CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
September 18, 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, Mitchell and Mayor Kelley Board Members
Absent: Council Members/: None.
Board Members
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
On a motion by Councilmember Mitchell, seconded by Vice Mayor Hagele, approved the September 18, 2023, 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-POLLUTION PREVENTION AND CREEK
WEEK PROCLAMATION
Mayor Kelley, with Council concurrence, issued a Proclamation recognizing September 18-24, 2023, as Pollution Prevention Week and September 16-23, 2023, as Creek Week in the City of Healdsburg.
Students from the Healdsburg School who cleaned up Foss Creek Trail commented on the joy they felt helping the community.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Kay provided information about on the upcoming Workforce Housing Forum being held in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and announced that the Foss Creek Trail was recognized as the best bike project of the year by the Sonoma County Bike Coalition.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
September 18, 2023
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON
AGENDA ITEMS
Brigette Mansell commented on the City Council goals from 2018 regarding community and transparency. She expressed concerns about item A, destruction of certain records, on the consent calendar.
Diana Novella expressed concerned about the stoplight on Healdsburg Avenue and the faded street signs on Grove Street and Parkland Farms.
Valerie White requested the biographies of all city commissioners and City Council Members be on the City website for more transparency.
CONSENT CALENDAR
On a motion by Councilmember Edwards, seconded by Councilmember Herrod removed Consent Item 6A from the Consent Calendar for discussion. The motion carried on a unanimous voice vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
On a motion by Vice Mayor Hagele, seconded by Councilmember Mitchell, approved the Consent Calendar as follows:
A. DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN RECORDS IN THE CITY MANAGER’S/CITY CLERK’S OFFICE AND FINANCE DEPARTMENT
This item was removed from the consent calendar.
B. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG AND THE HOUSING LAND TRUST OF THE NORTHBAY
Adopted Resolution No. 118-2023 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE HOUSING LAND TRUST OF
THE NORTH BAY TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RELATED TO AFFORDABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP IN THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
C. LEASE AGREEMENT WITH YWCA SONOMA COUNTY FOR A PRESCHOOL
PROGRAM AT THE HEALDSBURG COMMUNITY CENTER
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
September 18, 2023
Adopted Resolution No. 119-2023 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE
YWCA SONOMA COUNTY FOR A PRESCHOOL PROGRAM AT THE HEALDSBURG
COMMUNITY CENTER, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE LEASE AGREEMENT, AND AMENDING THE ADOPTED FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 BUDGET” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
The motion to approve the consent calendar as above carried on a unanimous voice vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None.)
DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN RECORDS IN THE CITY MANAGER’S/CITY CLERK’S OFFICE AND FINANCE DEPARTMENT
In response to Councilmember Edwards inquiries, City Clerk Allan provided information on how the City determines which records are destroyed.
On a motion by Councilmember Mitchell, seconded by Vice Mayor Hagele adopted Resolution No. 120-2023 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN RECORDS IN THE CITY MANAGER’S/CITY CLERK’S OFFICE AND FINANCE DEPARTMENT.” The motion carried on a unanimous voice vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
PUBLIC HEARING - READOPT AMENDMENT TO HEALDSBURG MUNICIPAL
CODE LIMITING THE SIZE AND LOCATION OF HOTEL USES WITHIN PLAZA
RETAIL (PR) AND DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL (CD) ZONING DISTRICTS City Manager Kay introduced the item for discussion, provided background information on why this item is coming before Council this evening and reviewed the staff recommendation on readopting the proposed amendments to the Healdsburg Municipal Code.
Community Development Director Duiven reviewed the recommended actions for the evening, noting one action is to adopt an urgency ordinance and the second is to introduce the regular ordinance for first reading. Director Duiven provided information on the downtown zoning, the City Council direction in 2018, as well as the Planning Commission direction provided in 2018.
Director Duiven informed Council Ordinance No. 1181 adopted in 2018 require new hotel development to obtain a conditional use permit in the CD and PR zoning districts.
