CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
August 19, 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 6:00 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 Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Councilmember Edwards, approved the August 19, 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
None.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS – PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF JENNIFER “JENDALA” UTSCH TO THE HEALDSBURG
COMMUNITY
Mayor Hagele, with Council concurrence, issued a Proclamation recognizing the contributions of Jennifer “Jendala” Utsch to the Healdsburg community.
Ms. Utsch expressed gratitude to the City Council and City staff and reflected on 20 years living in the City of Healdsburg.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS – PROCLAMATION DECLARING AUGUST 26, 2024, AS WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY IN THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG Mayor Hagele, with Council concurrence, issued a Proclamation declaring August 26, 2024 as Women’s Equality Day in the City of Healdsburg.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
August 19, 2024
Gina Fortuna Dixon introduced Laura Arreguin, a representative on the Commission on the Status of Women and presented the ongoing issue of pay inequities faced by women today.
Councilmember Edwards expressed thanks for releasing the Status of Women report.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Kay reported about implicit bias training, announced the City has been awarded the Prohousing Designation and received $560,000 to assist with repairs at Victory Studios. City Manager Kay further noted the City is recommended for the Affordable Housing Sustainable Community Grant Program to fund Saggio Hills affordable housing project, announced business license renewals are available, and the unveiling of the Maria De Los Angeles mural at Harmon guest house is coming up.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON
AGENDA ITEMS
Merrilyn Joyce expressed concern about accessibility of sidewalks around town, lighting the basketball courts at Giorgi Park and inquired about public comment returning on Zoom.
CONSENT CALENDAR
On a motion by Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Councilmember Edwards, approved the Consent Calendar as follows:
A. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE SONOMA COUNTY ABANDONED VEHICLE
ABATEMENT PROGRAM
Adopted Resolution No. 96-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG SUPPORTING THE CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE SONOMA COUNTY VEHICLE ABATEMENT AUTHORITY.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
B. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH SONOMA COUNTY TRANSPORTATION
AUTHORITY
Adopted Resolution No. 97-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
A COOPERATIVE FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH THE SONOMA COUNTY
TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None) City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
August 19, 2024
C. UPDATED PUBLIC ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING USER FEES FOR CITYOWNED ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS Adopted Resolution No. 98-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG UPDATING PUBLIC ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING
USER FEES FOR CITY-OWNED ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGING STATIONS THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027.” (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 HEARINGS
None.
OLD BUSINESS – GROVE STREET NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN IMPLEMENTATION (COMPLETE STREETS) PROJECT DESIGN UPDATE
Councilmember Kelley recused herself from this item as she lives within 500 feet of the proposed project.
Public Works Director Zimmer introduced Project Manager Clay Thistle, and Robert Stevens, the CSW/Stuber-Stroeh Design Consultant, who would be presenting alongside him this evening.
Director Zimmer provided background information on the project’s purpose, the history of the project, the grant funding received for the Grove Street Neighborhood Project, the outreach events conducted on the project and the feedback received from the community. Additionally, Director Zimmer explained the different types of bike facilities, including Class III, Class II, Class IV, and Class I bike lanes.
Design Consultant Stevens provided information on the takeaways received from the outreach meetings, a detailed overview of existing conditions on Grove Street and the challenges associated with adding a bike lane or sidewalks along certain areas on Grove Street. Consultant Stevens discussed the difficulties of implementing Class II bike lanes, noted the recommendation is to move forward with Class III bike lanes, shared the design concept for the Foss Creek pathway crossing and addressed bicycle desire lines. Additionally, he discussed the on-street parking supply and noted the results of a parking study that was conducted.
Principal Engineer Thistle provided an overview of the current budget, funding, and project timeline.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
August 19, 2024
Director Zimmer noted that the funding for undergrounding the electric utilities and street lighting would come from the Electric Department. Additionally he mentioned that since the grant application, there have been changes to Measure T funding, requiring the deferral of the pavement project to a later date.
