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, May 12, 2026
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 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://www.youtube.com/@cityofcotati7280/streams
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/85261709970?pwd=QcPEkv80rxU4IL1aI0fSraNiVFH0cM.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: 852 6170 9970 Passcode: 371032
+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 in writing and included as part of the record of the meeting. They will not be read aloud into the record at 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, in accordance Cotati City Council Agenda May 12, 2026
with the City Council Rules of Conduct.
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.
Accommodations: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in a City Council meeting or other services provided by the City, please contact the City Clerk’s office at [email protected].
Notification of at least 48-hours prior to the meeting or time when services are needed will assist City staff in assuring that reasonable arrangements can be made to provide accessibility to the meeting or service.
Rules of Decorum: To avoid distraction, the following meeting etiquette shall be enforced. • Silence electronic devices, including cell phones.
• Audience members are advised to keep conversations to a minimum or conduct them outside the building. • Members of the public are prohibited from speaking, yelling, or otherwise making loud noises from the audience that disrupt the orderly proceeding of the meeting.
• 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.
Public Comment: Public comment on any one agenda item is limited to no more than three (3) minutes per person, in accordance with the City Council Rules of Conduct.
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).
Announcements:
A. Meeting Orientation for New Attendees/Viewers. In conformance with the Brown Act and the adopted City Council Rules, if the City Council is considering an item in which action will be taken, citizens will be invited to provide comments relevant to the item being discussed. The meeting agenda also includes a Citizen Business item, which is the designated place on the agenda where citizens have the right to comment on any matter within the City’s subject matter jurisdiction. However, Citizen Business items do not generally receive a response because the Brown Act prohibits the City Council from taking action or considering any item that is not on this agenda, so as to ensure that other members of the community who wish to provide comment are notified in advance through a properly noticed meeting agenda. Nonetheless, in accordance with the Brown Act, the Council may briefly respond, may ask a question for clarification, or may direct an item be placed on a future agenda.
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.
D. Have you noticed a street light out, pothole, or issues in a City Park? We want to keep Cotati beautiful and running smoothly, so please let us know what needs to be fixed, by going to the City website under “How do I” and “Report a Service Request.” E. 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.
City Council meetings are conducted according to City Council Policy 2025-03: City Council Rules of Conduct. 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.
Cotati City Council Agenda May 12, 2026
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 - ROLL CALL
2. 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 – APR 28, 2026
3. PROCLAMATIONS (ACTION)
A. PROCLAIMING MAY 2026 AS ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER
HERITAGE MONTH IN COTATI
B. PROCLAIMING MAY 2026 AS BIKE MONTH IN COTATI
C. PROCLAIMING MAY 2026 AS AFFORDABLE HOUSING MONTH IN COTATI
4. AGENDA REVIEW (ACTION)
5. 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 2025-03, 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.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR (ACTION)
A. APPROVAL OF 2026 CITY OF COTATI SUMMER MOVIES IN THE PARK, FOOD
FESTIVAL, AND NATIONAL NIGHT OUT EVENTS IN LA PLAZA PARK It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the 2026 City of Cotati Summer Movies in the Park, Food Festival, and National Night Out events in La Plaza Park; authorizing the temporary street closure of La Plaza and the sales of food, goods and services, and alcohol by vendors and food trucks.
B. APPROVAL OF 2026 COTATI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MUSIC FESTIVAL
EVENT IN LA PLAZA PARK
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the 2026 Cotati Chamber of Commerce Music Festival event.
C. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO REZONING
MULTIPLE PARCELS TO THE TRANSIT ORIENTED COMMUNITIES (TOC) AND
SANTERO WAY (SW) ZONING DISTRICTS AND MAKE ANY FURTHER NEEDED
REVISIONS TO IMPLEMENT THE TOC LAND USE POLICIES
It is recommended the City Council conduct the second reading and adopt an ordinance to rezone the specific parcels identified in the TOC and Santero Way Ordinance to the TOC and SW zoning districts and make other clarifying changes to the Cotati Municipal Code to finalize Cotati City Council Agenda May 12, 2026
TOC policy compliance.
7. DIRECTION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
8. REGULAR AGENDA (ACTION)
A. GENERAL FUND LONG-RANGE FINANCIAL FORECAST - FISCAL YEARS 2025-26 THROUGH 2035-36
It is recommended that the City Council receive a report on the General Fund Long-Range Financial Forecast (LRFF) for FY 2025-26 through FY 2035-36.
B. REVIEW FISCAL YEAR WORKPLAN PRIORITY
It is recommended that the City Council review the updated strategic project priorities and provide direction to staff on updates/changes to current and FY 26/27 priorities, as necessary.
9. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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 millenia. This acknowledgment does not take the place of authentic relationships with Indigenous communities but serves as a gesture of respect to the land we are on.
10. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT & COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
11. CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH CITY LABOR NEGOTIATORS (GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6) CITY DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE: CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE. EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION: COTATI EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION (CEA) AND POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (POA)
B. CONFERENCE WITH NEGOTIATORS (GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6) AGENCY REPRESENTATIVE: CITY COUNCIL. UNREPRESENTED EMPLOYEE:
CITY MANAGER
12. INFORMATION RECEIVED AFTER THE AGENDA WAS POSTED
13. 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 May 8, 2026. /s/ Kevin Patterson, 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, April 28, 2026
6:00 PM REGULAR MEETING
1. CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL
Mayor Lemus called the meeting to order at 6:00pm.
Attendee Name Title Status
Sylvia Lemus Mayor Present
Susan Harvey Vice Mayor Present
Ben Ford Councilmember Present
John Savage Councilmember Present
Laura Sparks Councilmember Leave of Absence
Staff Present: City Manager Damien O’Bid, City Attorney John Bakker, Permit Technician Carla Duncan, Director of Administrative Services Angela Courter, Director of Community Development Noah Housh, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Craig Scott, Police Chief Chris Simmons
2. 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 – APR 14, 2026 RESULT: Approve [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Susan Harvey, Councilmember
SECONDER: John Savage, Councilmember
AYES: Lemus, Harvey, Ford, Savage
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Sparks
3. AGENDA REVIEW (ACTION)
No changes.
4. 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 2025-03, 5 of 104
Cotati City Council Minutes April 28, 2026
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.
Public Comment:
Emily Schmidt of Cotati
David Erskine of Cotati
5. CONSENT CALENDAR (ACTION)
A. CONSIDER ACCEPTANCE OF THE SUNFLOWER PARK CONSTRUCTION
IMPROVEMENTS
B. SECOND READING OF FOOD AND MOBILE BUSINESS ORDINANCE C. APPROVAL OF 2026 FARMERS MARKET EVENT IN LA PLAZA PARK D. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO REZONING
MULTIPLE PARCELS TO THE TRANSIT ORIENTED COMMUNITIES (TOC) AND
SANTERO WAY (SW) ZONING DISTRICTS AND MAKE ANY FURTHER NEEDED
REVISIONS TO IMPLEMENT THE TOC LAND USE POLICIES
RESULT: Adopt [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Ben Ford, Councilmember
SECONDER: Susan Harvey, Councilmember
AYES: Lemus, Harvey, Ford, Savage
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Sparks
6. DIRECTION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Lemus requested a future agenda item for a discussion on flight path changes for the Sonoma County Airport.
7. REGULAR AGENDA (ACTION)
A. FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 - THIRD QUARTER - FINANCIAL UPDATE Presentation by Director of Administrative Services Angela Courter.
Councilmembers comment.
No public comment.
B. HIGHWAY 116/WEST COTATI AVENUE INTERSECTION SAFETY
IMPROVEMENT UPDATE
Presentation by City Manager Damien O’Bid.
Councilmembers comment.
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Cotati City Council Minutes April 28, 2026
Public Comment:
Laurie Alderman of Cotati
Neil Hancock of Cotati
Laurie-Ann Barbour of Cotati
Council gave the following feedback to staff:
-Investigate if the splitter island on the west side of Hwy 116 can be widened. -Investigate possibility of adding flashing lights to pedestrian crossings on 116 crossings. -Ensure landscaping does not impact views and safety of pedestrian crossings.
C. ENHANCED INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING DISTRICT (EIFD) FEASIBILITY
STUDY UPDATE
Presentation by City Manager Damien O’Bid.
Councilmembers comment that there doesn’t appear to be a need to do a joint EIFD with Rohnert Park. This would make more sense if it was a joint project in both communities.
No public comment.
D. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE AGREEMENT OF A DIGITAL DISPLAY AND THE
ASSOCIATED INSTALLATION AND SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENTS TO
REPLACE THE MARQUEE MESSAGE BOARD
Presentation by Director of Public Works/City Engineer Craig Scott.
Councilmembers comment.
Public Comment:
Laurie Alderman of Cotati
Laurie-Ann Barbour of Cotati
Council generally supported the usage policies outlined in the staff report, including using minimal color/animations, except in cases of emergencies, and ensuring the text display does not rotate too rapidly, ensuring readability.
RESULT: Adopt [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Susan Harvey, Councilmember
SECONDER: Ben Ford, Mayor
AYES: Lemus, Harvey, Ford, Savage
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Sparks
8. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT & PLEDGE OF ALLIGIANCE
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 7 of 104
Cotati City Council Minutes April 28, 2026
9. stewarding and maintaining a relationship on this land as knowledge keepers for millenia. This acknowledgment does not take the place of authentic relationships with Indigenous communities but serves as a gesture of respect to the land we are on.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT & COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
Report by City Manager Damien O’Bid.
Councilmembers report out on local and regional events and meetings.
10. INFORMATION RECEIVED AFTER THE AGENDA WAS POSTED
11. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Lemus adjourned the meeting at 8:16pm.
/s/ Kevin Patterson, City Clerk
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PROCLAMATION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI
RECOGNIZING AND SUPPORTING THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC
ISLANDER (AAPI) COMMUNITY IN THE CITY OF COTATI AND PROCLAIMING MAY 2026 AS AAPI HERITAGE MONTH
WHEREAS, the month of May marks the national celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the United States and we take this time to honor our rich history, cultural diversity, achievement and contributions; and
WHEREAS, AAPI residents have long enriched and continue to contribute to the City of Cotati’s and Sonoma County’s vitality, economic prosperity, cultural richness, and social fabric, driven by values of family, community, and the belief in the American Dream; and WHEREAS, AAPI organizing and advocacy efforts are actively growing and expanding, strengthening civic engagement and community leadership within Sonoma County (such as mitigating marginalization of our youth and recognizing the effects of climate change on the most vulnerable) and the diverse AAPI community welcomes opportunities to share stories and culture which promote pride, understanding, visibility and representation; and WHEREAS, the AAPI community continues to face systemic barriers accessing government resources, support, and representation, as well as ongoing experiences of discrimination and language barriers that can hinder full civic participation and economic mobility, and our nation’s current climate has heightened fears and vulnerabilities among AAPI residents, leading many to retreat into isolated communities for perceived safety, reinforcing the need for greater outreach, inclusion, and proactive engagement; and WHEREAS, the City deeply values the human rights and dignity of all residents and strives to protect our residents against acts of hate; and WHEREAS, the City Councils Strategic Goals include promoting and equitable, compassionate, and health community that honors diversity as a source of strength.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the City Council of the City of Cotati formally recognizes and honors the contributions of the AAPI community, will work to dispel misconceptions and educate our residents about the significant contributions of the AAPI community to support the efforts to end discrimination.
BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED, that the City will actively seek opportunities to 9 of 104
collaborate with AAPI communities, including encouraging all elected officials in Sonoma County to attend and actively listen and engage at AAPI events, advance equity and health in our City and ensure that all City operations are inclusive and equitable.
BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that the City, in recognition of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, hereby proclaim the month of May 2026 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the City of Cotati.
Approved:_____________________________
Mayor
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PROCLAMATION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI
PROCLAIMING MAY 2026 AS BIKE MONTH IN THE CITY OF COTATI WHEREAS, the bicycle is a healthy, convenient, financially and environmentally sound form of transportation and an excellent tool for recreation and enjoyment of the City of Cotati’s scenic beauty, local attractions, and friendly neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, Sonoma County’s roads and trails attract bicyclists each year, providing economic health, transportation, tourism, and scenic benefits; and WHEREAS, creating a bicycling-friendly community has been shown to improve citizens’ health, well-being, and quality of life, growing the economy of the City and County, attracting tourism dollars, improving traffic safety, supporting student health and learning, and reducing pollution, congestion, and wear and tear on our streets and roads; and WHEREAS, since 2001 the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition has been promoting bicycling for transportation and recreation through education, encouragement and advocacy; and WHEREAS, thousands of local schoolchildren have received classroom instruction in bicycle and pedestrian safety and participated in skill-building Bike Rodeos facilitated by the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition’s Safe Routes to School program; and
WHEREAS, the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition’s Smart Cycling program has taught bicycle safety skills to thousands of adults; and
WHEREAS, the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition has produced numerous events and activities encouraging residents to ride a bicycle, including the Bike Advocacy Summit, Bike Expos, Ciclovías, bike film nights, community rides, giveaways of bicycles and bicycle safety equipment, repair clinics, and Bike to Work Month; and
WHEREAS, the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, the League of American Bicyclists, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and jurisdictions throughout the Bay Area will be promoting bicycling during the month of May 2026; and
WHEREAS, throughout the month of May, the residents of Cotati and its visitors can experience the joys of bicycling through free educational programs, challenges, and events, organized by these groups; and
WHEREAS, these groups are also promoting greater public awareness of bicycle operation and safety education in an effort to reduce collisions, injuries, and fatalities and improve health and safety for everyone on the road;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Cotati City Council does hereby 11 of 104
recognize the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition and commends the institution for its contributions to the community, and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED, that the Cotati City Council does hereby proclaim May 2026 as Bike Month and May 14, 2026 as Bike to Work Day in Cotati, and urge all residents to participate in this special observance.
Approved:______________________________
Mayor
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PROCLAMATION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI
PROCLAMING MAY 2026 AS AFFORDABLE HOUSING MONTH
WHEREAS, affordable housing is one of the cornerstones of a well functioning community; and
WHEREAS, our communities thrive when all families have a place to call home; and WHEREAS, each year, families in Sonoma County struggle to find an affordable home in one of the most expensive housing markets in the nation; and WHEREAS, affordable housing is an essential element of the equitable fire recovery process in Sonoma County; and
WHEREAS, the City of Cotati has approved over 2.5 times more housing units than is required by the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), including a minimum of 15% deed restricted affordable units in all market rate projects and a 43 unit below market rate development in our downtown; and
WHEREAS, the City of Cotati is committed to safe, stable, and affordable housing for all its residents; and
WHEREAS, the strength of the community and economy depends on providing access to housing options that allow current and future residents of all income levels and backgrounds to live where they work; and
WHEREAS, affordable housing near employment centers and transit reduces traffic congestion, air pollution, and emissions, and lowers housing and transportation costs for local workers; and
WHEREAS, organizations throughout Sonoma County are dedicated to providing safe, stable, permanent and affordable housing for all members of the community and are working collaboratively to bring the needed affordable housing to our communities; and WHEREAS, these organizations are encouraged to partner with local agencies and community members to recognize Affordable Housing Week, which supports sharing best practices, opportunities, and solutions to provide a variety of housing types so there is a home that is within reach for all residents of Sonoma County. 13 of 104
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED on this day of May 12, 2026, by the City Council of the City of Cotati, that the month of May 2026 is Affordable Housing Month.