Director Duiven further reviewed the questions that have arisen in the last couple of months about Ordinance No. 1181 and reviewed the urgency ordinance and regular ordinance before Council this evening and the need for ordinance to be readopted.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
September 18, 2023
In response to Councilmember inquiries, Community Development Director Duiven clarified that any new project moving forward will adhere to the potential new ordinance.
Public Comment
Warren Watkins expressed his support for a five-room maximum hotel capacity downtown.
Frances Critchlow inquired about the need for an additional hotel in the City of Healdsburg.
Gail Okumura Sullivan commented on the Piazza Hospitality Group and their contributions to the community and how the future hotel would support the economy and local non-profits.
Kathy Taylor echoed the comments of Gail Sullivan and commented on how the potential hotel will support tourism and the economy.
Douglas Hanson commented on his experience in the public sector, the design of the parking structure for the potential hotel and expressed his concern about building code compliance with the potential project.
Steve Davey expressed his desire to see the City Council wait to decide on the proposed ordinance.
Beryl Adler commented on the proposed hotel project and how he believes the project will support the community, local events, employment opportunities, encourage tourism, boost the economy and help raise funds for local nonprofits.
Cecilia Pietropaoli inquired if Piazza turned their application in on time, commented that the general population does not want hotels and suggests building more shops instead of hotels and expressed her desire to see the City Council honor the initial vote from 2018.
Emily Dunkl read aloud comments on behalf of Katie Mengali.
Cathy Waterberry expressed her desire to see the property sold for retail space.
Yael Bernier expressed her desire to see the property developed as a space that could benefit the community.
Bruce Abramson commented that the project submittal date needs to meet the effective ordinance date from 2019.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
September 18, 2023
Mark Gladden, on behalf of Piazza Hospitality, commented on the history of the project and provided information about Ordinance No. 1181, expressed support for staff’s recommendation to enact the proposed ordinance, commented on the publication dates of Ordinance No. 1181 and encouraged Council allow Piazza hotel to continue with their project.
Karen Neuberger commented on Piazza’s project submittal documents and encouraged Council to allow them to continue moving forward in the process. Ms. Neuberger expressed concerns of unfairness towards small business from the community and believes there should be more balance in this town.
Danny Erres, a small business owner, commented on the challenge of getting foot traffic from the Plaza to come into her store and expressed support to see a flagship business operate on the corner to help with creating an opportunity for small business owners who operate off the Plaza to get additional customers into their stores.
Brigette Mansell commented on how mistakes are made when things are rushed. Ms. Mansell opined this is an opportunity for City Council to be transparent and vote on what the initial ordinance outlined about small hotel rooms.
Paolo Petrone, Piazza partner, provided information about the history of different hotels Piazza Hospitality has developed around Healdsburg and commented on the financial benefits of Transient Occupancy Tax their developments provide to the economy.
Janice Watkins read aloud a statement on behalf of Jon Eisenberg.
Peter Oaks, representative of hospitality and youth in Healdsburg, commented on being fair in the decision making.
Holly Hoods commented on the process for applicants who submit projects to the City, expressed her support for the project and noted the different ways the applicant has contributed to the community.
Nancy Norden commented on the danger she experiences when riding her bike on North Street, noting the hotel would make the roads worse. where the potential employees for this project may commute to work from, her past experiences living in St. Helena and commented that.
Tallia Hart, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, expressed her support for Piazza hotel. Ms. Hart provided history about the project and commented that the property owners should be treated with fairness. Ms. Hart further commented on the transient tax revenue the hotel provides to support events in the community.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
September 18, 2023
Brett Jones, architect for the project, provided history regarding the construction of the project.
Commented on the parking issues, provided information about utilizing the ground floor of the hotel as a retail space and commented on the sustainability of the hotel.
Lewis Bangham commented on the transient population that will visit the proposed project, expressed his dissent for the project, its potential negative impacts on congestion, pollution, and crime rates in Healdsburg.
