CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
February 3, 2025
City Hall Council Chamber
401 Grove Street, Healdsburg
.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor/Chairperson Mitchell 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, Hagele, Kelley, and Mayor Mitchell Board Members
Absent: Council Members/: Herrod
Board Members
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
On a motion by Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Councilmember Hagele, approved the February 3, 2025, City Council and Redevelopment Successor Agency meeting agenda as submitted. The motion carried on a voice vote with Vice Mayor Herrod noted as absent. (Ayes 4, Noes 0, Absent – Herrod)
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
None.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS – PROCLAMATION DECLARING
FEBRUARY 2025 AS BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Mayor Mitchell with Council concurrence issued a Proclamation declaring February 2025 as Black History Month in the City of Healdsburg.
Rena Charles, Rena Charles Art Gallery thanked the Council for the Proclamation and provided information on her business in Healdsburg.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS – MARIN SONOMA MOSQUITO AND
VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT PRESENTATION
Peter Bonkrude, District Manager for the Marins Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) provided background information on what the District does, the programs and services City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 3, 2025
offered by the District, reviewed different types of mosquitos and how mosquitos are inventoried in Marin and Sonoma Counties.
Mr. Bonkrude further reviewed the disease activity in mosquitos in 2024, the tick testing and rodent programs offered by the District, the invasive mosquito species that have moved into California and the emerging technology to assist in mosquito control.
In response to Mayor Mitchell’s inquiry, Mr. Bonkrude provided information on the most vulnerable population to the diseases mosquitoes carry.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Kay provided an update on the atmospheric river Healdsburg is currently experiencing and noted there is one week left to submit maps to be considered at the next public hearing on District Elections.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON
AGENDA ITEMS
Rena Charles announced the revival of the Art Walk in Healdsburg and announced she would be reaching out to the leaders in the community to help garner some support for the Art Walk.
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 DECEMBER 2024 By motion, received and approved the Monthly Treasurer’s Investment Report for December 2024. (Ayes 4, Noes 0, Absent - Herrod)
B. APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR WITHDRAWALS DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2024
By motion, approved the Disbursement Report for December 2024. (Ayes 4, Noes 0, Absent - Herrod)
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 3, 2025
By motion approved the February 5, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes, the February 20, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes and the March 4, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes. (Ayes 4, Noes 0, Absent – Herrod)
D. MEASURE H FUNDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SONOMA
AND THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG
Adopted Resolution No. 7-2025 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING THE MEASURE H FUNDING
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SONOMA AND THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG.” (Ayes 4, Noes 0, Absent – Herrod)
The motion to approve the Consent Calendar as above carried on a voice vote with Vice Mayor Herrod noted as absent. (Ayes 4, Noes 0, Absent – Herrod)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
OLD BUSINESS – PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BRELJE AND
RACE CONSULTING ENGINEERS
Principal Engineer Clay Thistle stated the action this evening was to adopt a resolution approving a Professional Services Agreement with Brelje and Race Consulting for design services for the March Avenue reconstruction project. Engineer Thistle provided background information on current condition of March Avenue, how Brelje and Race were selected as the consultants to complete the design of March Avenue and reviewed the fiscal impact of the project.
In response to Council’s inquiries, Engineer Thistle provided information on how the project relates to the Active Transportation Plan, the improvements included in the plan, how the Go Sonoma funding would be utilized in this project, how residents would be notified and City Manager Kay provided information on the potential for a public outreach meeting.
Public Comment
Ted Calvert expressed a desire to see a protected bike lane along March Avenue.
Mark McMullen encouraged the Council to include Art in the March Avenue project.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 3, 2025
Judy Fujita expressed support to prioritize Action Transportation infrastructure, safer streets, including a protected bike lane along March Avenue and conducting a community outreach meeting.
Council Comments
Councilmember Kelley expressed a desire to see the City host a community meeting to gather feedback on the potential improvements.
Councilmember Edwards commented on the timeline.
Councilmember Hagele was supportive of conducting a public meeting to inform residents of what is happening and building parking protected bike lanes.
Mayor Mitchell expressed support to see the March Avenue project move forward.