Approved:_____________________________
Mayor
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Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: CONSENT CALENDAR (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: APPROVAL OF 2026 CITY OF COTATI SUMMER MOVIES IN
THE PARK, FOOD FESTIVAL, AND NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
EVENTS IN LA PLAZA PARK.
Date: May 12, 2026
Written by: Ashley Wilson, Recreation Manager
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the 2026 City of Cotati Summer Movies in the Park, Food Festival, and National Night Out events in La Plaza Park; authorizing the temporary street closure of La Plaza and the sales of food, goods and services, and alcohol by vendors and food trucks.
Background
With the success of our National Night Out event and Summer Movies in the Park events in the past several years and a goal to bring more recreational and community-oriented opportunities to Cotati, if authorized by the City Council, the City will continue to bring movies in the park throughout the summer. Additionally, the food festival had a successful second year last summer and will continue this year.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live. The National Night Out program culminates annually on the first Tuesday of August.
Neighbors participate across thousands of communities from all 50 states, United States territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide. The Recreation and Police Departments will work together to continue this event in Cotati to build community engagement and trust.
Analysis/Discussion
Below is a summary of the events. Request includes the following: 1) exclusive use of La Plaza 15 of 104
Park; 2) closure of public streets, including parking spaces; 3) sales of food and other items by vendors and food trucks and tickets to ride a jump house and potentially other attractions; 4) alcohol sales provided by the Cotati Chamber of Commerce or other nonprofit organization; 5) amplified entertainment as well as dogs in the park.
Event Attendance Dates/Times (including set-up)
Movies in the Park 200 Friday, June 12
4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Movies in the Park/ 600 Tuesday, August 4
National Night Out 3:00pm – 11:00pm
Movies in the Park/ 400 Saturday, September 19
Grub in the Hub Food Fest 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
California Vehicle Code Section 21101 (e) authorizes the temporary closing of any street for celebrations, parades, local events and other purposes when, in the opinion of local authorities having jurisdiction, the closing is necessary for the safety and protection of persons who are to use that portion of the street during the temporary closing. In these instances, the public street would be heavily used for food vendors and vehicles, so closure is in the best interest of public safety. The Police Department will notify the appropriate public and emergency response agencies of the closures. To maximize the safety of those attending, the Public Works Department would need to temporarily close La Plaza between West Sierra Avenue and West Cotati Avenue.
National Night Out is an annual national event that brings communities and public agencies together. On August 4th, a City funded (free to attendees) dinner will be served beginning at 6:00pm in La Plaza Park. The Police Department has budgeted the costs associated with this event in the 2026/27 adopted budget. During and following dinner, the community will have time to engage on a casual level with City Staff, including Police, Recreation, and other departments.
On September 19th, the City will offer their 3rd Grub in the Hub Food Festival prior to the Movie in the Park. With the success of the last years’ Food Festival prior to the September Movie in the Park, the City will continue to offer this multi-generational and free to attend event.
A fee for vendor entries will be assessed to participants of the food festival.
Beginning at sunset on June 12th, August 4th, and September 19th, a movie will be projected on a screen near the bandstand, free to the public. The event will end after the movie with cleanup and staff ensuring a safe exit from the park. Amplified entertainment will cease no later than 11 pm.
Financial Considerations
The event provides increased opportunities to promote community engagement and has the potential to bring visitors to the City. Financial considerations for the City are approximately 16 of 104
$8,326 combined staff and supply costs for Fiscal Year 2025/26 and $31,527 for Fiscal Year 2026/27 which are included within FY 25/26 and FY 26/27 budgets. The staff costs are comprised of Recreation staff ($19,821), Police staff ($5,575), and Public Works staff ($2,292).
Additionally, supplies, fire district permits, and movie rights are estimated at $12,165. Below is a summary of the costs of the event. We don’t have finalized fees from Sonoma County Fire District yet but estimate they will be similar to what are currently being assessed in Windsor for their events.
Fiscal Year 2025/26
Detail Movie Event Expenses
- Calendar Year 2026 Movies in the Park
Movies in the Park /
National Night Out
Movies in the Park /
Grub in the Hub
13-Jun 5-Aug 20-Sep
Estimated Offestting Direct Revenues $ - $ - $ 1,000
Staff Time * prep work & day of events
Recreation = Total 162 Hours $ 6,607 $ 6,607 $ 6,607
Public Works = Total 12 Hours 764 764 764
Police Department = Total 25 Hours - 5,575 -
Total Staff Time Costs $ 7,371 $ 12,946 $ 7,371
Materials and Supplies
Dinner for NNO $ - $ 5,000 $ -
Rights to show movies 455 455 455
Movies, snacks, equipment 500 - -
Bands for Grub in the Hub - - 4,500
Fire Dept. Permit Fees - - 800
Total Other Expenses $ 955 $ 5,455 $ 5,755
Total Estimated Expenses $ 8,326 $ 18,401 $ 13,126
Total Expense Per Fiscal Year $ 8,326 $ 31,527
Total Net Cost Per Event $ 8,326 $ 18,401 $ 12,126
Fiscal Year 2026/27
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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RESOLUTION NO. (XX)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI
APPROVING THE 2026 CITY OF COTATI SUMMER MOVIES IN THE PARK, FOOD FESTIVAL, AND NATIONAL NIGHT OUT EVENTS IN LA PLAZA PARK.
WHEREAS, the City of Cotati desires to provide the community National Night Out, Movies in the Park, and Food Festival events, which are a popular on-going program; and WHEREAS, California Vehicle Code Section 21101(e) authorizes temporary street closures where certain conditions exist; and
WHEREAS, it will be necessary to temporarily close certain streets, and conform to certain conditions as described in “Exhibit A,” attached hereto, to facilitate this event; and WHEREAS, the closure is necessary for the safety and protection of persons who are to use that portion or portions of the street(s) during the temporary closing; and WHEREAS, the Chief of Police of the City of Cotati will arrange for temporary street closure and traffic re-routing, which will minimize the traffic hazard conditions and allow for orderly movement of traffic; and
WHEREAS, the Chief of Police will contact the Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District, ambulance service providers, bus service providers, and others who may need ingress, egress, or the ability to traverse the affected area and will reasonably provide for their needs; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that this event is part of a comprehensive community development strategy by the City of Cotati in that it increases visitation to the City, promotes the Cotati community; provides opportunity for police-community partnerships; and WHEREAS, the action of approving Movies in the Park, Car Show, and National Night Out events 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, by the City Council of the City of Cotati as follows:
1. The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference.
2. The closure of La Plaza Park for use for the Movies in the Park, Food Festival, and National Night Out events on Friday, June 12th, 2026, between 4:00pm and 11:00pm, Tuesday, August 4th , 2026 between 3:00pm and 11:00pm, and Saturday, September 19th , 2026 between 12:00pm and 11:00pm, are hereby approved, to include amplified entertainment, food, goods, and alcohol sales, and other activities as described in the accompanying staff report.
3. The temporary closure of portions of La Plaza Street during the above dates and times are hereby approved.
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4. The use of staff time and City Funds for the Movies in the Park, Food Festival, and National Night Out events, as further described in the accompanying staff report, is hereby approved.
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 May 12, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
Approved:___________________________
Mayor
Attest:______________________________
Kevin Patterson, City Clerk
Approved as to form:______________________________
City Attorney
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EXHIBIT “A”
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
MOVIES IN THE PARK, FOOD FESTIVAL, AND NATIONAL NIGHT OUT EVENTS
1. The City of Cotati shall ensure the public facilities (park, parking spaces and streets) are cleaned completely and returned to pre-event conditions within 48 hours of each event.
2. The event shall be carried out as described in the written descriptions submitted by the applicant, approved by the City Council, and in compliance with these Conditions of Approval.
3. The City of Cotati shall arrange for trash, recycling, and compost bins to be delivered and collected.
4. The City of Cotati is granted exclusive use of La Plaza Park, including closure of all public streets and parking spaces necessary to accommodate the events, on Friday, June 12th, 2026, between 4:00pm and 11:00pm, Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, between 3:00pm and 11:00pm, and Saturday, September 19th, 2026, between 12:00pm and 11:00pm. This approval includes amplified live entertainment and food, goods, and alcoholic drink sales.
5. The City of Cotati shall adhere to the following approved event area:
o La Plaza Park
o La Plaza from West Sierra Avenue to Old Redwood Highway 20 of 104
Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: CONSENT CALENDAR (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: APPROVAL OF 2026 COTATI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MUSIC FESTIVAL EVENT IN LA PLAZA PARK
Date: May 12, 2026
Written by: Ashley Wilson, Recreation Manager
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the 2026 Cotati Chamber of Commerce Music Festival event.
Background
The Cotati Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) has sponsored many community events, and the City has historically granted the Chamber permission to use City facilities, namely La Plaza Park, City Hall parking lot, and various streets and parking spaces. In accordance with the License Agreement between the City and the Chamber of Commerce (Section 3), the Chamber can use La Plaza Park up to two (2) times per year for free public events that promote economic development of Cotati. For 2026, the Cotati Chamber of Commerce will be back to produce the Annual Cotati Music Festival.
Analysis/Discussion
Below is a summary of the event. The logistics, operation, and participants are anticipated to be very similar to previous years’ events. Requests include the following: 1) exclusive use of La Plaza Park; 2) food truck and vendor sales of food and beverages; 3) live, amplified entertainment; 4) alcoholic beverage sales; 5) street closures of La Plaza between West Sierra Ave and Old Redwood Highway.
Event Attendance Date/Time (including set-up)
Music Festival 1000 Saturday, June 20th
8:00 am - 8:00 pm
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The Music Festival is a family-friendly event and has grown in popularity over the past several years. The festival will feature music in the park from noon until 6:00 PM. The Chamber is requesting exclusive use of the park and bandstand from 8:00 AM through 8:00 PM to allow for set-up, breakdown, and clean-up. The event at La Plaza Park will be free of charge. The festival will include vendors and food trucks selling food, beverages, and merchandise. Alcoholic beverages will be sold in association with the festival.
The Chamber has reviewed the City’s insurance requirements and has indicated that they have adequate insurance. A Condition of Approval has been included which requires proof of insurance to be supplied to the City before each event.
A Condition of Approval has been included which requires the California Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control to approve the temporary permit which allows for the sale of alcohol and a copy to be supplied to the City before the event.
Financial Considerations
In accordance with the License Agreement between the City and the Chamber of Commerce (Section 3), the Chamber can use La Plaza Park up to two (2) times per year for free public events that promote economic development of Cotati. The Chamber has also requested City support of staff time. These events are widely marketed by the Chamber and have increased the number of visitors to the City. The increased visitation is evidenced not only at the events, but at local businesses as well. The events provide increased opportunities to promote economic development. The waived fees for this event total $1,427. This will be the first of two times this year. The second time will be for the Oktoberfest event, which will come to Council for approval at a later date. As a City partner, it is recommended that City Council waives the remaining cost which primarily consists of Public Works staff installing and removing the banner across Old Redwood Highway. The total cost assumed for this is $1,146 for 6 hours of Public Works Staff time.
Therefore, the total cost to the City in waived fees and staff time to support the events is estimated at $2,573, which the City’s General Fund will fund. The City would still collect the $500 refundable deposit, which would be returned after the event, if the park is left in good condition.
Additionally, the Cotati Music Festival is designated as a City-sponsored event, which allows them to be considered as one of the ten (10) community events designated to receive free trash/recycling/compost service in 2026, as permitted under the City’s waste franchise agreement with Recology. As a City Sponsored Event, it is expected that the organizer will prominently feature the City of Cotati as an event sponsor on all advertising and marketing materials.
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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RESOLUTION NO. (XX)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI
APPROVING THE 2026 COTATI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MUSIC FESTIVAL IN LA PLAZA PARK.
WHEREAS, The Cotati Chamber of Commerce submitted an application to the City for the Cotati Music Festival on February 2, 2026; and
WHEREAS, it will be necessary to conform to certain conditions as described in “Exhibit A,” attached hereto, to facilitate these events; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that these events are part of a comprehensive economic development strategy by the Chamber of Commerce in that they 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 events; and WHEREAS, the application for these events is attached as Exhibit B; and WHEREAS, in accordance with the adopted License Agreement between the City of Cotati and the Cotati Chamber of Commerce, the City grants the Cotati Chamber use of La Plaza Park two (2) times per year for free public events that promote economic development of Cotati and shall waive the rental cost for these facilities up to the number of times specified for each, on mutually agreeable dates; and
WHEREAS, because the City is a partner in this event, it is recommended that the City fund the staff time to facilitate these events (estimated at $1,146); and WHEREAS, the action of approving a Music Festival event 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, by the City Council of the City of Cotati as follows:
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. Approval of Conditions. The City Council hereby approves the conditions of approval for this event, attached as Exhibit A.
Section 3. Approval of Fee Waivers for the Cotati Chamber of Commerce. The fee waivers, as described in the accompanying Staff Report, are hereby approved to facilitate this event.
Section 4. Effective Date of this Resolution. This Resolution shall become effective immediately.
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Section 5. 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 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 May 12, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
Approved:___________________________
Mayor
Attest:______________________________
Kevin Patterson, City Clerk
Approved as to form:______________________________
City Attorney
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EXHIBIT “A”
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
COTATI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2026
1. Applicant shall provide the City with proof of insurance for event and vendors, as required, to the satisfaction of the City, no less than 30 days prior to event.
2. The applicant shall submit a deposit of $500 within 30 days of approval of this event.
3. Applicant shall ensure the public facilities (park, parking spaces and streets) are cleaned completely and returned to pre-event condition within 24 hours of event.
4. Applicant shall arrange for trash, recycling, and compost bins and porta-potties to be delivered and collected.
5. The applicant shall comply with all local, state, and federal laws regarding trash, recycling, and composting collection and sorting.
6. The applicant shall ensure that all large temporary tents are secured by weights. Large stakes shall not be permitted.
7. Temporary structure (tents, shade awnings, or other) shall not be secured to existing structures including buildings and light poles.
8. Applicant shall provide the City with a map of the event no later than 7 days prior to the event.
9. Applicant shall obtain a Daily License from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). The City authorizes the sale and consumption of beer and wine and margaritas only; a copy of the license, as well as evidence of responsible beverage service training, shall be provided to the City prior to the event date.
10. Each event shall be carried out as described in the written descriptions submitted by the applicant, approved by the City Council, and in compliance with these Conditions of Approval.
11. The applicant shall obtain the required permits and follow all regulations from the Sonoma County Environmental Health Department, and shall ensure each food vendor complies with Health Department requirements.
12. The applicant shall ensure that all vendors follow Cotati Municipal Code 8.20.030 (Prohibited food service ware and products), which bans the selling or serving of food ware that contains polystyrene foam or PFAS.
13. Applicant shall notify all neighboring businesses and residents of the event and street closures, no later than 14 days prior to the event.
14. The applicant shall contact the Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District and comply with any permit requirements of the District.
15. The organizer shall prominently feature the City of Cotati as an event sponsor on all advertising and marketing materials.
16. Applicant is granted exclusive use of La Plaza Park, including public parking spaces adjacent to the Park for the event on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm for the event to be held from noon to 6:00 pm. This approval includes amplified live entertainment.
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Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Written by:
CONSENT CALENDAR (ACTION)
City Council
SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO
REZONING MULTIPLE PARCELS TO THE TRANSIT
ORIENTED COMMUNITIES (TOC) AND SANTERO WAY (SW)
ZONING DISTRICTS AND MAKE ANY FURTHER NEEDED
REVISIONS TO IMPLEMENT THE TOC LAND USE
POLICIES.