Merrilyn Joyce expressed concern about an increase in tourism, believes the democratic process in the community is at risk and encouraged Council to follow the decision made in 2018.
Alan Cohen, a local architect and former planning commissioner, commented that the applicant submitted the application on time and that the project has been in process well before the deadline and should follow the intent of the ordinance. Mr. Cohen also expressed exempting projects that were working diligently before the adoption of the ordinance.
Jim Heid, owner of Craftwork and developer of RiverHouse, commented on historical information about Piazza Hospitality, explained the benefits of Transient Occupancy Tax to the community, and commented on the success that potential economic development would bring to the businesses that are North of the Plaza.
Thomas Wright inquired if the hotel has a right to go forward as a project within the guidelines, commented on the proposed parking of the project and encouraged Council to look at the impact of the proposed hotel to the community.
Gordon Nelson expressed his support for the proposed hotel project, commenting on the positive impacts the Piazza Hospitality group has on Healdsburg.
Mary Welch expressed concerns about overdevelopment and the encouragement of a new wealthy lifestyle coming to Healdsburg. She inquired what these changes are taking away from the community, as more residents are selling their homes for profit, resulting in fewer families living in town.
Will Seppi asked the Council to consider the generational impacts in the development plans for Healdsburg and to hear dialogue from Council about the vision and strategies for the future of the City.
Circe Sher commented on her proposed hotel project and encouraged Council to support the existing ordinance and allow Piazza to move forward with the project.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
September 18, 2023
Azi Zhari, General Manager for Piazza Hospitality, reflected about how hard the Piazza group works and described their commitment and history of giving back to the community.
Alex Harris expressed his full support for the project and believes the City should bridge the gap between Downtown and North of the Plaza.
Danielle Petrone, project manager for Harmon Guest House and HH residences, provided information on development of the proposed hotel project.
Jocelyn Coltrin commented on the proposed project and expressed her desire for the project not move forward.
Alexis Perez former Piazza employee, expressed concerns about the sustainability of the hotel due to ongoing drought conditions and spoke against the proposed project moving forward Mark McMullen echoed the many comments on fairness and encouraged Council to correct the error on City staff in favor of Piazza.
Cory Sahifi commented on the importance of fairness and commented on the character of local small businesses. He also described Piazza’s community-focused approach and their commitment to sustainability.
Diana Novella expressed her desire to see Piazza Hospitality scale back the size of their proposed hotel project.
Tegan Wilson worked for Piazza Hospitality, commented on the owners and managers for being good people and supporting the community and urged Council to support the proposed project.
In response to Mayor Kelley’s inquiries, City Attorney Zutler noted the application and final documents for the Piazza hotel project were submitted before the effective date of the ordinance.
City Attorney Zutler further explained that staff did not clarify in the determination letter that the Piazza application was deemed complete. Community Development Director Duiven provided information on the completeness level of the project and explained the purview of the Planning Commission as it pertains to projects.
Council Comments:
Councilmember Herrod expressed his belief that the previous ordinance and its intended outcomes should be respected, and that the ordinance should be reinstated with the effective date of January 1, 2019. Councilmember Herrod further acknowledged the concerns of the community and advocated that they should feel trust in the Council for decisions being made.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
September 18, 2023
Councilmember Mitchell thanked everyone who provided comments and feedback to the City Council and noted that she watched previous meetings concerning the hotel ordinance.
Councilmember Mitchell expressed support to be fair to the City’s word to Piazza. and was in favor of approving the urgency ordinance with an effective date of today’s date and was not in favor of backdating the ordinance.
Councilmember Edwards expressed his support for adopting the urgency ordinance and allowing Piazza Hospitality to continue to move forward without backdating the ordinance.
Vice Mayor Hagele commented on why he voted no when this ordinance was brought before Council in late 2018, expressed his support for adopting the proposed urgency ordinance with the effective date being tonight and the regular ordinance which would take effect when the urgency ordinance is gone.