In response to Councilmember inquiries, Director Zimmer provided information on the budget, how to adjust speed limits along Grove Street, painting the bike lanes green, noted that an advanced parking study would be needed to assess the usage of street parking and explained that the Class II bike lane would be a one-way lane. Engineer Thistle provided information on pavement repairs that would be conducted. Consultant Stevens provided information on the Foss Creek Pathway crossing and cut through. Director Zimmer further provided additional details on the biking pathways connecting Foss Creek Pathway, Grove Street, and Dry Creek, and clarified that the bike box is a designated green area allowing cyclists extra space at crosswalks. Engineer Thistle provided further details on project funding. City Manager Kay added that SB1 funds are allocated for road rehabilitation.
Public Comment
Walter Niederberger, representing the Healdsburg 2040 Club, expressed support for bike lanes on both sides of Grove Street, emphasized the importance of improving safety for all types of cyclists and expressed a preference for Option B and advocated for green-painted bike lanes throughout the entire route.
Emily Sheraton, Advocacy Coordinator with the Sonoma County Bike Coalition, raised concerns about the safety of Class III bike facilities and the impact of driving speed limits, explained why Class II bike lanes are safer for cyclists and urged the City to consider all routes for cyclists and ensure they cater to all types of riders.
Christine Webster, a member of the Active Transportation Plan Advisory Committee, expressed her support for painted green bike lanes on Grove Street, well-lit streets, expressed concerns about the lack of space for cyclists on Grove Street and expressed her support for extending bike paths up to Dry Creek Road.
Ed expressed his support for bike boulevards, raised concerns about individuals who rely on bikes as their primary mode of transportation, commented on the dangers of cycling with highspeed traffic and emphasized the need for speed reduction to be included in the plan.
Alice Oliver inquired about the impact of the plan on mailboxes.
Skip Brand expressed his support for green bike lanes and advocated for reduced speed limits.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
August 19, 2024
Council Comments
Option B – Class 2 Bike Lanes Both Directions
Following a brief discussion, there was Council majority to move forward with Option B, Class 2 Bike Lanes in both Directions. Councilmember Edwards raised concerns about the loss of parking and noted that feedback from residents in the affected area had not been heard.
Class 2 Bike Facilities Painted Green
Following a brief discussion, there was Council consensus to move forward with painting the Class II bike facilities green.
Vice Mayor Mitchell thanked the staff for their hard work and is looking forward to the completion of the project.
Councilmember Herrod expressed appreciation for the thoroughness of the design and looked forward to the project's completion.
Councilmember Edwards suggested outreach to the residents of Citrine Apartments to inform them about the City’s decision to proceed with Option B.
Mayor Hagele concluded the discussion by noting that the Council will revisit speed limits in the future.
Councilmember Kelley returned to Council Chamber at this time.
OLD BUSINESS – ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION STRUCTURE
Community Services Director Themig provided background information on the Arts in Healdsburg, reviewed the goals of the Arts and Culture Master Plan, key considerations of forming and Arts and Culture Commission, the proposed framework and structure of the Arts and Culture Commission. Additionally, Director Themig reviewed the potential fiscal impact and a preliminary timeline to implement the Arts and Culture Commission.
In response to Council’s inquiries City Manager Kay noted at the end of each calendar year, the Council can appoint a liaison during board, commission, and committee appointments. Director Themig further clarified that any significant changes to the Arts and Culture Master Plan would require approval by the Council, noted that the commission's structure was developed in advance to ensure the process remains on track, and that the inclusion of a full-time student was modeled after the Parks and Recreation Commission. Additionally, Director Themig confirmed that an annual work plan is listed as part of the duties of the Commission.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
August 19, 2024
Public Comment
Linus Lancaster urged the Council to include the Creative Leadership Team's proposed modifications to the Arts and Culture Program Administrator job description.
Mark McMullen, member of the Creative Leadership Team, highlighted the revisions to job description, suggested the Arts and Culture Masterplan be updated as needed and wants to see this plan integrated into citywide planning.
