CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
September 5, 2023
City Hall Council Chamber
401 Grove Street, Healdsburg
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CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor/Chairperson Kelley called to order the concurrent meeting of the City Council and Redevelopment Successor Agency of the City of Healdsburg at 6:00 p.m. with the following Council Members present:
Present: Council Members/: Edwards, Hagele, Herrod, and Mayor Kelley Board Members
Absent: Council Members/: Mitchell
Board Members
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
On a motion by Councilmember Herrod, seconded by Vice Mayor Hagele, approved the September 5, 2023, City Council and Redevelopment Successor Agency meeting agenda as submitted. The motion carried on a unanimous voice vote. (Ayes 4, Noes 0, Absent – 1)
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Kelley reported a closed session was held prior to this meeting and direction was given to Staff.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS-RECOGNITION OF CITY EMPLOYEES WITH
MILESTONE ANNIVERSERIES
Fire Chief Boaz honored Fire Inspector Ruben Mandujano for 45 years of service with the City of Healdsburg Fire Department.
Fire Inspector Mandujano thanked staff, the Council and his family for their support over the years.
Police Chief Jenkins honored Lieutenant Luis Rodriguez for 20 years of service with the City of Healdsburg Police Department.
Lieutenant Rodriguez thanked the community, staff, and the Council for their support.
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September 5, 2023
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS-LATIN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
PROCLAMATION
Mayor Kelley, with Council concurrence, issued a Proclamation recognizing September 15, 2023, through October 15, 2023, as Latin-American Heritage Month.
Marcy Flores, with Corazon Healdsburg, thanked the City Council for acknowledging the Latino Community.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS-CALIFORNIA NATIVE AMERICAN DAY
PROCLAMATION
Mayor Kelley, with Council concurrence, issued a Proclamation recognizing September 23, 2023, as California Native American Day.
Clint McKay, member of Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians, thanked Council for the proclamation and for the opportunity to be a part of recent projects the City has undertaken and informed Council of an upcoming play at the Raven.
Neva Hutchinson, playwriter of The Absence, invited the community to a reading of her play at the Raven Theater.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Kay recognized Fire Inspector Mandujano and Lieutenant Rodriguez for their service to the City of Healdsburg. City Manager Kay provided information on the Healdsburg Power Content Label and explained there is additional information available in the lobby and commented on the success of the final Tuesday Night Concert Series. City Manager Kay further announced the launching of the park naming process park for the future park at the Saggio Hills Development and asked the public to submit their recommendations on names for our new park.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON
AGENDA ITEMS
Brigette Mansell expressed gratitude to the City Clerk for her diligence in providing information to her and the public. She further expressed gratitude to the Community Services Department for their help with the Tuesday Night Concert and commented on the inclusivity this event provides to the community.
Karen Neuberger commented on Badger Park and the future plan for the park. .
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September 5, 2023
Member of the Public commended the City for the work that has been completed to eliminate the Arundo plant and inquired if there was a plan to plant willow to replace it.
