CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
January 3, 2022
VIA TELECONFERENCE
401 Grove Street, Healdsburg
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CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor/Chairperson Jimenez called to order the concurrent meeting of the City Council and Redevelopment Successor Agency of the City of Healdsburg at 6:02 p.m. with the following Council Members present:
Present: Council Members/: Hagele, Kelley, Mitchell, Palacios and Mayor Jimenez Board Members
Absent: Council Members/: None
Board Members
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
On a motion by Councilmember Mitchell, seconded by Councilmember Palacios, approved the January 3, 2022, City Council and Redevelopment Successor Agency meeting agenda as submitted. The motion carried on a unanimous voice vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent -None)
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
None.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS – PRESENTATION OF TURKEY TROT
CHARITY RUN FUNDRAISING TO REACH FOR HOME AND LIVE LIKE DREW Skip Brand, Healdsburg Running Company, presented Reach For Home with $10,000 and the Drew Esquivel Memorial Scholarship fund with $30,000 from the Turkey Trot fundraising run and announced the Love Run that would be happening on Valentine's Day.
Margaret Sluyk, Reach For Home, thanked the community and the City for supporting the run.
Andy Esquivel thanked Staff for the support and commented on the assistance the funds would support.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
COVID-19 Update
City Manager Kay reviewed the Sonoma County trend of COVID-19 cases, noting cases have risen substantially over the last month. Mr. Kay noted the number of COVID-19 cases in City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
January 3, 2022
Healdsburg, the current surge of cases in context with caseloads over the last year and provided information on the testing site at the Healdsburg Community Center on Monday’s and Alliance Medical Center on Saturday’s.
2021 Drought and Water Supply Update
City Manager Kay reviewed current water storage levels at Lake Sonoma and Lake Mendocino, provided information on Healdsburg’s current water supply, current conservation levels, noted the equipment damage at PG&E’s Potter Valley Project are limiting diversions from the Eel River and the progress made on the aquifer storage and recovery wells project and the municipal recycled water pipeline project.
Project Homekey Award
City Manager Kay provided an update on the Project Homekey application, noting the City was awarded $7,048,800 on December 21, 2021 for the purchase and rehabilitation of the L&M Motel for the purpose of housing individuals experiencing homelessness. City Manager Kay reviewed the public outreach done to date, informed Council, Staff would be returning on January 18, 2022 with the consideration of funding and reviewed the funding that would be provided by the County of Sonoma.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON
AGENDA ITEMS
Jammie Dinning commented on the number of active COVID cases in Healdsburg, inquired if testing locations in Healdsburg have updated their PCR tests to not include the ones that have been revoked by the CDC and commented on the City financial statements.
Shelby Pryor expressed his concern with regards to the representation of the Latino community in Healdsburg and commented on COVID protocols.
Adina Flores commented on the Council meeting moving to Zoom this evening, the agenda not being translated into Spanish, the COVID testing sites in Sonoma County and the direction being provided by the County of Sonoma regarding COVID.
Grey Hay commented on the labs that are processing COVID-19 tests, the cycle threshold used when processing tests, masking requirements and where the information on COVID from the City Manager’s Update comes from.
Charles Duffy congratulated the City on the award of Project Homekey funding for the L&M Motel.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
January 3, 2022
Brigette Mansell congratulated Mayor Jimenez and Vice Mayor Kelley on their appointments and thanked former Mayor Mitchell for her service.
Linda Cade informed Council she attended a rally at the State Capital, walked from the Plaza to the Council Chamber this evening with a group of people and spoke out against the COVID-19 vaccine and masking requirements.
Holly Hoods, Director of the Healdsburg Museum, invited the community to visit the Healdsburg Museum and view the latest exhibit titled “From Diggers Bend to River Rock, the people and history of Dry Creek Rancheria.”
CONSENT CALENDAR
Vice Mayor Kelley pulled Item 6F from the Consent Calendar to be voted on separately.
On a motion by Councilmember Palacios, seconded by Vice Mayor Kelley, approved the Consent Calendar as follows:
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
By motion, approved the October 18, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes, the November 1, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes and the November 15, 2021 Special Meeting Minutes. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent - None)
B. RECEIVE THE MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2021 By motion, received and approved the Monthly Treasurer’s Investment Report for November 2021. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent - None)
C. APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR WITHDRAWALS DURING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2021
By motion, approved the Disbursement Report for November 2021. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent - None)
D. COMMUNITY SERVICES REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSURE FOR THE FITCH MOUNTAIN FOOTRACE ON JUNE 19, 2022
By motion, approved Community Services Department’s request to close Center Street, between North and Plaza Streets for the Fitch Mountain Footrace on June 19, 2022. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent - None)
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
January 3, 2022
E. AMEND RECYCLED WATER EXPANSION PROJECT PWS936 DESIGN
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MYRIAD ENGINEERING Adopted Resolution No. 1-2022 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AMENDING THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH MYRIAD ENGINEERING, INCREASING THE NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT BY $2,350.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent - None)
F. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HOUSING LAND TRUST OF
SONOMA COUNTY
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar to be voted on separately.