Gale Okumura Sullivan, executive director of Healdsburg jazz, supports the creation of the Arts and Culture Commission.
Council Comments
Councilmember Herrod expressed gratitude to the Creative Leadership Team for their thoughtful contributions and hard work, was supportive of having a broader pool of commissioners is beneficial and supports allowing two commissioners from outside the Healdsburg city limits but within the Healdsburg Unified School District boundary to serve on the Commission.
Councilmember Kelley expressed support for allowing two commissioners from outside city limits but within the Healdsburg Unified School District boundary, expressed support for the inclusion of a youth member, removing the requirement that the youth member must be a fulltime student and reflected on past arts and culture events and emphasized the importance of focusing on diverse events.
Councilmember Edwards expressed concerns about the timing of potential arts and culture projects moving forward on schedule, noting that the commission will need to stay aligned with City Council meetings and be mindful of project timelines.
Vice Mayor Mitchell echoes Councilmember Edwards’ concerns and acknowledged that the commission is evolving and that it will be an interactive process and expressed support for staff's framework.
Mayor Hagele expressed appreciation for staff's recommendations and the insightful public comments provided.
Council discussion ensued regarding the language surrounding the youth commissioner position and allowing two commissioners from outside the City limits but within the Healdsburg Unified School District boundary to serve on the Commission.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
August 19, 2024
Director Themig concluded the discussion by stating that he would revise the language to allow for up to two commissioners from outside the City limits but within the Healdsburg Unified School District boundary to serve on the Commission, clarified that the language around the youth commissioner would be re-defined and that he would add language to the job description as recommended by the Creative Leadership Team.
NEW BUSINESS – DISCUSSION ON FORMULA BUSINESS REGULATIONS IN
DOWNTOWN HEALDSBURG
Planning and Building Director Duiven stated the item this evening was a discussion on Formula Business regulation in Downtown Healdsburg. Director Duiven provided the reason for including the item on the agenda, offered a brief overview of the staff report, clarified the definition of "Formula Business" as outlined in the General Plan and highlighted two key policies related to land use and economic development and outlined the implementation measures associated with these policies. Additionally, Director Duiven provided context on proposed amendments from 2011, noting that while the item was removed from the City Council agenda and never revisited, staff has continued to enforce the Planning Commission's amendments. He concluded his presentation by offering several alternatives for the Council to consider.
City Manager Kay provided additional information on the policy around Formula Businesses and noted the feedback staff is seeking from Council this evening.
Councilmember Kelley commented on why she asked for this item to be agendized for discussion, raised concerns about the current land use code, emphasized the importance of amending the land use code to better align with the community's needs and the need for the Council to establish a clear direction moving forward. Additionally, Councilmember Kelley expressed a desire to see the Planning Commission provide a formal recommendation to guide the Council's actions.
In response to Mayor Hagele’s inquiry, City Manager Kay clarified there is a general plan policy in place.
Councilmember Herrod noted that limiting formula retail businesses is largely a noncontroversial issue within the community, recommended that the Planning Commission provide a formal recommendation to guide the Council's actions, raised concerns about potential future challenges, such as vacant consumer businesses, the fulfillment of consumer needs by formula businesses, and the impact of economic downturns. Additionally, Councilmember Herrod expressed his support for a clearer definition of what constitutes formula retail.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
August 19, 2024
Councilmember Edwards highlighted the need for a more in-depth discussion and acknowledged that many key concepts still need to be clearly defined.
Vice Mayor Mitchell echoed Councilmember Edwards' concerns, recognized the potential for unintended consequences and stressed that whatever decision is ultimately made must be intentional and well-considered.
Mayor Hagele reflected on the challenges of the recession, wildfires, and the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses, acknowledged the potential for these issues to evolve in cycles and expressed interest in hearing public comments and ideas on alternative definitions.
