CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
October 16, 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 Vice Mayor Hagele, seconded by Councilmember Edwards, approved the October 16, 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
Vice Mayor Hagele reported a closed session was held prior to this meeting and direction was given to staff.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS-RECOGNITION OF CITY EMPLOYEES
WITH MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES
Fire Chief Boaz introduced Fire Captain Mack Montanye and congratulated him on 10 years of dedicated service to the City of Healdsburg.
Captain Montanye thanked the Council for the recognition.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Kay provided information about the upcoming SMART Station Community Workshop being held at the Senior Center, the Community Housing and Resource Fair at the Community Center, and Dia de Muertos event on the Plaza.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 16, 2023
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON
AGENDA ITEMS
Califa Witsch commented on the tragic events happening in Israel by the terrorist group, Hamas, and asked for support from Council to luminate the bridge blue and white as a sign of support and compassion towards the victims of Israel.
Jeff Stofer expressed concerns about the Sunset Drive narrows and explained this area is more at risk for fires. Additionally, he commented how difficult it would be to escape in the event of an emergency.
Gabriel Froymovich commented on the horrific incidents happening in Israel and expressed support to light up Memorial Bridge in blue and white.
Susan Atherton described the safety issues with the road on Sunset Drive.
Francis Critchlow requested a hard copy of the Community Environmental Survey be given to the library.
Donald Cummings read aloud multiple comments in opposition of the special event permit required to perform in the Plaza.
Mike Havel commented on a recent trip he took with the Senior Center to Angel Island and expressed concerns about staff not being allowed to bring disposable, recyclable water on the trip.
Karen Neuberger expressed support to see the City illuminate the bridge in blue and white in support Israel.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Kelley recused from item 6C because her home if located within 500 feet of the proposed project.
On a motion by Councilmember Mitchell, seconded by Vice Mayor Hagele, approved the Consent Calendar as follows:
A. RECEIVE THE MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT FOR AUGUST 2023 City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 16, 2023
By motion, approved the Investment Report for August 2023. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent - None)
B. PROPOSED REORGANIZATION AND AMENDMENT TO AUTHORIZED
POSITIONS TO PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND THE CITY MANAGER’S
OFFICE AND PROPOSED SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT WITH IAFF, LOCAL 2604
Adopted Resolution No. 132-2023 titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 163-2022 AND REESTABLISHING THE LIST OF AUTHORIZED POSITIONS” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
Adopted Resolution No. 133-2023 titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO SIGN A SIDE LETTER BETWEEN CITY OF HEALDSBURG AND THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS, LOCAL 2604
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND AMENDING THE ADOPTED
FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 BUDGET” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None) C. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CSW/STUBER-STROEH ENGINEERING GROUP, INC. FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR
THE GROVE STREET NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT This item was removed from the Consent Calendar to be voted on separately.
D. LEASE AGREEMENT FOR THE HEALDSBURG REGIONAL LIBRARY
Adopted Resolution No. 134-2023 titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING A LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF HEALDSBURG AND SONOMA COUNTY LIBRARY FOR THE
HEALDSBURG REGIONAL LIBRARY, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE LEASE AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
E. ADJUST THE TIMING AND FUNDING FOR THE PROPOSED HEALDSBURG
AVE UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 16, 2023
Adopted Resolution No. 135-2023 titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AMENDING THE ADOPTED FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 BUDGET TO INCREASE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE "UNDERGROUND
HEALDSBURG AVE" PROJECT” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None) F. APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT TO UPDATE
HEALDSBURG’S WATER AND WATER USAGE FORECAST AND PROVIDE
REVISED REVENUE PROJECTIONS
Adopted Resolution No. 136-2023 titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH RAFTELIS FINANCIAL CONSULTANTS INC. TO UPDATE THE
WATER AND WASTEWATER COST OF SERVICE STUDY AND RATE STRUCTURES FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $70,093, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDERS UP TO 15% OF THE ORIGINAL FEE PROPOSAL” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
The motion to approve the Consent Calendar as modified above carried on a unanimous voice vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CSW/STUBER-STROEH
ENGINEERING GROUP, INC. FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE
GROVE STREET NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT
On a motion by Vice Mayor Hagele, seconded by Councilmember Mitchell, adopted Resolution No. 137-2023 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CSW/STUBER-STROEH ENGINEERING GROUP, INC. IN THE NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $380,747 TO PROVIDE ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE
GROVE STREET NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT AND AMENDING THE ADOTPED FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 BUDGET” The motion carried on a voice vote with Mayor Kelley abstaining. (Ayes 4, Noes 0, Abstaining – Kelley, Absent – None)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
OLD BUSINESS - FINAL CLIMATE MOBILIZATION STRATEGY
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 16, 2023
Assistant City Manager Sturmfels introduced Utility Conservation Analyst Terra Sampson and Consultant Erica Linard who would be assisting with the presentation this evening. Assistant City Manager Sturmfels reviewed the purpose of developing a Climate Mobilization Strategy (CMS), provided background information on the CMS, discussed what the City Council goals are including a strategy which supports state, regional and greenhouse gas reduction goals and to ensure community engagement throughout the process. Manager Sturmfels further provided an update about where the CMS is in the planning process.
