CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
December 16, 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 6:01 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 16, 2024, City Council and Redevelopment Successor Agency meeting agenda as amended to consider Item 8A “Renaming the Healdsburg Community Center the Abel De Luna Community Center,” right after Item 5 Public Comment. 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 regular meeting and there is no reportable action.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS – RECOGNITION OF CITY EMPLOYEES
WITH MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES
Public Works Director Zimmer introduced Utility Maintenance Foreman Victor Halvorsen and recognized him for thirty-five years of service to the City of Healdsburg. Director Zimmer commented on Victor’s customer service. Fire Chief Boaz spoke about Victor’s service to the Fire Department. Utility Maintenance Superintendent Jarrod Dericco commented on Victor’s accomplishments over the years.
Victor Halvorsen thanked the Council and spoke about his years of service to the City and the military.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 16, 2024
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS – PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING ST.
JOHN’S SCHOOL 75TH ANNIVERSARY
Mayor Hagele with Council concurrence issued a proclamation recognizing St. John’s School 75th anniversary.
A representative of St. John’s thanked the Council for the proclamation and introduced the students who were present.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS – PROCLAMATION CELEBRATING
HEALDSBURG RUNNING COMPANY’S TEN-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Mayor Hagele with Council concurrence issued a proclamation celebrating Healdsburg Running Company’s ten-year anniversary.
Skip Brand commented on owning a business in Healdsburg, creating a scholarship fund for high school students and his experience with the Healdsburg community.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Kay wished everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON
AGENDA ITEMS
None.
OLD BUSINESS – RENAMING THE HEALDSBURG COMMUNITY CENTER THE “ABEL DE LUNA COMMUNITY CENTER”
Community Services Director Themig stated the action this evening was to adopt a resolution waiving the park naming policy and renaming the Community Center the Abel De Luna Community Center. Director Themig provided background information on the park naming process for the park in the Saggio Hills Development and noted Council direction to rename the Community Center after Mr. De Luna following the park naming process.
Director Themig provided information on Mr. De Luna, his relevance to Healdsburg and noted his service on the City Council.
Public Comment
Rosura Garcia commented on raising money for the Community Center and suggested selling the naming rights to the Community Center every five years.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 16, 2024
Council Comments
Councilmember Kelley expressed her excitement for the opportunity to rename the Community Center after Mr. De Luna and commented on all of the feedback and encouragement received from the community regarding Mr. De Luna.
Councilmember Edwards expressed his excitement about naming the Community Center after Mr. De Luna.
Councilmember Herrod commented on living in Healdsburg when Mr. De Luna was Mayor and the opportunity to recognize the role of the Latino Community in Healdsburg.
Vice Mayor Mitchell commented on the opportunity to acknowledge the history of the first Latino Mayor and shared her excitement about renaming the Community Center.
Mayor Hagele thanked Mr. De Luna for coming to the meeting, and expressed his support for renaming the Community Center.
On a motion by Councilmember Herrod, seconded by Councilmember Edwards, adopted Resolution No. 141-2024, titled “ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF HEALDSBURG WAIVING THE HEALDSBURG PARK NAMING POLICY AND RENAMING THE HEALDSBURG COMMUNITY CENTER THE “ABEL DE LUNA COMMUNITY CENTER.” The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Hagele recused from Item 6A as he lives within 500 feet of the Laura Firsh Somersal Park.
On a motion by Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Vice Mayor Mitchell, approved the Consent Calendar as follows:
A. LAURA FISH SOMERSAL PARK SCHEMATIC DESIGN CONTRACT
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar to be voted on separately.
B. CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 16, 2024
Adopted Resolution No. 142-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG REJECTING THE BID SUBMITTED BY PREMIER CONSTRUCTION INC., CONDITIONALLY AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO PAT NELSON CONSTRUCITON INC. FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $210,040.00, AND DELEGATING AUTHORITY TO THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT ON THE CITY’S BEHALF.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
C. FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT OF DEVELOPER FEES (AB1600
REPORT)
Adopted Resolution No. 143-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG ACCEPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 ANNUAL REPORT OF DEVELOPER DEPOSITS (AB 1600 REPORT).” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
D. L&M VILLAGE QUARTERLY UPDATE
By motion, received the L&M Village quarterly update. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None) E. LOCAL APPOINMENTS LIST PURSUANT TO THE MADDY ACT
Adopted Resolution No. 144-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING THE LOCAL APPOINTMENT LIST OF POSITIONS ON BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES FOR 2025 AND
DESIGNATING THE HEALDSBURG REGIONAL LIBRARY AS THE PUBLIC
LIBRARY TO RECEIVE A COPY OF THE LOCAL APPOINTMENTS LIST PURSUANT TO THE MADDY ACT.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
F. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ESCRIBE SOFTWARE LTD
FOR AGENDA MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Adopted Resolution No. 145-2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH ESCRIBE SOFTWARE LTD FOR MEETING AND AGENDA AUTOMATION FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $80,490, FOR A TERM OF
THREE YEARS WITH TWO OPTIONAL ONE-YEAR EXTENSIONS AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
The motion to approve the Consent Calendar as above carried on a unanimous voice vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 16, 2024
LAURA FISH SOMERSAL PARK SCHEMATIC DESIGN CONTRACT
On a motion by Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Councilmember Edwards, adopted Resolution No. 146-2024, titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
FLETCHER STUDIO FOR THE LAURA FISH SOMERSAL PARK SCHEMATIC DESIGN PROCESS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $287,123 AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT AND CHANGE ORDERS UP TO 10% OF THE ORIGINAL AGREEMENT AMOUNT.” The motion carried on a voice vote, with Mayor Hagele noted as abstaining. (Ayes 4, Noes 0, Absent – None, Abstaining – Hagele) PUBLIC HEARINGS – FIRST PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE INPUT ON THE
COMPOSITION OF DISTRICTS AND NUMBER OF DISTRICTS FOR DISTRICT
BASED COUNCIL ELECTIONS
City Clerk Allan introduced Paul Mitchell from Redistricting Partners, who would be presenting this evening. Paul Mitchell, Redistricting Partners, provided information on the type of work his company does, reviewed the agenda for the evening, what the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) is, and what districting and redistricting is. Mr. Mitchell further reviewed what the Federal Voting Rights Act is, what gerrymandering is, how gerrymandering works, and the different types of gerrymandering.
Additionally, Mr. Mitchell reviewed the required redistricting criteria, including equal population, contiguity, maintaining communities of interest, easily identifiable and understandable lines, and keeping districts compact. Mr. Mitchell provided information on the mechanics of redistricting, alternative voting options, and options for the composition and number of districts.
City Manager Kay provided further details on options for the composition and number of districts, including five districts and a rotating Mayor and four districts with an at-large Mayor elected by the community.
City Clerk Allan reviewed the proposed public hearing schedule and the community engagement and outreach plan.
In response to Council’s inquiries, Mr. Mitchell provided information on communities of interest, how zoning information could be utilized, when the City would need to redistrict, how the community members will be able to submit community-of-interest maps or district maps, the amount of participation in drawing maps he has seen, how district seats are filled, and how redistricting works when population growth occurs. Additionally, he noted how districts and precincts exist together. City Clerk Allan provided information on the email outreach.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 16, 2024
Public Comment
Merrilyn Joyce inquired what would happen if three candidates ended up in the same district, only being able to vote for one district, if districting labels people, potentially creating segregation, and what happens if a district doesn’t have a candidate run for office.
Whitney Hopkins opined that she thought option one was being encouraged from the presentation and expressed a desire to see all the options considered in the districting process.
Jonathan Pearlman commented on Merrilyn’s thoughts, having an at-large Mayor, and inquired about what happens if someone doesn’t run from one of the districts.
Rosa Reynosa, Mayor of Windsor, offered her support and encouraged Council to consider all the community feedback before making decisions.
Richard Burg inquired about what the difference is between voters and people as it relates to districts, what a voting block is, and redistributing incarcerated individuals in the Census.
Phil Luks encouraged Council to create at least one district where Latinos have a better chance of getting elected, and expressed support for keeping five districts Mark McMullen expressed a desire to see six districts and an atlarge Mayor for Healdsburg.
Betsy Malis encouraged the Council to receive as much public input during this process as possible.
Council Comments
Mayor Hagele expressed support for the current setup of the City Council, with five districts and a rotating Mayor.
Councilmember Edwards expressed support for keeping five districts with a rotating Mayor.