On a motion by Councilmember Hagele, seconded by Councilmember Kelley, adopted Resolution No. 8-2025, titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
BRELJE AND RACE CONSULTING ENGINEERS IN THE NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $255,700 TO PROVIDE ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE MARCH
AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION AND PEDESTRIAN UPGRADE PROJECT AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT ON THE CITY’S BEHALF.” The motion carried on a roll call vote, with Vice Mayor Herrod noted as absent. (Ayes 4, Noes 0, Absent – None)
OLD BUSINESS – DISCUSSION OF POTENTIAL USE(S) OF REVENUES GAINED
THROUGH THE SALE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY CREDIT (RECS)
Utilities Director Crowley stated the action this evening was to provide direction to city staff regarding the use(s) and project objectives for revenue gained through the sale of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). Director Crowley provided background information on renewable energy, how renewable energy credits are collected and the option to sell the City’s excess renewable energy credits.
Director Crowley reviewed the goals and outcomes of the community survey conducted on RECs as well as potential projects including undergrounding city electric lines, local renewable energy, low-income utility bill reductions, summarized current existing energy programs and noted the direction staff is seeking on this item.
In response to Council’s inquiries, Director Crowley provided information on public safety power shutoff’s (PSPS) conducted in Healdsburg, how the City could assist local residents with City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 3, 2025
transitioning to cleaner energy sources, what the REC sale money could be used on, undergrounding utilities, implementing a battery storage system and what the floating solar system produces in energy. Director Crowley further reviewed what support city staff could provide to multi-family housing units in writing grants and project management, and what Federal grant funding is available to the City.
There were no public comments on this item.
Council Comments
Councilmember Hagele was supportive of directing staff to explore moving forward with battery storage, undergrounding utilities and software upgrades.
Councilmember Kelley was supportive of moving forward with battery storage and undergrounding utilities on Healdsburg Avenue.
Councilmember Edwards was supportive of moving forward with software upgrades.
Mayor Mitchell was supportive of moving forward with battery backup storage and looking into undergrounding utilities.
OLD BUSINESS – FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 MID-YEAR CITY COUNCIL GOAL UPDATE
City Manager Kay provided a brief introduction of the mid-year goal update, noting the Strategic Initiatives that were adopted as part of the Strategic Plan are the framework for the FY 2024-25 City Council goals.
City Manager Kay summarized the mid-year update in each of the Council goals, as follows:
Strategic Initiative 01: Policies and Programs to Promote Economic Diversity and Sustainable Growth
• Goal: Housing Element Implementation Land Use Code Updates.
Updates include:
o Preparing objective design standards
o Reviewing parking requirements
o Updating the City’s Density Bonus Ordinance to conform to current Law o Updating the code to reflect changes in State ADU law. • Amend the Scope of Services of the Chamber of Commerce Agreement:
o Complete. The City has entered into a new Contract with the Chamber with an amended scope.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 3, 2025
Strategic Initiative 02: Environmental Stewardship
• Postal Fleet Electrification White Paper
o The Electric Department has completed the white paper on electrifying the USPS fleet. The analysis has been shared with the offices of our Federal representatives so that they can assist with developing pilot programs or partnerships as opportunities emerge.
Strategic Initiative 03: Affordable Housing
• Housing Element Work Group (HEWG)
o The HEWG has progressed on their scope of work, including expanded responsibilities. The Housing Trust is the final item on the HEWG scope of work and will be presented to the City Council.
• Saggio Hills Affordable Housing
o This project is partially funded and is waiting for confirmation for the final funding source to complete the project financing. Groundbreaking for Phase 1 is anticipated for mid-2025.
• 155 Dry Creek Affordable Housing
o This project is partially funded and is waiting for confirmation for the final funding source to complete the project financing. Groundbreaking is anticipated for mid-2025.
• Consider Strengthening and Expanding the Local Preference Policy o Housing Staff is researching available options to strengthen and expand the Local Preference Policy. A summary of this analysis will be provided to the City Council in the next few months.
• Identify City-Owned Land for Housing Production
o The City Council received a presentation on January 21, 2025, on City-Owned Land for housing production.