May 12, 2026
Noah Housh, Director of Community Development
Recommendation
It is recommended the City Council conduct the second reading and adopt an ordinance to rezone the specific parcels identified in the TOC and Santero Way Ordinance to the TOC and SW zoning districts and make other clarifying changes to the Cotati Municipal Code to finalize TOC policy compliance.
Background
Note: Due to a technical issue with the vote at the April 28, 2026 City Council meeting, this item is added to the Consent Calendar for a re-vote.
In August 2001, the Santero Way Specific Plan (SWSP) was adopted, and originally envisioned a mixed-use office neighborhood adjacent to the SMART rail station. The primary objective of the original SWSP was to increase the number of residents and employees within walking distance (1/2 mile) of the SMART station. Specifically, the original Plan envisioned the development of 198 new dwelling units, 339,200 square-feet of office and institutional uses, 68,000 square-feet of retail uses, and 57,000 square feet of supporting parkland/open space.
On August 8, 2023, in response to stalled development within the Plan area, the City Council authorized the City Manager to enter into a professional services agreement with 4LEAF Inc. and several subconsultants to provide planning consulting services to complete the Santero Way Specific Plan Update.
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In September 2023, the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) published draft administrative guidance on their TransitOriented Communities (TOC) policies. These policies are intended to intensify land uses within ½ mile of transit hubs with the primary goal of increasing the overall supply of housing while also supporting the creation of jobs and increasing transit ridership, in keeping with the Plan Bay Area 2050. For Cotati, this area primarily covers properties along East Cotati Avenue. These criteria essentially serve to increase residential and commercial densities, support alternative transportation, and reduce the perceived impediments to development. While adoption of the TOC policies is voluntary for Bay Area jurisdictions, TOC compliance by 2026 was initially touted as required to maintain eligibility for One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) funds, which have amounted to approximately $1,000,000 in annual funding for the City of Cotati in recent years.
In April 2024, staff identified a potential opportunity for the environmental analysis being prepared for the SWSP Update to be expanded to additionally analyze the potential impacts of implementing ABAG/MTC TOC policies on the other eligible parcels within the ½ mile radius surrounding the Cotati SMART station (graphic attached). Including this analysis in the environmental impact report (EIR) already underway was approved in order to provide significant cost savings, expedite the analysis, and prepare the City for future adoption of the TOC policies.
In February of 2025 the Santero Way Specific Plan (SWSP) was adopted after 18 months of public engagement, environmental analysis and policy development. One of the core themes of the SWSP is the focus on the neighborhood’s proximity to the SMART station and the benefits of intensified land uses around the train station. These themes are captured through a range of policy ideas often labeled Transit Oriented Development. As was discussed during the review of the Santero Way Specific Plan (SWSP), some of the policies adopted with the SWSP were influenced by the ABAG/MTC TOC policy, which comes from their regional planning tool to manage growth in the nine counties of the San Francisco Bay Area, Plan Bay Area 2050+.
Plan Bay Area 2050+ is similar to a General Plan for a city or county but considers and plans for growth on a regional scale. ABAG/MTC identify goals and priorities to guide and manage Bay Area growth and use various methods to achieve compliance with the policies and programs, including allocation of grant funding such as the One Bay Area Grant (OBAG). In Cotati, OBAG provided significant funding for road infrastructure projects in recent years. For local jurisdictions seeking to comply with the Plan Bay Area, TOC has become one of the most impactful planning policies to come out of the 2050+ update process. This policy seeks to intensify land use in close proximity to transit stations and also standardize transit oriented development criteria throughout the Bay Area.
Because of the unique variety of jurisdictions and transit throughout the region, creation of the TOC policy implementation metrics has been an ongoing and iterative process spanning several years. Since the SWSP project was approved, implementation focus has moved from land use requirements within a ½ mile radius of the SMART station, to more broad policy requirements such as “The Three P’s of Housing”: Production, Preservation, and Protection; automotive and bicycle parking management; and efforts to facilitate circulation and station access. Required implementation of TOC policy is generally limited to the ½ mile radius around the transit stop 30 of 104
(see pg. 27 MTC TOC Policy Version 1.1 May 2025), however the nature of some of the policy requirements make limiting enforcement to this geographic area of the City challenging.
In May 2025 the ABAG/MTC TOC policy guidance document was finalized allowing Community Development department staff to pivot their TOC policy efforts to the remaining properties within the broader half-mile radius from the SMART station not within the SWSP boundary. Due to the unique geography of the City, this primarily encompassed properties on East Cotati Avenue, from La Salle Avenue east to the SWSP. While demonstrating compliance with TOC policy direction is important to grant infrastructure funding, taking a thoughtful and community-informed approach to the land use changes in this established area is also critical to the successful implementation of these policies.
On June 25, 2025, staff built upon the outreach and engagement efforts of the SWSP, inviting all residents and property owners within a 500-foot radius of the remaining TOC parcels to a neighborhood meeting at Cotati City Hall. Four people attended the meeting and several others called in to ask questions and voice their perspectives. Generally, interested individuals were supportive of the policy efforts to get more homes constructed and to generate more business activity, but were concerned about parking impacts that could result from these intensified business activities (given the inability of the City to require any parking minimums under the proposed policies).
On September 15, 2025, the Planning Commission considered the strategy and code changes proposed by staff to implement the TOC policy at a workshop. After receiving the staff report and presentation, the Commission discussed the proposed policy changes and voted unanimously to support the staff recommendation, making a few additional recommendations. Specifically, the Commission recommended that the City Council incorporate a micro-distillery land use into the CMC and ensure vintage clothing stores are permissible as a land use in the TOC area.
On September 23, 2025, the City Council received the Planning Commission recommendation regarding the strategy and code changes proposed by staff to implement TOC policy and make other proposed Cotati Municipal Code (CMC) revisions, also through a workshop format. After receiving the staff report and presentation, the Council similarly discussed the proposed policy changes and voted unanimously to support the staff recommendation, including the Commission recommendation to incorporate micro-distillery land use into the CMC and to ensure vintage clothing stores are a permissible land use in the TOC area.
On November 3, 2025, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider a draft ordinance to implement comprehensive set of code amendments to comply with the ABAG/MTC TOC policies as well as make some modifications to the CMC to resolve identified challenges and to implement policy direction received from the Planning Commission and City Council.
After considering the ordinance and receiving the public comment, the Commission voted 2-1 to recommend that the City Council introduce the ordinance. Additional details on the Planning Commission consideration are provided below.
On Dec. 9, 2025, the City Council held a public hearing to introduce and conduct the first reading of a draft ordinance to implement comprehensive set of code amendments to comply with the ABAG/MTC TOC policies as well as make some modifications to the CMC to resolve 31 of 104
identified challenges and to implement policy direction received from the Planning Commission and City Council. After considering the ordinance and receiving the public comment, the Commission voted 4-0 to introduce the ordinance and requested that staff review potential impacts to the Oliver’s Shopping Center property. Additional details on the City Council consideration are provided below.
On January 13, 2026, the City Council held a public hearing to consider the ordinance and receive the public comment on the final TOC ordinance;. After considering all factors, the Council directed staff to remove the unbundled parking policy and the 7.61 acre Oliver’s Shopping Center property from the proposed TOC zoning district. All other elements of the Ordinance were supported and the Council conducted the second reading approving the TOC Ordinance.
On February 25, 2026, the ABAG/MTC board met to consider changes to the TOC policy requirements as they relate to the One Bay Area Grant Funding. Additional details as to the vote and discussion are provided below.
On March 2, 2026, the Planning Commission reviewed the draft ordinance, voting unanimously (4-0-1) to recommend that the City Council support the draft ordinance.
On April 14, 2026, the City Council reviewed the draft ordinance, voting 3-0-1-1 to introduce the ordinance.
Analysis/Discussion
Land Use and Planning Considerations
As identified, the City Council has approved the SWSP Update and introduced and adopted the Santero Way and TOC policy rezoning ordinance, both of which intensify commercial and residential land uses within a half-mile of the Cotati SMART Station. While many of the policy and zoning district changes were implemented with this past ordinance, the individual parcels to be rezoned to the newly created SW and TOC Districts were not identified as a part of the previous ordinance. The ordinance proposed with this effort will rezone the individual parcels to these updated Districts.
Separately, since the initial consideration of the SW/TOC Rezoning Ordinance, concerns from developer groups has been shared regarding changes to the City’s condominium conversion ordinance (CMC Section 17.34.030). The City’s current condominium conversion ordinance provides robust protection for tenants and significant requirements for proposed conversions, however the TOC compliance measures required by AGAB/MTC specify one-to-one unit replacement in most instances, which the current code language does not mandate.
Developer Concern-Preventing the (future) conversion of multi-family residential rental projects to for-sale condominiums could be problematic for financing of these projects. Developer input has indicated that lenders often see the potential for future conversion of multi-family housing rental units into for-sale condominiums as an opportunity to manage risk. If the lender has to foreclose on the development, the option of converting the individual units to condominiums is an opportunity to sell the units to individual residents if they cannot sell the larger project. 32 of 104 February 25, 2026, ABAG MTC Meeting
Contrary to the direction provided by MTC staff over the past two years, all jurisdictions in the Bay Area are now anticipated to qualify for OBAG grant funding regardless of their compliance with TOC policies. To maintain some incentive for jurisdictions to comply with TOC policies, the MTC Commission adopted a $45 million Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Incentive Program (MTC Resolution No. 4754) as part of OBAG 4 (MTC Resolution No. 4740). Their adopted resolution includes the TOC Evaluation Framework and Program Guidelines (details below).
TOC Incentive Program Structure
· Performance-based formula with minimum and maximum awards scaled by jurisdictions number of TOC areas and the jurisdiction population.
· Funds may be used for any project eligible for the OBAG 4 County Program, including planning and capital for roadway, transit, and active transportation projects.
Eligibility Threshold
· 85-point minimum jurisdiction-wide average score to be eligible for the TOC Incentive Program.
· Jurisdictions scoring below 85 points remain eligible for all other OBAG 4 county and regional funds.
Evaluation Framework Adjustments for OBAG 4
· Extended Deadline but No Work-in-Progress Credit: Extended to July 1, 2027; however, given the fully incentive-based structure and extended timeline, credit will not be provided for work-in-progress.
· SB 79 Density Credit: All TOC areas subject to SB 79 will receive full credit for the Maximum Allowable Residential Density standard. (Cotati is exempt from SB 79) Housing Protection Policies:
· Jurisdictions may receive credit for one TOC housing protection policy (4 points) through participation in a countywide protection program or a local policy/program. Credit for the second policy (4 points) must be based on a local policy/program. · Additionally, jurisdictions may not receive TOC credit for Protection Policy 2 (No Net Loss and Right of Return), given recent changes in state law.
MTC will publish revised TOC Administrative Guidance reflecting these actions and provide additional modifications to improve clarity, flexibility, and administrability. The Commission also directed staff to return this spring with proposed amendments to the TOC Policy (MTC Resolution No. 4530) to provide flexibility for certain transit extension projects and to further consider the long-term role of the TOC Policy at the start of the next OBAG cycle.
March 2, 2026, Planning Commission Meeting
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Due to the timing of the MTC meeting and the publication of the Commission agenda, staff presented the outcome of the MTC meeting verbally to the Planning Commission for their consideration at the March 2 meeting. Because OBAG grant funding is no longer being explicitly tied to TOC compliance, and because the timeline for compliance has been extended to July 1, 2027, Community Development staff recommended that the remaining steps needed to achieve TOC compliance be delayed until the finalized guidance has been received from MTC. This was originally considered to be finalizing the condominium conversion ordinance but could evolve to need additional policy revisions based on the finalized policy guidance from MTC and the City’s compliance score.
The Planning Commission agreed with a “wait and see” approach, given the moving nature to the compliance requirements, and voted unanimously (4-0-1) to recommend that the City Council introduce an ordinance to rezone all of the parcels identified to the Santero Way (SW) and Transit Oriented Communities (TOC), but to remove any other policy changes from the ordinance until the TOC compliance requirements are better documented by MTC. The ordinance has been updated to remove the previously proposed changes to the condominium conversion.
General Plan Consistency
These changes have been reviewed for compliance and consistency with the Cotati General Plan.
Including the Housing Element. Initial analysis has identified the following General Plan policies and actions as supporting the proposed changes to the municipal code and other policy implementation strategies:
GP Program 1-8: Residential Building Decarbonization: Continue to permit and encourage mixed uses and higher densities on in-fill and vacant sites in Priority Development Areas (PDAs) with public serving facilities, such as medical clinics, schools, and grocery stores, to discourage sprawl and encourage short vehicle trips and/or alternative forms of transportation.
Policy CON 2.1: Improve air quality through continuing to require a compact development pattern that focuses growth in and around existing urbanized areas, locating new housing near places of employment, encouraging alternative modes of transportation, and requiring projects to mitigate significant air quality impacts.
GP Policy CON 3.10: Ensure that the layout and design of new development and significant remodels encourages the use of transportation modes other than automobiles and trucks.
GP Policy LU 2.5: Locate medium and higher density housing within easy walking or bicycling distance of public facilities, services, transit, and major employers.
GP Policy LU 2.10: Encourage mixed-use, pedestrian-, and transit-oriented development, with a focus on the Hub and major corridors.
GP Policy LU 2.7: Encourage social interaction between neighbors in new residential 34 of 104
developments by providing opportunities for community gathering in common areas, parks, and neighborhood commercial centers.
Housing Element
Policy H-2.6 Encourage mixed use development, including residential and live/work uses in commercial and office areas where the viability of the nonresidential activities would not be adversely affected.
Policy H-2.11 Encourage housing development on existing infill sites in order to efficiently utilize existing infrastructure.
Program 4-1: Anti-Displacement Actions-The City shall take measures to reduce the risk of displacement through the City, especially in areas of increased investment and development, including:
Explore a Condominium Conversion ordinance to limit the loss of rental housing stock, with a goal of conserving 10 rental units that may otherwise be converted as reflected in the City’s Quantified Objectives.
Staff response: The proposed map and text amendments will help to further the established goals, policies, and implementation programs of the General Plan, including the Housing Element and Santero Way Specific Plan to reduce greenhouse gas production and improve air quality by providing additional opportunities for alternative transportation and walkability; maintaining the supply of developable land and expand housing opportunities through increased density and increased development certainty, including on infill sites along E. Cotati Avenue and Santero Way; directing that the layout and design of new development encourages social interaction among neighbors through the use of shared and alternative transportation; conserving resources by encouraging the efficient use of land and allowing more intense development of both residential and commercial land uses; and using land appropriately by increasing the intensity of development in close proximity to the train station and along one of the City’s primary commercial corridors. Further, this policy change directly implements Housing Element (HE) Program 4-1 Anti-Displacement Action at it would update the condominium conversion ordinance to limit the loss of rental housing stocks.
Financial Considerations
There are no identified direct impacts to the 2026/27 fiscal budget associated with the ordinance to rezone the SW and TOC parcels to their respective zoning districts. However, future TOC incentive grant funding could become available and staff will present options for compliance and funding opportunities for future fiscal years as they become available.