Public Comment
Holly Brand commented on the Land Use Code, proposed expanding the plaza retail space to surrounding areas, noted the focus of the ordinance should be on updating the Land Use Code and refining the definitions related to formula retail. Ms. Brand expressed support for allowing businesses that are currently lacking in town.
Erin Morris, owner of Fideaux, expressed her support for maintaining small, locally owned businesses in downtown Healdsburg and explained the importance of small businesses to the vitality of the community.
Erica Dawkins, a business owner, shared her experience growing up in Healdsburg, shopping at local businesses, and eventually becoming a business owner herself. Ms. Dawkins emphasized the importance of tourism in supporting local businesses and expressed opposition of formula retail businesses being located in the downtown.
Cathy Waterbury expressed her support for local businesses and reflected on past and present formula retail in town. She urged the Council to consider expanding the plaza district to prevent formula businesses from being in town.
Laney Rooks, an attorney in town, urged the Council to consider the impact on businesses like hers if local businesses were to disappear.
Ed commented on how special Healdsburg is, preserving what has been created and expressed a desire to protect local business owners.
Healdsburg Resident thanked the Council for listening to the community and urged Council to expand the downtown area to accommodate growth.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
August 19, 2024
Skip Brand commented on big box businesses, vacancy rates in Healdsburg, noted diversity in business contributes to higher quality, thanked the Council for allowing the community to engage in this important discussion and was supportive of a moratorium on formula businesses.
Council Comments
Mayor Hagele recommended directing staff to refine the definition surrounding formula retail and emphasized the need for further discussions on the boundaries and exceptions related to formula retail. Additionally, Mayor Hagele expressed a desire to see the community feel more welcomed downtown.
Councilmember Herrod reviewed the staff alternatives and expressed support for directing staff to present policy options that would clarify the definition of formula businesses for the Council’s consideration.
Director Duiven suggested utilizing a process similar to the Cannabis Ordinance, noting that staff could continue research and develop a framework based on the feedback received tonight.
Councilmember Edwards commented on past small businesses successes and including feedback from the community on formula retail policy.
Vice Mayor Mitchell expressed her support for businesses in Healdsburg and slowing down the process to move this item forward because the amount of work this item would take and inquired what priorities would fall off staff’s plate if Council decided to move forward with this item.
Vice Mayor Mitchell was in favor of moving this item to goal setting.
Councilmember Herrod was supportive of moving this item to goal setting.
Councilmember Kelley expressed a desire to see staff move forward with formula retail, expanding the definition of formula retail and looking at what zoning districts should be included.
Following a Council discussion, there was a Council majority to direct staff to bring back policy options for formula business regulations in Downtown Healdsburg before goal setting in 2025.
COUNCIL REPORTS ON MATTERS OF INTEREST OCCURRING SINCE PREVIOUS
REGULAR MEETING/EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT REPORTS
Councilmember Edwards reported that he attended the implicit bias training, senior brunch at the Senior Center, and the Healdsburg Museum display on Fitch Mountain.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
August 19, 2024
Vice Mayor Mitchell reported that she attended implicit bias training, the Sonoma County Alliance meeting, Sonoma County Mayors and Councilmembers dinner, the ribbon cutting celebrating 100 years at the Garrett’s Ace Hardware and the Sunrise Rotary breakfast.
Councilmember Herrod reported that he attended the Corazón fundraiser, Chamber of Commerce board meeting and noted that it was back to school week in the City.
Councilmember Kelley reported she attended a fundraiser for Project Zin, the SCTA subcommittee meeting and met with business owners to discuss formula retail.
Mayor Hagele reported that he met with Senator Padilla, gave him a tour of the solar floating project, drove him around town and showed him the street projects and recycled water pipeline.
Mayor Hagele further reported he met with City Manager Kay to discuss funding for these projects, attended National Night Out, the implicit bias training, and the Rotary Sunrise breakfast.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:41 p.m.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
_________________________________ __________________________________ David Hagele, Mayor Raina Allan, City Clerk