duty trucking. I have participated in regulatory processes at the California Public Utilities Commission, Air Resources Board, Housing and Community Development, and Energy Commission, and helped advance climate and clean energy legislation in Sacramento.

In 2020, I ran for a seat on the Petaluma City Council because I truly love local government. Now, after four years of serving on the City Council and two years serving on the BAAQMD Board, I am seeking re-appointment because I want to continue helping reduce emissions and local air pollution throughout Bay Area communities.

In many ways, BAAQMD’s work is precedent-setting for our nation. Addressing intersectional issues like environmental, climate, and economic justice requires BAAQMD board members to do what is best for the health of our climate and public, while mitigating concerns about equity, career displacement, the economy, and more. I remain up for this challenge.

As the son of a union carpenter who was raised in a Sonoma County dairy family and today works in climate policy, my life experiences have forced me to see different sides of issues. My diverse background helps me understand and take principled positions on the many complex issues that BAAQMD takes on.

For these reasons, I ask for your support. Please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at (707) 373-6414 or by email at [email protected] if you would like to speak more about my interest in this position.

Thank you for your consideration and happy New Year.

Sincerely,
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130 Avram Avenue  Rohnert Park CA  94928  (707) 588-2226  Fax (707) 794-9248 www.rpcity.org
Gerard Giudice
Mayor
Emily Sanborn
Vice Mayor
Susan Hollingsworth Adams
Jackie Elward
Samantha Rodriguez
Councilmembers
________________
Marcela Piedra
City Manager
Michelle Marchetta Kenyon
City Attorney
Lee Burdick
Assistant City Attorney
Cindy Bagley
Director of Community Services
Jamie Cannon
Director of Human Resources
Vanessa Garrett
Director of Public Works
Alicia Giudice
Director of
Development Services
Sylvia Lopez Cuevas
City Clerk
Tim Mattos
Public Safety Director
Betsy Howze
Finance Director
January 6, 2025
Clerk of the Board
County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Dr, Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Attn: Michelle Norman [email protected] Karen Gonzalez [email protected]
Re: Letter of Interest and Request for Re-Appointment to Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District
Dear City Selection Committee,
I respectfully request your support for my reappointment to the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District Board of Directors for an additional two-year term.

Over the past two years, it has been my privilege to represent Sonoma County on the Board. During my tenure, I have actively contributed through my roles on key committees, including the Governmental Affairs and Public Information Committee, the Building and Operating Committee, the Finance-Auditing Committee (including the OPEB Retirement Investment Trust Board), the Suicide Deterrent System Advisory Committee, and the Nomination of Officers of the Board of Directors Advisory Committee. These responsibilities have allowed me to advocate for the community and address critical issues impacting our region.

I am confident that my continued service on the Board will further strengthen our collective efforts in enhancing transportation infrastructure and community engagement. I ask for your support in ensuring the continuation of this work.

Should you have any questions or wish to discuss my qualifications further, I can be reached at (707) 899-3087 or via email at [email protected]. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your favorable consideration.

Kind Regards,
Gerard Giudice
Mayor, City of Rohnert Park
Cc: Rohnert Park City Council and City Manager
Cc: Lauren Berges, [email protected]
Docusign Envelope ID: 3BCE5C2F-7B31-4494-A68A-16BD9227DFDA 71 of 86
January 16, 2025
Clerk of the Board
County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Dr., Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Re: Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District Letter of Interest Honorable Sonoma County Supervisors,
I write to respectfully request your support for my appointment to the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District Board. I firmly support the District’s mission to provide safe and reliable operation, maintenance and enhancement of the Golden Gate Bridge and to provide congestion free transportation services within the U.S. Highway 101 Golden Gate Corridor.

My diverse background and passion for public transportation gives me a unique perspective that will serve this board well. I’ve served on Petaluma’s Transit Advisory Committee since 2023 (Chair for past 6 months). I also served simultaneously on Petaluma’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee and was the Vice Chair of this committee during this same time. My terms on these committees ended when I recently won my election to Petaluma’s City Council, at which time I was re-appointed to both committees as the council liaison. During this time, I have championed Petaluma Transit’s free ride program, Luma Go, and MicroTransit. I’ve also contributed and supported the ongoing work to renew Petaluma’s ATP.

I hold a BA in Accounting and an MBA from Saint Martin’s University in Lacey Washington.