CONSENT CALENDAR
On a motion by Vice Mayor Hagele, seconded by Councilmember Edwards, approved the Consent Calendar as follows:
A. RECEIVE THE MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT FOR JULY 2023
By motion, received and approved the Monthly Treasurer’s Investment Report for July 2023. (Ayes 4, Noes 0, Absent - Mitchell)
B. APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR WITHDRAWALS DURING THE MONTH OF JULY 2023
By motion, approved the Disbursement Report for July 2023. (Ayes 4, Noes 0, Absent - Mitchell)
C. ACCEPTANCE OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT CURB
RAMP IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
Adopted Resolution No. 111-2023 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG ACCEPTING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT CURB RAMP IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT AS COMPLETE,
AUTHORIZING STAFF TO FILE A NOTICE OF COMPLETION WITH THE COUNTY RECORDER'S OFFICE AND AMENDING THE ADOPTED FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 BUDGET” (Ayes 4, Noes 0, Absent - Mitchell)
D. GRANT AWARD FOR PEDESTRIAN ENHANCEMENTS AT POWELL AND
JOHNSON
Adopted Resolution No. 112-2023 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG ACCEPTING THE HIGHWAY SAFETY
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM CYCLE 11 GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $224,820
FROM THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO FUND
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ENHANCEMENTS AT
THE INTERSECTION OF POWELL AVENUE AND JOHNSON STREET,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE PROJECT AND RELATED FUNDING AGREEMENTS, AND APPROVE AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 23-24 BUDGET” (Ayes 4, Noes 0, Absent - Mitchell)
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E. REVIEW AND ATTEST TO THE VERACITY OF THE 2022 CALENDAR YEAR
POWER SOURCE DISCLOSURE REPORT AND ATTESTATION
Adopted Resolution No. 113-2023 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG ATTESTING TO THE VERACITY OF THE 2022
POWER SOURCE DISCLOSURE AND ASSOCIATED POWER CONTENT LABEL
AND DIRECTING STAFF TO SUBMIT THE REPORT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION” (Ayes 4, Noes 0, Absent - Mitchell)
F. PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT AREA APPLICATION NOMINATING THE AREA WITHIN ½ MILE OF THE PROPOSED SMART STATION AND THE FUTURE
SOUTH ENTRY AREA PLAN AS A PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT AREA
Adopted Resolution No. 114-2023 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION NOMINATING THE AREA WITHIN ½ MILE OF THE PLANNED
SMART STATION AND THE FUTURE SOUTH ENTRY AREA PLAN AS A PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT AREA” (Ayes 4, Noes 0, Absent - Mitchell)
G. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BKF ENGINEERS TO
PROVIDE ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE HEALDSBURG
AVENUE COMPLETE STREETS PROJECT
Adopted Resolution No. 115-2023 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENTS WITH BKF ENGINEERS FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE HEALDSBURG AVENUE COMPLETE STREETS PROJECT IN THE NOTTO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $1,539,986.00; AND FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN
SERVICES FOR THE HEALDSBURG AVENUE UTILITY REPLACEMENT PROJECT IN THE NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $309,357.00, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT ON THE CITY’S BEHALF AND AMENDING THE ADOPTED FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 BUDGET” (Ayes 4, Noes 0, Absent - Mitchell)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
OLD BUSINESS – REVIEW DRAFT CLIMATE MOBILIZATION STRATEGY Assistant City Manager Sturmfels introduced the item for discussion and provided an overview of the Climate Mobilization Strategy (CMS). He provided information on the planning process, City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
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explained the items completed to date and reviewed next steps in the development of a CMS.
Assistant City Manager Sturmfels further provided an update about community engagement and noted the CMS survey is still available for the public to provide feedback.
Erica Linard, Rincon Consultants, reviewed the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction targets the City needs to meet, explained strategy development for the CMS actions and reviewed the layout of the CMS document. Ms. Linard further reviewed the co-benefits to the environment in the reduction of GHG emissions that are included in the CMS and commented on how the cost analysis for each measure.
Utility Conservation Analyst Sampson discussed the implementation plan of the CMS, reviewed the types of measures and actions included in the strategy and what sectors the GHG reductions would come to if the CMS was fully implemented by 2030. Ms. Sampson further reviewed a few of the measures and actions currently included in the CMS in the following sections (1) Building Energy, (2) Transportation, (3) Solid Waste (4) Water, (5) Carbon Sequestration and (6) Administrative needs.
Assistant City Manager Sturmfels discussed financial considerations of the proposed CMS plan, highlighted paid parking in the Downtown, and a proposed expansion of the REACH code. Mr.
Sturmfels stated staff is seeking feedback on the CMS document and the proposed implementation plan. Mr. Sturmfels further discussed next steps including when the survey closes, finalization of the CMS document and implementation plan, and the potential adoption of CMS in mid-October.
