City Hall, Council Chamber
100 Santa Rosa Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
City of Santa Rosa
City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft
12:30 PMTuesday, August 5, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Stapp called the meeting to order at 12:31 p.m
Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Dianna MacDonald, Council Member Jeff Okrepkie, and Council Member Natalie Rogers
Present: 6 -
Council Member Victoria FlemingAbsent: 1 -
2. REMOTE PARTICIPATION UNDER AB 2449 (IF NEEDED)
3. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
No public comments were made.
Mayor Stapp recessed the meeting to closed session at
12:32 p.m. to discuss Items 3.1 through 3.3 as listed on the agenda.
Council Member Fleming joined the meeting at approximately 12:35 p.m.
3.1 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE - EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE
(Government Code Section 54957(b))
Title: City Attorney
This item was received and filed.
3.2 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9) (THIS ITEM WAS CONTINUED FROM THE JULY 22, 2025,
REGULAR MEETING)
Margaret Amanda Pearson, et al. v. City of Santa Rosa, et al.
Sonoma County Superior Court Case No. 23CV01723
This item was received and filed.
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
August 5, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft
3.3 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9) (THIS ITEM WAS CONTINUED FROM THE JULY 22, 2025,
REGULAR MEETING)
Maria Gonzalez v. City of Santa Rosa, et al.
Sonoma County Superior Court Case No. 24CV01397
This item was received and filed.
Mayor Stapp adjourned closed session at approximately 2:25 p.m. and reconvened to board interviews at 3:01 p.m.
4. INTERVIEWS FOR BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council Member Dianna MacDonald, Council Member Jeff Okrepkie, and Council Member Natalie Rogers
Present: 7 -
4.1 INTERVIEWS FOR HOUSING AUTHORITY
The Council will interview applicants for the Housing Authority to fill one Tenant Commissioner At-Large position and one Tenant Commissioner Senior position, each to serve a two-year term expiring August 5, 2027.
Council interviewed the following applicants:
Angela Conte
Teresa Daniel
Anthony Mazurkowski
Tricia Makes
Christopher Donnellan
Scott Wimmer
Doug Shivananda Friedman
The following applicants were not present:
Linda Martin
Rhonda Towner
Cade Olds
No public comments were made.
Mayor Stapp recessed the meeting at 3:42 p.m. and
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
August 5, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft reconvened at 4:00 p.m.
5. STUDY SESSION - NONE.
6. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ROLL CALL (IF NEEDED)
Council Member Fleming returned to the dais shortly after roll call.
Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council Member Dianna MacDonald, Council Member Jeff Okrepkie, and Council Member Natalie Rogers
Present: 7 -
7. REPORT, IF ANY, ON STUDY AND CLOSED SESSIONS
Teresa Stricker, City Attorney, reported there was no reportable action from closed session.
8. PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS - NONE.
9. STAFF BRIEFINGS
9.1 COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT PLAN UPDATE
This is a standing item on the agenda. No action will be taken except for possible direction to staff.
Misti Wood, Communications and Intergovernmental Relations Officer, provided a brief report on upcoming engagement events.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Peter spoke on the Police Night's Out event and the public's responsibility on shutting down corruption.
This item was received and filed.
10. CITY MANAGER’S/CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORTS
Maraskeshia Smith, City Manager, and City Attorney Stricker had no reports.
No public comments were made.
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
August 5, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft
11. STATEMENTS OF ABSTENTION/RECUSAL BY COUNCIL MEMBERS There were no statements of abstention/recusal.
12. MAYOR'S/COUNCIL MEMBERS’ REPORTS
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Michael Hilber spoke on item 12.1.8 and a potential corrupt member of the Groundwater Sustainability Agency.
Peter Alexander spoke on Item 12.1.2, Item 12.1.5 and suggested Council review the living cactus fence program, Item 12.1.6, and the power of spiritual courage and Sister Jane Kelly.
Council Member Rogers announced appointments of Garman Pond to the Board of Parks and Recreation and Jennifer Pickrell to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and on recent events attended.
Council Member Okrepkie announced the appointment of Lauren Peters to the Art in Public Places Committee.
Council Member Fleming provided a brief report on a recent events attended.
Mayor Stapp provided a brief report on the opening of the Sonoma County Fair on August 1.
12.1 MAYOR'S/COUNCIL MEMBERS' SUBCOMMITTEE AND LIAISON
REPORTS (AND POSSIBLE COUNCIL DIRECTION TO BOARD
REPRESENTATIVE ON PENDING ISSUES, IF NEEDED)
12.1.1 Council Subcommittee Reports
12.1.2 Sonoma County Transportation Authority/Regional Climate Protection Authority (SCTA/RCPA)
12.1.3 Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) - Water Advisory Committee Council Member Rogers provided a brief report.
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
August 5, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft
12.1.4 Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
12.1.5 Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Advisory Committee
12.1.6 Sonoma Clean Power Authority (SCPA)
12.1.7 Zero Waste Sonoma (formerly known as Sonoma County Waste Management Agency (SCWMA))
12.1.8 Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA)
12.1.9 Sonoma County Homeless Coalition
Council Member Bañuelos provided a brief report.