G. REDUCTION OF POSTED SPEED LIMITS ON FRONT STREET AND
HEALDSBURG AVENUE
Adopted Ordinance No. 1212 titled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AMENDING SECTION 10.50.050 OF THE HEALDSBURG
MUNICIPAL CODE, PRIMA FACIE STREETS ESTABLISHED BY ENGINEERING
AND TRAFFIC SURVEY (REGARDING SPEED LIMITS IN THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG).” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent - None)
H. ECONOMIC PLANNING SYSTEMS, INC. – PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT – HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Adopted Resolution No. 2-2022 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH ECONOMIC PLANNING SYSTEMS TO PREPARE AN UPDATE
TO THE CITY'S HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $310,000 AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent - None)
I. PROPOSED ADJUSTMENTS TO PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT POSITIONS
TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF CAPITAL PROJECTS
Adopted Resolution No. 3-2022 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 142-2021 AND REESTABLISHING THE LIST OF AUTHORIZED POSITIONS.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent - None)
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
January 3, 2022
J. AMEND A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MILSOFT
UTILITY SOLUTIONS
Adopted Resolution No. 4-2022 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MILSOFT UTILITY SOLUTIONS, INC., INCREASING THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED BY $12,500.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent - None)
K. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REMOTE MEETINGS
Adopted Resolution No. 5-2022 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AND ON BEHALF OF COMMISSIONS AND
COMMITTEES CREATED BY THE CITY COUNCIL PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54952(b) AUTHORIZING TELECONFERENCE MEETINGS IN COMPLIANCE WITH AB 361 (GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54953(e)) TO CONTINUE TO ALLOW MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO SAFELY PARTICIPATE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT MEETINGS.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent - None)
The motion to approve Consent Calendar as revised above carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent 0)
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HOUSING LAND TRUST OF
SONOMA COUNTY
Vice Mayor Kelley inquired if Staff and the Housing Land Trust (HLT) could return with a presentation on the model HLT uses and the mortgage product HLT utilizes when qualifying individuals for home loans.
Housing Administrator Sotomayor reviewed the action being asked of Council this evening and noted Staff would return at a later date with a presentation.
Council discussion ensued on the potential presentation and what kind of marketing is done for available housing units.
Public Comment
Brigette Mansell expressed her support to see a presentation come back to Council and the community with regards to Housing Land Trust.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
January 3, 2022
Mike Brennan expressed his support for focusing on work force housing and was not in favor of any deed restricted housing.
Tegan Wilson commented on her personal experience with Housing Land Trust.
On a motion by Councilmember Hagele, seconded by Councilmember Palacios, adopted Resolution No. 6-2022 tilted, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
HOUSING LAND TRUST OF SONOMA COUNTY TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES RELATED TO AFFORDABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP IN THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG.” The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
OLD BUSINESS – SIXTH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE KICK-OFF
PRESENTATION
Community Development Director Scott Duiven introduced this item for discussion and provided a brief overview of the Housing Element kick-off and introduced Luke Lindenbusch from 4-Leaf who would be giving the presentation.
Luke Lindenbusch, 4-Leaf, provided information on what a Housing Element is, the benefits of HCD certification, the Regional Housing Need Allocation (RHNA) requirement, the RHNA Process and timeline, new Housing Element laws, inventory of housing sites and affirmatively furthering fair housing.
Mr. Lindenbusch further reviewed SB166, AB72, AB215, statutory requirements for public participation, select demographics for Healdsburg, summarized the Housing Element needs, project objectives and the next steps in the process.
In response to Council’s inquiries, Director Duiven informed Council the Zoning and Density study could be conducted after the Housing Element was completed.
Jane Riley, 4Leaf, commented on the things that would be reviewed in the Housing Element, including zoning, fees and affordable by design concepts.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
January 3, 2022
Public Comment
Brigette Mansell inquired why the RHNA numbers reflect percentages that the City does not need and why do we need any more above median income housing.
Council Comments
Vice Mayor Kelley expressed her desire to complete a density study and being aggressive to facilitate building the housing the City of Healdsburg needs.
OLD BUSINESS – ESTABLISH THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG HOUSING ELEMENT
WORK GROUP
Housing Administrator Sotomayor provided background information on how the Housing Element Work Group (HEWG) came to fruition and stated the action this evening was to establish the HEWG. Administrator Sotomayor reviewed the membership requirements for those who would be serving on the HEWG and the work the HEWG would be completing.