Environmental Issues
In keeping with CEQA Guidelines Section 15168(a), a Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) was prepared to analyze and evaluate the environmental impacts associated with the Santero Way Specific Plan Update and implementation of the Transit Oriented Communities 35 of 104
(TOC) zoning updates. In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15094(d), after the City Council approved adoption of the Specific Plan Update, the city filed a Notice of Determination with the County Clerk. Following adoption of the updated SWSP, proposed development projects that are consistent with the Specific Plan would undergo a streamlined CEQA review process. The proposal to adopt an ordinance implementing the TOC policies is seen as consistent with the EIR analysis and determination, as well as the environmental impact analysis of the Cotati General Plan EIR.
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ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI FINDING
THE PROPOSED SANTERO WAY AND TRANSIT ORIENTED COMMUNITIES
REZONING PROJECT CONSISTENT WITH THE SWSP EIR AND THE
GENERAL PLAN EIR AND NO FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW IS REQUIRED UNDER SECTION(S) 15092 AND 15183, AND REZONING APPROXIMALTEY 125 PARCELS TO THE SW AND TOC REZONING DISTRICT AND AMENDING TITLE 17 (LAND USE) OF THE COTATI MUNICIPAL CODE; FILE NO. PA26-07
WHEREAS, on March 24, 2015, the Cotati City Council adopted its updated General Plan (Resolution No. 2015-12), which identifies the City’s vision for the future and provides a framework to guide decisions on growth and development consistent with the quality of life desired by Cotati citizens. On March 24, 2015, the Cotati City Council also certified the City of Cotati General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which reviewed potentially significant environmental effects resulting from the plan’s implementation and developed measures and policies to mitigate those impacts to less-than-significant levels; and WHEREAS, on May 24, 2023, the Cotati City Council adopted the 2023-2031 Housing Element Update to the General Plan (“Housing Element”), which includes goals and policies related to housing, including establishment of objective design standards for multifamily plex and single-family housing, and facilitation of increased housing development; and WHEREAS, as described in the Housing Element, Cotati’s population increased 4.4% between 2010 and 2020, compared to the population of Sonoma County as a whole, which increased only 1% between 2010 and 2020, and this growth may increase housing demand in Cotati; and
WHEREAS, in September 2023, the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) published draft administrative guidance on their Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) policies. These policies are intended to intensify land uses within one half-mile of transit hubs with the primary goal of increasing the overall supply of housing while also supporting the creation of jobs and increasing transit ridership, in keeping with the Plan Bay Area 2050. While adoption of the TOC policies is voluntary for Bay Area jurisdictions, TOC compliance will be required to retain full eligibility for One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) funds by 2026, and
WHEREAS, on November 6, 2023, the City of Cotati held a public scoping meeting as the first step in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process once a determination has been made that an environmental impact report (EIR) is required for a 37 of 104
project. Per CEQA Guidelines § 15082 and 15083, a Notice of Preparation was circulated for a 30-day period ending on November 22, 2023, and the scoping meeting was held to solicit comments on the scope of the EIR. This meeting was an opportunity for the public, agencies, and stakeholders to comment on the specific issues that should be addressed in the environmental review. Individuals who were unable to attend the scoping meeting were invited to email or mail their comments to the Community Development Department, and WHEREAS, on April 2024, staff identified an opportunity for the environmental analysis being prepared for the Santero Way Specific Plan (SWSP) Update to be expanded to additionally analyze the potential impacts of implementing ABAG/MTC TOC policies on the other eligible parcels within the ½ mile radius surrounding the Cotati SMART station.
Including this analysis into the environmental impact report (EIR) already underway was approved by the City Council, and
WHEREAS, on July 19, 2024, the City of Cotati issued a second Notice of Preparation to identify that the scope of the environmental impact analysis was being expanded to analyze the potential impacts of full TOC implementation in Cotati; and WHEREAS, on August 5, 2024, the Planning Commission held a public workshop and second CEQA scoping meeting to assess new project alternatives and policy options resulting from the April decision to expand the scope of the project environmental analysis; and WHEREAS, on November 1, 2024, a Public Review Draft Specific Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) were made available for public comment for a 45-day period, as is required by State law. Only one comment was received during this comment period which came from CalTrans; and
WHEREAS, one purpose of the Cotati Municipal Code (CMC) is to ensure that the General Plan, including the Housing Element, may be implemented and another purpose is to codify which land uses are allowed in all zoning districts of the City wh il e a ls o setting the standards for said land uses in order to preserve the quality of life in Cotati; and WHEREAS, the Legislature of the State of California has in Government Code Sections 65302, 65560, and 65800 conferred upon local governments the authority to adopt regulations designed to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of its citizenry; and WHEREAS, on September 15, 2025, the Planning Commission of the City of Cotati and on September 24, 2025, the City Council of the City of Cotati each held workshops to review and discuss the Santero Way and TOC Rezoning project, heard public comment, and provided direction to staff to develop a draft ordinance to amend CMC Title 17 (Land Use Code) to implement the project; and
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WHEREAS, on November 3, 2025, the Planning Commission of the City of Cotati held a duly noticed public hearing to review the proposed ordinance adopting amendments to create the Santero Way and Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) zoning districts, as well as implement other TOC related policies. After receiving the staff report, reviewing a presentation from the Planning Division, and considering all oral and written comments submitted to the City regarding the Ordinance, the Planning Commission voted to approve a resolution recommending City Council adoption of the proposed ordinance; and WHEREAS, on December 9, 2025, the City Council of the City of Cotati held a duly noticed public hearing to introduce the proposed ordinance adopting amendments to create the Santero Way (SW) and Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) zoning districts, rezone multiple properties to said districts, as well as implement other TOC related policies and make minor clean up changes to the CMC. After receiving the staff report, reviewing a presentation from the Planning Division, and considering all oral and written comments submitted to the City regarding the Ordinance, the City Council voted to conduct the first reading and introduce the ordinance; and.
WHEREAS, on January 13, 2026, the City Council of the City of Cotati held a second duly noticed public hearing on the proposed ordinance to create the Santero Way (SW) and Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) zoning districts, rezone multiple properties to said districts, implement several other TOC related policies and to make minor clean up changes to the CMC. After receiving the staff report, reviewing a presentation from the Planning Division, and considering all oral and written comments submitted to the City regarding the Ordinance, the City Council voted to conduct the second reading and adopt the ordinance; and WHEREAS, on March 2, 2026, the Planning Commission of the City of Cotati held a duly noticed public hearing on the proposed ordinance to rezone the specific parcels to the Santero Way (SW) and Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) zoning districts and modify the CMC to implement several TOC related policies. After receiving the staff report, reviewing a presentation from the Planning Division, and considering all oral and written comments submitted to the City regarding the Ordinance, the Commission voted to approve a resolution recommending City Council adoption of the proposed ordinance; and WHEREAS, on April 14, 2026, the Council of the City of Cotati held a duly noticed public hearing to introduce an ordinance to rezone all of the TOC and SW parcels identified to their respective zoning districts and make further minor modifications to the Cotati Municipal Code to finalize implementation of the TOC policies. After receiving the staff report, reviewing a presentation from the Planning Division, and considering all oral and written comments submitted to the City regarding the Ordinance, the City Council voted to conduct the first reading and introduce the ordinance; and
WHEREAS, on _________, the City Council of the City of Cotati held a second duly noticed public hearing on the proposed ordinance to rezone the specific parcels to the Santero Way (SW) and Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) zoning districts and modify the CMC to implement several TOC related policies. After receiving the staff report, reviewing a 39 of 104
presentation from the Planning Division, and considering all oral and written comments submitted to the City regarding the Ordinance, the City Council voted to conduct the second reading and adopt the ordinance.
NOW THEREFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: Recitals.
The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated into the findings herein.
SECTION 2: Record
The Record of Proceedings (“Record”) upon which the City Council makes its decision includes, but is not limited to: 1) the 2015 General Plan, 2) the FEIR certified for the 2015 General Plan, 3) the 2023-2031 Housing Element Update adopted by the City Council in 2023 and the associated Mitigated Negative Declaration, 4) the 2025 Santero Way Specific Plan (SWSP) Update and the associated Environmental Impact Report (EIR) analyzing the potential impacts of the SWSP Update and 5) all staff reports, City files and records, and other documents prepared for and/or submitted to the City Council related to adoption of the amendments to Title 17 (Land Use) of the Cotati Municipal Code to establish the Santero Way (SW) and Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) zoning districts and implement other identified changes to the Cotati Municipal Code to facilitate housing development and clarify existing policies.
SECTION 3: General Plan Consistency
The Council of the City of Cotati does hereby find that the amendments to Title 17 (Land Use) of the Cotati Municipal Code to rezone the specific parcels to the Santero Way (SW) and Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) zoning districts and modify the CMC to implement several TOC related policies to facilitate housing development, as set forth in this Ordinance, are in the best interest of the City in that they will further established goals, policies, and implementation programs of the General Plan, including the Housing Element and Santero Way Specific Plan to reduce greenhouse gas production and improve air quality by providing additional opportunities for alternative transportation and walkability; will maintain the supply of developable land and expand housing opportunities through increased density and increased development certainty, including on infill sites along E. Cotati Avenue and Santero Way; will direct that the layout and design of new development encourages the use of alternative transportation; will conserve resources by encouraging the efficient use of land and allowing more intense development of both residential and commercial land uses; and use land appropriately by increasing the intensity of development in close proximity to the train station and along one of the City’s primary commercial corridors.
Specifically, these amendments are consistent with and implement the following 40 of 104
Housing Element and General Plan policies and programs:
Program 1-8: Residential Building Decarbonization: Continue to permit and encourage mixed uses and higher densities on in-fill and vacant sites in Priority Development Areas (PDAs) with public serving facilities, such as medical clinics, schools, and grocery stores, to discourage sprawl and encourage short vehicle trips and/or alternative forms of transportation.
Policy H-2.3 While the City is able to accommodate its share of the regional housing need without rezoning during the current Housing Element period, to the extent necessary, the City will consider land use re-designation and promotion of existing innovations like the Cottage Housing Ordinance in order to accommodate development capacity that affirm all other goals of the City’s General Plan and maintain Cotati’s rural character.
Policy H-2.6 Encourage mixed use development, including residential and live/work uses in commercial and office areas where the viability of the nonresidential activities would not be adversely affected.
Policy H-2.11 Encourage housing development on existing infill sites in order to efficiently utilize existing infrastructure.
In addition, these amendments are consistent with and implement the following General Plan policies and programs:
Policy CON 2.1: Improve air quality through continuing to require a compact development pattern that focuses growth in and around existing urbanized areas, locating new housing near places of employment, encouraging alternative modes of transportation, and requiring projects to mitigate significant air quality impacts.
Policy CON 3.10: Ensure that the layout and design of new development and significant remodels encourages the use of transportation modes other than automobiles and trucks.
Policy LU 1.1: Maintain a supply of developable mixed-use, commercial, industrial, and residential lands sufficient to meet desired growth and economic needs over the planning period.
Policy LU 2.5: Locate medium and higher density housing within easy walking or bicycling distance of public facilities, services, transit, and major employers.
Policy LU 2.10: Encourage mixed-use, pedestrian-, and transit-oriented development, with a focus on the Hub and major corridors.
SECTION 4: Compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
The Council of the City of Cotati does hereby find that this Ordinance to amend Title 17 (Land Use) of the Cotati Municipal Code to rezone the specific parcels to the Santero Way (SW) and Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) zoning districts and modify the CMC to implement several TOC related policies to facilitate housing development.is consistent with 41 of 104
the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as the impacts of this Ordinance have been analyzed in the Santero Way Specific Plan EIR (SCH#2023100654) and further the proposed CMC changes are consistent with the program Final Environmental Impact Report (SCH# 2013082037) for the Cotati General Plan Update that was certified on March 24, 2015 (Resolution Number 2015-11) and the Mitigated Negative Declaration certified for the 2023-2031 Housing Element (SCH # 2013082037) adopted and certified on June 2, 2023; that this Ordinance is consistent with and implements the City’s adopted General Plan, including the 2023-2031 Housing Element and Santero Way Specific Plan Update, and no new environmental impacts peculiar to the project site(s) have been realized or identified, therefore no additional environmental analysis is required under CEQA, including Section 15183, and therefore pursuant to Section 15168 of the CEQA Guidelines, as such no further environmental review is required.
SECTION 5: Rezoning of Certain Parcels and Amendment to the Cotati Zoning Map.
The zoning map of the City of Cotati is amended to rezone approximately 26 parcels from the Santero Way (SW), Commercial, E. Cotati Corridor (CE), and Neighborhood Low Density (NL) zoning districts to the Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) and Open SpaceRecreation (OSR) zoning districts and to reaffirm the prior rezoning to the Santero Way (SW) zoning district for the remaining 99 parcels as identified in the attached Exhibit A, which identifies all parcels included in and affected by the Santero Way and Transit Oriented Communities rezoning efforts.
SECTION 6: Construction and severability.
It is the intent of the City Council of the City of Cotati to supplement applicable state and federal law and not to duplicate or contradict such law, and this Ordinance shall be construed consistently with that intent. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance, or its application to any person or circumstance, is for any reason held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases of this Ordinance, or its application to any other person or circumstance. The City Council of the City of Cotati hereby declares that it would have adopted each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases hereof be declared invalid or unenforceable.
SECTION 7: Effective date.
This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its adoption pursuant to the California Government Code.
SECTION 8: Publication. The city clerk shall cause this Ordinance to be published and/or posted as required in Section 36933 of the California Government Code. 42 of 104
IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED that the foregoing Ordinance was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Cotati held on ___________, by the following vote, to wit:
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Approved:
Mayor
Attest:
Kevin Patterson, City Clerk
Approved as to form:
City Attorney
This document is a true and correct copy of Ordinance Number ### and has been published or posted pursuant to law. California Government Code § 40806 Kevin Patterson, City Clerk
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Parcel Number Parcel Address Parcel City Parcel Zip Proposed Zoning Existing Zoning 144-770-004 6311 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-014 6581 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-026 6769 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-031 6919 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-032 6921 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-035 6927 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-037 6939 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-039 6935 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-044 7010 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-058 6587 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-064 6915 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-072 0 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-003 6309 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-008 6323 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-005 6313 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-006 6327 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-073 0 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-790-004 7052 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-018 6593 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-021 6747 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-790-006 7048 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-790-010 7040 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-024 6753 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-025 6755 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-790-012 7036 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-790-015 7044 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-790-COM 0 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-029 6763 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-030 6761 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-036 6941 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-048 6694 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-054 6317 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-063 6917 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-068 7002 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-070 6686 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-007 6325 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-009 6321 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-010 6319 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-013 6579 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-015 6583 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-016 6597 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-017 6595 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-019 6591 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
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144-770-022 6749 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-033 6923 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-038 6937 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-040 6933 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-790-001 7062 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-790-003 7054 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-043 7008 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-045 7012 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-790-007 7056 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-790-008 7058 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-046 6698 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-047 6696 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-049 6692 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-051 6303 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-052 6301 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-060 6743 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-065 6929 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-066 6931 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-067 7000 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-069 6688 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-071 0 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 OSR SW
144-790-005 7050 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-790-009 7060 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-790-013 7034 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-001 6305 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-002 6307 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-011 6575 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-012 6577 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-020 6589 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-023 6751 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-027 6767 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-028 6765 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-034 6925 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-041 7004 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-042 7006 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-050 6690 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-053 6315 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-055 6573 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-056 6571 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-057 6585 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-059 6745 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-061 6757 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-062 6759 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-770-074 0 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
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144-790-002 7018 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-790-011 7038 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-320-036 0 NONE COTATI 94931 TOC SW
144-790-014 7042 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-302-049 924 E COTATI AVE COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-480-014 8360 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-480-008 8354 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-480-017 0 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-480-019 0 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-480-015 0 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-480-016 8364 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-790-016 7046 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 SW SW
144-570-COM ROW TOC CE
144-570-001 475 E COTATI AVE COTATI 94931 TOC CE
144-720-029 501 E COTATI AVE COTATI 94931 TOC CE
144-720-040 525 E COTATI AVE COTATI 94931 TOC CE
144-301-010 905 E COTATI AVE COTATI 94931 TOC CE
144-302-050 766 E COTATI AVE COTATI 94931 TOC CE
144-302-022 768 E COTATI AVE COTATI 94931 TOC CE
144-292-024 680 E COTATI AVE COTATI 94931 TOC CE
144-292-023 640 E COTATI AVE COTATI 94931 TOC CE
144-320-033 0 NONE COTATI 94931 TOC SW
144-320-034 0 NONE COTATI 94931 TOC SW
144-320-035 0 NONE COTATI 94931 TOC SW
144-480-022 0 NONE COTATI 94931 TOC SW
144-320-029 0 E COTATI AVE COTATI 94931 TOC SW
144-320-026 0 E COTATI AVE COTATI 94931 TOC SW
144-320-025 970 E COTATI AVE COTATI 94931 TOC SW
144-320-033 0 NONE COTATI 94931 TOC SW
144-302-048 0 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 TOC SW
144-480-021 0 SANTERO WAY COTATI 94931 TOC SW
144-302-047 930 E COTATI AVE COTATI 94931 TOC SW
144-320-027 970 Santero Way COTATI 94931 TOC SW
144-301-008 955 E COTATI AVE COTATI 94931 TOC CE
144-310-006 1015 E COTATI AVE COTATI 94931 TOC CE
144-320-008 982 E COTATI AVE COTATI 94931 TOC SW
144-320-012 1038 E COTATI AVE COTATI 94931 TOC NL
144-720-062 0 E COTATI AVE COTATI 94931 NM CE
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SW and TOC Rezoning Map
Transit Oriented
Communities (TOC)
Santero Way
(SW)
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City of Cotati
City Council
Noah Housh
Community Development
Department
March 24, 2026
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Project Description
Introduction and first reading of an ordinance to
rezone the specific parcels in the TOC region
and Santero Way Specific Plan to the TOC and
SW zoning districts and make other clarifying
changes to the Cotati Municipal Code to finalize
TOC policy compliance.
