CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
December 2, 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 Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Vice Mayor Mitchell, approved the December 2, 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 there was no reportable action.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS – RECOGNITION OF CITY EMPLOYEES
WITH MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES
Utility Director Terry Crowley honored Utility Operator Eddie Uribe for 20 years of dedicated service to the City of Healdsburg.
Utility Operator Uribe thanked the Council for the recognition.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Kay provided information about the recent storm and atmospheric river the City of Healdsburg experienced last week, noted that Recology is testing the all new electric garbage truck in town, reminded the Council about the upcoming housing forum, the Merry Healdsburg event, the Senior Appreciation luncheon and Fire Substation ribbon Cutting.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 2, 2024
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON
AGENDA ITEMS
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
On a motion by Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Councilmember Edwards, approved the Consent Calendar as follows:
A. RECEIVE THE MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2024 By motion, received and approved the Monthly Investment Report for October 2024. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent - None)
B. APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR WITHDRAWALS DURING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2024
By motion, approved the Disbursement Report for October 2024. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent - None)
C. PROHOUSING INCENTIVE PROGRAM (PIP) GRANT AWARD ACCEPTANCE Adopted Resolution No. 135-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG ACCEPTING A $560,000 GRANT AWARD FROM THE
PROHOUSING INCENTIVE PROGRAM (PIP), FOR THE REHABILITATION OF VICTORY STUDIOS AND APARTMENTS, AMENDING THE FY 2024-25 BUDGET TO
APPROPRIATE FUNDS, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
THE AGREEMENT AND ANY NECESSARY DOCUMENTS TO COMPLETE THE TRANSACTION.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
D. ADOPT A RESOLUTION FOR THE CITY’S PARTICIPATION IN THE PROHOUSING INCENTIVE PILOT (PIP) PROGRAM – ROUND 3
Adopted Resolution No. 136-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR THE PROHOUSING INCENTIVE PROGRAM (PIP) ROUND 3
FUNDING AND TO EXECUTE ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE TRANSACTION.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None) City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 2, 2024
E. ALLIANCE MEDICAL CENTER LEASE AGREEMENT EXTENSION
Adopted Resolution No. 137-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE LEASE
AGREEMENT WITH ALLIANCE MEDICAL CENTER FOR THE HEALDSBURG
COMMUNITY CENTER AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AMENDMENT.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
F. CORAZON LEASE AGREEMENT EXTENSION
Adopted Resolution No. 138-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE LEASE AGREEMENT WITH CORAZÓN HEALDSBURG FOR THE HEALDSBURG
COMMUNITY CENTER AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AMENDMENT.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
G. LOW CARBON FUEL STANDARDS EQUITY PROGRAMS FOR
TRANSPORTATION ELECTRIFICAITON
Adopted Resolution No. 139-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG UPDATING TRANSPORTATION ELECTRIFICATION
REBATES FOR HEALDSBURG CARE ELECTRIC CUSTOMERS AND
HOUSEHOLDS.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
H. REVISION TO THE RATE SCHEDULE FOR GARBAGE COLLECTION AND RECYCLING SERVICES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2025
Adopted Resolution No. 140-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED RATES FOR
REFUSE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SERVICES FEES EFFECTIVE AS OF THE JANUARY 2025 BILLING CYCLE.” (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.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 2, 2024
OLD BUSINESS – FORMULA BUSINESS DISCUSSION
Senior Planner McDowell stated the purpose of the evening was to receive a presentation and provide comments and policy direction on the development of ordinance updated the Healdsburg Land Use Code to regulate formula businesses, big box retail and outlet malls. Planner McDowell provided background information, reviewed current policies related to formula business, as outlined in the general plan and land use code, presented existing definitions from the general plan including “formula business”, “big box retail”, and “outlet mall”, noting that the definition for “formula business” would be amended and expanded upon. Planner McDowell further reviewed recommended land use changes, the proposed prohibition boundary surrounding the Plaza, shared the proposed revised formula retail definition and further clarifying definitions to eliminate any ambiguity. Additionally, Planner McDowell noted the policy options and alternative options available to the Council for consideration.
In response to the Councilmember’s inquiries, Senior Planner McDowell reviewed information on the definition of a “financial institution” within the Land Use Code, clarified that co-op businesses would be subject to service mark or trademark related limitations, explained the rationale behind requiring a conditional use permit and noted that one public comment had been received prior to the meeting. Planner McDowell further clarified that the larger commercial spaces north of North Street may be more difficult to lease under a formula business prohibition and outlined the specific boundaries of the prohibition along North Street. Additionally, Planner McDowell clarified that if the Council wishes to pursue the conditional use permit approach, formal findings will need to be developed and incorporated into the Land Use Code.
Public Comment
Cathy Waterbury inquired if the Council would consider allowing locally owned franchise businesses and discussed several franchise businesses that currently operate in town.
Holly Brand expressed appreciation to Council and staff for their work, voiced support for the proposal developed by staff, suggested that the boundaries of the ordinance be extended to include the Healdsburg Corridor to Piper Street, believes that both sides of North Street should be considered and raised concerns about a conditional use permit process.
Gina encouraged the Council to consider extending the boundaries to include the 400 block of Healdsburg Avenue.
Merit Wimmer recommended expanding the boundaries of the formula retail prohibition to include both ends of North Street and the Healdsburg Avenue corridor and questioned the current definition of formula retail, suggesting that the threshold of “10 or more retail businesses or restaurants” may be too high.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 2, 2024
Eric Drew voiced strong support for prohibiting formula businesses and urged the Council to continue supporting the town’s existing small businesses.
