CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
April 1, 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 6:00 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 Edwards, approved the April 4, 2024, City Council and Redevelopment Successor Agency meeting agenda as submitted. The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Hagele reported a closed session was held and direction was given to staff.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS - PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 2024 AS SONOMA COUNTY WINE MONTH IN HEALDSBURG
Mayor Hagele, with Council concurrence, issued a Proclamation recognizing April 2024, as Sonoma County Wine Month in the City of Healdsburg.
Mike Haney Sonoma County Vinters Representative thanked the Council for the recognition.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS - RESERVE FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Fire Chief Boaz introduced the 2023 Reserve Firefighter of the Year, Jonah Brem, and commented on all of his contributions to the City.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
April 1, 2024
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS - FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL UPDATE Fire Chief Boaz provided an update on the Fire Department including current staffing levels, reserve firefighter program, incident statistics for 2023, response times, mutual aid and the fire services contracts. Chief Boaz further reviewed the contract area calls for service, fire history map, fire prevention division, plan check review and inspections and community engagement.
Chief Boaz provided information on the HAAS alert system installed on all the Fire Trucks, how tablet command is utilized by staff, the construction progress of Fire Substation 2, the 1919 Modell TT Fire Truck being donated back to the City, Measure H ballot measure that was passed by the voters and reviewed challenges and opportunities for the Fire Department.
In response to Councilmember’s inquiries, Chief Boaz provided information on the additional protection Station 2 will add, explained how wildlife is protected during controlled burns, clarified that there are no major trends in call volume from the Senior population but suspects this will change with the development of Enso Village. Chief Boaz further outlined a timeline for completing the Standards of Cover document and discussed how Measure H funds can help address overlapping calls.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Kay reported on the power outage around the City, expressed appreciation to staff for their response to the power outage, noted the start of the weekly Tuesday’s and Saturday’s Farmer’s Markets, and mentioned April 21st will be the Climate Fest on the Plaza.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON
AGENDA ITEMS
Mike Martini commented about plans for a reliable water resource in Alexander Valley, and provided information about an application to the Local Agency Formation Commission to form a water district in Alexander Valley.
Richard Burg commented about Bird Bikes and inquired how many miles the bikes are ridden around town and suggested increasing the number of Bird bike racks around the City to provide a better parking solution.
CONSENT CALENDAR
On a motion by Vice Mayor Mitchell, seconded by Councilmember Herrod, approved the Consent Calendar as follows:
A. RECEIVE THE MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2024 City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
April 1, 2024
By motion, received and approved the Monthly Investment Report for February 2024. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
B. APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR WITHDRAWALS DURING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2024
By motion, approved the Disbursement Report for February 2024. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
C. AMENDMENT TO SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH THE HEALDSBURG UNIFIED
SCHOOL DISTRICT (PEG)
Adopted Resolution No. 27-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AMENDING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH THE HEALDSBURG UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT EXTENDING THE OPERATION OF PUBLIC ACCESS CHANNEL 26 FOR ONE YEAR AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
D. PROCUREMENT OF CITY VEHICLES
Adopted Resolution No. 28-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF A 2023 FORD F-150 HYBRID FROM SANDERSON FORD FOR $77,882; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE PURCHASE ORDER CONTRACT WITH SANDERSON FORD; AND INCREASING BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS IN THE VEHICLE REPLACEMENT FUND FOR FY 23-24.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None) E. CITY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT AVIATION FUEL CONTRACT AMENDMENT Adopted Resolution No. 29-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AMENDMENT TO THE PURCHASE ORDER
CONTRACT WITH EASTERN AVIATION FUELS OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. FOR
THE PURCHASE AND DELIVERY OF AVIATION FUEL TO THE CITY MUNICIPAL
AIRPORT, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AMENDMENT, EXTENDING THE CONTRACT TERM TO MAY 31, 2024, AND INCREASING THE NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT TO $112,877.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None) F. CLAIMS PROCEDURE ORDINANCE ADOPTION
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
April 1, 2024
Adopted Ordinance No. 1237 titled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AMENDING CHAPTER 2.52, SECTION 2.52.040 OF HEALDSBURG MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO CLAIMS PROCEDURES.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
The motion to approve the Consent Calendar as above carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
PUBLIC HEARING
None.
