CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
March 18, 2024
City Hall Council Chamber
401 Grove Street, Healdsburg
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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 6:03 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
On a motion by Vice Mayor Mitchell, seconded by Councilmember Kelley, approved the March 18, 2024, 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
Mayor Hagele reported a closed session was held prior to the meeting and direction was given to staff.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS - RECOGNITION OF EMPLOYEES WITH
MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES
Community Services Director Themig introduced Facilities Worker Sal Sanchez and recognized him for 10 years of service with the City of Healdsburg. Director Themig commented on the contributions he brings to the City.
Facilities Worker Sal Sanchez expressed gratitude and gave thanks to the City and Council for the recognition.
Community Services Director Themig introduced Recreation and Parks Foreman Mark Yokoyama and recognized him for 5 years of service with the City of Healdsburg. Director Themig commented on the contributions he brings to the City.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 2024
Recreation and Parks Foreman Mark Yokoyama expressed gratitude and gave thanks to the City and Council for the recognition.
Fire Marshall Macdonald introduced Berenice Garcia and recognized her for 30 years of service with the City of Healdsburg. Fire Marshall Macdonald commented on the contributions she brings to the City.
Berenice Garcia expressed gratitude and gave thanks to the City and Council for the recognition.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS - PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING
MARCH 17-23, 2024 AS NATIONAL SURVEYORS WEEK IN THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG
Mayor Hagele, with Council concurrence, issued a Proclamation recognizing March 17-23, 2024, as National Surveyors week in the City of Healdsburg.
Bruce Johnson thanked the Council for the recognition and described the work Surveyors do daily.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS - ANNUAL POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATE Police Chief Jenkins provided information of the Police Department during calendar year 2023, including major accomplishments, current staffing levels, department staffing by year, calls for service, response times, police reports, crime rates, use of force and pursuits and trends in Healdsburg. Chief Jenkins further reviewed the successes of the Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system, provided information on the Racial Identity and Profiling Act (RIPA), Community Oriented & Equity Policing Team (CORE), Military Equipment Policy, emergency management, community engagement and what is planned for 2024.
In response to Council’s inquiries, Chief Jenkins clarified how drones are utilized in Healdsburg, confirmed the drones are non-lethal drones and fly with a camera, explained that the rise in calls is due to community outreach encouraging reporting and noted that welfare checks often involve incidents with elderly and families. Chief Jenkins further reviewed factors that contribute to collisions and provided information on the Kevin Burke Scholarship fund for students at Santa Rosa Junior College.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Kay reported that the budget simulation tool is still available, he announced the upcoming goal setting session at the Villa and the public meeting on the design of Grove Street and commented on the Fire Department awards dinner.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 2024
In response to Councilmember’s inquiries, City Manager Kay confirmed there will not be a Zoom option at the City Council Goal setting session next week and provided information about Measure O funds and the City’s plans to pursue these funds to support mental health response and services.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON
AGENDA ITEMS
Mary Kelly, President of the Healdsburg Garden Club, inquired about naming a designated City plant and provided information about various native plants.
