CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
February 20, 2024
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER
401 Grove Street, Healdsburg
.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor/Chairperson Hagele called to order the concurrent meeting of the City Council and Redevelopment Successor Agency of the City of Healdsburg at 6:06 p.m. with the following Council Members present:
Present: Council Members/: Edwards, Herrod, Kelley, Mitchell and Mayor Hagele Board Members
Absent: Council Members/: None.
Board Members
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Hagele announced that Public Hearing items 7A and 7B will be continued to the March 4, 2024, City Council meeting.
On a motion by Councilmember Edwards, seconded by Councilmember Kelley, approved the February 20, 2024, City Council and Redevelopment Successor Agency meeting agenda as amended above. The motion carried on a unanimous voice vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Hagele reported a closed session was held prior to the meeting and there was no reportable action.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS
None.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Kay announced the upcoming Housing Element Work Group meeting and the Community Budget Workshop being held at the Senior Center on February 28, 2024.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 20, 2024
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON
AGENDA ITEMS
Brigette Mansell commented on a tree planting project a few community members are doing along March Avenue and community representation on the City Council.
Richard Burg commented on Healdsburg’s history and development projects that have provided various benefits to the community and opined on the community benefit for two upcoming projects .
Paul expressed concerns about what happens in Healdsburg and commented that the warning sign in front the bike shop near the roundabout should be reinstated.
Merrilyn Joyce inquired about reinstating comments on Zoom.
CONSENT CALENDAR
On a motion by Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Councilmember Herrod, approved the Consent Calendar as follows:
A. LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT
Adopted Resolution No. 9-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPOINTING COASTLAND CIVIL ENGINEERING AS THE ENGINEER OF WORK FOR THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG’S LANDSCAPING
AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT AND DIRECTING THE PREPARATION OF THE ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 (PURSUANT TO THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972)” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None) B. LEASE AMENDMENT WITH ALLIANCE MEDICAL CENTER
Adopted Resolution No. 10-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE HEALTH CARE CLINIC BUILDING LEASE FOR 1381 UNIVERSITY ST WITH ALLIANCE
MEDICAL CENTER, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE LEASE AMENDMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None) The motion to approve the Consent Calendar carried on a unanimous voice vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 20, 2024
PUBLIC HEARING - FORMATION OF UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT
ALONG GROVE STREET FROM DRY CREEK ROAD TO GRANT STREET
This item was continued to the March 4, 2024, City Council meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING - FORMATION OF UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT ALONG HEALDSBURG AVE FROM THE CITY’S NORTHERN MOST BOUNDARY
TO SUNNYVALE DRIVE
This item was continued to the March 4, 2024, City Council meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING - TENTATIVE MAP (TM 2022-06) FOR THE NORTH VILLAGE PARCEL 2 TOWNHOME PROJECT
Planning Consultant Linda Ruffing introduced the Tentative Map for discussion and provided an overview about the different parcels included in the North Village project. Ms. Ruffing reviewed the history of the project, the proposed townhomes for parcel two and the tentative map. Ms.
Ruffing further reviewed the considerations contemplated when approving a tentative map, the Planning Commission findings, conditions of approval and noted the environmental review.
In response to Councilmember Edwards inquiry, Ms. Ruffing provided information on the deed restrictions.
Mayor Hagele opened the public hearing.
There were no public comments on this item.
On a motion by Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Councilmember Edwards, adopted Resolution No. 11-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING A TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAP (TM 2022-06) FOR THE NORTH VILLAGE PARCEL 2 TOWNHOME PROJECT LOCATED AT 201 DOVETAIL LANE.” The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes - 5, Noes - 0, Absent - None)
OLD BUSINESS - DISCUSSION OF SMART STATION LOCATION OPTIONS Public Works Director Zimmer introduced the item for discussion, outlined the potential locations for the SMART Station, including the Hudson Street Site and the West Plaza Site.
Director Zimmer provided information on the different station design elements and the feedback received at the recent community meeting. Director Zimmer addressed comments from the community meeting including traffic congestion, the impact on the Foss Creek Pathway and trees, parking availability, transit options, the existing depot building, housing and job creation City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 20, 2024
and neighborhood connectivity. Director Zimmer further reviewed the request for direction that staff is seeking from Council on this item.
SMART General Manager Eddie Cummins provided information on the project's funding sources, the anticipated project delivery and timeline. Manager Cummins reviewed the benefits of the West Plaza Station location, acknowledged parking concerns and encouraged the Council to envision the City's future.
City Manager Kay clarified the feedback staff is requesting and noted the Council did not need to make a decision on the station location this evening.
