CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
August 18, 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 Vice Mayor Herrod, approved the August 18, 2025, 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 Mitchell reported a Closed Session was held prior to the meeting and no reportable action was taken.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS – PROCLAMATION DECLARING AUGUST 26, 2025 AS WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY IN THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG Mayor Mitchell with Council concurrence issued a proclamation declaring August 26, 2025, As Women’s Equality Day in the City of Healdsburg.
Gina Fortino Dickson thanked the Council for the Proclamation and read aloud a statement on different women who have championed women’s rights.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS – PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING
AARON ROSEWATER FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE HEALDSBURG
COMMUNITY
Mayor Mitchell with Council concurrence issued a Proclamation Recognizing Aaron Rosewater for his Contributions to the Healdsburg Community.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
August 18, 2025
Emile Rosewater, Aarons son, spoke aloud about his dad and the contributions he brought to the Healdsburg community.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Kay provided information on the Fire Department Strike Team that had been deployed for the last couple of weeks at the Gifford Fire in San Luis Obispo, commented on a design meeting on Laura Fish Somersal Park, announced the second to last Tuesdays in the Plaza and pointed out the two new City logos that have been installed in the Council Chamber.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON
AGENDA ITEMS
Jacklyn Consel commented on a local business operating in Healdsburg, the war in Gaza and asked Council to evict General Dynamics.
Chris Kennedy commented on the General Dynamics facility operating in Healdsburg and inquired if General Dynamics was receiving assistance from local government.
Michael Detone commented on General Dynamics and their operations in Healdsburg.
Brigette Mansell commented on the previous speakers and expressed her support for their comments and being seen in Healdsburg.
Merrilyn Joyce commented on the vigil she attends for the war in Gaza, and expressed her support for the previous speakers and the courage displayed by speaking out.
CONSENT CALENDAR
On a motion by Councilmember Hagele, seconded by Vice Mayor Herrod, approved the Consent Calendar as follows:
A. DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN RECORDS IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT Adopted Resolution No. 66-2025 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN RECORDS IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None) B. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HEALDSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/26
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
August 18, 2025
Adopted Resolution No. 67-2025 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH THE HEALDSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
C. FIVE-YEAR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH STEVEN J.
LAFRANCHI AND ASSOCIATES
Adopted Resolution No. 68-2025 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH STEVEN J. LAFRANCHI AND ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR ON -CALL LAND SURVEYING AS WELL AS OVERFLOW
ENGINEERING LAND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW AND PLAN CHECK SERVICES FOR A FIVE-YEAR TERM NOT TO EXCEED $45,000 PER YEAR.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
D. TITLE VI IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
Adopted Resolution No. 69-2025 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING THE 2025 TITLE VI IMPLEMENTATION
PLAN AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE CORRECTIONS AND
REVISIONS TO THE PLAN AS NECESSARY TO COMPLY WITH APPLICABLE
LAWS OR REGULATIONS, PROVIDED THAT SUCH REVISIONS DO NOT MATERIALLY ALTER THE INTENT OF THE PLAN.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None) E. NATIONAL OPIOID LITIGATION SETTLEMENT
Adopted Resolution No. 70-2025 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY ACTIONS TO SETTLE CLAIMS AGAINST PURDUE PHARMA L.P AND
SACKLER FAMILY, AND AGAINST ALYOGEN, AMNEAL, APOTEX, HIKMA,
INDIVIOR, MYLAN, SUN AND ZYDUS IN THE NATIONAL OPIOID LITIGATION (IN RE: NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION OPIATE LITIGATION (U.S.D.C. CASE NO. 1:17-CV2804)) AND EXECUTE THE RELATED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
F. SALES TAX AUDIT AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS CONTRACT WITH HDL
COMPANIES
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
August 18, 2025
Adopted Resolution No. 71-2025 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING A FIVE-YEAR PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HDL COMPANIES FOR SALES TAX AUDIT AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $130,000.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
G. SONOMA COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY INVESTIGATION REPORTS ENTITLED, “ANIMAL SERVICES IN SONOMA COUNTY: SEPARATE AND NOT EQUAL, THE COSTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF DECENTRALIZATION” AND “WHO CAN AFFORD TO LIVE IN SONOMA COUNTY: A TALE OF TWO CITIES.”
