CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
October 2, 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 Herrod, seconded by Vice Mayor Hagele, approved the October 2, 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-RECOGNITION OF CITY EMPLOYEES
WITH MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES
Public Works Director Zimmer honored Public Works Inspector Larry Unsworth for 5 years of service.
Community Services Director Themig honored Recreation Supervisor Matt Milde for 5 years of service.
Recreation Supervisor Matt Milde thanked the council for the recognition.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS-PROCLAMATION DECLARING OCTOBER 2023 AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
Mayor Kelley, with Council concurrence, issued a Proclamation declaring October 2023 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Healdsburg.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 2, 2023
Nancy Clark, Housing Advocate with YWCA Sonoma County, thanked the Council for the proclamation and provided information about the history and services of the YWCA.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS-HEALDSBURG-PROCLAMATION
RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 2-8, 2023, AS INTERNATIONAL ACTIVE AGING WEEK Mayor Kelley, with Council concurrence, issued a Proclamation recognizing October 2-8, 2023, as International Active Aging Week in the City of Healdsburg.
Donna O’Brien, Chair of the Senior Citizen Advisory Commission, commented on how Senior Citizens are actively serving the community of Healdsburg and upcoming events for active seniors and members of the community.
Betty Wadsworth, volunteer with Friends of the Healdsburg Senior Citizen’s Volunteer’s NonProfit Group, provided additional information about upcoming events for seniors and the community.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Kay provided an update about public comment formatting changes, including, allowing public comment to in-person only and removing the option to comment on zoom due to zoom bombing incidents around the region. City Manager Kay further provided information about the public neighborhood gathering that took place on Ward St. where it provided an opportunity for staff to connect with the community about upcoming work to be done in the neighborhood such a lighting, road updates, and forming of a neighborhood watch group.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON
AGENDA ITEMS
Michelle Chong commented about a safety issue on the roadway of Sunset Drive, stating that the roadway has become too narrow, and two cars cannot pass each other at the same time.
John Petrick commented about how difficult it is to evacuate on Sunset Drive during emergency evacuations and expressed concern that the road is one way in and one way out.
Richard Burke commented on the unsafe conditions of the narrowing of the road on Sunset Drive and expressed concern about evacuating in the event of emergency situation.
Donald Cummings, a musician who has been playing in the plaza for three years, commented on the new policy requiring a permit to play music in the plaza and explained he has received hurtful comments from the public about continuing to play in the plaza.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 2, 2023
Terry Leech, COPE leader, asked that Council re-evaluate spending priorities to fix the roadway on Sunset Drive and commented that safety should be a priority.
Tim Leech, COPE leader, learned from the Tubbs Fire how difficult it is to evacuate on the narrow roadway on Sunset Drive. He described the difficulties the residents in that area face. He commented that Council priorities should be on safety and potential loss of life. He would like the project to be re-prioritized.
Cathy Waterbury commented on how tourists were harassed by Donald Cummings for signatures as it relates to the permit to play music in the Plaza.
Rob Maxima, commented about the lack of work being done on Valley View Drive by the Public Works Department.
CONSENT CALENDAR
On a motion by Vice Mayor Hagele, seconded by Councilmember Mitchell, approved the Consent Calendar as follows:
In response to Councilmember Edwards inquiry about item 6H, staff confirmed no additional applications for hotel projects had been submitted.
A. APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR WITHDRAWALS DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2023
By motion, approved the Disbursement Report for August 2023. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent - None)
B. AGREEMENT WITH GEOGRAPHIC TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC. FOR GIS
SYSTEMS IMPLEMENTATION AND AS-NEEDED SERVICES
Adopted Resolution No. 124-2023 titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH GEOGRAPHIC TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $134,452.08 AND AN ADDITIONAL AGREEMENT OF $40,000 WITH AMENDMENTS NOT TO EXCEED $150,000 OVER THREE YEARS” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
C. BOUNDARY LINE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF HEALDSBURG AND THE
STEINMAN FAMILY TRUST
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 2, 2023
Adopted Resolution No. 125-2023 titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING A BOUNDARY LINE AGREEMENT AND QUITCLAIM DEED BETWEEN THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AND ARNOLD J.