In response to Council’s inquiries, SMART Chief Engineer Bill Gamblin explained that the potential impacts to the downtown are unknown at this time. Mr. Cummins provided information on the preferred walking distance of transit riders, how the Petaluma station is utilized and the future plan for the Healdsburg rail yard. Mr. Cummins further reviewed pedestrian crossing information, the unknown needs at this time to get the train to Cloverdale, why the Plaza location potentially attracts higher ridership and looking into alternative parking locations. Public Works Director Zimmer clarified where the housing and job information came from, outlined potential adjustments to bus routes if the station were to be located at the Plaza and what would trigger additional impacts on the West Plaza parking lot.
City Manager Kay emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive parking management plan. Mr.
Cummins acknowledged the potential for increased ridership from the North, requiring more parking, and stressed the importance of flexibility in parking arrangements.
Public Comment
Adrian Covert commented on behalf of various community groups, emphasized the potential benefits of a SMART station as a parking solution, presented a comparison of walking distances from the Plaza and Hudson locations and expressed his support for a downtown station location.
Brian Gaegan expressed support for the Hudson Street location and discussed advantages and disadvantages to the West Plaza location.
Valerie White commented in support of the Hudson Street location, and raised concerns about traffic, safety, and parking at the West Plaza location.
Tara Harrell supports the Hudson Street location and commented on the potential development opportunities in the area.
Cathy Waterbury expressed support for the Hudson Street location and commented about bus route changes if the station location was at the Plaza.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 20, 2024
Brigette Mansell commented on SMART and expressed support for the Hudson Station location and its historic value.
Richard Burg urged the Council to consider the impact of each location on residents and visitors and expressed support for the Hudson Street location.
Jonathan Pearlman concurred with Richard’s concerns, expressed concerns about traffic, removal of trees and Foss Creek Pathway if the station is going to be at the Plaza location. Mr. Pearlman was supportive of the Hudson Street location and opined that it offers greater opportunities for development in the South Area of Healdsburg.
Mark Horne expressed concerns about the level of community engagement, inquired about the walking distances from each proposed station location and opined on the potential impacts of extending the route to Cloverdale, traffic congestion and the SMART train schedule.
Steve Babb expressed support for the Hudson Street location, opined that the walking distance from either station option is not an issue and offered suggestions for buses to access.
Paul commented on the challenges and intricacies of parking downtown and opined on the idea of a freight train coming through town after the rail line is repaired.
Joe Naujokas commented on the SMART train and urged the Council to think about the SMART station's origin, destination, and future and expressed support for the Hudson Street site.
Hank Skewis advocated for a second community meeting and proposed the preferred location should be where a multi-modal transportation hub can exist. Mr. Skewis expressed his support for the Hudson Street station location.
Linda Cade commented that she attended the SMART workshop at the Senior Center and opined that the Council should focus on the Plaza Station location first and inquired how close the Plaza Street location is to Councilmember Kelley’s residence.
Mark McMullen expressed support for the Hudson Street station location and read aloud points on the station location from the General Plan and urged Council to do more research on the West Plaza location.
Matthew Lopez advocated for the Council to choose a SMART location that prioritizes the needs of residents who are reliant on public transportation. He urged the Council to consider a downtown station and examine the possibilities of a transit hub that would provide easy connections between various destinations.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 20, 2024
Merrilyn Joyce expressed her support for the Hudson Street Station location and commented on the demographics of ridership and opined the Hudson Street Station could benefit future residents who will reside in that area when it’s developed.
Holly Hoods expressed support for the Hudson location and highlighted its historical significance and the balance that existed when the area was more active. She emphasized the potential for development around the Hudson site and suggested embracing its past.
Nita Parker commented on her experience riding trains as a child, expressed support for the West Plaza location and suggested a two-story parking garage. Ms. Parker echoed the sentiments of a prior speaker about who will benefit from this station and believes more information is needed.
Mayor Hagele recessed the meeting at about 8:16 PM.
Mayor Hagele reconvened the meeting at 8:24 PM.
In response to Council inquiries, Mr. Cummins addressed questions about anticipated ridership to Cloverdale, pre-positioning trains, the times trains would run and the use of the railyard.
Council Comments
Councilmember Herrod was supportive of the Hudson Street station location and opined it will best serve the community's future needs and emphasized the distance from either location should not bear much weight in decision-making.
Vice Mayor Mitchell expressed her support for the Hudson Street location and alternative one. making a decision that is right for Healdsburg and commented on the potential development around the Hudson Street location.
Councilmember Edwards was supportive of the Hudson Street station location and commented about those who rely on public transportation and do not own cars could benefit from the Hudson Street location. Councilmember Edwards recognized the potential impact of the SMART station on residents living on Ward Street.
Councilmember Kelley emphasized the importance of designing a smart city that incorporates housing, jobs, and transit. She expressed concern that many residents have not had the opportunity to meaningfully engage with the City on potential station locations, was in favor of staff conducting more outreach efforts in the community and requested more information from staff about the potential impacts of the SMART station on the West Plaza parking lot.