OLD BUSINESS - GROWTH MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE POLL UPDATE
City Manager Kay introduced the item for discussion, provided information on prior discussions about polling and reviewed the three options that were included in the poll of the voters on the Growth Management Ordinance (GMO).
Dave Metz, from FM3 Research gave an overview of the survey methodology used noting that 488 interviews were conducted of voters likely to vote in the November 2024 election in Healdsburg. Mr. Metz reviewed polling questions and responses asked of potential Healdsburg voters, including the potential voters opinion on local government, growth, development and housing affordability. Mr. Metz further review polling results on the three proposed options for amending the GMO, including a geographic exemption, a multifamily income restriction modification and a GMO allocation modification and summarized the three options by voting demographics. Mr. Metz summarized the messages polled in favor and opposition of the measures.
The conclusion of the poll were as follows:
• Healdsburg voters broadly agree that there is a need to increase housing supply to address affordability in the city.
• while few are familiar with the GMO currently, and most agree growth is necessary, most also agree that growth restrictions have benefited the city. • a majority of voters support all three potential modifications to the GMO. • voter support for the geographic exemption and carryover of prior years’ allocation are strongest initially.
• after messaging, support for all the measures narrows; with a plain-English explanation views on lifting the income restriction are the most positive. • the strongest positive messages describe how current growth restrictions have resulted in a focus on hotel construction and how these measures will make the city more equitable. • the most convincing criticisms describe the potential increase in second homes and impacts to the water supply.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
April 1, 2024
• overall, the findings suggest that the geographic exemptions and the prior allocation carryover may be best positioned for success at the ballot – even though support tightens after messaging, the stronger initial support suggests they are easier for voters to understand up-front.
City Manager Kay provided information about the timeline, next steps in regard to the GMO.
In response to Councilmember inquiries, Mr. Metz and City Manager Kay addressed the perceptions that stood out in the survey. Mr. Metz discussed the potential challenges of combining more than one of the three GMO options on the ballot and strategies for public education. City Attorney Zutler clarified how the ballot question and impartial analysis could be utilized.
Public Comment
Bruce Abramson inquired what the housing goals Council is trying to achieve with action, if the three GMO options will assist more than 75% of the Healdsburg community and commented on the survey results of the three GMO options and expressed concerns about the market allocations and geographic exemption options.
Jonathan Pearlman commented on revising the zoning code to increase housing and expressed concerns about the geographic exemptions proposals from the south entry, the depot site and downtown parcels. Additionally, he commented on the elimination of income restrictions and expressed support for the carry-over of unused allocations.
Phil Luks opined the City should move forward with a GMO amendment, was supportive of the GMO exemption option and eliminating income restrictions for middle-income housing.
Additionally, he expressed concerns about long-term housing needs and offered solutions to address fears of geographic exemptions.
Richard Burg commented on the current GMO in place and the need to tell the story of the GMO in a way the public can understand.
Deb Kravitz expressed concerns about the data in the survey and challenges from 2016. She proposed updating the zoning and, if income restrictions are removed from multifamily units, adding a requirement for workforce housing and implementing size limitations to promote affordability.
Calum Weeks commented on updating the zoning to allow for more housing and expressed it was too early to select an option to amend the GMO and suggested keeping the ballot language simple.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
April 1, 2024
City Manager Kay provided information about zoning-related discussions that may take place at the next City Council meeting, addressing public concerns. He also discussed timing of zoning changes relative to the GMO ballot measure.
Council Comments
Councilmember Kelley expressed interest in the middle-income multifamily housing buildings as those are not being built right now and focusing on housing that meets that need is critical.
Councilmember Herrod expressed support for the geographic exemption option, emphasized the importance of affordable housing by design and providing relevant information to the public.
Vice Mayor Mitchell expressed concern about which GMO option would get the most housing built in Healdsburg, commented on telling the story of the GMO and inquired if the current GMO would prevent housing from being built at the depot because the project would need allocations.