Councilmember Herrod expressed support for keeping five districts with a rotating Mayor and commented on the cost of running for City Council.
Councilmember Kelley thanked the members of the public who participated in the item this evening, expressed a desire to see more public participation as the process moves along, and keeping an open mind to having more than five Councilmembers on the Council.
Councilmember Kelley also commented on an elected Mayor versus a rotating Mayor and was open to five or seven Councilmembers.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 16, 2024
Vice Mayor Mitchell expressed a desire to keep the current Council setup, with five districts and a rotating Mayor.
Following a discussion by Council, there was a Council majority to direct staff to proceed with the next steps in the district-election process, for five districts and a rotating Mayor.
NEW BUSINESS – CANVASS OF 2024 MUNICIPAL ELECTION RESULTS AND
INSTALLATION OF COUNCIL MEMBERS
City Clerk Allan reported the certified results of the November 5, 2024 General Municipal Election had been received from the Sonoma County Registrar’s Office and noted from the record that the results of the election were as follows:
CITY COUNCIIL MEMBER – 4 YEAR TERMS (THREE SEATS)
Candidate Total
Ariel Kelley 3,353 25.43%
Ron Edwards 3,305 25.06%
David Hagele 3,131 23.74%
Heather Hannan-Kramer 1,973 14.96%
Linda Cade 1,424 10.80%
Total Ballots Cast 6,295
MEASURE O – CITY OF HEALDSBURG HOUSING MEASURE
Vote Count Percentage
Yes 2,615 44.02%
No 3,325 55.98%
City Clerk Allan noted for the record that Ariel Kelley, Ron Edwards and David Hagele had been elected to the City Council for the full term of four years. City Clerk Allan further noted that Measure O, City of Healdsburg Housing Measure, had been defeated.
There were no public comments on this item.
On a motion by Councilmember Herrod, seconded by Vice Mayor Mitchell, adopted Resolution No. 147-2024, titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG, CALIFORNIA, RECITING THE FACT OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024, DECLARING THE RESULTS AND SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS PROVIDED BY LAW.” The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent - None)
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 16, 2024
City Clerk Allan administered the oath of office to re-elected Councilmembers Ariel Kelley, Ron Edwards and David Hagele.
Vice Mayor Mitchell and Councilmember Herrod congratulated Councilmembers Ariel Kelley, Ron Edwards and David Hagele.
NEW BUSINESS – APPOINT A COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE TO INTERVIEW
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AND SENIOR CITIZEN ADVISORY
COMMISSION APPLICANTS
City Clerk Allan stated the action this evening was to appoint two Council subcommittees to interview the applicants for the Parks and Recreation and Senior Citizen Advisory Commission.
There were no public comments on this item.
Following a brief discussion by the Council, there was Council consensus to appoint Councilmember Edwards and Vice Mayor Mitchell to the subcommittee to interview the applicants for the Senior Citizen Advisory Commission and Councilmember Kelley and Councilmember Herrod to the subcommittee to interview the applicants for the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Mayor Hagele expressed a desire to see the applications for the youth commissioner position be distributed to youth organizations.
NEW BUSINESS – CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AND WORK SESSION DATES FOR 2025
City Clerk Allan reviewed the proposed 2025 City Council Meeting Calendar and provided five options for a City Council goal setting session.
Council discussion ensued on the potential dates for the Strategic Plan/Goal Setting Session.
There was Council consensus to hold April 4, 2024 and April 18, 2024 as dates for the Strategic Plan/Goal Setting Session.
There were no public comments on this item.
NEW BUSINESS – APPOINTMENTS OF COUNCIL MEMBERS TO VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS FOR 2025
City Clerk Allan introduced this item for discussion, provided information on NPCA and TANC and asked the Council if there were any changes they would like to make to their appointments.