• Consider Possible Amendments to the Growth Management Ordinance o Measure O was defeated in November.
Strategic Initiative 04: Infrastructure and Facilities
• Library Upgrades
o Library renovations are currently underway and on schedule. The temporary mini library continues to operate smoothly at the Abel De Luna Community Center. • New Fire Substation:
o The City held the ribbon cutting for the Fire Substation in early December 2024. • Park Financing Plan:
o Staff brought an update on the park financing plan to Council in 2024 and received direction on project components to prioritize. Staff is working on Phase I of the project using available funds.
• Healdsburg Ave Complete Street Project:
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 3, 2025
o Design is currently underway.
• Grove Street Neighborhood Plan:
o Design is nearing completion.
• Ward Street Neighborhood Plan:
o The Request for Proposals (RFP) for design and surveying is anticipated to be released early Spring.
• Enhanced Maintenance for LIDS:
o Public Works staff have compiled a list of private and public low impact development (LID) bulb-outs and landscaped areas to ensure all are maintained.
Several of these areas have received updated or enhanced landscaping. • Municipal Recycled Water Pipeline:
o The projection is anticipated to be completed in early February. • Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Wells:
o Passed initial CalOES review phase and grant application is now with Federal administrators. Waiting on final response from BRIC Grant to move into the final design and construction phase.
• Fitch Well Field & Dry Creek Well Field:
o Design completed and under review by the State Division of Drinking Water.
Staff is seeking grant to support the work. Funding and design now needs to consider the increased costs of PFAS filtration.
• Begin the Process of the Long-Term Visioning for the Community Center and Pool:
o The Healthcare Foundation is completing a Community Center Multicultural Wellness Center visioning process that will be presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council in Spring 2025. Recent HUSD bond approval includes funding for reconstruction of the community pool. A design process will commence in 1-2 years.
Strategic Initiative 05: Effective Governance
• Televise Council Meetings on You Tube:
o The City Council meetings are televised on You Tube, Facebook and Zoom. • Streamline Process to Watch Council Meetings:
o Beginning the process of implementing new agenda management software which will help to streamline the process of logging on to watch meetings.
Strategic Initiative 06: Public Health and Safety
• Implement Community Wildfire Protection Plan:
o Facilitated and supported the grant application process in partnership with Russian River Keeper (RRK), resulting in grant funding for Arundo removal from just west of Memorial Bridge around Fitch Mountain.
• Fire Fuels Reduction:
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 3, 2025
o Successfully treated the Fitch Mountain Open Space Preserve, Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve, and various infrastructure locations within the City of Healdsburg, including the Gauntlett Reservoir. Treatments included grazing by sheep and goats, prescription pile and broadcast burns, mechanical mastication, and the utilization of hand crews.
Strategic Initiative 07: Community Services
• Arts and Culture Master Plan Implementation:
o The City Council recently formed the Arts and Culture Commission, and the City hired an Arts and Culture Program Administrator to assist with implementing the Master Plan.
• City-HUSD Joint Use Agreement:
o City and HUSD staff have conducted preliminary conversations about renewing the agreement. Additional work is anticipated in conjunction with future discussions about the Swim Center renovation.
• Foley Family Community Pavilion:
o Progress continues on the Foley Family Community Pavilion project. The project is on track to be completed this summer.
• Villa Chanticleer Capital Replacement Plan:
o The City continues to make numerous repairs and enhancements to the property although a need remains for a long-term plan to guide future efforts. • Saggio Hills Park Development:
o CEQA has been completed for Laura Fish Somersal Park. Phase 1 Design is underway with construction bidding anticipated in late 2025. • Badger Park Redevelopment:
o Staff and the environmental consultant are completing the draft Mitigated Negative Declaration report as part of the CEQA process. City Council is anticipated to review the report in Spring 2025.
• Saggio Hills Park Naming Process:
o The City Council named the future park at Saggio Hills, Laura Fish Somersal Park in late 2024.
• Hilltop Road Erosion Repairs:
o Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the repairs covered the gravel/dirt segment of Hilltop from the paved road to the summit of Fitch Mountain. Work involved re-grading the gravel and installing rolling dips and water bars to redirect water. • Consider an Arts and Culture Commission:
o Council formed the Arts and Culture Commission in 2024 and the Commission held their first meeting on January 22, 2025.