Utility Conservation Analyst Sampson discussed GHG targets including Healdsburg’s community wide forecasted GHG emissions and the state’s target. Ms. Sampson shared which sectors GHG reductions would come from if the CMS was fully implemented before 2030. Ms.
Sampson further reviewed the implementation plan of the CMS including the number of actions needed to be taken in the next 1-3 years, and types of measures and actions. Analyst Sampson reviewed what the CMS will support, the community engagement events over the last year, the final CMS survey results and detailed the five significant changes made to the implementation plan based on community, staff, and council discussions.
Assistant City Manager Sturmfels discussed post-adoption plans including cost considerations, large projects, and annual progress updates to Council.
In response to the Council’s inquiries Assistant City Manager Sturmfels provided information on being transparent with the public through various communication channels including utility billing mailings, the website and social media promotions. Utility Conservation Analyst Sampson explained that the current state of renewables is 65% and no carbon sources and that the projection for the City will be at 75% of renewable energy for 2023. Utilities Director Crowley explained that the Lodi energy center provides 18-30% of hydrocarbon and if they can convert 100% of that to hydrogen fuel, then there would be no carbon energy.
Public Comment
Mike Havel commented on the use of diesel school buses in Healdsburg.
Karen Maley commented on the community outreach completed for the CMS, encouraged staff to emulate the way Corazon does outreach including going door to door, meeting with local business owners and expressed her frustration on how no one knew CMS was drafted. Ms.
Maley opined that she wanted to see the City follow state guidelines and not divert resources and staff time to exceed them.
Karen Neuberger opined she agreed there is a climate crisis but was not supportive of the City leading the way to address climate change. Ms. Neuberger commented that concerns have been raised by residents regarding transportation plans and advocated for the City to consider how seniors get around in the area.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 16, 2023
Debra Geitner commented that the CMS is too egregious and too expensive and suggested simplifying the CMS and engaging more with the community.
Cathy Waterbury commented on transitioning to fully electric appliances in homes and asked the City to consider the challenges residents face in the event of a power outage. Ms. Waterbury commented that older homes are not suitable for solar panels, and that the cost for them is not affordable. Additionally, she expressed opposition towards a fully electric system.
Tallia Hart, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, expressed support for climate initiatives, expressed concern about the balance between ambitious climate action and the economic impact for businesses and residents. Ms. Hart asked Council to consider a cost benefit analysis moving forward that can provide benefit over time and suggests not exceeding what is legally mandated already by the state.
Small Business Owner expressed concerns about reducing parking and believes the reduction would drive away local customers.
Francis Critchlow inquired who owned the Healdsburg pool and suggested the City should consider the impacts of water loss when there is new construction being built.
Mike Brennan encouraged the Council to focus on housing of all kinds in Healdsburg to offset the contribution to Greenhouse Gass Emissions. Mr. Brennan commented that electric vehicle cars are not affordable or accommodating for families and lifestyle, and that the focus should be on home improvements.