Vice Mayor Kelley provided information on the individuals the Council Subcommittee selected to be a part of the Work Group. Administrator Sotomayor further reviewed the proposed meeting dates and times of the HEWG.
Council expressed their excitement to see this Work Group move forward and begin working.
Public Comment
Brigette Mansell expressed her desire to see trust and the voice of the people in the process.
Dean Kladder expressed his desire to the continual involvement of the City Council along the process to develop a Housing Element and the HEWG.
On a motion by Councilmember Hagele, seconded by Councilmember Mitchell, adopted Resolution No. 7-2022 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG ESTABLISHING THE HOUSING ELEMENT WORK GROUP TO PROVIDE INPUT AND GUIDANCE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY’S 6TH CYCLE GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 91-2019 RELATED TO THE WORKPLAN AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMUNITY HOUSING COMMITTEE.” The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
January 3, 2022
OLD BUSINESS – FISCAL YEAR 2021-22 CITY COUNCIL GOALS MID-YEAR UPDATE
City Manager Kay provided a brief introduction of the mid-year update, summarized the FY2020-25 Strategic Initiatives that were adopted as part of the Strategic Plan – Foundation For a Strong Community 2020-25 which were the framework for the FY 2021-22 City Council goals.
City Manager Kay summarized the mid-year update in each of the Council goals, as follows:
Policies and Programs to Promote Economic Diversity and Sustainable Growth • Identified funding, including $85,000 in grants. Consultant team has been assembled to manage technical components of Housing Element Update. Preparing a presentation, website, and community survey to kick off planning effort in January 2022. • The Housing Element Work Group has been formed to support development of the Housing Element and ensure a broad range of stakeholders. • Staff continues to offer One-Stop appointments every Thursday afternoon allowing business owners, residents, and developers to get early feedback across all departments early in the development process to identify issues and opportunities. • Staff provided a detailed analysis of Cannabis policy options at the City Council workshop held on November 18, 2021.
• Staffing and funding remain barriers to moving forward with the South Entry Area Plan.
Long-range planning efforts are focused on the Housing Element Update in the upcoming calendar year.
• City Council approved the parklet program through January, 2023 under the Temporary Parklet Permit and updated guidelines.
Initiatives that Promote Environmental Stewardship
• Staff is pursuing grant funding to construct the recycled water pipeline and filed the Notice of Intent for FEMA BRIC to fund micro-grid and battery storage. • Modified Municipal Code to meet SB 1383 requirements setting regulations and enforcement of diverting organic waste from the landfill thus reducing methane and other pollutants to reduce climate change.
• As part of recent grant funding for e-bike share, additional bike parking (for general public use along with bike share) will be installed early in 2022 depending on authorization of the federal grant funds.
• The bike wayfinding limits have been expanded to include extension of Foss Creek Pathway. Signs will be installed in January/February of 2022. • Staff applied for $10M Active Transportation Program grant funds in 2021. Hoping to receive the grant in 2022. Additionally, staff is reallocating OBAG2 federal grant funding of $600k to the design of this project, which is expected to begin in 2022. • EV Bus and Garbage Truck currently operating.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
January 3, 2022
Expand Affordable Housing Opportunities
• Still on track to complete the goals of the Housing Action Plan by the end of 2022. • Completed a survey of all multi-family units with the potential for conversion to affordable housing.
• Currently working with Burbank Housing on a financial model to issue bonds for the purchase of existing affordable housing through a Joint Powers Authority structure. • Through the Housing Element process, staff will evaluate the impact of the GMO on achieving housing goals and make further recommendations to the Council on potential amendments to the GMO.
• Study session was completed on September 13, 2021.
• North County Homelessness Plan is being finalized for Council Consideration and potential adoption.
• Project Homekey application for Interim Housing approved.
Maintain and Improve Infrastructure and Facilities
• On August 16, 2021, City Council approved the revised schematic design for the 3 North project.
• Pavement project is in design and on schedule for construction in summer of 2022. • Extension of the Foss Creek Pathway successfully completed ahead of schedule in October 2021.
Provide Effective Governance
• Climate workshops delayed due to drought response. Expanded translation of social media has been implemented. Working with Corazon to develop a strategy for further translation.
• The hybrid meeting technology has been implemented in the Council Chamber and is fully operational.
• Budget Transparency continues to be implemented.
• Human Resources is in the process of developing an organization wide succession plan. • Working closely with the ad hoc committee, staff developed a scope of services and issued an RFP for consultant support.
• All City recruitments have been conducted with the goal of attracting diverse candidates, all outside recruiters have been directed to emphasize this, and interview panels have been comprised to include diverse perspectives.