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Background Summary
In August 2023 City initiated SWSP
Update.
September 2023 MTC issued first TOC
Policy Guidance
April 2024, City expanded the SWSP
CEQA analysis to include all TOC eligible
parcels.
January 13, 2026, City Council adopted
SWSP and TOC Rezoning Ordinance
February 25, 2026, MTC voted to
separate TOC compliance from OBAG
Funding but authorized an incentive
package of 45 million for TOC
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Proposed Land Use
Changes
• Identify all parcels proposed
for rezoning by address,
current zone and proposed
zone
• PC Recommended to remove
Condominium Conversion
TOC Preservation Policy &
Response to Developer
Concerns
4 51 of 104
SW and TOC Rezoning
Transit Oriented
Communities (TOC)
Santero Way
(SW)
7.61 ac
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Condominium Conversion
• TOC Policy Requires 1:1 replacement of
apartment converted to condos
• Developer Input: Lenders prioritize
flexibility in recovering lost fundsconversion to “for sale” valuable option • Staff Proposal: Apply 1:1 replacement to
existing homes. May only receive “partial
compliance” for policy.
• PC Recommendation: Leave Existing
Code = Significant protections. Likely to
receive 4 points (of 8 total available) for
partial compliance.
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TOC Compliance Scoring Overview
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MTC Update
8 55 of 104
MTC Update Continued
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TOC Compliance Scoring Portal-Density
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Recommendation
It is recommended by the Planning Commission
that the City Council introduce and conduct the
first reading of an ordinance to implement the
proposed zoning map changes to finalize
implementation the Transit Oriented Communities
(TOC) Policy, and delay additional changes to
pursue full compliance until the current
compliance score is provided by MTC.
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Questions?
Noah Housh
[email protected]
https://www.cotaticity.gov/1535/San
tero-Way-Specific-Plan-Update
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Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: REGULAR AGENDA (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: GENERAL FUND LONG-RANGE FINANCIAL FORECAST -
FISCAL YEARS 2025-26 THROUGH 2035-36
Date: May 12, 2026
Written by: Angela Courter, Director of Administrative Services Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council receive a report on the General Fund Long-Range Financial Forecast (LRFF) for FY 2025-26 through FY 2035-36.
Background
The City of Cotati’s General Fund supports core municipal services with an adopted FY 2025-26 operating budget of approximately $11.2 million and 49 full-time equivalent positions. The Long-Range Financial Forecast (LRFF) is a planning tool used to evaluate the City’s long-term fiscal condition and identify potential financial challenges early, allowing for proactive decisionmaking.
The LRFF builds on prior financial planning efforts with ongoing budget management and complements the City’s adopted Fiscal Resiliency Policy, which provides a structured framework for monitoring financial indicators and responding to potential economic downturns.
The forecast is not a budget but rather a projection based on current assumptions, trends, and available data.
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Analysis/Discussion
The LRFF evaluates the City’s General Fund over a 10-year period using three scenarios to assess financial sustainability under varying conditions:
• Baseline Scenario (Flat Growth): Assumes moderate and steady growth in revenues such as property tax and sales tax, alongside rising expenditures driven primarily by personnel costs, insurance, utilities, and pension obligations. This scenario reflects continued operations without major economic disruption or new revenue sources. • Baseline with Hotel Development: Builds upon the baseline scenario and incorporates the potential fiscal benefits of a proposed hotel completion and operation in FY 2027-28.
This scenario includes increased property tax, sales tax, and transient occupancy tax (TOT) revenues, improving the City’s long-term revenue outlook. • Recession Scenario: Models the potential impacts of a significant economic downturn beginning in FY 2026-27, including sharp declines in key revenue sources such as sales tax and property tax, with continuing operating expenditures. This scenario of expenses is not intended to be a realistic projection, but rather to represent the magnitude of cuts that would need to be made to City Operations in this scenario. This highlights the City’s fiscal vulnerability to severe economic shocks and underscores the importance of proactive planning.
Across all scenarios, expenditures are projected to grow due to contractual labor obligations, rising health insurance costs, increasing insurance premiums, pension liabilities, and inflationary pressures on operations. The forecast excludes one-time revenues and capital project transfers to focus on ongoing operational sustainability.
Key Risks to Forecast
The forecast identifies several risks that could significantly impact the City’s financial condition, including:
• Economic volatility affecting tax revenues, particularly sales tax • Potential State actions to borrow or reallocate local revenues • Continued increases in insurance and healthcare costs • Unfunded pension liabilities and market-driven fluctuations • Future labor contract negotiations and staffing needs • Unanticipated one-time expenditures or emergencies
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Conclusion
• The LRFF demonstrates the importance of ongoing financial monitoring and long-term planning to maintain fiscal stability. While the baseline scenario suggests manageable growth with closely managed expenditures, the recession scenario highlights potential structural imbalances without corrective action. The hotel development scenario presents a meaningful opportunity to strengthen revenues and operating surplus to fund future capital projects or other City improvements.
• The LRFF, in conjunction with the City’s Fiscal Resiliency Policy, provides a framework for early identification of financial challenges and implementation of strategic responses to preserve service levels and maintain financial health.
Financial Considerations
The LRFF itself has no direct fiscal impact, other than required staff time to generate the report, but serves as a critical planning tool to inform future budget decisions and policy direction.
Environmental Issues
The review of the General Fund Long-Range Financial Report is not subject to CEQA. 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 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.
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City of Cotati
2026-2036
Updated May 12, 2026
Prepared By:
- Damien O’Bid, City Manager
- Angela Courter, Director of Administrative Services
- Neil Tomlinson, Senior Accountant
General Fund
Long-Range Financial Forecast
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City of Cotati
General Fund - Financial Forecast
FY 2025-26 to FY 2035-36
Contents
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................3 City Overview........................................................................................................................3 Objectives ..............................................................................................................................3 FORECAST OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................4 Long Range Financial Forecast..............................................................................................4 Base Assumption ...................................................................................................................4 Scenarios................................................................................................................................4 Risks to the Forecast ..............................................................................................................7 GENERAL FUND FORECAST........................................................................................................9 REVENUES HISTORICAL TRENDS............................................................................................11 APPENDIX - DEAIL SCENARIO REPORTS ...............................................................................12 64 of 104
3 INTRODUCTION
City Overview
The City’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 adopted General Fund Operating Budget is $11.2 million with approximately 49 FTE budgeted positions. The City has the following departments to support operations and provide services to the community: City Manager (including Recreation), Administrative Services, Community Development (Planning and Building), Public Works and Engineering, and Police Services.
Objectives
The Long-Range Financial Forecast (LRFF) through FY2035/36 represents a continuing effort to analyze the City’s long-term fiscal condition based upon a reasonable set of economic and operational assumptions. It is an important management tool that can be used by both the City Council and the City Manager for identifying fiscal trends and issues which must be addressed to assure continued financial success. With early detection, financial trends identified as possible problems can be dealt with in a reasonable manner rather than waiting for a crisis to occur. The set of forecasts contained in this report is not a prediction of what will occur. The forecast is a snapshot in time and an approximate view of what could occur in the future if all the assumptions are realized.
As with any forecast or prediction, the assumptions and projections for the nearer years carry more certainty and confidence than for the years further into the future. The economic disruption of the past few years has made forecasting increasingly challenging as financial markets, cost of goods, and the economy overall has grown increasingly volatile on the cost side, as well as various shortterm stimulus and assistance programs that have been implemented by the state and federal governments on the revenue side. It is important that the City continue to closely monitor economic conditions locally, statewide, and nationally as well as policies at state and national levels that will impact the City’s financial health.
Based on the output from the issues identified in the 2022-23 LRFF, City staff generated the Fiscal Resilience Policy. This policy provides a structured response to the need for a more proactive approach to identify and manage potential financial challenges, including recession scenarios and changing economic conditions. With the budget adoption for fiscal year 2024-25, council formally adopted the policy.
The proposed policy establishes a comprehensive framework for ongoing financial monitoring and early intervention. It outlines key financial indicators across the General Fund, Water Fund, and Sewer Fund—such as liquidity, revenue trends, and broader economic signals—to help detect potential fiscal stress. If certain risk thresholds are met, the policy provides a phased response strategy, including prioritizing essential services, reducing non-critical expenditures, renegotiating contracts, managing assets, and implementing staffing controls. Overall, the policy is designed to strengthen the City’s financial stability, improve transparency, and enable timely, data-driven decision-making to minimize impacts to services during economic downturns. 65 of 104
4 FORECAST OVERVIEW
Long Range Financial Forecast
The Long-Range Financial Forecast (LRFF) provides a current and long-range financial assessment of revenues, expenditures, fund balance, and emergency reserves. The primary objective is to provide the City Council and the community with a financial forecast and identify any significant issues that may need to be addressed in the annual budget development process.
It is important to keep in mind that a forecast is not a budget. The LRFF is a vehicle that peers into the future and makes projections about what is likely to happen if the assumptions are realized. If future deficits are projected, this forecast allows time to take corrective action to ensure finances remain stable.
This analysis focuses on the City's General Fund because it is the primary operating budget for tax support municipal services. Enterprise Water and Sewer Services have a separate long-range plan that is performed along with the Proposition 218 process. The materials supporting the current water and sewer rate structure are available on the City Website at https://www.cotaticity.gov/356/Rates-andBilling-Information .
Long range financial forecasting assists the City in making decisions that lead to our ability to sustain the community’s core services. This document represents a review of the City of Cotati’s General Fund using three different scenarios.
Base Assumption
The LRFF scenarios illustrate trends of the City’s expenditures and revenues over the next 10 years.
The FY 2025-26 amended budget is the base for the scenarios. More detailed information for the assumptions is included in the Revenue and Assumptions and Expenditure and Assumptions sections of this report. For forecasting purposes if significant non-reoccurring revenues and non-reoccurring expenditures could be identified, they were removed in determining forecasted growth/decline. This includes transfers out for Capital Projects which have been excluded from the analysis in order to evaluate operations before investments in capital.
The City’s Annual Budget represents a total financing plan for all City operations and must be analyzed by its component parts to make any meaningful comparisons. Unlike a private holding company, the City cannot remove cash from any one enterprise operation to help support general tax funded operations. Although there is certainly limited financial interdependence between the funds, such as internal service fund charges to allocate common costs, each fund represented in the budget must stand alone. When analyzing City operations for budgeting, it is appropriate to look at the budget department by department. However, when reviewing long range financial forecasts, it is best to look at the fund structure and revenue and expenditure categories rather than the department structure.
Scenarios
The scenarios are modeled to provide insight into future financial capacity so that strategies can be developed to achieve long-term sustainability considering the City’s service objectives and financial challenges. They are intended to provide a high-level overview of the City’s financial situation utilizing various assumptions. Three scenarios are presented; each scenario is described as follows:
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5 1. Scenario 1 - Baseline Flat Growth- This scenario accounts for flat fiscal growth from the base year starting in FY 2025-26. Flat fiscal growth includesthe following assumptions:
Revenues:
• Sales Tax. Average increase using consultant projections through FY 2030/31, then increase
3.4% per year thereafter. This future projection is based on the historical average of change in Sales Tax receipts over the last 10 years.
• Property Tax. This is based on consultant projections through FY 2030/31using known property valuation changes, anticipated transfers of ownership and Prop 8 recaptures for the first five years and then increases by an average of 5.3% in the remaining years. This future projection is based on the historical average of change in Property Tax receipts over the last 10 years. • Other Tax. This is primarily cannabis business tax. For fiscal year 2026/27 the City is projecting a decline of approximately 15%, as sales decrease due to the closure of one of the taxing businesses within the City. After fiscal year 2026/27, we estimate cannabis purchases to continue to increase on average by 2.5% per year, in line with a conservative inflation rate. • License and Franchises, Rents, Revenue from Other Agencies. Other Revenue, and Special Revenues are estimated at a gradual 5% increase year over year. This is based on average trends for these accounts over the last 10 years.
• Transfers in and Other Sources. This includes contributions and are budgeted flat as they are based on (1) Transfers in for reimbursements to the General Fund from Prop 72 for police services, (2) Interfund loan balances due from the Water and Sewer operations for the Unfunded Pension Payment initiated in 2021/22.
• Charges for Services for All Departments are highly variable but are closely related to CPI adjustments for our fees. We believe assuming a 1% increase per year would be reasonable as this is the historical average for all charges for services across the General Fund for the last 10 years. The most significant contributor to these historical changes is from the Community Development department fees on large development projects. As these large projects are cyclical in nature, the historical highs were eliminated to better project regular revenues for the City. • Investment Earnings are primarily driven by interest rates as well as volume of surplus cash available for investment. To remain prudent the known rates of investment for the next three years then investment earnings are decreasing based on the use of funds for capital at a rate of -10% per year for the remaining years.
• Funding derived from the operations of the County Veterans Building has been removed pending contract evaluation which is not known at this time. • One-time reimbursement revenues for staff costs on development projects (primarily Community Development and Engineering) are not included in this analysis as they are dependent on development and unpredictable.