There were no public comments on this item.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 16, 2024
Following Council discussion and deliberation on the appointments, on a motion by Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Councilmember Herrod, assigned Councilmember appointments to the various Boards and Commissions for 2025 as noted below. The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None) Board/Commission/Committee 2025 Representative
Healdsburg Library Advisory Board
Vice Mayor Herrod – Representative
Council Member Edwards - Alternate
Senior Advisory Commission Liaison Council Member Edwards – Representative Vice Mayor Herrod – Alternate
Northern California Power Agency
(NCPA)
Council Member Hagele, Commissioner
Vice Mayor Herrod, Alternate
Transmission Agency of Northern
California (TANC)
Council Member Hagele, Commissioner
Vice Mayor Herrod, Alternate
Mayors’ and Councilmembers Association
City Selection Committee and Mayors’ and
Councilmembers’ Association Board of
Directors
Mayor Mitchell - Representative
Vice Mayor Herrod - Alternate
Association of Bay Area Governments Vice Mayor Herrod - Delegate Council Member Edwards - Alternate
Sonoma County Transportation
Authority/Regional Climate Protection
Authority
Council Member Kelley – Representative
Council Member Edwards – Alternate
Chamber of Commerce Board Vice Mayor Herrod - Representative Mayor Mitchell – Alternate
Marie Sparks Volunteer of the Year
Committee
Mayor Mitchell
League of California Cities General
Assembly
Mayor Mitchell – Delegate
Council Member Edwards – Alternate
Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Legislative
Committee
Council Member Edwards – Representative
Vice Mayor Herrod – Alternate
Marin/Sonoma Mosquito & Vector Control
District
Citizen Shaun McCaffery (appointed for a fouryear term. Will expire at end of 2026) Sonoma County Waste Management
Agency
Public Works Director Zimmer – Representative
Mayor Mitchell – Alternate
Healdsburg High School Scholarship
Committee
Mayor Mitchell and Vice Mayor Herrod
Russian River Watershed Association
Council Member Edwards – Representative
Vice Mayor Herrod – Alternate and Public Works
Director – Alternate
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 16, 2024
Northern So. Co. Air Pollution Control
District Board of Directors
Council Member Kelley – Representative
Vice Mayor Herrod – Alternate
Healdsburg Tourism Improvement District Mayor Mitchell – Representative Northwest Public Power Association Council Member Hagele Parks and Recreation Commission Liaison Mayor Mitchell – Representative Vice Mayor Herrod – Alternate
Arts and Culture Commission Council Member Kelley - Representative On a motion by Vice Mayor Mitchell, seconded by Councilmember Kelley, adopted Resolution No. 148-2024, titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG APPOINTING A COMMISSIONER AND ALTERNATES TO THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA POWER AGENCY (“NCPA”), THE TRANSMISSION AGENCY OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA (“TANC”) AND THE LODI ENERGY CENTER’S PROJECT PARTICIPANTS COMMITTEE (“LEC PPC”) AND RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS APPOINTMENTS.” The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent - None)
NEW BUSINESS – SELECTION OF MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR FOR 2025 Mayor Hagele introduced the item for discussion.
The Councilmembers thanked Mayor Hagele and expressed their appreciation for all his leadership and work as Mayor. Vice Mayor Mitchell, on behalf of the City Council and the City of Healdsburg, presented a plaque of appreciation to Mayor Hagele.
Councilmember Edwards nominated Evelyn Mitchell for Mayor and Chris Herrod for Vice Mayor.
Public Comment
Linda Cade expressed a desire to see Councilmember Edwards be Mayor for 2025.
On a motion by Councilmember Edwards, seconded by Councilmember Kelley, appointed Evelyn Mitchell as Mayor and Chris Herrod as Vice Mayor for 2025. 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
Councilmember Edwards reported he attended Merry Healdsburg, the Senior Dinner and the Fire Substation ribbon cutting.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 16, 2024
Councilmember Herrod reported he attended Merry Healdsburg, the Senior Dinner, the Fire Substation ribbon cutting, the Library Advisory Board meeting, heard a presentation from Corazon Healdsburg and attended the performance of the Healdsburg Chorus at the Raven Theatre.
Councilmember Kelley reported she attended a reception with Senator McGuire, the SCTA/RCPA meeting, the Corazon Noche De Paz event and the Rotary Crab Feed at the Villa.
Vice Mayor Mitchell reported that she reported he attended Merry Healdsburg and the Senior Dinner.
Mayor Hagele reported he attended Merry Healdsburg, the Senior Dinner and the Fire Substation ribbon cutting, met with Sheriff Eddie Ingram and attended the Sonoma County Tourism breakfast.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:34 p.m.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
_________________________________ __________________________________ David Hagele, Mayor Raina Allan, City Clerk