In response to Council’s inquiries, Assistant City Manager Sturmfels, Utility Conservation Analyst Sampson, and Rincon Consultant Linard, provided information on propane limitations in the City, clarified how the data points around housing were collected, and how the data included in the document was reviewed. Mr. Sturmfels, Conservation Analyst Sampson and Consultant Linard further provided information on public transportation, micromobility and incentives for solar installation.
Public Comment
David Jones commented on the high attendance at community meetings, encouraged the City to find ways to get people out of vehicles and walking and biking, suggested the CMS document be reduced to five measures, encouraged Council to reduce money flow to slow carbon production and the creation of free transportation.
Karen Neuberger inquired how to fill out a survey without the pertinent information from tonight’s presentation and expressed concerns about funding and the effects it will have on the community.
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Brigette Mansell thanked the Council for their leadership, commented on the importance of encouraging changed behavior for using other modes of transportation, expressed support for planting new trees, and exploring solar to create energy.
Norm Fujita opined on the City being in a climate crisis, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, commented that his tree preservation group is looking for ways to plant trees, and grants to fund tree planting, expressed a desire to partner with the City to accomplish these goals and his support for the CMS.
Hank Skewis commented in support of the CMS, expressed interest in transportation changes, encouraged Council to make the creation of small transportation system a priority to complement the SMART train, adding a permanent ban on new parking spaces and the closure of one street in the downtown core in the downtown core.
Judy Fujita expressed her support for the CMS, encouraged other modes of transportation that are more environmentally friendly, commented that infrastructure should be created for walking and biking and parking should be eliminated around the Plaza.
Member of the Public suggested adding bike racks to already existing parking spaces to increase bike parking around town.
Katherine Jones inquired about the data on emissions created by Healdsburg residents verses emissions created from tourism.
Marilyn Joyce commented on the benefits of climate change and the community benefitting from better communication and sharing of resources with each other.
Mark McMullen commented on the work done to complete the CMS, the poor transit options in Healdsburg and expressed support for a strong micro-transit system in Healdsburg.
Stephanie Turk expressed support for the CMS and commented on the need for transformational change to reduce GHG emissions and reducing parking to encourage biking.
Brian Gaegan thanked staff for their hard work on the CMS and commented on the benefits of the different measures included in the CMS.
Walter Neiderberger expressed his full support for the CMS, commented on the transportation measure included in the CMS, inquired when the bollards would be removed from the Foss Creek Pathway and opined on increasing bicycle parking in Healdsburg.
Karen Maley commented on climate measures and her opposition to exceeding the climate timelines recommended by the state, and opined on focusing on priorities such as maintaining City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
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sewers, water, roads, public safety, and affordability for working class families and small businesses.
Ann Arquit Neiderberger encouraged Council to move forward with the CMS measures and commented on the transportation measure and discussed the environmental benefits of choosing to walk and bike instead of driving a car.
Monique Verrier concurred with Karen Maley’s comments above, commented on the community survey data and not going above and beyond the state requirements on climate measures and read aloud comments from other residents.
Karen Thomas thanked everyone who has worked on the CMS, expressed support for the CMS and expressed concerns about the health effects of the ozone layer and emphasized action needs to be taken now to address this issue.
Maria Bia expressed support for the CMS and encouraged Council to make the CMS a priority.
Matthew Lopez commented on the CMS, encouraged Council to focus on public transit and commented on the current infrastructures.
Christopher spoke against the CMS, commented on the state requirements regarding climate change, and encouraged the community should adapt to climate change by increasing water and infrastructure, implementing zoning regulations, and funding the Fire Department.
Jocelyn Coletren expressed support for the CMS, thanked Council for addressing climate change, encouraged Council to implement an electric transportation option around Dry Creek Valley and the Plaza and was in favor of additional trees being planted around town.
Council Comments
Councilmember Edwards inquired about the success of Bird Bikes, if paid parking would be included in residential areas and was not in favor of additional EV charging stations in the Plaza.
Councilmember Herrod was supportive of paid parking and the REACH code, the CMS containing measure aggressive enough to address the climate issues, completing the white paper on electrifying the USPS postal fleet and the creation of a Climate Director position in the City of Healdsburg.