Mayor Kelley commented on the past Council actions as it relates to the proposed ordinances before Council this evening and summarized the feelings of the Council as they relate to the proposed ordinances.
On a motion by Councilmember Mitchell, seconded by Vice Mayor Hagele, introduced for first reading, Ordinance No. 1233 titled, “URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AMENDING HEALDSBURG MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION
20.08.145, PERMITTED AND CONDITIONALLY PERMITTED USES: PR, CD, AND CS DISTRICTS; SECTION 20.28.020, ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO NONCONFORMING USES, STRUCTURES, AND SIGNS; SECTION 20.28.030, RESTORATION OF DAMAGED STRUCTURE; AND SECTION 20.28.310, DEFINITIONS; AND ESTABLISHING A NEW SECTION 20.20.090, HOTEL, EXTENDED STAY HOTEL,
MOTEL, TO LIMIT THE SIZE AND LOCATION OF FUTURE HOTEL USES WITHIN THE PLAZA RETAIL (PR) AND DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL (CD) ZONING DISTRICTS.” The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None) On a motion by Councilmember Mitchell, seconded by Councilmember Edwards, introduced for first reading, by title only, waiving further reading of the text, an Ordinance titled, “AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AMENDING HEALDSBURG MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 20.08.145, PERMITTED AND CONDITIONALLY PERMITTED USES: PR, CD, AND CS DISTRICTS; SECTION
20.28.020, ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO NONCONFORMING USES, STRUCTURES, AND SIGNS; SECTION 20.28.030, RESTORATION OF DAMAGED STRUCTURE; AND SECTION 20.28.310, DEFINITIONS; AND ESTABLISHING A NEW SECTION 20.20.090, HOTEL, EXTENDED STAY HOTEL, MOTEL, TO LIMIT THE SIZE
AND LOCATION OF FUTURE HOTEL USES WITHIN THE PLAZA RETAIL (PR) AND City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
September 18, 2023
DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL (CD) ZONING DISTRICTS.” The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None) Mayor Kelley called for a recess at approximately 9:00 P.M.
Mayor Kelley reconvened the meeting at approximately 9:10 P.M.
OLD BUSINESS – PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR HOUSING
NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND HOUSING ELEMENT WORK GROUP (HEWG)
RESTRUCTURE
Housing Director Sotomayor stated the action this evening was to adopt a resolution reorganizing the Housing Element Work Group (HEWG), rescind Resolution No. 7-2022 and enter into a contract with Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. to conduct a housing needs assessment. Director Sotomayor provided background information on why the HEWG was created, the tasks the HEWG was assigned and the objectives of the HEWG.
Director Sotomayor further reviewed the timelines for completion of the housing needs assessment, the growth management ordinance analysis, funding sources for affordable housing, homeownership opportunities, assessment of housing stock and downtown housing. Director Sotomayor provided information on the need to reorganize the HEWG and what the new structure of the HEWG will be.
Director Sotomayor reviewed the request for proposals released to conduct a housing needs assessment in Healdsburg, what key focus areas the needs assessment will focus on and the cost to complete the housing needs assessment.
In response to Council inquiries, Housing Director Sotomayor provided information on who the five members of the reorganized Housing Element Work Group (HEWG) will be, explained the role of the HEWG, noting the group will follow the Brown Act and that staff will do their best to accommodate virtual participation. Director Sotomayor noted the definition of a second home is still being defined and reviewed why the need for a core group of a five member HEWG and more community member involvement is needed.
