CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
June 16, 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, Herrod, Kelley and Mayor Mitchell Board Members
Absent: Council Members/: None
Board Members
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
On a motion by Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Councilmember Hagele, approved the June 16, 2025, 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 Mitchell reported a Closed Session was held prior to the meeting and there is no reportable action.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS – PROCLAMATION DECLARING JUNE 19, 2025 AS JUNETEENTH IN THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG
Mayor Mitchell with Council concurrence issued a proclamation declaring June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth in the City of Healdsburg.
Brett Andrews Healdsburg resident thanked the Council for the proclamation and recognition.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS – PROCLAMATION DECLARING JULY 2025
AS DISABILITIES PRIDE MONTH IN THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG
Mayor Mitchell with Council concurrence issued a proclamation declaring July 2025 as Disabilities Pride Month in the City of Healdsburg.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
June 16, 2025
Colleen Webster, Healdsburg resident, thanked the Council for the proclamation and commented on her experience living in Healdsburg as someone who experiences a disability.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS – PROCLAMATION DECLARING JULY 2025
AS PARKS MAKE LIFE BETTER MONTH IN THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG Mayor Mitchell, with Council concurrence issued a proclamation declaring July 2025 as Parks Make Life Better Month in the City of Healdsburg.
Anna Grant, Active Adult and Senior Services Supervisor, thanked the Council for the proclamation and commented on how the Parks and Recreation Department serves the City of Healdsburg.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS – HEALDSBURG TOURISM
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT ANNUAL UPDATE
Tallia Hart, Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce introduced Jessica Bohon, who would be providing the update. Ms. Bohon provided information on the Healdsburg Tourism Improvement District (HTID), the public relations and social media outreach during 2024, press highlights and award accolades during 2024 and the Season to Sparkle Campaign the Chamber of Commerce did during the holiday season. Ms. Bohon further reviewed how District Development funds were used to support projects in Healdsburg and noted the HTID Assessments collected during 2024.
In response to Council’s inquiries, Ms. Bohon provided information on statistics of visitors to Healdsburg, how the Chamber supports Healdsburg Wine and Food, the funding provided to District Development applicants and the timeline to apply for a District Development Grant. Ms.
Bohon further reviewed the application process for District Development Grants and the outlook on tourism for the remainder of 2025.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Kay provided information on the prescribed burns scheduled for the week on Fitch Mountain and near the Fitch Mountain Villas, announced the upcoming Groundbreaking event for the Saggio Hills affordable housing project, the Fourth of July festivities happening in Healdsburg and the Guelaguetza event happening at the end of June.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON
AGENDA ITEMS
Jason Tarmino Local Government Affairs Representative from PG&E, commented on PG&E’s Greenhouse Gas Initiatives.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
June 16, 2025
Breene Kerr commented on the Wildland Urban Interface and the designation of a high fire severity zone in the Rivers Bend area and asked for the Fire Department to engage in fuel mitigation.
Mark Horne commented on the L&M Quarterly Update.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Kelley recused from Consent Item 6C as she owns a property within 500 feet of the Laura Fish Somersal Park.
Councilmember Hagele recused from Consent Item 6C as he lives within 500 feet of the boundary of the Laura Fish Somersal Park.
On a motion by Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Councilmember Edwards, approved the Consent Calendar as follows:
A. SONOMA COUNTY FUNDING FOR ABEL DE LUNA COMMUNITY CENTER
MULTICULTURAL CENTER IMPROVEMENTS
Adopted Resolution No. 50-2025 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDBURG APPROVING A GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF HEALDSBURG AND COUNTY OF SONOMA DEPARTMENT OF
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $500,000 FOR
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ABEL DE LUNA COMMUNITY CENTER, AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE GRANT AGREEMENT AND
AMENDMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY, AND AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 ADOPTED BUDGET.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None) B. FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 INVESTMENT POLICY
Adopted Resolution No. 51-2025 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG ADOPTING AN INVESTMENT POLICY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
C. LAURA FISH SOMERSAL PARK PHASE 1 - FLETCHER STUDIO CONTRACT
FOR DESIGN DEVELOPMENT, CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION, AND
BIDDING SUPPORT SERVICES
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar to be voted on separately.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
June 16, 2025
D. L&M VILLAGE LEASE EXTENSION AND AMENDMENT TO THE LEASE,
FUNDING, AND SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH REACH FOR HOME
Adopted Resolution No. 52-2025 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING AN EXTENSION TO THE LEASE,