My professional background is in supply chain transportation. I’ve held key leadership positions for companies like Target and my current employer RH (formerly Restoration Hardware). I understand what it takes to move products around the globe but I’m particularly adept in domestic US trucking and intermodal (rail) services. I’ve also run a mid-sized California based trucking company. While my expertise in supply chain transportation isn’t the same as public transportation, there is crossover, and it offers me a useful and unique perspective. I fully understand our nation’s highway and rail systems and their challenges.

Lastly, I’m passionate about climate change, I believe climate change is an existential threat, and I believe one of the most important things we should be working on is effective alternatives to driving. Developing work opportunities closer to where people live, developing communities around transit corridors and developing effective alternatives for people to move through their communities without depending on automobiles is crucial. I am excited to join the Petaluma City Council, and I am committed to making this community more transit-oriented and would enjoy an opportunity to work on this issue regionally.

I would be honored by your support for this appointment and respectfully ask for your vote. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 707-971-9226 or by email at [email protected] Sincerely,
Frank Quint
Petaluma City Council member
cc: Members of Petaluma City Council
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130 Avram Avenue  Rohnert Park CA  94928  (707) 588-2226  Fax (707) 794-9248 www.rpcity.org
City Council
Gerard Giudice
Mayor
Emily Sanborn
Vice Mayor
Susan Hollingsworth Adams
Jackie Elward
Samantha Rodriguez
Councilmembers
________________
Marcela Piedra
City Manager
Michelle Marchetta Kenyon
City Attorney
Lee Burdick
Assistant City Attorney
Cindy Bagley
Director of Community Services
Jamie Cannon
Director of Human Resources
Vanessa Garrett
Director of Public Works
Alicia Giudice
Director of
Development Services
Sylvia Lopez Cuevas
City Clerk
Tim Mattos
Public Safety Director
Betsy Howze
Finance Director
January 6, 2025
Clerk of the Board
County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Dr., Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Attn: Michelle Norman, [email protected] and Kyreen Gonzalez, [email protected]
Re: Request for Appointment to the Sonoma County Consolidated Oversight Board Letter of Interest
Dear Selection Committee:

I am writing to express my interest in serving on the Sonoma County Consolidated Oversight Board to fill the vacancy left by Chris Rogers of Santa Rosa.

Since being elected in 2020, I have had the privilege of serving my community in several capacities, including one term as Mayor and one term as Vice Mayor.

These leadership roles have allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our region, as well as the importance of collaborative decision-making.

In addition to my municipal leadership, I served on the North Bay Division of the League of California Cities (LOCC) Executive Board for two years and on the Sonoma Clean Power Board of Directors (SCP). I have also served on the Homeless Coalition Board (formerly the Sonoma County Continuum of Care Board) for two consecutive years.

I am passionate about contributing to the continued success of Sonoma County through thoughtful oversight and collaboration. I am confident that my leadership experience, regional perspective, and dedication to public service make me a strong candidate for this position.

Thank you for considering my application. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions at (707) 588-2223, or by email at [email protected].

Sincerely,
Jackie Elward
City of Rohnert Park
Cc: City Council
City Manager
City Clerk
Cc: Lauren Berges, [email protected]
Docusign Envelope ID: 5D4760C8-BBED-42A0-9EBC-AEDCE5F522E2 73 of 86
January 13, 2015
Attn: Michelle Norman, Kyreen Gonzalez
Clerk of the Board
County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors
Re: Consolidated Oversight Board
Dear Board of Supervisors:

I am excited to be applying for this primary consolidated oversight board position.

For the last two years, I have served as the alternate to this board as it fulfills its purpose of overseeing the dissolution of former redevelopment successor agencies. This work involves appointees form County Board of Supervisor, County Superintendent of Education, Chancellor of the California Colleges, the city selection committee and an employee organization representing the largest number of successor employees in the county. My work as the Mayors and Council Member Associations’ appointee to the Childcare Planning council, a part of our Office of Education, along with familiarity with various colleges has helped my understanding of this process.

As the primary, I will bring my statewide experience from having served on the Cal Cities revenue and taxation policy committee, two years of city council budget committee experience and my legal understanding of the fiduciary duties owing to holders of enforceable obligations and taxing entities.

Additionally, I have engaged with the assigned staff and have a great relationship with them.