Maintain and Enhance Public Health and Safety
• The Emergency Response Coordinator Position is currently out for recruitment. • Comstock’s design team (RRM Group) is preparing construction documents for the Fire Substation.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
January 3, 2022
• Police Social Services Team member started on October 25th launching the CORE policing team.
• The development of the Community Wildfire Prevention Plan should begin in early Spring 2022.
Provide Resident-Driven Community Services
• On September 20, 2021, City Council approved the preliminary master plan for the Montage development park, Badger Park Redevelopment and River Access Enhancements.
• Fitch Mountain access improvement design to be bid in Winter 2022 for spring and summer construction.
• On August 16, 2021, City Council approved the Healdsburg Arts and Culture Master Plan.
• On September 26, 2021, the City issued a Request for Proposal to solicit qualified individuals or firms to develop and provide a full-day comprehensive preschool program.
Council discussion ensued on prioritizing the South Entry Plan.
In response to Councilmember Hagele’s inquiry, Public Works Director Zimmer provided information on the Healdsburg Avenue Improvement Project, potential funding and the timeline for the project.
Public Comment
Brigette Mansell commented on the drought, climate change, sustainability and addressing the climate emergency in Healdsburg.
Walter Neiderberger inquired why the City has not addressed the climate emergency yet and expressed his desire to see the General Plan updated to help address the climate crisis.
Linda Cade commented on climate, the Council meeting in a virtual format and inquired what CIP means.
Anne Arquit Neiderberger thanked staff for the goals presentation, commented on the climate emergency declaration adopted in 2019 and encouraged Council to make the climate emergency a priority goal.
John Mihalik commented on climate change and encouraged Council to designate a person at the City to lead climate change and form a climate committee to assist with addressing climate.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
January 3, 2022
Tyra Benoit expressed her support for the comments by previous speakers and encouraged Council to address the climate emergency and implement the climate emergency resolution passed in 2019.
Valerie White commented on the drought, climate change and encouraged Council to address drought resiliency.
Council Comments
Councilmember Palacios expressed her desire to see the town hall initiative transition to a climate committee.
Vice Mayor Kelley thanked Staff for all their hard work on the list of goals and expressed her desire to see climate addressed in a future goal and was supportive of Councilmember Palacios request for a climate committee.
Mayor Jimenez was in favor of having a conversation around climate change in March.
OLD BUSINESS – APPOINTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSIONERS
Councilmember Hagele reported the subcommittee interviewed the applicants and asked the full Council if they were interested in tabling this item until the January 18, 2022, City Council meeting as there is another round of interviews to conduct.
There were no public comments on this item.
On a motion by Councilmember Hagele, seconded by Mayor Jimenez, moved this item to the January 18, 2022, City Council meeting. The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes 5, Noes, 0, Absent – None)
NEW BUSINESS – BUDGET DEVELOPMENT PLAN PRESENTATION
Administrative Services Director Sturmfels stated the action this evening was to receive the presentation and requesting feedback and direction to staff on the goals, timeline and public participation elements of the budget development plan. Director Sturmfels reviewed the proposed budget development goals for the next two fiscal years, the FY2022-2024 budget development timeline, key City Council meeting dates and the public participation components.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
January 3, 2022
Director Sturmfels provided information on the proposed public budget simulation survey, how the public will be able to utilize the survey for the budget and the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
In response to Council’s inquiries, Director Sturmfels provided information on how we will make sure the survey in taken by all cross sections of the community, the survey being in both English and Spanish and the possibility of having a tablet in the Plaza for community members to take the survey.
Public Comment
Walter Neiderberger thanked staff for the presentation.
NEW BUSINESS – VACANCY ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Mayor Jimenez introduced this item for discussion.
Vice Mayor Kelley expressed interest in serving on the Planning Commission subcommittee and Councilmember Mitchell accepted the nomination to serve on the subcommittee.
On a motion by Councilmember Hagele, seconded by Mayor Jimenez, appointed Vice Mayor Kelley and Councilmember Mitchell to serve on the subcommittee to interview Planning Commission applicants. The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
COUNCIL REPORTS ON MATTERS OF INTEREST OCCURRING SINCE PREVIOUS
REGULAR MEETING/EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT REPORTS
Councilmember Palacios commented on the personal attacks on the Councilmembers and urged the public to speak in a non-violent way when commenting on items.
Councilmember Hagele had nothing to report.
Councilmember Mitchell had nothing to report.
Vice Mayor Kelley had nothing to report
Mayor Jimenez had nothing to report.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
January 3, 2022
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
The City Council received the report on the actions taken by the Planning Commission at its December 14, 2021, meeting.
CLOSED SESSIONS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:04 p.m.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
_________________________________ __________________________________ Osvaldo Jimenez, Mayor Raina Allan, City Clerk