CONSENT CALENDAR
On a motion by Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Councilmember Herrod, approved the Consent Calendar as follows:
A. REVIEW AND RENEW CITY OF HEALDSBURG MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE
ORDINANCE AND POLICY AND REVIEW AND APPROVE ANNUAL MILITARY
EQUIPMENT REPORT
Adopted Resolution No. 20-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 7071 RENEWING CHAPTER 2.60 OF THE HEALDSBURG MUNICIPAL CODE ENTITLED
MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE ORDINANCE, HEALDSBURG MILITARY
EQUIPMENT USE POLICY 707, AND FINDING THAT THE ANNUAL MILITARY
EQUIPMENT REPORT COMPLIES WITH THE STANDARDS OF APPROVAL SET FORTH IN GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 7071(D). (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None) B. AGREEMENT WITH DC ELECTRIC GROUP, INC. AND DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC. FOR PUBLIC WIFI IMPLEMENTATION IN PLAZA PARK Adopted Resolution No. 21-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH DC ELECTRIC GROUP, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,987.00 FOR CONDUIT AND ELECTRICAL WORK AND WITH
DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $49,792.10 FOR AN UPGRADE TO THE PLAZA PARK PUBLIC WI-FI SYSTEM.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None) C. ADOPT A RESOLUTION FOR THE CITY’S PARTICIPATION IN THE PROHOUSING INCENTIVE PILOT (PIP) PROGRAM ROUND 2
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Adopted Resolution No. 22-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPLY FOR
AND RECEIVE THE PROHOUSING INCENTIVE PILOT (PIP) PROGRAM FUNDING
AND TO EXECUTE ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE TRANSACTION.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
D. LETTER OF COMMITMENT FOR THE EPA CLIMATE POLLUTION
REDUCTION GRANTS PROGRAM APPLICATION FOR A REGIONAL
BIOSOLIDS PROGRAM
Adopted Resolution No. 23-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN THE
LETTER OF COMMITMENT FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) CLIMATE POLLUTION REDUCTION GRANT PROGRAM REGIONAL BIOSOLIDS MANAGEMENT GRANT APPLICATION ON THE CITY’S BEHALF.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
E. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BKF ENGINEERS TO
DEVELOP CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS FOR PUBLIC EV CHARGING
STATIONS AT 5 LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT HEALDSBURG
Adopted Resolution No. 24-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BKF ENGINEERING INC. TO DEVELOP PUBLIC EV
CHARGING STATION CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $61,570.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
F. HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
By motion, accepted the Housing Element Annual Progress Report for 2023 and directed Staff to submit the report to the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development and the State Office of Planning and Research. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
G. GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL REPORT
By motion, accepted the General Plan annual report and directed staff to file with the appropriate state agencies.. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None) H. GROWTH MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT
By motion, accepted the 2023 Growth Management Annual Report. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 2024
I. REEVE WINES’ REQUEST FOR THE BLOODROOT RAMBLE ON JUNE 8, 2024,
AT THE HEALDSBURG COMMUNITY CENTER
Adopted Resolution No. 25-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH REEVE WINES
FOR THE BLOODROOT RAMBLE ON THE HEALDSBURG COMMUNITY CENTER
CAMPUS AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE
AGREEMENT.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
The motion to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted carried on a unanimous voice vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
PUBLIC HEARING
None.
OLD BUSINESS - BID AWARD MUNICIPAL RECYCLED WATER PIPELINE
PROJECT CONSTRUCTION AND AMEND DESIGN PSA TO INCLUDE INSPECTION
SERVICES
Utilities Engineering Manager Fuss stated the action the evening was to conditionally award the construction contract for the Municipal Recycled Water Pipeline project. Manager Fuss provided background information on the recycled water program, the current uses of recycled water and the grant funding received for the project. Manager Fuss further reviewed key milestones of the project to date, provided information about the bid results, noting the apparent low bidder was Argonaut Constructors.
Manager Fuss provided information on the construction management and inspection services needed for the project, reviewed the financial impacts of the project and outlined the next steps.
In response to Councilmember’s inquiries, Manager Fuss clarified that the City was awarded $7.1 million in grant funding for the project.
There were no public comments on this item.
Council Comments
Councilmember Kelley expressed gratitude that the recycled water pipeline has come into fruition and inquired about the ability to expand the purple pipeline if more funding becomes available at a later date.
Councilmember Herrod inquired about the feasibility of undergrounding electric utilities while the purple pipe in being placed.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 2024
On a motion by Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Councilmember Herrod, adopted Resolution No. 26-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG WAIVING IRREGULARITY IN THE LOW BIDDER BID PACKAGE AND
CONDITIONALLY AWARDING THE MUNICIPAL RECYCLED WATER PIPELINE PROJECT TO ARGONAUT CONSTRUCTORS, INC., FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $4,785,570 AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT AND APPROVE CHANGE ORDERS UP TO 10% OF THE ORIGINAL BID
AMOUNT, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO AMEND THE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH WEST YOST ASSOCIATES TO
INCLUDE INSPECTION AND CONSTRUCTION ASSISTANCE SERVICES FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $360,018 and amending the fourth whereas clause to state the grant award was for $7.1 million from the State Department of Water Resources.” The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes - 5, Noes - 0, Absent - None)
OLD BUSINESS - DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDNG THE INITIATION OF A PROPOSITION 218 PROCESS TO INCREASE WATER AND WASTEWATER RATES
Utilities Director Crowley introduced the item and provided background information on the water and wastewater rates and the presentation Council received on February 5, 2024 and the feedback Council provided at the February 5, 2024 meeting. Director Crowley introduced Kevin Kostik from Raftelis who would be presenting this evening.