STEINMAN AND SUSAN E. STEINMAN, TRUSTEES OF THE STEINMAN FAMILY 2006 TRUST AND PAULA LEIBOVITZ – GOODWIN, TRUSTEE OF THE ANNA LOU LEIBOVITZ 2015 IRREVOCABLE TRUST AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAID BOUNDARY LINE AGREEMENT AND QUITCLAIM DEED” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
D. BIOSWALE AND RIGHT OF WAY LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
Adopted Resolution No. 126-2023 titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING A ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
AGREEMENT WITH LANDCARE FOR BIOSWALE AND RIGHT OF WAY
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANANCE SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $504,175 FOR A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT WITH THE OPTION TO EXTEND THE
CONTRACT FOR TWO ADDITIONAL YEARS FOR A TOTAL OF FIVE YEARS AND A NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $878,980 AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT AND UP TO TWO ONE YEAR EXTENSIONS” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
E. ESTABLISH A NEW LOWER COST BIOSOLIDS HAULING AND DISPOSING
CONTRACT FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM
Adopted Resolution No. 127-2023 titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR BIOSOLIDS
HAULING AND DISPOSING, DIRECTING STAFF TO NEGOTIATE A NEW
CONTRACT BIOSOLIDS HAULING AND DISPOSING, AND AUTHORIZING CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE A NEW LOWER-COST CONTRACT FOR BIOSOLIDS HAULING AND DISPOSAL SERVICES FOR A PERIOD OF THREE-YEARS” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
F. HVAC MAINTENANCE SERVICES CONTRACT
Adopted Resolution No. 128-2023 titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AWARDING A CONTRACT FOR HVAC
MAINTENANCE SERVICES TO PETERSON MECHANICAL WITH AN INITIAL THREE (3)-YEAR AGREEMENT NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $226,740,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT AND TWO (2) ONE-YEAR EXTENSION AMENDMENTS PER THE AGREEMENT TERMS, THEREBY APPROVING A TOTAL FIVE (5)-YEAR CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT-TOEXCEED $377,900” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None) City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 2, 2023
G. REVIEW CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND RE-ESTABLISH
APPROPRIATIONS FOR CONTINUING PROJECTS
Adopted Resolution No. 129-2023 titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 BUDGET” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
H. HEALDSBURG MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS LIMITING THE SIZE AND
LOCATION OF HOTEL USES WITHIN THE PLAZA RETAIL (PR) AND
DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL (CD) ZONING DISTRICTS
Adopted Ordinance No. 1234 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 DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL (CD) ZONING DISTRICTS” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS - VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED (VMT) IMPLEMENTATION
GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATING TRANSPORTATION IMPACTS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (SENATE BILL 743)
Senior Planner McDowell introduced the Vehicle Miles Traveled Policy (VMT) and provided information about what SB743, VMT and CEQA analysis is. Planner McDowell noted what SB743 does not change, reviewed the VMT analysis process for CEQA, the different types of VMT screenings for local serving community uses, transit and affordable housing. Planner McDowell further reviewed the office of planning and research (OPR) recommended VMT thresholds and described the VMT reduction and mitigation calculator. Planner McDowell reviewed the Planning Commission recommendation and what is not changing with the VMT.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 2, 2023
Public Comment
Linda Cade commented on the VMT policy and believes zero emissions are not attainable and commented on the climate crises. Ms. Cade inquired where the funds came from for this item.
There being no questions or comments from Council, on a motion by Vice Mayor Hagele, seconded by Councilmember Herrod, adopted Resolution No. 130-2023, titled “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG
ESTABLISHING A CITY VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED (VMT) POLICY WITH
SIGNIFICANCE THRESHOLDS AND SCREENING CRITERIA FOR ENVIRONMENTAL
REVIEW PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA).” The motion carried on a unanimous voice vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
NEW BUSINESS - HEALDSBURG WINE AND FOOD EXPERIENCE GRAND
TASTING EVENT AGREEMENT
Recreation Supervisor Milde stated the action this evening was to approve a three-year agreement with SD Media Productions, LLC for the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience Grant Tasting Event in the West Plaza parking lot and West Plaza Park from 2024-2026.
Supervisor Milde provided background information on the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience event.
Supervisor Milde further reviewed what would be included in the Grand Tasting Event Agreement including a multi-year agreement with SD Media Productions to streamline the permitting process, enhance the management of the logistical aspects of the event, and provide necessary lead time required by SD Media for venues, sponsorship, and marketing. Supervisor Milde provided information on the requirements SD Media would still need to follow.
In response to Council inquiries Supervisor Milde explained what the permit fee covers. City Manager Kay reviewed what the Downtown Improvement District Fee would cover.
Public Comment
Cathy Waterbury commented that the event fence sticks out onto the sidewalk and inquired if the event fence could be moved in a little bit.
Ty Benoit thanked city staff for co-hosting the block party on Ward Street. Ms. Benoit further opined that the Healdsburg Wine and Food experience should be held at a private venue like Bacchus Landing or Montage, SD Media is not contributing enough to the City and concluded that she does not support the agreement.
Paulina Lopez, resident, local teacher, and member of the executive board for the North Bay Jobs for Justice, described the harsh conditions the farmworkers work in and explained the need for City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 2, 2023
hazard pay and additional compensation that is lost during weather and disaster crises. Ms.
Lopez asked Council not to approve the agreement with SD Media.