Vice Mayor Hagele expressed opposition to paid parking, was supportive of more EV charging stations downtown and adding bike racks to parking spaces downtown. Vice Mayor Hagele further supported additional planting of trees, completing the electrification infrastructure and capacity feasibility study and completing a white paper for the electrification of the postal fleet.
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Vice Mayor Hagele was in favor of removing the REACH Code from the CMS document and addressing affordability, accessibility, availability, and adaptability in the CMS.
Mayor Kelley was supportive of completing the electrification infrastructure and capacity feasibility study, including the REACH code in the CMS document, and moving forward with a paid parking conversation. Mayor Kelley further supported expanding EV charging stations, increasing the number of trees in the City. the addition of bike racks to parking spaces and modifying the Route 67 schedule to accommodate K-12 students.
Council discussion ensued on the creation of a Climate Director position, going after grant funds to fund projects, paid parking in the downtown, and adjusting the Route 67 schedule.
OLD BUSINESS – L&M VILLAGE QUARTERLY UPDATE
Housing Director Sotomayor introduced the L&M Village quarterly update for discussion and introduced Reach For Home Director Margaret Sluyk who would be giving the presentation.
Margaret Sluyk reviewed program highlights of the L&M Village including functional areas such as the lobby, therapy room, life-skills kitchen, and community spaces. Ms. Sluyk discussed the appointment of interim housing supervisor and case manager to oversee daily operations, the success of a pilot alcohol and drug program and the addition of Providence medical staff for weekly wellness checks. Ms. Sluyk provided an overview of recent data and program outcomes since being opened.
Housing Director Sotomayor provided information on the funding sources for the L&M Village including dollar amounts received, status, and how it’s being used. Mr. Sotomayor discussed outside funding sources and grants awarded.
Ms. Sluyk further discussed challenges with finding housing units available for those with housing vouchers, the increased need for case management services and discussed opportunities for the encampment resolution funding Reach For Home was recently awarded from the State.
Ms. Sluyk noted the $2.7 million will be utilized to address encampments on the Syar property.
In response to council inquiries, Housing Director Sotomayor and Ms. Sluyk provided information about the capacity at the L&M Village, cost per door per day, community engagement and communication, number of people living on the Syar property, feedback received from the homeless community, and the City’s role in continuing success of the L&M Village.
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Council Comments
Vice Mayor Hagele commented on increasing housing opportunities for those with housing vouchers and creating an out for Landlords if the voucher doesn’t work out.
Councilmember Edwards commented on the success of the L&M Village, creating marketing materials for increasing units in Healdsburg that will accept housing vouchers and inquired about how the program that will be utilized to address the Syar property.
Public Comment
Ted Calvert commented how refreshing it is to hear of L&M Village success.
NEW BUSINESS – SPECIAL PERFORMANCE POLICY FOR THE HEALDSBURG PLAZA
Recreation Supervisor Milde provided background information on performing in the Plaza, the growing frequency of those who wish to perform in the Plaza, free speech and the purpose of the proposed performance policy. Supervisor Milde reviewed how the policy would manage the number of performers, allow one performance a day for up to one hour and permitted between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Supervisor Milde further provided information on the administration of the program.
In response to council inquiries, Supervisor Milde provided information on the boundaries of the policy, preservation of 1st Amendment rights within the policy, how spontaneous events are handled, how the sounds will be measured, scheduling of performances and enforcement of the policy.
Public Comment
Ted Calvert expressed support for the policy and encouraged the council to adopt the Resolution.
Bob Lawrence commented on the proposed performance policy and the potential for it to allow for a variety of performers in the Plaza and thanked staff for their work on this policy.
There were no Council comments on this item.