Expenses:
The baseline model utilizes Fiscal Year 2025/26 adopted operating budget and applies the following assumptions for the Baseline Scenario:
• Salaries & Benefits (Excluding Health Insurance). All known contract changes for labor groups for future years have been incorporated into the forecast. However, unknown changes were projected using an estimated 2.5% overall increase in costs, but with no staffing FTE increases. • Payouts – Due to unusual payouts applied in fiscal year 2025/26 we are estimating a decrease of 17% in fiscal year 2026/27 then increasing again by 2.5% consistent with Salaries and Benefits.
• Health Insurance for Personnel. Assume 15% increase in Fiscal Year 2026/27, 5% for the two following years then 3.5% thereafter. 67 of 104
6 • City Insurance and Utilities have continued to climb over the last 4 years. We have projected continued 7% increases for two years then reducing to an average of 3.5% in line with trends before 2020 for Utilities. For Insurance we have continued with annual increases of 5% going forward.
• PERS Unfunded Liabilities. Based on last available PERS information presented in the 2025/26 Pension Analysis Report (dated December 9, 2025). Updated actual information from CalPERS should be available in September 2026.
• All Other Operating Expenses. To conservatively project expenditures, we have assumed 2.5% increases each year based on an average CPI increase for the US over the last 10 years.
2. Scenario 2 – Baseline with Hotel Development - Thisscenario uses the base Scenario 1 and then adds the possible impact of the Hotel Development being completed in 2026-27 and opening in FY 2027-28.
The hotel revenue model is based on consultant projections based on like hotels in the region. This scenario adds the following:
• Property Tax. Additional $40,000 in Property Tax revenues beginning in FY 2027-28 then increasing consistently with the base model thereafter. • Sales Tax. Incremental increase of 1% beginning in FY 2027-28 due to increased tourism and then increasing consistent with the base model thereafter. • Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). Receipts initiating based on a ramp up of occupancy starting with 55% occupancy rate in the first year (FY 2027/28), 62% the second year, 67% the third and stabilizing in year four at 70%. Overall revenue (a function of price and occupancy) would then increase by 3% per year for each subsequent year based on estimated increased room rates.
It is important to note the following regarding Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) assumptions:
• The approved TOT is set at 10% per City Code 3.12.030. • The proposed hotel is designed with 153 rooms.
• Investment Earnings are estimated to continue to decrease until 2027-28 when new funding can be reinvested for future returns. Estimated returns are based on increasing the balance of funds invested to the similar level of 2025/26 and increasing 3.5% per year thereafter. • No assumptions around increases in expenses. Though it is reasonable to assume a new contract service for TOT audits would be initiated, the City does not have a cost estimate for these services, but it is not expected to be significantly material to this evaluation.
3. Scenario 3 – Recession in 2026/27 - This scenario starts from the base assumptions in scenario 1 then estimates what an impact of an event like the great recession of 2008 would be on the City’s General Fund. Assumptions for recession include the following:
Revenues:
• Sales Tax and Rents are considered initial revenue streams that are directly impacted by recession due to the pullback of consumers non-essential spending. Decrease of 35% in Fiscal Year 2026-27 followed by a 5% decrease in the year following Fiscal Year 2027-28, zero growth for the two fiscal years, Fiscal Years 2029-30 and 2030-31, and then back to regular growth of
2.0% thereafter.
• Property Tax is a lagging recession point, so it still shows growth for fiscal year 2026/27, however in fiscal Year 2027/28 there is applied a 25% decrease followed by the 15% decrease in the subsequent, no growth for two more years and then average growth of 3.2% thereafter. • Other Tax, Licenses and Franchises, and Other Revenue could show immediate declines due to Cannabis Industry shrinkage and closures of business thus reducing of business licenses tax.
This was estimated at a 15% decline in Fiscal Year 2026-27 followed by a 25% decrease in the year following Fiscal Year 2027-28, zero growth for the two fiscal years, Fiscal Years 2028-29 68 of 104 7 and 2029-30, and then back to regular growth of 1.0% thereafter. • Investment Earnings are estimated to be eliminated as the cash on hand is used for operations and no longer available for continuing returns.
Expenses:
The model shows the maintenance of the baseline expenses without any reductions, as if we were going to try and continue operations as normal.
This scenario of expenses is not intended to be a realistic projection, but rather to represent the magnitude of cuts that would need to be made to City Operations. Immediate changes assumed implemented include:
• Discontinued investment in capital projects, discontinued funding of vehicle replacements, canceling of non-essential contracted services, liquidating not essential assets, etc., using the fiscal resilience policy as a guideline.
Risks to the Forecast
Every projection is a combination of assumptions based on analysis of historical data, use of actual data when available (e.g., labor contracts, CalPERS rates), and educated assumptions based on an analysis of available information. In addition to the built-in uncertainty of projections, the City continues to experience uncertainty around future revenue and major expenses that would impact the City’s budget due partly to the structure of State municipal finance laws, described in further detail below. The major risks to these projections include:
1. Volatile Economy - Regional and statewide economic conditions can greatly impact the City’s revenues. The City’s three largest General Fund revenue sources are sales, property, and other taxes, with sales taxes representing approximately 50% of all revenue. These revenue streams, and sales tax are sensitive to the broader economic trends and more specifically, consumer spending and development/construction. According to Beacon Economics, “the outlook for the U.S. economy remains one of moderate growth in the near term, where the lack of employment growth and the impact of political turmoil are offset by growing stimulus from both the federal government and Federal Reserve. Growth of around 2.5% in 2026 remains a reasonable baseline expectation. At the same time, the probability of a more severe disruption continues to rise as fiscal imbalances accumulate.” Given this continued uncertainty, impacts to State revenue streams remain difficult to predict and could result in additional State actions or funding shifts intended to address potential budget deficits.
2. State Takeaways and Borrowing - During times of economic downturn, the State of California has previously shifted, borrowed, or took money from cities to cover its own budget shortfalls. To protect local governments, Proposition 1A was passed in 2004 to prevent local revenuesfrom being transferred away to the state. However, Proposition 1A can be suspended if the Governor declares a fiscal necessity and two-thirds of the Legislature concur. The first emergency suspension of Proposition 1A was passed by Legislature as part of the 2009-10 budget package. Under this provision the State borrowed 8% of the property tax revenue and was required to repay the obligations to cities, plus interest, by 2013. After thisinitial repayment, the legislature may consider only one additional borrowing within a ten-year period. While it cannot be predicted if the State will once again borrow money from local governments, it is a possibility.
3. Insurance Premiums - The City is a participant in the California Intergovernmental Risk Authority (CIRA) which is a self-insured joint powers authority that was renamed and merged with the Redwood 69 of 104 8 Empire Municipal Insurance Fund (REMIF) in 2021 to manage insurance claims, benefit programs, and risk management needs of more than 50 cities or special districts. Continued costs related to both health insurance premiums as well as general liability and workers compensation liability are expected to continue to increase, many in double digits. The LRFF assumes 7% in the next year and then 5% per year thereafter. Just as local governments revenues are subject to impacts from the regional and national economic conditions, the city’s insurance premiums are additionally impacted.
4. Unfunded Liability Pension Costs – Rather than provide retirement benefits through Social Security, the City instead provides pension benefits to its employees and retirees through six pension plans with CalPERS. As of 06/30/2024 (the most recent official information available as of the date of this memorandum), the plans had a total actuarial accrued liability (the estimated amount necessary, as of the valuation date, to fund all earned pension benefits for current employees, retirees, and beneficiaries) of approximately $47.5 million, held approximately $40.4 million in assets, and were underfunded by approximately $7.1 million. The pension plans were 85.1% funded.
In January 2021, the City issued a pension obligation refunding loan and a street improvements financing loan (UAL Refunding Loans) that allowed it to pay down the UAL by $6,000,000. After the UAL refunding, the City programmed relatively small UAL payments to CalPERS, as well as payments on the two loans. Since the loan interest rates are significantly lower than the interest rate charged by CalPERS, the refunding allowed the City to generate approximately $2.25 million in cash flow savings.
After the refunding, CalPERS has reported both significant losses (6.1% in fiscal year 2022), shortfalls (5.8% in 2022-23) and excess returns above the required 7.2% (9.3% in 2023-24 and estimated 11.6% in 2024-25). The initial shortfall translated to approximately $4.7 million in new UAL for the City. To minimize the financial impacts of this loss the City implemented application of Additional Discretionary Payments to reduce negative amortization on losses.
The projections in this forecast are based on the 2025 Pension Liability Review generated by Ridgeline Municipal Strategies which did consider the amortization of these losses. However, it does not assume application of no negative amortization schedules or future losses/gains for the current fiscal year forward. A new CalPERS report should be made available in September of 2026, after which staff will report back to the City Council with a new Pension Liability Update.
5. City Operational Changes and Related Staffing Adjustments – The City is continuing to focus on providing the best of class service to our community. This service is provided by three separate bargaining units; the CEA, the Cotati Police Officers Association (CPOA), and the Cotati Police Management Association (CPMA), as well as the Non-Represented group and a single employment agreement with the City Manager. Each of these groups negotiate their set period contractsfor council approval. All known contract changes for future years were incorporated into the future projections.
Unknown changes are projected using cost trends of 2.5%, but with zero staffing FTE increases.
6. No Major New One-Time Operating Expenses - The expenditure forecast does not include any provisions for unexpected one-time expenses,such as changesin legislation, unexpected events, acts of nature, or other such factors that could require the City to expend a significant amount of General Fund resources. Also, as mentioned previously, the LRFF does not account for transfers or capital projects, due to the variability of these, but focuses on on-going operational costs/revenues. 70 of 104
GENERAL FUND FORECAST
Below are the financial summaries of the three scenarios outlined. The following tables and charts show the General Fund operating fund balance for each of the scenarios over a 10-year period. Full-size detailed tables with the revenues and expenses by classification are included in Appendices A-C
Scenario 1 - Appendix A: Baseline – Flat Growth
Scenario 2 – Appendix B: Baseline with Hotel
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Scenario 3 – Appendix C: Recession in 2023/24
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REVENUES HISTORICAL TRENDS
Chart 1 provides a summary of the total General Fund Actual Revenues from 2000 to 2022 and budget revenues for fiscal year 2022-23.
CHART 1 – General Fund Revenue FY 2000-2001 to FY 2024-25 Chart 2 provides a summary of the top three General Fund revenue sources 2000 to 2026.
CHART 2 – Top Three General Fund Revenues FY 2000-2026
$0.0
$1.0
$2.0
$3.0
$4.0
$5.0
$6.0
$7.0
$8.0
$9.0
200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026 Millions
Top Revenue Historical Trends
Property Tax Sales Tax Bradley Burns Sales Tax Measure A/G/S 73 of 104
APPENDIX - DEAIL SCENARIO REPORTS
Included within this appendix are the details for the Revenues and Expenses by Function for the General Fund, as summarized within the scenario summaries under General Fund Forecast. This provides in depth information on the exact changes by fiscal year based on each function as outlined in the assumptions.
A. Baseline – Flat Growth
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B – Baseline with Hotel
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C – Recession in 2026/27
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Long-Range
Financial
Forecast
Fiscal Years 2026-2036
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Why the Forecast Matters
Long-term
planning tool
Helps identify
fiscal risks early
Supports
sustainable
services
Not a budget, but
a planning forecast
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General Fund
Current Financial
Snapshot & Major
Revenue Sources
Property Tax, $1,231,619
Sales Tax, $3,350,146
Other
Taxes,
$521,685
Licenses,
Permits &
Franchises,
$452,707
Rent,
$11…
Othe
r
Agen
cies,
$1…
Other
Revenues,
$257,944
Community
Development
Charges, … Pub… P…
Inves
tm…
Transf
ers In,
$174…
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Forecast Assumptions
• Cotati is subject to the similar economic factors as the region and across the State • Based on best available information today.
• Less certain farther into the future
• Timing of future possible economic recessions are unknown • State or Regional legislative or tax changes
• Three Scenarios
• Base Line with Gradual Growth (Status Quo)
• New Hotel Development (New Revenue Source)
• Recession in 2026/27 (Worse Case)
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Base Revenue Assumptions
Sales Tax Moderate Growth averaging 2.6% for next four years Increasing to 3.4% after 2030
Property Tax Slow growth of 3% per year for first 5 years Increasing to 5.3% thereafter
Other Tax Decline 15% then 2.5% growth per year
License and Franchises, Rents, Revenue from Other
Agencies, Other Revenue Average 5.0% increase per year
Charges for Services
Continuous average increase of 1% per year for Police
Services and 2% for Public Works and Community
Development
Investment Earnings Estimated returns based on laddered investments for next three years, followed by continuing 15% decreases
Average Revenue Growth of 2.9% over 10 years
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$0.0
$1.0
$2.0
$3.0
$4.0
$5.0
$6.0
$7.0
$8.0
$9.0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Millions Top Revenue Historical Trends
Property Tax Sales Tax Bradley Burns Sales Tax Measure A/G/S 82 of 104
Forecast
Assumptions
Operating
Expenses
• Based on FY 2025-26 budget allocation
• Salaries and Benefits
• No new positions added
• Existing MOU’s
• Approximate change in personnel costs: of 2.5% per
year
• Pension Unfunded Liability Based on Last Available
Pension Analysis
• Payout Decrease of 17% in first year then increasing 2.5% going forward
• Health Insurance increases by 15% in first year, 5% for next two, then decreasing to 3.5% going forward
• Insurance includes 5% increases going forward
• Utilities 7% increase in first year then 3.5% going forward • Other expenses: 2.50% growth per year
• Combined average total expense growth: 4.7% per year
• Does not include Equipment Purchases or Capital
Investments
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General Fund Baseline
$(2.0)
$-
$2.0
$4.0
$6.0
$8.0
$10.0
$12.0
$14.0
$16.0
FY 2025/26 2026/27 2027/28 2028/29 2029/30 2030/31 2031/32 2032/33 2033/34 2034/35 2035/36 Millions
TOTAL REVENUES TOTAL EXPENSES ANNUAL SURPLUS OR (DEFICIT) 84 of 104
Hotel Development Scenario
Sales Tax Increases additional 1%
Property Tax Small One-Time Increase in 2027/28 then
constant increase forward
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Added New Revenue Source in Based on Provided Projections
Investment Earnings Increasing back to investment levels in 2025/26.
Expenditures Same as Baseline
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General Fund - Hotel
$-
$2.0
$4.0
$6.0
$8.0
$10.0
$12.0
$14.0
$16.0
$18.0
$20.0
FY 2025/262026/27 2027/28 2028/29 2029/30 2030/31 2031/32 2032/33 2033/34 2034/35 2035/36 Millions
TOTAL REVENUES TOTAL EXPENSES ANNUAL SURPLUS OR (DEFICIT) 86 of 104
Recession in 2026/27 Scenario
(Worst Case Scenario)
Sales Tax
Decrease 35% in first
year and trending
down or flat until
2031/32
Property Tax
Lagging decrease in
27/28
Other Tax, Licenses,
Franchises and
Other Revenues
Added New Revenue
Source in Based on
Provided Projections
Investment Earnings
Decreased to Zero as
Cash on Hand is
Utilized for
Operations
Expenditures
Same as Baseline
Not Realistic
Shows Magnitude of
Cuts required
Addressed By Fiscal
Resilience Policy
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General Fund - Recession
$(10.0)
$(5.0)
$-
$5.0
$10.0
$15.0
$20.0
FY
2025/26
2026/27 2027/28 2028/29 2029/30 2030/31 2031/32 2032/33 2033/34 2034/35 2035/36 Millions
TOTAL REVENUES TOTAL EXPENSES ANNUAL SURPLUS OR (DEFICIT) 88 of 104
Comparative Operating
Surplus/(Deficit)
(7.0)
(6.0)
(5.0)
(4.0)
(3.0)
(2.0)
(1.0)
-
1.0 2.0
3.0 4.0
2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 Millions Hotel Baseline Recession
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Summary
• Cotati’s challenges are not unique
• Forecast Remains Manageable Under Baseline Assumptions • Significant Economic Downturn Would Demand Drastic Operating Reductions – Fiscal Resilience Policy
• Economic Development and Special Revenues are Critical to Improve the Cities Long-Term Outlook.