FUNDING AND SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH REACH FOR HOME FOR THE L&M VILLAGE, APPROVING THE FY 25-26 TERMS OF SERVICE, AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE TRANSACTION AND AMENDING THE ADOPTED FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
E. SPEED LIMIT REDUCTION ORDINANCE
Passed Ordinance No. 1248, titled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AMENDING SECTION 10.50.050 OF THE HEALDSBURG
MUNICIPAL CODE, PRIMA FACIE STREETS ESTABLISHED BY ENGINEERING
AND TRAFFIC SURVEY (REGARDING SPEED LIMITS IN THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG).” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
F. ANNUAL STRIPING AND SIGNAGE CONTRACT
Adopted Resolution No. 53-2025 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AWARDING THE STRIPING AND SIGNAGE
MAINTENANCE CONTRACT TO BAYSIDE STRIPE AND SEAL, AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT FOR A NOTTO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $75,000 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 AND FOUR
ANNUAL EXTENSIONS FOR AN ANNUAL NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $55,000.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
G. REORGANIZATION OF THE WATER AND WASTEWATER UTILITY DIVISIONS
AND ADJUSTMENTS TO THE UTILITIES DIRECTOR POSITION
Adopted Resolution No. 54-2025 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING A RESTRUCTURE OF THE WATER AND
WASTEWATER UTILITIES DIVISION TO THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND
RECLASSIFICATION OF THE UTILITIES DIRECTOR TO THE ELECTRIC UTILITIES DIRECTOR.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
H. L&M VILLAGE QUARTERLY UPDATE
By motion, received the L&M Village Quarterly Update. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None) City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
June 16, 2025
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
By motion, approved the November 4, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes, the November 18, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes and the December 2, 2024 Special Meeting Minutes. (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)
LAURA FISH SOMERSAL PARK PHASE 1 - FLETCHER STUDIO CONTRACT FOR
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT, CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION, AND BIDDING
SUPPORT SERVICES
On a motion by Councilmember Edwards, seconded by Vice Mayor Herrod, adopted Resolution No. 55-2025 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH FLETCHER STUDIO IN THE AMOUNT OF $824,675 FOR THE PREPARATION OF
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT DRAWINGS AND CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION AND BIDDING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR LAURA FISH SOMERSAL PARK PHASE 1, 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 roll call vote with Councilmember Hagele and Councilmember Kelley abstaining. (Ayes 3, Noes 0, Abstaining – Hagele and Kelley, Absent – None)
PUBLIC HEARINGS – LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT Councilmember Hagele recused from this item as he lives within 500 feet of Zones 1 and 3 of the Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District.
Parks and Recreation Superintendent Licea presented the staff report providing background information on the formation and purpose of the Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District, and the areas covered. It is proposed that for FY 2025-26 the assessments for all 7 Zones will increase from FY2024-25.
Mayor Mitchell opened the public hearing.
There being no public speakers, on a motion by Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Councilmember Edwards, adopted Resolution No. 56-2024 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING THE ANNUAL ENGINEER’S REPORT, CONFIRMING THE ASSESSMENT DIAGRAM AND THE
ANNUAL ASSESSMENT AMOUNTS AND AUTHORIZING THE LEVYING AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 FOR THE CITY OF City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
June 16, 2025
HEALDSBURG LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT AND AMENDING THE ADOPTED BUDGET.” The motion carried on a roll call vote with Councilmember Hagele abstaining. (Ayes 4, Noes 0, Abstaining – Hagele, Absent - None) PUBLIC HEARINGS – RESOLUTION ORDERING THE ABATEMENT OF WEEDS Fire Marshal Macdonald provided background information noting that staff conducted citywide inspections, on June 2, 2025, Council declared a nuisance to exist on certain private properties within the City of Healdsburg, and property owners on the weed abatement list were notified of the weed abatement requirements and of the public hearing scheduled to protest the abatement orders.
Fire Marshal Macdonald discussed the proposed prescribed burns happening on June 17th and 18th near the Fitch Mountain Villa Commons and on Fitch Mountain, noting the Fitch Mountain burn will begin with a tribal blessing and the Open Space will be closed during the burn.
In response to Council’s inquiries, Fire Marshal Macdonald provided information on why the vegetation may not burn as well, how many days the Open Space will be closed, noted that Fitch Mountain COPE has sent notification to neighbors and how the animals handle prescribed burns.
Mayor Mitchell opened the public hearing.
There being no public speakers, on a motion by Councilmember Edwards, seconded by Councilmember Kelley, adopted Resolution No. 57-2024 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG ORDERING THE ABATEMENT OF WEEDS.” The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent - None) PUBLIC HEARINGS – CITY OF HEALDSBURG VACANCIES, RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION EFFORTS PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 2561
Human Resources Manager Lopez presented the staff report and provided an overview on what AB2561 is, the requirements of AB2561, the 2024 vacancy rates by bargaining group, the current recruitment process and recruitment and retention policies.