Adopted Resolution No. 72-2025 titled, “RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AUTHORIZING A RESPONSE TO THE SONOMA COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY INVESTIGATION REPORTS ENTITLED, “ANIMAL SERVICES IN SONOMA COUNTY: SEPARATE AND NOT EQUAL, THE COSTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF DECENTRALIZATION” AND “WHO CAN AFFORD TO LIVE IN SONOMA COUNTY: A TALE OF TWO CITIES.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None) H. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (“MOU”) BETWEEN THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG AND INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL
WORKERS (“IBEW”) LOCAL 1245
Adopted Resolution No. 73-2025 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AND THE
INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS LOCAL 1245, FOR THE PERIOD ENDING JUNE 30, 2028, RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO-60-2025,
REESTABLISHING THE AUTHORIZED POSITION LIST AND CORRESPONDING SALARY SCHEDULE AND AMENDING THE ADOPTED FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
By motion, approved the February 3, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes, the February 18, 2025 Special Meeting Minutes and the February 18, 2025 Regular 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)
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
August 18, 2025
PUBLIC HEARINGS – LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO THE 2022 CALIFORNIA
BUILDING STANDARDS CODES
Planning and Building Director Duiven stated the action this evening was to pass an ordinance reference the 2022 California Green Building Standards Code Title 24 and the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code in its entirety and making local amendments to the 2022 California Residential Code, the 2022 Green Building Standards Code, and the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code. Director Duiven provided background information and reviewed the minor amendments including aligning old code sections with current code sections, clarifying definitions, correcting discrepancies in code sections for the Swimming Pool Safety Act, and updating the building appeals board process and fee.
Mayor Mitchell opened the Public Hearing.
There were no public comments on this item.
On a motion by Councilmember Hagele, seconded by Councilmember Kelley, adopted Ordinance No. 1249, titled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG AMENDING CHAPTER 15.04 OF THE HEALDSBURG MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE PART 11 – CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE OF THE 2022 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE TITLE 24 AND THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE IN ITS ENTIRETY, AND MAKING LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO THE 2022 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, THE 2022 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, THE 2022 GREEN BUILDING CODE, AND THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE.” The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None) OLD BUSINESS – EEL-RUSSIAN PROJECT AUTHORITY AND NEW EEL RUSSIAN
FACILITY
Interim Utilities Director Patrick Fuss introduced David Manning, Executive Director of the Eel Russian Project Authority and the Division Manager for Environmental Resources with Sonoma Water who would be assisting with the presentation this evening. Director Fuss provided background information on where Healdsburg derives it water from, the upcoming changes to the Potter Valley Project and the impact to water users of the Russian River.
Mr. Manning provided information on the Potter Valley Project, the Scott Dam, Cape Horn Dam and the Coyote Valley Dam. Mr. Manning reviewed the average volume of water diverted by PG&E through the Potter Valley project and introduced the Eel-Russian Project Authority and the purpose of creating the joint powers authority.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
August 18, 2025
Additionally, Mr. Manning reviewed what the proposed diversion the New Eel Russian Facility (NERF) would look like once PG&E de-commissions the Potter Valley project, the proposed diversion rules that would be utilized in the NERF, the proposed water diversion agreement and the preliminary cost estimates for NERF.
In response to Council’s inquiries, Mr. Manning provided information on what the contribution from Healdsburg would be to participate in the NERF, the fee being charged by the Round Valley Indian Tribe, reviewed the various reasons why PG&E decided to let go of the Potter Valley Project and noted there is not an alternative to the proposed NERF. Mr. Manning further reviewed how the fish will be able to migrate in the proposed new system, storage capabilities, and how Healdsburg’s water rights may be affected.
There were no public comments on this item.
On a motion by Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Councilmember Edwards, adopted Resolution No. 74-2025, titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG SUPPORTING THE EEL-RUSSIAN PROJECT AUTHORITY AND THE NEW EEL RUSSIAN FACILITY.” The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
OLD BUSINESS – OFFICIAL CITY FLOWER, PLANT OR TREE
Community Services Director Themig stated the action this evening was to review feedback gathered from a community survey on the official city flower, plant or tree. Director Themig provided background information on the Council goal to name a city flower, plant or tree and the assistance of the Garden Club to assist with the process.
Director Themig noted other organizations that have adopted a flower, plant or tree, reviewed selection considerations, the six finalists for the Council to select from and noted the Oak Tree received the most votes from the survey.
In response to Council’s inquiries, Director Themig noted the organizations listed who have a official city flower, plant or tree was just a sampling of those in the state and confirmed this action would not change or update the City logo.
Public Comment
Teresa Winstrom thanked the Council for their interest in this item and offered to answer any questions the Council has.