Mayor Hagele was supportive of the Hudon Street station location, acknowledged there is lots of data available to address the concerns raised and noted that the existing data does not adequately City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 20, 2024
support the West Plaza station location. Mayor Hagele acknowledged the impacts on the roundabout and traffic congestion and expressed a desire to accommodate the needs of residents, enabling them to live and work in the community.
Discussion ensued about the need for a traffic study or parking study for a potential downtown location, gathering more feedback from the community and understanding the potential rider demographics and the reasons for using SMART.
City Manager Kay summarized the Council’s majority direction to move forward with the Hudson Street location and to return with additional information on ridership demographics.
OLD BUSINESS - 2023-24 MID-YEAR BUDGET REVIEW
Finance Director Edgar stated the action this evening was to adopt a resolution approving amendments to the fiscal year 2023-24 budget. Director Edgar provided information on the general fund revenues, expenses and the revised balance of the general fund for the next two fiscal years.
Director Edgar further reviewed revenues, expenses and the forecast for the next two years for the Community Services budget, water fund, wastewater fund and electric fund.
There were no public comments on this item.
On a motion by Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Councilmember Herrod, adopted Resolution No. 12-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 BUDGET.” The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes - 5, Noes - 0, Absent - None)
OLD BUSINESS - GENERAL FUND SURPLUS AND PENSION LIABILITY FUNDING
POLICY REVIEW
Finance Director Edgar stated the proposed action for this evening was to adopt a resolution rescinding Resolution No. 26-2022 and approving the updated Pension Liability Funding Policy.
Director Edgar outlined existing financial policies adopted by Council, reviewed the General Fund balance, the surplus policy process and allocation categories and the pension liability funding policy. Director Edgar further reviewed the proposed updates to the pension policy including additional contributions and a new investment manager.
There were no public comments on this item.
On a motion by Councilmember Edwards, seconded by Councilmember Kelley, adopted Resolution No. 13-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 20, 2024
HEALDSBURG REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 26-2022 AND APPROVING AN UPDATED PENSION LIABILITY FUNDING POLICY.” The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes - 5, Noes - 0, Absent - None)
NEW BUSINESS - 2023 LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
Emergency Response Coordinator Kelsey Carreiro introduced the item for discussion and noted the proposed action for tonight is to adopt a resolution approving the City of Healdsburg’s 2023 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). Response Coordinator Carreiro provided background information on what an LHMP is, benefits of an LHMP, the timeline to update the LHMP and public outreach efforts conducted to receive feedback. Response Coordinator Carreiro further reviewed the LHMP's structure, categories, and potential mitigation strategies and noted the LHMP was approved by Cal OES in December of 2023 and FEMA approved in early February.
There were no public comments on this item.
On a motion by Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Councilmember Herrod, adopted Resolution No. 14-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG ADOPTING THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG 2023 LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN.” The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes - 5, Noes - 0, Absent - None)
NEW BUSINESS - GRANT FUNDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG AND BURBANK HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Housing Director Sotomayor introduced Rich Wallach from Burbank Housing who would be joining him for the presentation. Director Sotomayor provided background information on the Scattered Sites Affordable Housing Project, outlined the project's overview, reviewed the funding for the project provided by the City and the terms of the grant agreement for the additional funding.
In response to Council's inquiries, Burbank Housing Representative Rich Wallach provided information on the deed-restrictions for the scattered site project.
There were no public comments on this item.
On a motion by Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Councilmember Herrod, adopted Resolution No. 15-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG APPROVING AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING GRANT AGREEMENT WITH
BURBANK HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR THE HEALDSBURG
SCATTERED SITES AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT, MONTE VINA APARTMENTS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $319,142; AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 20, 2024
EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT AS APPROVED TO FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY.” 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
Vice Mayor Mitchell reported she attended the Foley Pavilion Groundbreaking and had her first meeting with the goal setting consultant.
Councilmember Edwards reported he attended the Foley Pavilion groundbreaking, Bubble Bar ribbon-cutting, Breakfast with the Mayor event and wrote an article about Black History Month for the Healdsburg Tribune.
Councilmember Herrod reported he attended the Steelhead Festival, and Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, acknowledged the cancellation of the Lunar New Year Celebration and reported he attended the Vertis Community meeting and Mayor and Councilmembers Dinner.
Councilmember Kelley reported she attended the Foley Pavilion groundbreaking, gave a tour of City Hall to fourth graders alongside Mayor Hagele, attended the Mayors and Councilmembers Dinner, Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District meeting, Sonoma County Tourism Annual meeting, and Breakfast with the Mayor.
Mayor Hagele reported he attended the Foley Pavilion groundbreaking, gave a tour of City Hall to fourth graders alongside Ariel Kelley, attended the Mayors and Councilmembers Dinner, SCTA breakfast, the Great Redwood Trail Special Meeting, and Breakfast with the Mayor.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:05 p.m.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
_________________________________ __________________________________ David Hagele, Mayor Raina Allan, City Clerk