Public Comment
Jim Heid commented on the completed Housing Element, how the HEWG is moving towards a phase where they need to figure out solutions to housing and the challenges to achieve missing middle housing in Healdsburg. Mr. Heid further provided information on the design dialogues happening at Craft Work.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
September 18, 2023
On a motion by Vice Mayor Hagele, seconded by Councilmember Herrod, adopted Resolution No. 121-2023 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG REORGANIZING THE HOUSING ELEMENT WORK GROUP (HEWG) AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 7-2022.” The motion carried on a unanimous voice vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
On a motion by Vice Mayor Hagele, seconded by Councilmember Herrod, adopted Resolution No. 122-2023 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER A CONTRACT WITH ECONOMIC & PLANNING SYSTEMS INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $75,800
FOR THE HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND APPROVE AMENDING THE ADOPTED FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 BUDGET.” The motion carried on a unanimous voice vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
OLD BUSINESS – PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR DOWNTOWN
HOUSING CAPACITY STUDY
Community Development Director Duiven stated before Council this evening is a Resolution approving an Agreement with Opticos Design, Inc. to prepare a Downtown Housing Capacity Study. Director Duiven provided background information on how the City arrived at the proposed agreement with Opticos Design. Director Duiven reviewed the project goals, the scope of work Opticos Design will conduct including, site selection and analyses, potential yields, preparing site visualizations and final recommendations.
In response to Council inquiries, Community Development Director Duiven provided information on whether the final recommendations may include a need to modify the Growth Management Ordinance (GMO), how the site selection process will go and the capacity study looking at building up instead of out.
Mayor Kelley provided a list of suggestions on potential sites to be included in the study.
Vice Mayor Hagele expressed a desire to include in the study the need to build taller units since the City does not have the space to build outwards.
Public Comment
Merrilyn Joyce inquired where the land is to build multiple units and suggested looking at single family lots to see if they can be rezoned.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
September 18, 2023
Deborah Kravitz commented on the missing middle book written by Opticos Design and expressed her support for approving the agreement with Opticos Design. Ms. Kravitz opined on locations Opticos could include in the study.
Jim Heid expressed his support for moving forward with Opticos Design to conduct the study, commented on proposed locations to be included in the study, fixing the Growth Management Ordinance and including smaller units on single family lots.
Jessica Pilling opined the City should incentivize to add multiple units on single family lots.
Council Comments
Vice Mayor Hagele commented that the community would benefit from rezoning single-family lots for multiple units, and he is looking forward to seeing what that looks like.
On a motion by Councilmember Mitchell, seconded by Vice Mayor Hagele, adopted Resolution No. 123-2023 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH OPTICOS DESIGN INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $139,555 FOR THE PREPARATION OF A DOWNTOWN HOUSING CAPACITY STUDY AND AMENDING THE ADOPTED FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 BUDGET.” The motion carried on a unanimous voice vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
NEW BUSINESS
None.
COUNCIL REPORTS ON MATTERS OF INTEREST OCCURRING SINCE PREVIOUS
REGULAR MEETING/EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT REPORTS
Councilmember Edwards reported that he attended the Library Commission meeting, thanked Assistant City Manager Sturmfels for his assistance to the Library and attended the ribbon cutting at The Randall.
Vice Mayor Hagele reported that he attended the Coastal Conservancy meeting on behalf of Mayor Kelley and thanked them for the funds they contributed towards the Fitch Mountain Open Space project and the Essential Fuels Reduction project. Vice Mayor Hagele further reported he attended The Randall ribbon cutting.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
September 18, 2023
Councilmember Herrod reported he attended ribbon cutting events at The Randall, the new Corazon offices, and the Drewish Deli. Councilmember Herrod further reported he attended the Downtown Association of Merchants in Town meeting and commented on the positive feedback that was received from the community.
Councilmember Mitchell reported she attended The Randall ribbon cutting and the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting and will be attending the League of California Cities Conference in Sacramento.
Mayor Kelley reported she attended the Drewish Deli ribbon cutting, attended the SCTA meeting, attended the Healdsburg Museum annual dinner and attended The Randall ribbon cutting.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:20 p.m.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
_________________________________ __________________________________ Ariel Kelley, Mayor Raina Allan, City Clerk