12.1.10 Renewal Enterprise District (RED)
12.1.11 Public Safety Subcommittee
12.1.12 Other
12.2 BOARD, COMMISSION & COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
12.2.1 COUNCIL MAY VOTE TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS TO THE
FOLLOWING BOARD:
Housing Authority - One Tenant Commissioner At-Large
representative and one Tenant Commissioner Senior representative, with terms ending August 5, 2027.
No public comments were made.
A motion was made by Council Member Bañuelos, seconded by Council Member Rogers, to appoint Angela Conte to the Tenant Commissioner - Senior position and Scott Wimmer to the Tenant Commissioner - At-large position. The motion carried by the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council Member Dianna MacDonald, Council Member Jeff Okrepkie, and Council Member Natalie Rogers
7 -
13. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
13.1 July 22, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes.
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
August 5, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft Approved as submitted.
14. CONSENT ITEMS
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Peter spoke on codes or statutes.
Approval of the Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Alvarez, seconded by Council Member Okrepkie, to waive reading of the text and adopt Consent Items 14.1 through 14.4. The motion carried by the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council Member Dianna MacDonald, Council Member Jeff Okrepkie, and Council Member Natalie Rogers
7 -
14.1 RESOLUTION - ADMINISTRATIVE COST RECOVERY LIEN AGAINST THE REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 715 PLACER COURT
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Planning and
Economic Development Department that the Council, by resolution, approve the administrative cost recovery lien in the amount of $3,010.56 against the property located at 715 Placer Court for violations of the City Code which remain uncorrected by the responsible party, Lynn A. Anderson, and authorize the recordation of a lien and placement of a special assessment on the property tax roll for collection.
This Consent - Resolution was adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-133 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA CONFIRMING THE AMOUNT OF
AN ADMINISTRATIVE COST RECOVERY LIEN, CONFIRMING AND
ORDERING THE RECOVERY OF ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS ASSESSED
AND IMPOSED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING OFFICER FOR
VIOLATIONS OF CITY CODE PROVISIONS OCCURRING ON THE
PROPERTY AT 715 PLACER COURT, SANTA ROSA, APN 035-440-023, AND
ORDERING THE ADMINISTRATIVE COST RECOVERY LIEN BE
COLLECTED ON THE TAX ROLL BY THE SONOMA COUNTY TAX
COLLECTOR
14.2 RESOLUTION - TRANSIT APPLICATIONS FOR SCTCA FUNDING City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
August 5, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft PROGRAM CYCLE 2
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Transportation and Public Works Department that the Council review the list of transit project applications to be submitted to the Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Authorities (SCTCA) Funding Program Cycle 2, and, by resolution, 1) authorize the Director of Transportation and Public Works to submit project applications consistent with that list, including all required documents and agreements to effectuate funding applications or awards, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney, and 2) authorize the Chief Financial Officer to increase appropriations equal to any awarded funding to the appropriate GL/JL keys.
This Consent - Resolution was adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-134 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR
OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS TO SUBMIT TRANSIT
PROJECT APPLICATIONS AND RELATED DOCUMENTS UNDER SCTCA
FUNDING PROGRAM CYCLE 2 AND AUTHORIZING THE CHIEF FINANCIAL
OFFICER TO INCREASE APPROPRIATIONS EQUAL TO ANY AWARDED
FUNDING
14.3 RESOLUTION - APPROVAL OF FIRST AMENDMENT TO
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NUMBER F002912 TO
AMEND THE SCOPE OF WORK AND INCREASE COMPENSATION
IN THE AMOUNT OF $290,000 WITH ALVAREZ & MARSAL PUBLIC
SECTOR SERVICES, LLC
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Finance Department that the Council, by resolution: 1) approve the First Amendment to Professional Services Agreement Number F002912 for budget process improvements, to amend the scope of services and increase compensation with Alvarez & Marsal Public Sector Services, LLC, New York, New York, in an amount of $290,000, and a total cumulative amount not to exceed $389,500; and 2) amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 General Fund operating budget by increasing appropriations in the amount of $290,000 in the Finance department budget with the source of funds being General Fund reserves.
This Consent - Resolution was adopted.
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
August 5, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-135 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA APPROVING THE FIRST
AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NUMBER
F002912 WITH ALVAREZ & MARSAL PUBLIC SECTOR SERVICES, LLC TO
AMEND THE SCOPE OF SERVICES AND INCREASE COMPENSATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $290,000, FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $389,500
14.4 ORDINANCE ADOPTION SECOND READING - ORDINANCE OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AMENDING SECTION
1-04.020 OF THE SANTA ROSA CITY CODE
RECOMMENDATION: This ordinance, introduced at the July 22, 2025, Regular Meeting by a 6-0-1-0 vote (Fleming absent), amends City Code Section 1-04.020 “Definitions” of Chapter 1-04, “Custody and Use of City Seal and Other City Insignia.”
This Consent - Ordinance was adopted on second reading.
ORDINANCE NO. ORD-2025-010 ENTITLED: ORDINANCE OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AMENDING SECTION 1-04.020 OF
THE SANTA ROSA CITY CODE
The time not being 5:00 p.m. Mayor Stapp moved to item 16.1.