Valerie White expressed her thoughts on the past Wine and Food Events and opined the event was a failure because the farmworkers were excluded from celebrating and receiving financial assistance from the celebration. She urged the council to rethink aspects of the event.
Merrilyn Joyce, spoke on behalf of Maria Behran and read a letter, stating that the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience should not be offered special status to operate on City property and suggests that council should end support for the event to align with their commitment to support diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Jim Heid, owner of Craftwork, commented on his partnership with the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience and expressed his support for the event and believes the council can fine tune the event to address concerns.
Merrilyn Joyce believes council concerns are not consistent with community concerns and suggested the Council look at what it means to be diverse, equitable and inclusionary.
Council Comments
Councilmember Herrod expressed his opposition to a three-year agreement and his desire to make changes to the agreement each year instead of being locked into something for a certain timeframe.
In response to Council inquiries, City Attorney Zutler answered that no specific commitments are enforced in the three-year agreement. SD Media Productions representatives explained they were given a grant from HTID for $24,000 and explained they voluntarily were a sponsor at the Chamber of Commerce BBQ event and provided information on what organizations they assisted in past years.
Councilmember Edwards expressed he would like to see more contributions given to support local businesses, commented he appreciated the annual report and expressed a desire to see the lower priced ticket sales better advertised.
Steve Devaris provided information on the event, how the event is funded, the cost of tickets for residents of Healdsburg and non-residents of Healdsburg, the local non-profits this event donates too and how they decided to sponsor the Chamber BBQ.
Councilmember Mitchell expressed her support for the event, moving forward with a three-year agreement and charging a fee to use the parking lot. Councilmember Mitchell expressed her opposition to the city telling the event organizer how to contribute money to different nonprofits.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 2, 2023
Mayor Kelley commented that this is the only event in Healdsburg not being put on by a nonprofit organization and emphasized the importance of public benefit. Mayor Kelley concurred with Councilmember Mitchell on the City’s priorities and raised issues about revenue loss for local businesses due to utilizing the West Plaza parking lot. Mayor Kelley expressed a desire to see the fee increased to utilize the West Plaza parking lot to benefit improving the Downtown and West Plaza parking lot.
Vice Mayor Hagele expressed his support for the three-year agreement, emphasized its convenience for attendees, and advocated for a fee structure based on parking space uses, like restaurant parklet fees. Vice Mayor Hagele highlighted the potential for the event representatives to secure sponsorships and establish long-term relationships over the duration of the agreement.
Vice Mayor Hagele was not in favor of telling the event organizer where they should donate their funds.
Following a brief Council discussion on the downtown fee and the amount for each year of the three-year agreement, there was Council majority to move forward with a three-year agreement and a $10,000 downtown improvement fee per year.
On a motion by Councilmember Mitchell, seconded by Vice Mayor Hagele, adopted Resolution No. 131-2023, titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG APPROVING A THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH SD MEDIA
PRODUCTIONS, LLC FOR THE HEALDSBURG WINE AND FOOD EXPERIENCE
GRAND TASTING EVENT IN WEST PLAZA PARKING LOT AND WEST PLAZA PARK AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT, amending the agreement to modify the downtown improvement fee to be $10,000 per year for the full three-year agreement.” The motion carried on a voice vote. (Ayes - 4, Noes - Herrod, Absent – None)
COUNCIL REPORTS ON MATTERS OF INTEREST OCCURRING SINCE PREVIOUS
REGULAR MEETING/EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT REPORTS
Mayor Kelley reported she accepted an award for winning Bike Project of the Year for the Foss Creek Pathway at the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition and also received congressional recognition from Congressman Mike Thompson for winning the award. Mayor Kelley further reported she attended the Redwood Empire Chinese Association’s Harvest Moon Celebration, attended the League of California Cities conference and participated in a small photo opportunity to support the SMART Station who received a $32 million dollar grant from federal government.
Councilmember Edwards reported he attended the League of California Cities conference, participated in the housing element workshop and attended the Veteran’s art exhibit in Petaluma.
Councilmember Edwards provided a brief update on the Senior Center and attended the Ward Street event.
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October 2, 2023
Vice Mayor Hagele reported he attended the North West Public Power Association Conference in Santa Rosa and attended the workforce housing event. Vice Mayor Hagele acknowledged the passing of Diane Feinstein and provided a brief summary of the interactions he had with her.
Councilmember Mitchell acknowledged Diane Feinstein for all of her accomplishments, reported she attended the League of California Cities conference, engaged in a design discussion event at Craftwork about design and sustainability and attended Mike McGuire’s BBQ.
Councilmember Herrod reported he met with Circe Cher from Piazza Hospitality, attended the League of California Cities conference, attended the Native American day celebration at the Capital and volunteered at the Foss Creek clean-up.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:52 PM p.m.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
_________________________________ __________________________________ Ariel Kelley, Mayor Raina Allan, City Clerk