Kevin Kostik from Raftelis provided information on the rate study process, noting the proposed action this evening was to accept the Water and Wastewater rate executive summary and direct staff to begin the proposition 218 process. Consultant Kostik reviewed the feedback received from Council at the February meeting and outlined long-term financial planning factors and reviewed the baseline water demand for the City over the last twelve years.
Utilities Director Crowley further provided information on the aging utility infrastructure and water supply security, including increasing the purchase of contract water from Lake Sonoma.
Finance Director Edgar reviewed the adjustment to the reserve policies, including maintaining an operating reserve target of 25% and revising the Capital Fund Reserve to form a Rate Stabilization Reserve.
Consultant Kostik further reviewed the Water and Wastewater Financial Plans, compared the proposed water and wastewater rate increases to those of neighboring jurisdictions. Consultant Kostik noted the difference between a financial plan and a cost-of-service analysis and reviewed the proposed rate structure for water including a fixed monthly service charge based on meter size and presented a tiered rate structure based on Council feedback. Mr. Kostik outlined the proposed residential and non-residential water rates and discussed the differences between the City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 2024
current and proposed water bills for single-family homes, multi-family residences, and nonresidential properties.
Justin Rasor, from Raftelis, reviewed the potential wastewater rates, including the proposed monthly service charges for residential and non-residential customers. Mr. Rasor discussed proposed water usage rates and bill impacts for both residential and non-residential customers and provided information about the combined monthly utility bill for single family residential in comparison to neighboring jurisdictions.
Mr. Kostik reviewed the next steps of the rate study and the Prop 218 process.
Director Crowley reviewed the recommended action for the evening and noted a correction made to the fixed monthly service charge table.
In response to Council’s inquiries, Director Crowley commented on the reduction in water use over the last twelve years, provided information on the water efficiency landscape ordinance and outlined the process for adjusting rates. Director Edgar noted the quarterly financial updates will keep residents, and the council informed about rate revenue and consumption trends. Director Crowley clarified that landscape customers can benefit from having a separate meter for irrigation and noted single-family homes with accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that the meter can be shared or separate, with costs calculated per dwelling unit.
Public Comment
Gary Keyes thanked the Council for really diving deep into this topic, discussed the significant impact of the drought on residents and expressed support for the proposed three-tiered rate structure. Mr. Keyes commented on the Potter Valley Project and does not want to be slowed down by joint powers authority.
Karen Neuberger urged the City to review its budget and goals to ensure that all due diligence has been done, emphasized the importance of moving forward with water security initiatives and commented on the increase in utility bills.
Council Comments
Councilmember Edwards inquired about PFAS testing in the Russian River, encouraged staff to provide the senior community with information about conservation and requested ongoing annual updates to prevent future spikes in utility bills.
Vice Mayor Mitchell acknowledged the complexity of this process and emphasized that residents are paying for both utility services and aging infrastructure and expressed support for moving forward with the Prop 218 process to implement new rates.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 2024
Councilmember Kelley thanked staff for the presentation, commented on Healdsburg’s water sources in comparison to Santa Rosa and Windsor and expressed support for the 3-tiered rate structure and moving forward with the Prop 218 process.
Councilmember Herrod expressed appreciation for the informative presentation and staff's hard work, was supportive of the addition of the 3-tier rate structure and commented that expanding water resources to Dry Creek will ensure our community's water security long term.
Mayor Hagele expressed support for the proposed changes to the Reserve Policy and Stabilization Rates and the implementation of a 3-tier rate structure.