I would be honored to be appointed to this position and help the board fulfill its mission. 74 of 86
2 Sincerely,
signed
Stephen Zollman
Sebastopol Mayor
[email protected]
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Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: REGULAR AGENDA (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: ACTION TO FILL CITY COUNCIL VACANCY BY

APPOINTMENT OR BY ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO

HOLD A SPECIAL ELECTION
Date: January 28, 2025
Written by: Kevin Patterson, Deputy City Clerk
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a motion to fill the vacant City Councilmember seat by appointment or alternatively adopt a resolution to hold a special election.

Background
Due to the resignation of Councilmember Kathleen Rivers, effective January 20, 2025, a vacancy has been created for the remainder of her term expiring in December of 2026. Pursuant to Government Code Section 36512(b), the Council may appoint or call a special election to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term. The action must be taken within 60 days of the effective date of the vacancy – by March 21 – to appoint or call a special election.

The term of the Planning Commissioner (Shelley Berman) appointed by Councilmember Rivers would be extended until the Council vacancy is filled, at which time the newly seated Councilmember would make his/her own appointment.

Analysis/Discussion
Past vacancies on the Cotati City Council have been successfully filled by appointment, most recently with former Mayor John Moore (appointed in 2013), former Mayor John Dell’Osso (appointed in 2011), and former Mayor Mark Landman (appointed in 2009). All three of these appointed members were subsequently elected to full term City Council seats.

Special Election
To hold a special election to fill the seat for the remainer of the term (ending 2026), the Council 76 of 86
would immediately adopt a resolution ordering the special election for August 26, and the nomination period would be May 5 – May 30, 2025. The City Council seat would remain vacant until the election results would be certified, no later than September 26, 2025. As stated earlier, the term would then expire at the end of 2026.

Appointment
If the Council chooses to fill the vacancy by appointment, the appointment must be made no later than Friday, March 21. Appointments can be made immediately on the spot with no application process or with a formal application process. Appointments can be made at a regular meeting or at a special meeting, so the process (if any) is fully at the discretion of the City Council, provided that the City Council appoints within 60 days.

In the prior appointments cited above, the City Council used the standard application that the City uses for Boards and Commissions, with varying amounts of time to apply (between 6 and 30 days). Appointments have been made at both regular and at special meetings. The City Council could also require additional materials, if desired.

If the City Council wishes to use an application process for the appointment, the following options will satisfy the statutory time limits:

Application Process - Option 1
• Use standard Boards and Commissions Application.
• Open applications on January 30 and close applications on February 6, 2025 (1 week). • Appointment would be made at the February 11, 2025 Regular Council Meeting.

Application Process - Option 2
• Use standard Boards and Commissions Application.
• Open applications on January 30 and close applications on February 20, 2025 (3 weeks). • Appointment would be made at the February 25, 2025 Regular Council Meeting.

Application Process - Option 3
• Use standard Boards and Commissions Application.
• Open applications on January 30 and close applications on March 5, 2025 (5 weeks). • Appointment would be made at the March 11, 2025 Regular Council Meeting.

Summary
With one (1) City Council seat vacant, the City Council would have an even number of members. If there is a split (2-2) vote, it would prevent action on that item. Additionally, if there is an absence from a meeting, all votes would need to be unanimous to approve items. A similar situation could occur on any item where there is a recusal. Although rare, any required 4/5 votes would also need to be unanimous, with all City Councilmembers present, to pass.

The City Council is also beginning the 2-year budget process. For a new City Council member to have meaningful input into the process, they should be appointed as soon as practicable. 77 of 86
To avoid potential interruption to City business with a vacant seat over an extended period of time, ensure input into the budget process and save on the cost of a special election for what effectively is a 1-year term, it is recommended by staff to conduct an appointment using either Option 1 or Option 2, described above.

The only meaningful differences between Option 1 and 2 are the different application periods and with Option 2, the applicant would not be seated for the Strategic Planning Meeting on February 18. Under either option, the applicant would be seated for the budget workshops later in the spring. Option 3, while viable, pushes appointments to the outside edge of the available window and is not recommended as there is no float if an extension to the appointment process is needed.

In any case, if the City Council wishes to hold a special election, staff have provided a resolution (attached) that would need to be adopted to start the process.

Financial Considerations
Appointing a new City Councilmember does not generally incur any direct expenses. Should the Council choose to conduct a special election in lieu of the appointment process, the estimated cost would be $17,836-$76,440 ($3.50-$15.00 per registered voter), according to the Registrar of Voters.