• Measure S Continues to be Critical to Core Operations and Infrastructure Programs
• LRFP is a Management Planning Tool Only
• Continued monitoring & strategic planning are essential 90 of 104
Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: REGULAR AGENDA (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: REVIEW FISCAL YEAR WORKPLAN PRIORITY
Date: May 12, 2026
Written by: Damien O'Bid, City Manager
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council review the updated strategic project priorities and provide direction to staff on updates/changes to current and FY 26/27 priorities, as necessary.
Background
For the first time, the City adopted a two-year budget, covering the years of fiscal 2025-26 and 2026-27. This was done to provide a longer look at City priorities and finances. Prior to adopting the two year budget, the City Council reviewed strategic priorities and projects over the budget period. As priorities change, projects get completed and estimated budgets become actuals, it is timely to review both the budget and the priorities prior to heading into fiscal year 2026-27.
The initial review of projects and priorities occurred at the City Council meeting on February 10, 2026. After discussion, the City Council directed Staff to come back at a future meeting with options to finish projects already started and then propose priority of remaining projects with available staff/resources. This was due to estimated staff time to complete priorities that exceeded budgeted staffing levels. The City Council also requested that the Downtown Parking Study be included as a project.
Analysis/Discussion
Following the City Council meeting, staff reconfirmed the scopes of the projects and estimated hours while also evaluating a realistic path forward to complete the listed projects.
Day To Day Summary
The summary of routine time for each department is attached. In line with the methodology used 91 of 104
in prior years, the tasks and effective Full Time Equivalent (FTE) values are directly from the time accounting system, in this case over the period of February 6, 2025-February 6, 2026.
While some activities, such as building permit issuance, City capital projects and private development review can vary from year to year, they are included in routine time for the departments as they will always occur, regardless of other city priorities. One-time non-capital City projects are excluded from this summary to provide an estimate of staff capacity for additional “discretionary“ projects. This year, in additional to the budgeted FTE, the summary also includes ”Effective Actual FTE (Average, Prior 3 Years)”. Generally, this is an indication of actual staffing levels as compared to available budget allocation. In most cases, the number is less than Budgeted FTE because there was a departmental vacancy of some type during the year.
In the case of the City Manager’s department, the Effective Actual is larger than the budgeted FTE due to additional time worked.
Strategic Priorities
When evaluating the projects, staff refined the time estimates as well as the project list to remove older projects (prior FY) and clarify the existing projects, as needed. After evaluating the priorities, staff believe that the lists are achievable as all departments are within less than 1 FTE of the estimated work effort. This is considering some caveats:
• The work effort estimates are based on prior experience, but they are still estimates. • Projects tend to move at different speeds due to factors outside our control, which often plays a role in project timing.
• The FTE summaries for year 1 and year 2 are calculated by priority. In other words, all priority 1 projects are rolled up into the FY 25-26 summary and priority 2&3 are rolled up into FY 26-27. As can be seen by the estimated completion date, some Priority 1 projects will carry into FY 26-27, so some of that time and work effort will actually occur in next fiscal year.
As requested by the City Council, staff added a downtown parking study into the FY 26-27 workplan.
Financial Considerations
There are no direction financial implications of approving the strategic priorities. However, some projects will require assistance from consultants, which does have budget impacts.
However, these will be included in the amended budget that will be brought back to the City Council in June.
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 92 of 104
provided above, the proposed resolution 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.
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Effective FTE
Day-to-Day Responsibilities (CM) Administration 0.73
Budget/Strategic Planning 0.06
City Council 0.38
Police Advisory, Planning Commission, Measure S Committee 0.04 City Records Management 0.42
Elections/Pol. Reform Act 0.01
Economic Development 0.08
Claims Mgmt/Insurance Matters/JPA 0.06
Emergency Response 0.1
General Customer Service 0.16
HR/Miscellaneous-Personnel 0.26
Litigation 0.05
Meetings - All Staff Meetings 0.01
Meetings - Staff Meetings 0.23
PRA Request/Subpoenas and Other Public Information 0.38 SAFE Crisis Team Support/Admin 0.05
Safety Program Development/Mtgs 0.08
Technology 0.08
Training 0.08
Translation Services 0.01
Vehicle Fleet Maint/Mngmt 0.07
Sub-Total Day-to-Day Duties - CM 3.34
City Council 0.01
Current Classes Program Mgt 0.23
Events 0.61
Facility Rental Mgt 0.36
General Administration 0.01
Meetings - Instructor/Staff/Public/Customer Meetings 0.03 Meetings - Staff Meetings 0.1
Park Management 0.15
Facility Maintenance/Cleans 0.07
Public Information and Outreach 0.06
Camp Cotati 1.04
Training 0.08
Sub-Total Day-to-Day Duties - REC 2.75
Representation at Regional Meetings and Coordination with Outside Groups 0.06 Rotary/Health Action Committee/CPRS/Rancho Cotati HS/Other Groups 0.11 Sub-Total Regional Representation 0.17
Jury Duty 0.02
Holidays/Sick/Vacation 1.08
Sub-Total Day-to-Day Before Projects 7.36
Budgeted FTE 7.2
Effective Actual FTE (Average, Prior 3 Years) 7.4
Remaining FTE Before Projects -0.16
Department Name: City Managers
Day-to-Day Responsibilities (REC)
Regional Representation
Paid Time Off
94 of 104
Effective
FTE
Day-to-Day Duties
City Council 0.02
Budget/Strategic Planning 0.02
Building Dept. Support 0.5
Cannabis Activities 0.01
Code Enforcement 0.1
Customer Service 0.45
Economic Development 0.05
General Administration 0.65
HR/Miscellaneous 0.01
Housing Compliance 0.11
Long Range Planning 0.21
Meetings 0.25
Meetings - Committee/Commission/Council 0.05
Plan Check-Permitting 0.03
Private Development Project Time 0.33
Training 0.15
Sub-Total Day-to-Day Duties 2.94
Regional Representation
Regional Planning Representation 0.11
Sub-Total Regional Representation 0.11
Paid Time Off
Holidays/Sick/Vacation 0.75
Sub-Total Day-to-Day Before Projects 3.8
Budgeted FTE 4.7
Effective Actual FTE (Average, Prior 3 Years) 4.2
Remaining FTE Before Projects 0.9
Department Name: Community Development
95 of 104
Effective FTE
Day-to-Day Duties Accounting 0.5
Accounts Payable 0.82
Accounts Receivable & Revenue 0.25
Auditing 0.12
Technology 0.05
Backflow Program 0.01
Banking & Investments 0.66
Budget/Strategic Planning 0.19
Cannabis Permitting 0.01
City Council 0.06
City Records Management 0.01
Customer Service 0.2
Departmental Support 0.01
Financial Reporting 0.15
General Administration 0.22
HR/Miscellaneous 0.04
Meetings - Staff Meetings 0.11
Payroll 0.27
Purchasing/Contracts 0.36
Training 0.06
Utility Billing 0.61
Sub-Total Day-to-Day 4.71
California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) 0.03 County Oversight 0.01
Sub-Total Regional Representation 0.04
Jury Duty 0.01
Holidays/Sick/Vacation 0.68
Sub-Total Day-to-Day Before Projects 5.44
Budgeted FTE 5.5
Effective Actual FTE (Average, Prior 3 Years) 5.3
Remaining FTE Before Projects 0.06
Department Name: Administrative Services
Regional Representation
Paid Time Off
96 of 104
Effective
FTE
Day-to-Day Duties
ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS
Accident Repairs 0.01
Budget and Strategic Planning 0.07
City Council 0.05
City Emergency Response 0.02
City Records Management 0.22
City Wide General 0.05
Engrg-Building Plan Check Permitting 0.01
Engrg-Encroachment Permits 0.16
Gen Employee HR 0.01
General Administration 0.47
General Customer Service 0.08
Govt Bldgs-Landscape & Outside Property Maintenance 0.11 Govt Bldgs-Maintenance 0.27
LLADs-Administration 0.03
Parks - Landscape & Irrigation 0.12
Parks - Playground Inspections 0.05
Parks - Structures & Lighting 0.05
Public Information 0.02
Safety Meetings/Tailgate 0.02
Sewer-Flushing & Cleaning 0.02
Sewer-Maintenance 0.12
Sewer-Permit Inspections 0
Sewer-Regulatory Reporting & Sampling 0.02
Staff Meetings 0.17
Storm Water-Maintenance 0.13
Storm Water-MS4 Activities 0.05
Street Landscape Maintenance 1.22
Street Pavement Repair- Striping Maintenance 0.12
Street Signage Maintenance 0.07
Training 0.04
USA Markouts 0.08
Vehicle Fleet Maintenance 0.02
Water Meter Installation/Change 0.01
Water Reading/Re-Reads/Shutoffs 0.11
Water Well and Treatment System Inspections 0.03
Water-Backflow Program 0.84
Water-Regulatory Reporting, Water Sampling 0.2
Water-Service Line Repair/Replacement 0.24
Water-Water Conservation Activities 0.01
Weed Abatement 0.19
Events 0.12
Misc. Small Community Events 0.01
Private Development Project Time 0.04
City Project - Grant Time 0.32
5.98 OTHER 0
Regional Meetings 0.11
0.11 Paid Time Off
Jury Duty 0.01
Holidays/Sick/Vacation 1.01
Sub-Total Day-to-Day Before Projects 7.11
Budgeted FTE 8.5
Effective Actual FTE (Average, Prior 3 Years) 7.5
Remaining FTE Before Projects 1.39
Department Name: Public Works
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Effective FTE
Patrol 8.36
General Dispatching 2.69
City Wide General 1.3
General Dispatching 1.23
General Administration 1.19
Records-General 0.81
Field Training Officer 0.68
Training 0.46
Police Academy Trainee 0.39
Staff Meetings 0.35
Gen Employee HR 0.25
Fleet/Equipment Maintenance 0.17
Technology 0.09
K-9 Training 0.08
Community Outreach/ Beat Meetings 0.07
General Customer Service 0.07
Cannabis Activities 0.07
Budget and Strategic Planning 0.05
City Council 0.04
Court 0.04
Mutual Aid 0.03
Police Advisory Committee 0.03
SAFE Crisis Team Support/Admin 0.02
PRA Request/Subpoenas 0.01
Meetings-MOU Association 0.01
City Records Management 0.01
Events 0.03
City Project Grant Time 0.01
Sub-Total Day-to-Day Duties 18.94
Regional Planning Representation 0.06
Sub-Total Regional Representation 0.06
Holidays/Sick/Vacation 1.65
Sub-Total Day-to-Day Before Projects 20.65
Budgeted FTE 21.4
Effective Actual FTE (Average, Prior 3 Years) 20.41
Remaining FTE Before Projects 0.75
Department Name: Police Department
Day-to-Day Duties
Regional Representation
Paid Time Off
98 of 104
City of Cotati Strategic Priorities Work Plan 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 City Manager's Office = 1st Priority Proposed Projects
= 2nd Priority Proposed Projects
= 3rd Priority Proposed Projects Lead/Support Priority Strategic Projects Strategic FY Long-Term Vitality Address Climate Change Best-in Class Services Community Engagement Equity and Diversity Status Multi-Year Project % Complete at End of FY
Estimated
Completion Estimated FTE
City Manager's Office
L 1 City Website Refresh 2025/26 X X In-Progress 100% Summer 2026 0.02 L 1 Explore EIFD/CRA/CRIA for Infrastructure/Affordable Housing 2025/26 X X X In-Progress 50% Fall 2026 0.04 S 1 120 E. Cotati Avenue Re-Entitlement/Development 2024/25 X X X Complete 100% Fall 2025 0.06 L 1 Impact Fee Schedule Update for Affordable Housing 2024/25 X In-Progress 90% Summer 2026 0.02 L 1 Economic Development + Outreach and Engagement 2024/25 X X In-Progress X 30% Summer 2026 0.05 L 1 1-Year Evaluation of Veterans Hall Leasing Arrangement 2024/25 X X On Hold 50% Summer 2026 0.01 S 1 Develop/Implement IT system master plan 2025/26 X X In-Progress X 85% Summer 2026 0.04 L 1 Vehicle Asset Tracking 2025/26 X X In-Progress 90% Summer 2026 0.02 L 1 Veronda Falletti Barn Fund Raising 2025/26 X X In-Progress X 0% Fall 2026 0.08 L 1 RFP/RFQ for on-going contract services 2025/26 X X X In-Progress X 25% Fall 2026 0.04 L 1 MOU negotiations, POA/CEA 2025/26 X X In-Progress 50% Summer 2026 0.05 S 1 Accessibility Plan 2025/26 X X X In-Progress 0% Summer 2027 0.04 L 1 Recology Detailed Rate Review / Potential Franchise Agrmnt 2025/26 X In-Progress 75% Summer 2026 0.04 L 1 Measure O Funding for SAFE 2025/26 X X X In-Progress X 90% Summer 2026 0.05 L 1 Renewal Enterprise District (RED) JPA Review 2025/26 X In-Progress X 25% Fall 2026 0.04 L 1 Personnel Rules Update (Legal, EV Charge Pilot, Transit) 2024/25 X X On Hold X 25% Fall 2026 0.08 L 1 Records Digitization & Management Project 2024/25 X In-Progress X 50% Summer 2027 0.10 L 1 Develop Policy on Gen. Artificial Intelligence (AI), AI Pilot, and social media 2024/25 X In-Progress 100% Summer 2026 0.04
L 1 Downtown Parking Study 2026/27 X X X On Hold 10% Spring 2027 0.04 S 2 Tobacco License Ord. Evaluation and Implementation 2026/27 X On Hold X 10% Fall 2026 0.02 L 2 Microgrid City Hall Complex & Corp Yard, EV Charging Evaluation + Generator 2024/25 X X X Complete 100% Summer 2026 0.02 L 2 Model Ordinance - Extended Producer Liability Household Hazardous Waste 2026/27 X X On Hold 0% TBD 0.02 S 2
Economic Development (Cannabis Bus. Support, Industrial Area Zoning) 2026/27 X In-Progress 50% Fall 2026 0.01
L 2 Dogs in Parks Ordinance Update 2024/25 X X Complete 100% Fall 2025 0.02 S 2 Update cell facility ordinance to require FCC Report & Post Install Measurements & Potentially Residential Separation 2024/25 X X In-Progress 85% Summer 2026 0.00 L 3
Explore and implement opportunities to improve government efficiency using Artificial Intelligence 2025/26 X X X New 0% TBD 0.04 L 3 Update City Council Rules 2025/26 X X Complete 100% Summer 2025 0.01 L 3
Explore Community Engagement Opportunities including youth council, leadership academy, events council, and senior volunteers. 2024/25 X On Hold 0% TBD 0.08 L 3 Ordinance to Update Parks/Event Approvals Requirement 2024/25 X X Complete 100% Fall 2025 0.02 Note: Project in red text were added during the fiscal year.