• Consider an Alternative to the 4th of July Fireworks Show:
o The City Council provided direction to continue the 4th of July Fireworks show as well as the other community events on that day.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 3, 2025
• Select a City Flower/Plant and/or Tree: This goal has not been started yet.
In response to Council’s inquiries, Chief Jenkins noted staff could provide information to the Senior Center on how guns may be disposed of. Community Services Director Themig provided information on the role of the City when the school district decides to redesign the pool. Housing Director Sotomayor noted staff could report back on how staff will engage the public and the Planning Commission on downtown parking requirements.
There were no public comments on this item.
NEW BUSINESS – APPOINTMENTS TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION AND
SENIOR CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMISSION
Mayor Mitchell introduced the item for discussion.
Councilmember Kelley summarized the interviews conducted for the Parks and Recreation Commission and noted Vice Mayor Herrod along with herself recommended Kristin Thwaites, Richard Halvosen and Nancy Jane Andrews to be reappointed for full three-year teams and appointing Yolanda Wang to be appointed to the two-year seats.
There were no public comments on this item.
On a motion by Councilmember Kelley seconded by Councilmember Hagele, appointed Kristin Thwaites, Richard Halvosen and Nancy Jane Andrews to be reappointed for full three-year teams due to expire January 1, 2028 and appointed Yolanda Wang to a two-year term due to expire January 1, 2027. The motion carried on a roll call vote, with Vice Mayor Herrod noted as absent. (Ayes 4, Noes 0, Absent – Herrod)
Councilmember Edwards reported he and Mayor Mitchell interviewed applicants for the Senior Citizen Advisory Commission and noted they recommend Linda Go and Ann Mansfield be appointed to full three-year terms.
There were no public comments on this item.
On a motion by Councilmember Edwards, seconded by Councilmember Kelley, appointed Linda Go and Ann Mansfield to the Senior Citizen Advisory Commission for a term of three years due to expire January 1, 2028. The motion carried on a roll call vote, with Vice Mayor Herrod noted as absent. (Ayes 4, Noes 0, Absent – Herrod)
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 3, 2025
NEW BUSINESS – APPOINTMENTS OF THE CITY SELECTION COMMITTEE AND MAYORS AND COUNCILMEMBERS’ ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS City Clerk Allan introduced the item for discussion.
Following a brief discussion by Council, there was Council consensus to support Brian Barnacle, Petaluma for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District Board, Gerard Giudice, Rohnert Park for the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation Authority, Jackie Elward, Rohnert Park for the Sonoma County Consolidated Oversight Board, Jackie Elward, Rohnert Park, North Bay Division, LOCC, Executive Board, Alex DeCarli, Petaluma for the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Citizens Advisory Committee, Ariel Kelley, Healdsburg, Janice Cader Thompson and Gerard Giudice for Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) Commission – SCTA Appointment and Chris Herrod, Healdsburg, Victoria Flemming, Santa Rosa and Syliva Lemus, Cotati for the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) Commission – Non SCTA Appointment.
There were no public comments on this item.
COUNCIL REPORTS ON MATTERS OF INTEREST OCCURRING SINCE PREVIOUS
REGULAR MEETING/EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT REPORTS
Councilmember Edwards reported he attended the Senior Citizen Advisory Commission meeting, reported on the end-of-life program being created and attended the District Election meeting at the Community Center.
Councilmember Kelley reported she attended a number of meetings at Sonoma State on the recent budget cuts, the crab feed at the Villa, and represented the City as the City Selection Committee in Santa Rosa.
Councilmember Hagele reported he attended the NCPA Strategic Issues conference in Sacramento and the Economic Perspective breakfast in Rohnert Park.
Mayor Mitchell reported she participated in breakfast with the Mayor at the Villa Chanticleer with the Chamber of Commerce.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 3, 2025
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:59 p.m.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
_________________________________ __________________________________ Evelyn L. Mitchell, Mayor Raina Allan, City Clerk