On a motion by Mayor Kelley, seconded by Vice Mayor Hagele, adopted Resolution No. 116- 2023 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG
ESTABLISHING A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE PERMIT PROGRAM FOR THE HEALDSBURG PLAZA.” The motion carried on a voice vote with Councilmember Mitchell noted as absent. (Ayes - 4, Noes - 0, Absent - Mitchell) City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
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NEW BUSINESS – DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AND BURBANK HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION
Housing Director Sotomayor introduced Jocelyn Lin, Director of Development for Burbank Housing and Rebecca Vasquez who assisted with the project. Director Sotomayor provided background information about the Disposition and Development Agreement for 155 Dry Creek commons affordable housing project. Mr. Sotomayor provided a detailed overview of the site plan and design, defined what a disposition and development agreement is and specific conditions of the agreement. Mr. Sotomayor provided information about the Surplus Land Act, environmental considerations, potential funding sources, and proposed unit mix of the project.
In response to the council’s inquiries, Ms. Lin provided information on the use of the ground floor space. Ms. Lin also noted that additional language regarding local preference could be added to the resolution.
Public Comment
Bridgette Mansell commented on the background of the project and expressed her excitement to see this type of housing being built and thanked the Vice Mayor for including local preference.
Council Comments
Mayor Kelley expressed her excitement to adopt this resolution and commented that this project speaks volumes to pro-housing support.
Vice Mayor Hagele commented that this housing project falls in line with the current DEI Draft Report Council received and how nice it is to see projects like this incorporated before the draft is finalized.
On a motion by Vice Mayor Hagele, seconded by Councilmember Herrod, adopted Resolution No. 117-2023 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG APPROVING A DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BY
AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AND BURBANK HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR THE DRY CREEK COMMONS PROJECT AND FINDING THE PROPERTY AT 155 DRY CREEK ROAD IS EXEMPT SURPLUS LAND”, with an addition to Section 12, Subsection A of the Affordable Housing Agreement the following language: In order to ensure that there is an adequate supply of affordable housing within the City of Healdsburg for residents and employees of businesses within the City, to the extent permitted by law and consistent with regulations for funding sources used for development of the Affordable Units, within the pool of Eligible Households, Developer shall City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
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grant priority to applicants as follows: (i) first, to Eligible Households with members who live or work in the city limits of Healdsburg; (ii) second, to Eligible Households with members who live or work in unincorporated Healdsburg, but within the 95448 zip code; (iii) third, to Eligible Households with members who live or work in Windsor, Geyserville, or Cloverdale or within the unincorporated Windsor, Geyserville and Cloverdale boundaries, but within the 95492, 95441, 95425 zip codes, respectively; (iv) fourth, to Eligible Households with members who previously lived in Healdsburg (within the city limits and within the unincorporated 95448 zip code) as determined by prior enrollment in Healdsburg public or private schools, a previously active utility account with the City of Healdsburg, or some other means of establishing residency; and (iv) fifth, to members of the general public who are Eligible Households. The motion carried on a voice vote with Councilmember Mitchell noted as absent. (Ayes - 4, Noes - 0, Absent - Mitchell)
COUNCIL REPORTS ON MATTERS OF INTEREST OCCURRING SINCE PREVIOUS
REGULAR MEETING/EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT REPORTS
Councilmember Edwards reported he attended the Russian River Watershed Association with Councilmember Herrod and participated in the Bay Area Housing Financing Authority meeting.
Councilmember Herrod reported that he attended the Creative Leadership Team meeting, attended the Russian River Watershed Association meeting, went to Los Cien Latino Cultural Celebration event, attended the Tuesday in the Plaza final music event, celebrated Labor Day with the North Bay Labor Council and went to the final day at Wicked Slush.
Vice Mayor Hagele reported he participated in a webinar hosted by the Climate Center, attended the NCPA and LNR Commission meetings and represented the City of Healdsburg at World’s Gym weight lifting competition.
Mayor Kelley reported she attended the Tuesday’s in the Plaza finale and inquired if there was Council interest to discuss the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority’s housing for all coalition bond measure for potential endorsement at a future meeting.
There was Council majority to agendize the discussion on the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority’s potential bond measure.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None.
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ADJOURNMENT
There being no further City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:45 p.m.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
_________________________________ __________________________________ Ariel Kelley, Mayor Raina Allan, City Clerk