ADOPT ONLY IF HOLDING A SPECIAL ELECTION
RESOLUTION NO. (XX)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI CALLING

AND GIVING NOTICE OF A SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 26, 2025 FOR THE ELECTION OF ONE (1) COUNCILMEMBER TO FILL

THE CURRENT AT-LARGE SEAT FOR THE REMAINDER OF A FOUR-YEAR TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE DECEMBER 2026, REQUESTING THAT THE

SONOMA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CONSENT TO THE

CONSOLIDATION BY THE SONOMA COUNTY REGISTRAR OF VOTERS OF

THE SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION WITH ANY REGULARLY ESTABLISHED ELECTION TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 26, 2025, IF APPLICABLE, AND

AUTHORIZING THE SONOMA COUNTY REGISTRAR OF VOTERS TO
CONDUCT AND CANVASS THE ELECTION RESULTS FOR THE AUGUST 26, 2025

SPECIAL ELECTION
WHEREAS, a vacancy was created on the City of Cotati City Council on January 20, 2025, when former Councilmember Kathleen Rivers resigned her position; and WHEREAS, the now-vacant Council seat is an at-large seat with a term that will expire December 2026; and
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 36512(b) address vacancies of elected officers of a general law city, and provides that a vacancy must be filled by the City Council either by 1) appointment by the Council within 60 days of the commencement of the vacancy, or 2) calling a special election within 60 days of the vacancy to fill the vacancy; and WHEREAS, under the Elections Code, a special municipal election shall be held on the next regularly established election date not less than 114 days from the call of the special election and the next regularly established election date is August 26, 2025; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to call a special municipal election to be conducted on the regularly established election date of August 26, 2025 to fill the City Council vacancy; and
WHEREAS, Elections Code Section 10400 provides that the City Council may request that the County Board of Supervisors consolidate said Special Municipal Election with a regularly established election; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Sections 10400, 10402 and 10403 of the Elections Code of the State of California, it is in the best public interest of the City to consolidate the City of Cotati Special Municipal Election with any regularly established election to be held on August 26, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the cost of a Special Municipal Election will add to the normal costs of a General Municipal Election and these are costs that must be borne by the General Fund; and 79 of 86

ADOPT ONLY IF HOLDING A SPECIAL ELECTION
WHEREAS, Elections Code Section 12109 provides that the governing body of the City of Cotati shall give notice of the designation of a central counting place for the voted ballots of the Cotati Special Municipal Election; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined, pursuant to Section 15387(b)(5) of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines that approval of this resolution will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment and therefore is not a project for purposes of CEQA.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Cotati does resolve, declare, determine and order as follows:

1. That the foregoing recitals are true and correct and are hereby adopted.

2. That the City Council of the City of Cotati hereby calls and orders a Special Municipal Election to be held in the City of Cotati on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 for the purpose of the election of one (1) City Councilmember to fill the remainder of an at-large seat that will expire on December of 2026.

3. That the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters is authorized to canvass the results of the Special Municipal Election. That the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters is authorized to specify the location for the tally of ballots and certify the results to the City Council of the City of Cotati. The election shall be held in all respects as if there were only one election, and only one form of ballot shall be used in the form and content required by law.

4. That in all particulars not recited in this resolution, the election shall be held and conducted as provided by law for holding municipal elections. The City Council acknowledges that and consolidated election will be conducted in the manner prescribed in Elections Code Section 10418.

5. That the City Clerk is hereby directed to file a certified copy of this resolution with the Board of Supervisors and the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters and enter this resolution into the book of original resolutions.

6. That the City Manager and/or its designee is authorized and directed to compensate the County for the cost of conducting the Special Municipal Election for the City.

7. That notice of time and place of holding the special election is given that the City Clerk is authorized, instructed, and directed to give further or additional notice of the election, in time, form and manner as required by law.

IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED that the foregoing resolution was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Cotati held on January 28, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:

Approved:___________________________
Mayor
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ADOPT ONLY IF HOLDING A SPECIAL ELECTION
Attest:______________________________
Kevin Patterson, Deputy City Clerk
Approved as to form:______________________________
City Attorney
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Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: CONSENT CALENDAR (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: PROCLAMATION SCHEDULE FOR 2024
Date: JANUARY 28, 2025
Written by: Damien O'Bid, City Manager
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a motion approving a proclamation schedule for 2024.