16. REPORT ITEMS
16.1 REPORT - MARIN SONOMA COORDINATED TRANSIT SERVICE
PLAN (MASCOTS) SERVICE RECOMMENDATION UPDATE
BACKGROUND: The Marin Sonoma Coordinated Transit Service Plan is a multi-agency planning effort to comprehensively analyze transit service in the Highway 101 corridor and recommend changes to optimize the transit network. This Council item provides an update on the plan’s timeline, service recommendations, and public engagement process.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by Transportation and Public Works Department, that the Council receive an update on the Marin Sonoma Coordinated Transit Service Plan (MASCOTS). This item is provided for Council’s information and no action will be taken.
Rachele Ede, Deputy Director - Transit, and Matt Wilcox, Transit City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
August 5, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft Planner, presented and answered questions from Council.
No public comments were made.
Mayor Stapp moved to Item 15 on the agenda.
This item was received and filed.
15. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS
Peter Alexander spoke on various topics and Sister Jane Kelly.
Robert Coppock spoke on drug concerns and the Santa Rosa Police Department.
Michael Hilber spoke on fields of tall, dry grass and the Santa Rosa weed ordinance.
LATE CORRESPONDENCE
16.2 REPORT - DIVERSITY REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL BOARDS,
COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
BACKGROUND: This report meets the criteria pursuant to City Charter Section 11, Participation and Diversity in Boards and Commissions.
Section 11 requires that the Council, “issue a written report annually that will be discussed in public session regarding its appointments to boards, commissions and committees. The report shall contain, but is not limited to, the total number of appointments in a given year, the total number of applications in a given year, and relevant diversity information including geographic and ethnic diversity. Further, the report will evaluate the progress and success of increasing the diversity of appointments.”
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the City Clerk’s Office that the Council, by motion, accept the Annual Report of Diversity of City Council Appointees for the reporting year 2024 and provide feedback to staff on the method future reports. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
Dina Manis, City Clerk, presented and answered questions from Council.
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
August 5, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft PUBLIC COMMENT:
Janice Karrman spoke on applicants' ages and demographics.
This item was received and filed.
17. PUBLIC HEARINGS
17.1 PUBLIC HEARING - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A GRANT
APPLICATION FOR FTA SECTION 5310 FUNDS FOR PURCHASE OF
REPLACEMENT ADA PARATRANSIT VEHICLES
BACKGROUND: The City of Santa Rosa seeks to apply for funding for replacement of ADA Paratransit vehicles that have exceeded their useful life. The funds are being requested from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 program. These funds are appropriated to urbanized areas across the United States to support transportation services for older adults and persons living with a disability. Applications for the 5310 in California are administered by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in conjunction with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). Caltrans requires the local jurisdiction to hold a public hearing as well as adopt a resolution prior to applying.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Transportation and Public Works Department that the Council: 1) hold a public hearing to receive public comment and to determine whether any private non-profit is readily available to provide paratransit services within the City; 2) by resolution, authorize the City Manager or designee to execute and file a grant application with the California Department of Transportation under Federal Transit Act Section 5310 to purchase replacement ADA Paratransit vehicles and execute related agreements, award documents and any amendments necessary for receiving the grant funds, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney; and 3) authorize the Chief Financial Officer to increase appropriations equal to the successfully awarded grant funding.
Yuri Koslen, Transit Planner, and Rachel Ede, Deputy Director - Transit, presented and answered questions from Council.
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
August 5, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft Mayor Stapp opened the public hearing at 5:13 p.m. and
hearing no public comments, closed the public hearing at 5:13 p.m.
A motion was made by Council Member Rogers, seconded by Council Member MacDonald, to waive reading of the text and adopt RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-136 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AUTHORIZING A GRANT
APPLICATION FOR FTA SECTION 5310 FUNDS FOR PURCHASE OF
REPLACEMENT ADA PARATRANSIT VEHICLES
The motion carried by the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council Member Dianna MacDonald, Council Member Jeff Okrepkie, and Council Member Natalie Rogers
7 -
18. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
18.1 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
· State Bill - Support Letter for SB 704 (Arreguin): Sale and transfer of firearm barrels. Provided for information.
· State Bill - Support Letter for AB 1127 (Gabriel & Stefani):
Firearms - Regulation of Machinegun-Convertible Pistols.
Provided for information.
This item was received and filed.
18.2 NOTICE OF FINAL MAP - Kawana Village Subdivision - For Council action.
This item was received and filed.
18.3 NOTICE OF FINAL MAP - Penstemon Place- For Council action.
This item was received and filed.
19. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS
Janice Karrman spoke requesting the violation on her property be overturned.
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
August 5, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft
20. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONTINUED CLOSED SESSION ITEMS, RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION IN THE MAYOR’S CONFERENCE ROOM, RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS [IF NEEDED]
21. ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING
Mayor Stapp adjourned the meeting at 5:49 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on August 19, 2025, at a time to be set by the Mayor.
22. UPCOMING MEETINGS
22.1 UPCOMING MEETINGS LIST
Approved on:
_______________________________
Dina Manis
City Clerk