In response to Councilmember Kelley’s inquiry, Manager Lopez provided additional information on the vacancies in the Police Department and Chief Jenkins commented on recruiting individuals to the Police Department.
Mayor Mitchell opened the public hearing.
There were no public comments on this item.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
June 16, 2025
OLD BUSINESS – MARCH AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION AND PEDESTRIAN UPGRADES PROJECT – UPDATE
Public Works Director Zimmer introduced Clay Thistle, Principal Engineer and Ben Bryant with Brelje and Race Consulting Engineers who would be giving the presentation, provided the recommended action, reviewed the agenda for the evening and the purpose of the March Avenue project.
Principal Engineer Thistle reviewed existing conditions along March Avenue and the type of bike lanes that are feasible along March Avenue. Additionally, Director Zimmer provided information on the community meeting held to gather feedback about March Avenue.
Ben Bryant Brelje and Race Consulting reviewed the current design of March Avenue and Principal Engineer Thistle provided an overview of the budget and proposed schedule for March Avenue.
In response to Council’s inquiries, Mr. Bryant provided information on the width of drive lanes, buffered bike lanes and the addition of a crosswalk at Prentice Drive. Director Zimmer provided information on the features of March Avenue and noted staff could review the potential for a 10ft roadway and the reduction in speed along March Avenue.
Public Comment
March McMullen commented on the March Avenue design and encouraged the inclusion of Art in the project.
Eris Weaver Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition expressed support to reduce the width of the travel lanes along March Avenue.
Council Comments
Councilmember Kelley expressed a desire to see the travel lanes reduced to 10 feet and including additional protections along March Avenue for cyclists.
Councilmember Hagele was supportive of Alternative B and staff’s recommendation to move forward with the project.
Vice Mayor Herrod was supportive of reducing speed limits and reducing the lane width to 10 feet and inquired when artistic embellishments could be included in the project.
Councilmember Edwards inquired about the speed limit along March Avenue and what the desired speed limit is.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
June 16, 2025
Council discussion ensued on narrowing the lanes along March Avenue to 10 feet.
Mayor Mitchell was supportive of the March Avenue project moving forward as proposed and not reducing the width to 10 feet.
Following a discussion by Council, there was Council majority to move forward with an 11-foot roadway.
NEW BUSINESS – AGREEMENTS WITH DEVELOPMENT GROUP INC. FOR 7-
YEAR RUBI NETWORK AND DATA CENTER REFRESH AND CAMERA SYSTEM
MIGRATION
Chief Information and Security Officer McKenna presented the staff report and provided information on what a data center and network is, the current IT infrastructure that supports the City, why the proposed network refresh is critical and reviewed the components of the proposed network refresh. IT Manager McKenna further reviewed the financial impact of the proposed refresh
In response to Council’s inquiries, IT Manager McKenna provided information on what will have with the e-waste generated with the proposed refresh.
There were no public comments on this item.
On a motion by Councilmember Hagele, seconded by Councilmember Kelley, adopted Resolution No. 58-2025, titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC. FOR THE RUBI NETWORK AND DATA CENTER REFRESH IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,862,676, APPROVING A 3% CONTRACT CONTINGENCY IN THE AMOUNT OF $145,880 AND A
PURCHASE ORDER FOR THE VERKADA PHYSICAL SECURITY PLATFORM MIGRATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $117,755.45, AND AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 ADOPTED BUDGET.” 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 the opening of Williams Selyem winery, the ribbon cutting of the Windsor SMART Station and the Juneteenth celebration in Santa Rosa.
Councilmember Kelley reported she attended the opening night of the Healdsburg Prune Packers, the Healdsburg Pride event in Healdsburg and participated in the SCTCA meeting.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
June 16, 2025
Councilmember Hagele had nothing to report.
Vice Mayor Herrod reported he attended the Pride event in Healdsburg, the Williams Selyem winery opening, the Anderson Zeigler opening, Good Morning Healdsburg, the Mayors and Councilmembers meeting in Sonoma, the SMART Ribbon cutting in Windsor and the Healdsburg High School graduation.
Mayor Mitchell reported she attended the No Kings rally in Healdsburg and announced she was appointed by Senator McGuire to the California Veterinary Medical Board Consumer Affairs Division.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:45 p.m.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
_________________________________ __________________________________ Evelyn L. Mitchell, Mayor Raina Allan, City Clerk