Proposed Priority 1 FTE 0.83
Available FTE -0.16
-0.99 Proposed Priority 2 & 3 FTE 0.22
Available FTE -0.16
-0.38
Strategic Goals 2025/26
FISCAL YEAR 2025/26
FISCAL YEAR 2026/27
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City of Cotati Strategic Priorities Work Plan 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 Community Development Department = 1st Priority Proposed Projects = 2nd Priority Proposed Projects
= 3rd Priority Proposed Projects Lead/Support Priority Strategic Projects Strategic FY Long-Term Vitality Address Climate Change Best-in Class Services Community Engagement Equity and Diversity Status Multi-Year Project % Complete at End of FY
Estimated
Completion Estimated FTE Community Development S 1 Impact Fee Schedule Update for Affordable Housing 2025/26 X Complete 100% Summer 2026 0.02 L 1 Housing Element Program Implementation
- Residential Rehabiliation Loan Program
- PIP Grant Admin/Prohousing Designation
- Code Enforcement Cultural Training
2026/27 X X X X X Complete 100% Spring 2027 0.06
L 1 Code Efficiency Improvements Ordinance
- Update MUP protest procedure 2025/26 X X X Complete 100% Fall 2025 0.05 L 1 ADU - Publish Grant Information/Types of Funding support 2025/26 X X X X Complete 100% Winter 2025 0.02 L 1 Housing Legislation Implementation 2024/25 X X X Complete 100% Summer 2025 0.04 L 1 Business Focused Website Improvements 2025/26 X X X Complete 100% Fall 2025 0.02 L 1 Update CMC & Implement Impact Fee Deferral per State Law 2025/26 X Complete 100% Fall 2025 0.04 L 1 TOC & Santero Way Rezoning Ordinances 2025/26 X X X X Complete 100% Spring 2026 0.08 L 1 Economic Development (Cannabis Bus. Support, Industrial Area Zoning) 2025/26 X X In-Progress X 50% Fall 2026 0.06 L 1 Full Electronic File Management Transition - Record Keeping 2025/26 X In-Progress X 75% Winter 2026 0.10 S 1 Cultural and Community Event Promotion-Streamline process and support other department efforts 2025/26 X X X Complete 100% Spring 2026 0.05 L 1 Implement Existing Business Outreach Program 2025/26 X X X In-Progress 20% Summer 2026 0.04 L 1 Business Oriented Code Improvements:
-Ordinance Update Commercial Land Use Tables targeting specific business types
-Create Freeway Oriented Zoning Overlay
-Food Based Business Ordinance 2025/26 X In-Progress 75% Fall 2026 0.15 L 1 Market Cotati Policy Improvements to housing developers and property owners 2025/26 X X In-Progress 10% Summer 2026 0.04 L 1 Ag + Openspace Grant Application -Faletti Ranch 2025/26 X X X X Complete 100% Spring 2026 0.03 L 1 Climate Ready Cotati-Fair and Workshop Series 2025/26 X X X X X In-Progress 75% Fall 2026 0.06 S 1 Renewal Enterprise District (RED) JPA Review 2025/26 X X X In-Progress 25% Fall 2026 0.04 L 1 Electronic Building/Planning/Code Enf. Permitting 2026/27 X X In-Progress 85% Summer 2026 0.12 L 1 Engage with County on Habitat Conservation Plan Development 2025/26 X X On Going X 25% Summer 2030 0.06 S 1 Support Hwy 116/W Cotati Ave Intersection Safety Imp Design 2025/26 X On Going X 50% Winter 2026 0.04 L 1 Update Tree Ordinance 2026/27 X New 0% Winter 2026 0.03 S 1 Downtown Parking Study 2024/25 X X On Hold 0% TBD 0.06 S 2 Tobacco License Ord. Evaluation and Implementation 2026/27 X On Hold X 10% Fall 2026 0.06 L 2 Update cell facility ordinance to require FCC Report & Post Install Measurements & Potentially Residential Separation 2025/26 X X In Progress 85% Summer 2026 0.02 L 2 Implement ATP Projects and Policy 2025/26 X X On Hold 0% TBD 0.02 L 2 Dark Sky Lighting Ordinance 2025/26 X X On Hold 40% Winter 2026 0.05 S 3
Explore and implement opportunities to improve government efficiency using Artificial Intelligence 2025/26 X X X New 0% TBD 0.04 L 3 Explore Limited Vacation Rental Ordinance 2025/26 X On Hold 0% Fall 2026 0.06 L 3 MHP Ordinance Updates (Tenant Protections) 2024/25 X X X On Hold 0% TBD 0.06 L 3 General Plan Focused Update (Safety Element, Circulation, Social Justice) 2024/25 X X X X X On Hold 0% TBD 0.35 L 3 Building electrification (if needed) 2024/25 X X On Hold 0% TBD 0.04 Note: Project in red text were added during the fiscal year.
Proposed Priority 1 FTE 1.18 Available FTE 0.90
-0.28 Proposed Priority 2 & 3 FTE 0.69 Available FTE 0.90
0.21 Strategic Goals 2025/26
FISCAL YEAR 2025/26
FISCAL YEAR 2026/27
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City of Cotati Strategic Priorities Work Plan 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 Administrative Services Department = 1st Priority Proposed Projects = 2nd Priority Proposed Projects
= 3rd Priority Proposed Projects Lead/Support Priority Strategic Projects Strategic FY Long-Term Vitality Address Climate Change Best-in Class Services Community Engagement Equity and Diversity Status Multi-Year Project % Complete at End of FY
Estimated
Completion Estimated FTE
Administrative Services L 1 Develop/Implement IT system master plan 2024/25 X X Complete 100% Summer 2026 0.02 L 1 New Business License System Implementation 2024/25 Complete 100% Spring 2026 0.05 L 1 Website Dept. Page Update/New Social Media Content 2025/26 X In Process 50% Fall 2026 0.03 L 1 Cyber Security Management (MFA, DR) 2025/26 X In Process 90% Summer 2026 0.03 L 1 365 System Tools Implementation 2025/26 X X In Process 50% Spring 2027 0.06 L 1 City Department - Cost Savings Award Program 2025/26 X In Process X 50% Fall 2026 0.04 L 1 Identify Funding For Water Projects 2025/26 X On Going X 5% Fall 2026 0.02 L 1 AP - Explore and implement opportunities to improve government efficiency using Artificial Intelligence 2026/27 X X On Hold X 0% Summer 2027 0.04 S 1 Develop Policy on Gen. Artificial Intelligence (AI), AI Pilot, and social media 2024/25 X In Process 100% Summer 2026 0.01
L 1 Process Digitization and Automation - Paper Elimination 2024/25 X X In Process X 80% Summer 2027 0.08 L 1 Donation Programs Creation (Veronda Falletti Ranch) 2026/27 X X New 0% Fall 2026 0.17 L 1 RFP/RFQ to Contracts Processes Review and Update 2026/27 X X X New 0% Summer 2027 0.19 L 2 Business Licensing Audits (Moving to Annual Process) 2024/25 X Complete X 100% Fall 2025 0.00 L 2 IBS Payroll System Conversion 2026/27 X New 0% Summer 2027 0.00 L 2 New Buisness Welcome Resources 2025/26 X X In Process X 0% TBD 0.00 S 3 Volunteer Program / Support 2025/26 X X New X 0% TBD 0.05 L 3 CalCard Purchasing Process and Leveraging Evaluation 2025/26 X X New 0% TBD 0.12 L 3 Text To Support 2025/26 X X New 0% TBD 0.10
L 3 Evaluate Stormwater Rate Study for Possible Implementation 2026/27 X X On Hold 0% TBD 0.12 Note: Project in red text were added during the fiscal year.
Proposed Priority 1 FTE 0.28
Available FTE 0.06
-0.22 Proposed Priority 2 & 3 FTE 0.38
Available FTE 0.06
-0.32
Strategic Goals 2024/25
FISCAL YEAR 2025/26
FISCAL YEAR 2026/27
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City of Cotati Strategic Priorities Work Plan 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 Public Works and Engineering Department = 1st Priority Proposed Projects = 2nd Priority Proposed Projects
= 3rd Priority Proposed Projects Lead/Support Updated Priority Strategic Projects Strategic FY Long-Term Vitality Address Climate Change Best-in Class Services Community Engagement Equity and Diversity Status Multi-Year Project % Complete at End of FY
Estimated
Completion Estimated FTE Public Works L 1 2026 Street Preservation Project 2025/26 X X Complete 100% Summer 2026 0.02 L 1 Update & Publish Development Checklists/Review Benchmarks 2024/25 X X Complete 75% Summer 2026 0.04 L 1 Remove Eucalyptus Trees & Stumps on W. Sierra Ave 2024/25 X In-Progress 85% Summer 2026 0.01 S 1 Microgrid City Hall Complex & Corp Yard, EV Charging Evaluation 2024/25 X X X Complete 100% Spring 2026 0.00 L 1 Trash Implementation Plan - Phase 1 2024/25 X X Complete 100% Summer 2026 0.02 L 1 Re-Roof Police Station 2025/26 X Complete 100% Fall 2025 0.04 L 1 Cross Control Connection Plan 2025/26 X X Complete 100% Winter 2025 0.08 L 1 SCADA System Troubleshooting 2025/26 X X Complete 100% Spring 2026 0.00 L 1 Traffic Signal Pole Repainting (ORH/Myrtle & E. Cotati/ORH) 2025/26 X X Complete 100% Spring 2026 0.08 L 1 Caltrans Title VI Update (Anti-Discrimination) 2025/26 X Complete 100% Summer 2026 0.02 L 1 Engineering Asset Management, Implement 811 (Call before you dig) 2025/26 X X Complete 100% Summer 2026 0.02 L 1 Putnam Park Improvements 2024/25 X In Construction X 95% Summer 2026 0.04 L 1 Sunflower Park Improvements 2024/25 X Complete X 100% Spring 2026 0.04 L 1 Hwy 116/W Cotati Ave Intersection Safety Improvements 2024/25 X X X In Design X 50% Fall 2028 0.11 L 1 2026 Street Rehabilitation Project - (Lasker, Lund Hill, 0retsky) 2026/27 X In Design X 65% Spring 2027 0.06 L 1 Wastewater System Emergency Generator Project (Quail Hollow) 2024/25 X X In Design X 50% Fall 2026 0.05 L 1 Class 1 Pathway Maintenance & Laguna Waste Receptacle Project (Laguna Trail - ECA to Grav Way) 2024/25 X In Construction 80% Summer 2026 0.03 L 1 Annual City-Wide Bicycle Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project 2025/26 X X X In-Progress X 100% Summer 2026 0.00 L 1 Sewer & Water Renewal and Replacement Master Plan 2026/27 X In-Progress 40% Fall 2026 0.09 L 1 Sewer Lift Station Renewal 2026/27 X In Design X 10% Spring 2027 0.05 L 1 Well 2 Renewal & Remediation 2026/27 X In Design X 10% Spring 2027 0.06 L 1 Well 1A/Well 3 Treatment Renewal and Replacement 2026/27 X In-Progress X 15% Fall 2026 0.06 L 1 Cypress Tank and Pipeline 2026/27 X In-Progress X 0% Summer 2027 0.29 L 1 Traffic Signal Controller Interconnection & Control 2026/27 X X In-Progress 75% Fall 2026 0.06 L 1 Digital Marquee 2025/26 X In Construction X 80% Summer 2026 0.08 L 1 Accessibility Plan & Class IV Bike lane 2026/27 X X In-Progress X 30% Fall 2027 0.08 L 1 Emergency Response Plan - American Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) 2025/26 X X In-Progress X 50% Summer 2026 0.02 L 1 Engineering Standards Update 2026/27 X X In-Progress X 10% TBD 0.08 L 1 Electronic Permitting 2026/27 X New 0% Fall 2026 0.02 L 1 Cator Basketball Court Resurfacing 2026/27 X New 0% Summer 2027 0.01 L 2 2027 Street Preservation Project 2026/27 X New X 0% Spring 2027 0.06 L 2 New Century Sewer Lift Station Backup Generator 2026/27 X New 0% Spring 2028 0.06 L 2 Park Meadows Landscape Improvements Project 2026/27 X X On Hold 0% TBD 0.02 L 3 West Sierra Tank Recoating 2024/25 X Complete 100% Fall 2025 0.06 L 3 Olaf Street Storm Drain Repair 2024/25 X X X In-Progress 80% Summer 2026 0.02 L 3 AB 43 - Speed Zone Reduction Act - Policy on Neighborhood Traffic Safety Projects 2026/27 X X New X 0% TBD 0.08
L 3 Water and Sewer Rate Review and Revenue Evaluations 2026/27 X X New X 0% TBD 0.08 L 3 Civic Center Park Improvements Project 2026/27 X On Hold X 30% TBD 0.10 L 3 Buildings Civic Center Parking Lot Improvements 2024/25 X On Hold 0% TBD 0.04 L 3 Gateway Signs Project - Entry Way Signs Large 2025/26 X On Hold 20% TBD 0.10 S 3 Parks Veronda Falletti Ranch Barn(s) Final Design 2025/26 X X On Hold 20% TBD 0.20 Note: Project in red text were added during the fiscal year.
Proposed Priority 1 FTE 1.52 Available FTE 1.39
-0.13 Proposed Priority 2 & 3 FTE 0.80 Available FTE 1.39
0.59 Strategic Goals 2024/25
FISCAL YEAR 2025/26
FISCAL YEAR 2026/27
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City of Cotati Strategic Priorities Work Plan 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 Police Department = 1st Priority Proposed Projects
= 2nd Priority Proposed Projects
= 3rd Priority Proposed Projects Lead/Support Priority Strategic Projects Strategic FY Long-Term Vitality Address Climate Change Best-in Class Services Community Engagement Equity and Diversity Status Multi-Year Project % Complete at End of FY
Estimated
Completion Estimated FTE
Police Department L 1 DUI - Focused Vehicle, Pedestrian, Bicycle Safety/Enforcement 2025/26 X X In-Progress X 80% Summer 2026 0.08 L 1 Identify Core Specialized Training for Detective Position 2025/26 X In-Progress 50% Summer 2026 0.08 L 1 Scan Project & Records Digitization 2025/26 X X X In-Progress X 10% Summer 2027 0.50 L 1 Firearms Transition 2025/26 X Complete 100% Spring 2026 0.04 S 1 Measure O Funding for SAFE 2025/26 X X X X In-Progress 90% Summer 2026 0.04 L 1 "Per-Diem" - Dispatcher Program Development 2025/26 X X Complete 100% Summer 2026 0.08 L 1 South County SAFE Team/Mental Health Outreach & Expansion 2025/26 X X X X On Hold 25% Summer 2028 0.08 L 2 PSAP (Dispatch) Upgrade 2025/26 X In-Progress 80% Winter 2026 0.19 L 3 Repurpose Holding Facility Infrastructure 2025/26 X X On Hold 10% TBD 0.50 Note: Project in red text were added during the fiscal year.
Proposed Priority 1 FTE 0.88
Available FTE 0.75
-0.13 Proposed Priority 2 & 3 FTE 0.69
Available FTE 0.75
0.06 Strategic Goals 2024/25
FISCAL YEAR 2025/26
FISCAL YEAR 2026/27
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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: May 12, 2026
Written by: Kevin Patterson, 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 2025-03: 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 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 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 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 2025-03 is available at the online meeting portal at www.cotaticity.gov or by request from the City Clerk at 707-665-3622 or [email protected]. 104 of 104