On a motion by Councilmember Herrod, seconded by Councilmember Edwards, accepted the 2024 Water and Wastewater Rate Executive Summary as basis for proposing multi-year rate increases for the City's Water and Wastewater Departments and directed staff to prepare and mail, as required by law, a notice of public hearing on the proposed water and wastewater rate increases, with a public hearing to be held on May 6, 2024. The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent - None)
OLD BUSINESS - ORDINANCE AMENDING HEALDSBURG MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2.08 RELATED TO CITY COUNCILMEMBER COMPENSATION City Clerk Allan stated the action this evening was to introduce an ordinance amending the Healdsburg Municipal Code, provided background information on SB329, noting SB329 allows cities to adjust Council compensation for inflation. City Clerk Allan reviewed the requirements of SB329, the current salary of the Councilmembers and the fiscal impact of the proposed action.
There were no public comments on this item.
Council Comments
Vice Mayor Mitchell commented on the opportunity the proposed increase may have for other who want to run for Council and expressed support for the ordinance.
Councilmember Edwards was supportive of the proposed action and commented that this action may have the potential to have a broader range of Councilmembers in the future.
Councilmember Kelley expressed support for the proposed salary increase and commented that this will help with childcare costs.
Councilmember Herrod was supportive of the proposed action and commented on the current salary of the Council.
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Mayor Hagele commented on the various commitments of being a Councilmember and reflected on how much time he invests in being on Council and expressed support for the proposed action.
On a motion by Councilmember Herrod, seconded by Councilmember Edwards, introduced for first reading, by title only and waiving further reading of the text “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2.08.020 OF THE HEALDSBURG MUNICIPAL CODE.” The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes - 5, Noes - 0, Absent - None)
NEW BUSINESS - PUBLIC SAFETY CAMERA SYSTEM
Lieutenant Rodriguez introduced the item for discussion and noted the action this evening is to provide direction to staff on a Public Safety Camera System. Lieutenant Rodriguez provided background information about the Public Safety Camera System including its potential uses, past experiences using camera systems and deployment considerations. Lieutenant Rodriguez further reviewed the potential identified locations of the cameras, the overarching policy for the camera system, privacy requirements and cost.
In response to Council’s inquiries, Lieutenant Rodriguez provided information on the security technology, the ability to put a camera at Gibb's Park, the use of portable units for larger events if Council desires that use and clarified that these cameras are primarily used for investigative purposes. Lieutenant Rodriguez emphasized that the visible presence of cameras can deter crime, clear signage will inform the public and explained that camera footage can be requested through a process similar to public records requests. Police Chief Jenkins informed Council that updates on the camera system can be included as part of the Police Department annual update.
There were no public comments on this item.
City Manager Kay clarified that staff is only looking for direction this evening.
Following a brief discussion by Council, there was Council consensus to proceed with a Public Safety Camera System with the addition of a camera at Gibbs Park and holding a Community Outreach meeting.
COUNCIL REPORTS ON MATTERS OF INTEREST OCCURRING SINCE PREVIOUS
REGULAR MEETING/EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT REPORTS
Councilmember Herrod reported he attended the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Move Healdsburg Community Bike Ride, the Rotary Club’s Arundo clearing at the river, and the Chamber of Commerce outreach event.
Councilmember Kelley reported she attended Read Across America Day at Healdsburg Elementary School, the Chamber of Commerce Business Walk and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
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Councilmember Edwards reported he attended Read Across America Day at Healdsburg Elementary School, the County Board of Supervisors meeting, Pie Day and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Vice Mayor Mitchell reported she attended the Chamber of Commerce Business Walk, the St.
Patrick’s Day Parade and the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Additionally, she requested agendizing a resolution in support of “Our Kids, Our Future” Campaign.
There was Council consensus to agendize a discussion on the “Our Kids, Our Future” campaign.
Mayor Hagele reported he attended Read Across America Day at Healdsburg Elementary School, had dinner at G’allina De Oro with NCPA and attended the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:15 p.m.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
_________________________________ __________________________________ David Hagele, Mayor Raina Allan, City Clerk