Mary Kelly thanked Director Themig for conducting the survey and expressed a desire to see the Council select the Oak Tree as the official city flower, plant or tree.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
August 18, 2025
Council Comments
Councilmember Kelley expressed her support for the Oak Tree.
Councilmember Hagele expressed his support for the Oak Tree.
Councilmember Edwards was supportive of selecting the Oak Tree as the official city flower, plant or tree.
Vice Mayor Herrod was supportive of the Oak Tree.
Mayor Mitchell expressed support for the Oak Tree.
There was Council consensus to direct staff to return with a Resolution naming the Oak Tree as the official City flower, plant or tree.
OLD BUSINESS – INCLUSIONARY HOUSING ORDINANCE IN-LIEU FEE Housing Director Stephen Sotomayor presented the staff report and provided information on what an Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (IHO) is, the current IHO requirements in Healdsburg, how the in-lieu fee works, the impact the in-lieu fee has on small projects and provided examples of development costs. Director Sotomayor further reviewed the proposed rationale for eliminating the in-lieu fee, how eliminating the fee aligns with policies in the Housing Element, Prohousing Designation and Council goals.
Additionally Director Sotomayor provided information on the fiscal impact and noted the direction staff is seeking from Council.
In response to Council’s inquiries, Housing Director Sotomayor provided information on what the Measure S fund contributes to housing, noted other impact fees have not been reviewed and how this relates to the Growth Management Ordinance (GMO).
Public Comment
Omar Lopez, Generation Housing read aloud a statement on behalf of Generation Housing on the In-Lieu fee.
Jessica Pilling commented on her experience building a project under SB9 and encouraged Council to eliminate the in-lieu fee and review the other impact fees.
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
August 18, 2025
Council Comments
Councilmember Kelley was supportive of removing the in-lieu fee for small projects.
Councilmember Hagele expressed support in removing the in-lieu fee for ten or fewer units and removing the fee from remodels and expansions and waiving the fee for upgrading electrical panels.
Vice Mayor Herrod was supportive of removing the in-lieu fee for small projects.
Councilmember Edwards expressed support in removing the in-lieu fee for small projects.
Mayor Mitchell was supportive of removing the in-lieu fee for small projects and inquired what fractional units are.
Following a discussion by Council, there was Council consensus to move forward with eliminating the in-lieu fee for small projects and have a future discussion on fees for 10 or fewer units and fractional fees.
NEW BUSINESS – DRY CREEK COMMONS MEASURE S LOAN
Housing Director Sotomayor introduced Jocelyn Lin from Burbank Housing who would be available to answer any questions. Director Sotomayor provided background information on the Dry Creek Commons, the partnership with Burbank Housing, details on the affordable housing project and how the project is being funded.
Director Sotomayor further reviewed the details of the loan terms, how this action aligns with city policies, the next steps and the timeline of the project.
Omar Lopez, Generation Housing encouraged Council to move forward with this action.
On a motion by Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Councilmember Edwards, adopted Resolution No. 75-2025, titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG APPROVING THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING LOAN AGREEMENT IN AN AMOUNT OF $1,000,000 OF MEASURE S FUNDS FOR THE DRY CREEK COMMONS
PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE LOAN
AGREEMENT AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS TO FACILITATE DISBURSEMENT OF THE LOAN.” The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
August 18, 2025
NEW BUSINESS – ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION VACANCY OPTIONS City Clerk Allan presented the staff report and noted the recommended action was to provide direction to staff on the options to fill the vacancy on the Arts and Culture Commission.
There were no public comments on this item.
Following a discussion by Council, there was Council consensus to direct staff to conduct the standard recruitment process to fill the vacancy on the Arts and Culture Commission.
COUNCIL REPORTS ON MATTERS OF INTEREST OCCURRING SINCE PREVIOUS
REGULAR MEETING/EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT REPORTS
Councilmember Edwards reported he attended the Mayors and Councilmembers Association meeting.
Vice Mayor Herrod reported he attended the Mayors and Councilmembers Association meeting, the Women Infant Children (WIC) event at Alliance, the Chamber cluster meeting and the Zucchini races at the Farmers’ Market.
Councilmember Hagele attended the NCPA staff tour in Santa Clara and the Mayors and Councilmembers Association meeting.
Councilmember Kelley reported she attended the Coastal Commission meeting in Calabasas.
Mayor Mitchell reported she attended the Mayors and Councilmembers Association meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:53 p.m.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
_________________________________ __________________________________ Evelyn L. Mitchell, Mayor Raina Allan, City Clerk