Councilmember Edwards reflected on zoning, density, and financing and advocated for a thoughtful approach moving forward.
Mayor Hagele believes the GMO should be a priority and noted it would be a crucial driver for future zoning decisions. Mayor Hagele commented he was leaning towards exempting multifamily housing properties from the GMO and acknowledged that there will be future discussions on these matters.
Following a brief discussion, there was Council majority to proceed with moving forward with a GMO amendment.
In response to Mayor Hagele’s inquiry, City Manager Kay clarified that no immediate decision is required from the Council at this time and provided information about the agenda for the next Council meeting, acknowledging the questions and concerns raised by Councilmembers and the public. He also discussed the next steps in the process.
Discussion ensued regarding exempting multifamily housing units and keeping the potential GMO amendment as simple as possible.
NEW BUSINESS - INCOME QUALIFIED MULTI-FAMILY ENERGY APPLIANCE
REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
Utility Conservation Analyst Sampson introduced the Income-Qualified Multi-Family Appliance Replacement Program. Ms. Sampson presented the 2023 Energy Efficiency Program results, City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
April 1, 2024
provided information on California’s Cap and Trade Program and background information about previous Income-Qualified Energy Programs that have been implemented.
Ms. Sampson further reviewed the multifamily low-income appliance replacement program including the appliance selections, qualifications and estimated cost of the program, noting the recommendation at this time is to move forward with refrigerators and dishwashers for Phase I of the appliance replacement program. Additionally, Ms. Sampson provided an overview of the rebate amounts the property management companies could be eligible to receive and what the next steps in the process are.
In response to Councilmember inquiries, Ms. Sampson clarified that eight affordable properties qualify for the energy appliance replacement program, explained that retailers offer bulk discounts on refrigerators and dishwashers and reviewed how old appliances will be properly disposed of. Ms. Sampson confirmed where the California’s Cap and Trade program funding comes from.
There were no public comments on this item.
On a motion by Councilmember Herrod, seconded by Vice Mayor Mitchell, adopted Resolution No. 30-2024, titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG ESTABLISHING A REBATE PROGRAM FOR EPA'S ENERGY STAR
MOST EFFICIENT REFRIGERATORS AND ENERGY STAR DISHWASHERS FOR INCOME-RESTRICTED MULTI-FAMILY PROPERTIES WITH 20 OR MORE UNITS IN HEALDSBURG.” The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent 0)
NEW BUSINESS - PRESENTATION OF SALES TAX CAPTURE AND LEAKAGE
ANALYSIS
City Manager Kay provided an overview of the sales tax capture and leakage analysis, why the City conducted the study, provided a breakdown of sales tax and its allocation to various funding sources in the City. Manager Kay outlined the general fund revenue, provided information on sales tax by major industry groups, reviewed a comparison of sales tax per capita to surrounding jurisdictions and provided the definition of capturing sales tax and leaking sales tax. Manager Kay presented the sales tax capture and leakage analysis across key sectors, noted what the sales tax capture and leakage analysis could be used for and reviewed next steps.
In response to the Councilmember’s inquiries, City Manager Kay provided clarification on the major industry groups included in the analysis and noted this analysis was a new initiative.
There were no public comments on this item.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
April 1, 2024
Council Comments
Councilmember Herrod expressed gratitude for the information and commented that it’s a valuable first step in understanding our community’s future direction.
COUNCIL REPORTS ON MATTERS OF INTEREST OCCURRING SINCE PREVIOUS
REGULAR MEETING/EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT REPORTS
Councilmember Kelley had nothing to report.
Councilmember Herrod reported he attended the Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting and City Council goal setting meeting.
Councilmember Edwards reported he attended Generation Housing, and a ribbon cutting event at Stressed Vines.
Vice Mayor Mitchell reported she attended the Chamber’s Women in Business event, Grove Street Meeting, and Chamber of Commerce board meeting.
Mayor Hagele reported he attended the Chamber’s Women in Business event, conducted a presentation at the Rotary Club, attended an NCPA meeting and Great Redwood Trail Special Meeting.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:40 p.m.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
_________________________________ __________________________________ David Hagele, Mayor Raina Allan, City Clerk