Laura Bracken expressed her concern that only 4% of the community is aware of the CMS, questioned why the CMS goes beyond state requirements and why an Oakland consultant is involved rather than a local community member. Ms. Bracken further opined that the City should prioritize other areas and is concerned the CMS could lead to increased living expenses and business costs in Healdsburg.
Merrilyn Joyce commented on diversifying the economy, believes that adding local shopping downtown would garner support from locals. She recommends a community gathering to discuss these issues and find solutions together.
David Jones thanked Council for putting together the CMS, commented that the CMS contains great initiatives and acknowledges potential in the health and lifestyle benefits offered. Mr. Jones recommended the implementation of LED light bulbs, reducing gas usage in homes and looking at how to reduce tax on the residents.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 16, 2023
Council Comments
Councilmember Edwards expressed support to add a pick-up truck as part of the ride share program, inquired about the addition of Accessory Dwelling Unit’s (ADU) and how the $250,000 plus cost in renovations affects the primary home electric requirements for gas stoves, asked about the requirements for EV chargers in homes and asked staff to research converting compost into energy.
Council discussion ensued on adding a pick-up truck as part of the ride share program and the fees for the addition of an ADU.
Vice Mayor Hagele expressed support for the CMS, commented on the accomplishments the City has made, highlighting the success of the electric garbage truck pilot program and emphasized the importance of affordable housing. Mayor Hagele further expressed support for conducting a citywide evaluation to identify the best locations for EV chargers around Healdsburg. Mayor Hagele commented on including language that would incentivize change in Healdsburg, was in favor of following State guidelines as it pertains to the REACH Code, removing all the references to paid parking and smog requirements in the CMS.
In response to Council inquiries, Utilities Conservation Analyst Sampson detailed the six different areas of EV charging stations listed in the CMS.
Council discussion ensued on meeting and exceeding State climate goals, whether or not the City should exceed the State goals and removing Reach Code requirements from the CMS.
Councilmember Mitchell expressed a desire to remove the REACH Code items from the CMS or revise the language to include statements like “include the following,” or “consider the following,” Councilmember Mitchell concurred that the parking policies and the smog requirements should be removed from the CMS and thanked staff for all the hard work on the CMS.
There was Council majority to remove the parking and smog policies from the CMS as well as the REACH Code items from the CMS.
City Manager Kay clarified which items from the implementation plan would be removed and which items the Council was slightly modifying.
Councilmember Herrod thanked staff and the community for the work on creating the CMS expressed that the CMS exemplifies Healdsburg’s values.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 16, 2023
Assistant City Manager read aloud the following changes to the CMS: text changes to Measure and Action Item B.E. 2.2, removed the phrase “and reduce exemptions to align with industry technology advancements” and amended the next sentence to remove the word include and replace it with the word consider. Removing completely from the plan Items B.E. 3.1, B.E. 3.2, B.E. 4.1, B.E. 4.2, T 3.2, T 3.3, T 4.1 and T 4.2.
On a motion by Councilmember Herrod, seconded by Vice Mayor Hagele, adopted Resolution No. 138-2023 including the revisions read into the record by Assistant City Manager, titled “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG ADOPTING THE CLIMATE MOBILIZATION STRATEGY.” The motion carried on a 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 Senior Mixer, Fire Substation groundbreaking, and served as alternate for the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on behalf of Councilmember Mitchell.
Councilmember Herrod reported that he attended the Fire Substation groundbreaking and the NCPA conference in Monterey.
Councilmember Mitchell reported that she attended the Mayors and Councilmembers dinner in Windsor, the Fire Substation groundbreaking and the “Good morning, Healdsburg!” meeting where they provided updates about Enzo Village, North Village and the Montage.
Vice Mayor Hagele reported that he attended the NCPA conference in Monterey and Fire Substation groundbreaking.
Mayor Kelley reported that she attended the Mayor and Councilmember’s meeting in Windsor and the Fire Substation groundbreaking. Mayor Kelley requested a future agenda item about lighting the memorial bridge blue and white be added to the next City Council meeting agenda.
There was Council consensus to agendize a discussion about lighting the bridge in blue and white.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 16, 2023
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:49 p.m.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
_________________________________ __________________________________ Ariel Kelley, Mayor Raina Allan, City Clerk