Danny Aris advocated extending the boundaries of the proposed ordinance up to Piper Street.
Cynthia also urged the Council to expand the boundaries of the formula retail prohibition to go up to Piper Street and both sides of North Street.
Skip Brand commented on the proposed formula retail ordinance, suggested looking at the number of larger spaces in town, and that the threshold of “10 or more retail businesses or restaurants” may be too high for the definition of formula retail.
Council Comments
Councilmember Herrod inquired about including Healdsburg Avenue, the North side of North Street in the formula retail prohibition area and why ten was chosen for the number of retail businesses.
Councilmember Edwards inquired how various business types would be protected into the future if the business model changes for the business,
Vice Mayor Mitchell expressed support for keeping the unique style businesses around the Plaza and the proposed languages and definitions in the proposed ordinance update, including the CUP option and making the ordinance as robust as possible.
Councilmember Kelley thanked staff for their work, inquired about clarification on the inclusion of auto dealerships in the retail definition, expressed support for including both sides of North Street in the proposed ordinance, and including Healdsburg Avenue up to Piper Street and not include a CUP option in the proposed ordinance.
Mayor Hagele inquired about the definition of a big box store, expressed support for the staff recommendation on the number of retail businesses, including a CUP option and the staff proposed prohibition boundary. Mayor Hagele was not supportive of including the Plaza Retail District.
There was Council majority to include the threshold of 10 or more retail businesses or restaurants in the definition of formula retail and including a CUP option. There was Council consensus to include retail and restaurants as the definition of formula retail.
Following a Council discussion on the proposed boundaries to be included in the ordinance, there was Council majority to include all of North Street from Grove Street to East Street and Healdsburg Avenue from Mill Street to North Street.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 2, 2024
City Manager Kay stated the next steps would be to take an item to the Planning Commission for consideration.
NEW BUSINESS – 4
TH OF JULY CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES
Community Services Director Mark Themig stated the action this evening was to discuss the City’s 4th of July Celebration activities and provide direction to staff. Director Themig provided background information on the history of fourth of July celebrations in Healdsburg, the City’s role in funding, planning and delivering the activities and the purpose of this item. Director Themig provided details on the Kids Parade and Duck Dash, the Prune Packers fourth of July baseball game, the fourth of July fireworks show, the City’s role and direct costs in the fireworks show and the community concerns regarding the fireworks show.
Director Themig further reviewed the details of the fireworks contract, the funding utilized to pay for the fireworks show, proposed alternatives to the fireworks show including, continuing the fireworks show, drone show, laser show or a community event.
In response to Council’s inquiries, Director Themig provided information on the size of the shells, how high the shells go, the safety area needed around the show, potential viewing areas for a drone show, the credit the City will receive for fireworks in 2025 if they continue, the funds received from the HTID and opportunities for other funding. Chief of Police Jenkins provided information on the debris from fireworks and potential flare ups that happen with fireworks, the calls for service received over the last few years during the fireworks shows, traffic management and police participation on the 4th of July.
Public Comment
Linda Cade commented on having access to the high school during the fireworks show and encouraged Council to continue with the fireworks show.
Holly Brand commented on the cost of a drone show and the desire to see more of a community event during the day and expanding upon the community events that already happen during the fourth of July.
Merrilyn Joyce opined on her past experiences with fireworks for the fourth of July and a desire to see something other than fireworks happen on the fourth.
Council Comments
Vice Mayor Mitchell expressed support to continue the Duck Dash event and the Prune Packers game on the fourth of July but was not in favor of continuing fireworks on the fourth of July.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 2, 2024
Mayor Mitchell expressed a desire to see a larger community event in place of the fireworks show.
Councilmember Edwards commented on the cost of the fourth of July events and was in favor of continuing the fireworks show for the fourth of July.
Councilmember Kelley inquired about the reason for canceling the 2024 fireworks show, commented on the cost of a drone show and expressed support to continue the fireworks show on the fourth of July with a smaller show.
Councilmember Herrod commented on the fourth of July festivities in Healdsburg, the safety concerns that come with firework shows and was supportive of moving towards a larger community event to celebrate the fourth of July and forego the fireworks show.
Mayor Hagele discussed his experience with firework shows in Sonoma County, celebrating the fourth of July and expressed a desire to continue the fourth of July fireworks show in Healdsburg.
In response to Council’s inquiries, Fire Marshal/Division Chief Lance Macdonald provided information on why spectators are no longer allowed to view the fireworks show from the high school and commented on the sound fireworks produce. Community Services Director Themig provided additional information on why securing the fireworks launch sight is important.
Following a discussion by the Council, there was Council majority to move forward with fourth of July fireworks and keeping the fireworks launch sight secure.
COUNCIL REPORTS ON MATTERS OF INTEREST OCCURRING SINCE PREVIOUS
REGULAR MEETING/EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT REPORTS
Vice Mayor Mitchell had nothing to report.
Councilmember Edwards had nothing to report.
Councilmember Herrod reported he attended the final community meeting on the potential new community center.
Councilmember Kelley had nothing to report.
Mayor Hagele reported he attended the Excellence in Construction Awards and received an award on behalf of the City for the rehabilitation of the Monte Vina Apartments, traveled to Washington D.C. and met with Senator Padilla, met with Abel De Luna and DJ’d the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 2, 2024
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:20 p.m.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
_________________________________ __________________________________ David Hagele, Mayor Raina Allan, City Clerk