Background
On July 25, 2023 the City Council adopted a recognition and flag policy. At that time, the City Council also adopted an initial schedule of proclamations for the second half of 2023. On December 12, 2023, the City Council reviewed the proclamations for the first half of 2024 and directed staff to update the annual proclamations table to include a column that indicates that certain proclamations regularly requested by the community would be brought to the City Council only when requested by a community organization.

On January 23, 2024, the City Council adopted the full schedule for 2024, which is attached to this staff report.

Analysis/Discussion
After the adoption of the fully year calendar for 2024, it was anticipated that moving forward this item would only come to City Council once per year at around the same time as the mid-year reorganization and assignment discussions (typically in January).

As is often the case, other proclamations may come up that are not on the schedule, but can be added as needed. The intent of the schedule of proclamations is to forecast recurring proclamations and assist with planning.
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Financial Considerations
Proclamations, if there is a template provided, typically do not take more than 1-2 hours of staff time to agendize and coordinate with the receiving party. This can get significantly more time consuming if template materials are not provided, sensitivity of the subject matter, or desire for ceremonies/events following the proclamation.

Environmental Issues
This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a project which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, pursuant to CEQA Guideline section 15378.
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Annual Calendar of City Proclamations
(X) Only if Requested by Flag
Ceremony Proclamation Title Timing/Frequency a Community Organization
Organizing Lead Flag
January
-
February
Black History Month
March
Annual
Annual
Rivers
Women’s History Month Sparks
National Surveyor's Week Begins 3rd Sunday Annual
Annual
X
American Red Cross Month X
April
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
WOTYC Proclamation
(Week of the Young Child)
NPST Week
Annual X
X
st nd 1 or 2 week Annual
(National Public Safety Telecommunicators
Week)
Annual STAFF
MOVES Proclamation
(Children's Memorial Day)
National Library Week Proclamation
May
4th Friday Annual X
X
X
Late April Annual
Asian Pacific Islander History Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
Bike Month Proclamation
National Public Works Week
June
Annual
Annual
Annual
Lemus
X
X
Mid-May Annual STAFF
Pride Month Annual
June 12, Annual
June 19, Annual
Rivers
Harvey
Rivers
X
X
X
X
Women Veterans Day
Juneteenth Proclamation
July 84 of 86
Annual Calendar of City Proclamations
(X) Only if Requested by Flag
Ceremony Proclamation Title Timing/Frequency a Community Organization
Organizing Lead Flag
Zero Waste Week Proclamation
August
Women's Equality Day Proclamation
September
Last Week of July Annual
August 26 Annual
STAFF
X
Latino Heritage Month
International Day of Peace
Creek Week
Annual
Annually, Sept. 21
Begins 3rd Monday, Annual
Lemus
Rivers
STAFF
X X
October
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Disability Employment Awareness Month
Annual
Annual
Harvey
Ford
World Polio Awareness Day 4
th Tuesday of October Harvey
November
Indigenous Peoples Day (2nd Monday of
October) / Native American Heritage Month Annual Lemus X X (November)
December
-
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Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: INFORMATION RECEIVED AFTER THE AGENDA WAS POSTED To: City Council
Subject: INFORMATION RECEIVED AFTER THE AGENDA WAS POSTED Date: January 28, 2025
Written by: Kevin Patterson, Deputy City Clerk
Recommendation
Information or written comments pertaining to this meeting, and which was received after the agenda was posted, is attached below.

Pursuant to City Council Policy 2023-01: City Council Rules section IV A., written Communications, interested persons or their authorized representative may address the Council by written communication on any matters concerning the City’s business, or any matters over which the Council has control.

1. To be considered for inclusion in the agenda packet, such written communication shall be delivered to the Deputy City Clerk no later than 11:00 a.m. of the Wednesday the week preceding the regular Council meeting for which such written communication is intended.

2. If received after the above date and time, but no later than noon the day before the meeting, written communications received by the Deputy City Clerk shall be posted on the website by the end of that day and notification provided to the electronic Agenda mailing list by the end of the day. All written communications received by the Deputy City Clerk by 5 pm on the City Council meeting day shall be made available to the City Council and public at the City Council meeting.

City Council Policy 2023-01 is available at the online meeting portal at www.cotaticity.org or by request from the Deputy City Clerk at 707-665-3622 or [email protected]. 86 of 86

Cotati City CouncilJanuary 28, 2025

Cotati City Council
January 28, 2025