City Hall, Council Chamber
100 Santa Rosa Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
City of Santa Rosa
City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft
1:30 PMTuesday, September 9, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Stapp called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, and Council Member Jeff Okrepkie
Present: 5 -
Council Member Dianna MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie Rogers
Absent: 2 -
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
1:32 p.m. to discuss Item 3.1 as listed on the agenda.
3.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9) Stillwater Insurance Company v. City of Santa Rosa
Sonoma County Superior Court Case No. 25CV01641
This item was received and filed.
Mayor Stapp adjourned closed session at approximately 1:40 p.m. and reconvened to the study sessions at approximately 2:00 p.m.
4. STUDY SESSION
Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, and Council Member Jeff Okrepkie
Present: 5 -
Council Member Dianna MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie Rogers
Absent: 2 -
4.1 STUDY SESSION FOR TEMPORARILY CLOSING PORTIONS OF
FOURTH STREET
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft This study session is to provide the City Council with an overview of the opportunities and challenges associated with street closures and pedestrianization, and to present the findings and alternatives identified through staff’s due diligence.
Gabe Osburn, Director - Planning and Economic Development, and Scott Adair, Deputy Director - Economic Development, presented and answered questions from Council.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Cadance Hinkle Allinson, Downtown Action Organization (DAO), expressed desire to be an active partner in the pedestrianization of Fourth Street, and identified four elements to successful implementation: ensure majority of businesses support the concept, identify needed infrastructure improvements, develop enhanced programing, and understand the circulation impacts.
Bernie Schwartz, California Luggage, spoke in opposition to the closure of Fourth Street, and expressed concerns related to business impacts, night-time safety, and access for the senior community and others with mobility challenges.
Adrian Covert, Santa Rosa YIMBY, spoke in support of the pedestrianization of Fourth Street, and emphasized the need for programing and infrastructure improvements.
Council gave direction to staff.
Council Member Rogers joined the meeting at 3:04 p.m.
Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council Member Jeff Okrepkie, and Council Member Natalie Rogers
Present: 6 -
Council Member Dianna MacDonaldAbsent: 1 -
4.2 DOWNTOWN SANTA ROSA PARKING AND RATE ADJUSTMENTS
The purpose of this Study Session is to provide a summary of proposed parking rate adjustments and an overview of the study conducted by City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft Sam Schwartz/TYLin for a technical assistance grant awarded to the City of Santa Rosa by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.
The purpose of the study was to provide information and recommendations on comprehensive parking strategies and the critical need to adjust parking rates.
Chad Hedge, Parking Manager, Tania Cordova, Administrative Analyst, and David Roachford, Consultant - TyLin, presented and answered questions from Council.
Council Member MacDonald joined the meeting at 3:21 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Cadance Hinkle Allinson, DAO, spoke in support of the staff recommendations.
Peter spoke in opposition to the staff recommendations, making money from parking and other topics.
Amanda Janik, Director - Railroad Square District Association, spoke in support of the staff recommendations.
Janice Karrman spoke on Calistoga Road parking issues.
Council provided direction to staff.
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 -
4.3 CITY COUNCIL VOTING PROCESS FOR CERTAIN APPOINTED
POSITIONS
The City Attorney recommends that the Council hold a Study Session to provide Council an opportunity to review the voting processes City Council uses to appoint (1) applicants to vacant Council Member seats, (2) members of boards, commissions and committees appointed by the full Council, and (3) Mayor and Vice Mayor. This item is provided for Council’s information and no action will be taken, but the Council may City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft discuss and provide direction to staff. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
Teresa Stricker, City Attorney, presented and answered questions from Council.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Janice Karrman spoke on the item with a question related to future Council elections.
Peter spoke on the item.
Council provided direction to staff.
4:00 P.M.
5. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ROLL CALL (IF NEEDED)
6. REPORT, IF ANY, ON STUDY AND CLOSED SESSIONS
City Attorney Stricker reported that there was no reportable action from closed session.
7. PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS
7.1 PROCLAMATION - CREEK WEEK 2025
Council Member Rogers read and presented the proclamation to Kyle Spongberg, Environmental Specialist.
Kyle Spongberg, spoke on upcoming Creek Week events.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Jack Cabot spoke on community efforts on cleaning up the creek along Prince Memorial Greenway.
Steve Rabinowitsh spoke in support of the item and on the importance of creeks in the community and the value of celebrating Creek Week.
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft Bill Montgomery spoke in support of the item, about Prince Memorial Greenway and the use of native plants along the greenway.
Robert Ashe spoke in support of the celebration of Creek Week.
Carole Quandt spoke in support of the celebration of Creek Week, the efforts of volunteers along Prince Memorial Greenway and additional support for the volunteers.
Victoria Yanez, Homeless Action!, spoke on those sleeping along the waterways and providing relocation options.
Peter spoke in support of the volunteer efforts for creek cleanup and safety.
Mayor Stapp moved to Item 14 on the agenda.
14. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS
Peter Alexander spoke on human trafficking.
Elizabeth Neylon spoke on living in the United States, opposing the war machine, and Donald Trump.
Sandy spoke on the picture of democracy in action in the Council Chamber.
Victoria Yanez requested that the City of Santa Rosa show compassion for those who have no place to live.
Mayor Stapp moved to Item 8.2 on the agenda.
8. STAFF BRIEFINGS
8.2 VIOLENCE PREVENTION PARTNERSHIP STREET OUTREACH AND
CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM UPDATE
Staff will provide an update on the Street Outreach and Crisis Response Team, implemented by New Hope for Youth. No action will City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft be taken except for possible direction to staff.
Danielle Ronshausen, Violence Prevention Program Manager, presented and answered questions from Council.
No public comments were made.
8.1 COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT PLAN UPDATE
This is a standing item on the agenda. No action will be taken except for possible direction to staff.
Ana Horta, Community Engagement Manager, presented.
No public comments were made.
Mayor Stapp moved to Item 9 on the agenda.
9. CITY MANAGER’S/CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORTS
Jason Nutt, Assistant City Manager, reported that the Recology Reuse Bazaar will be held on September 27, 2025 at the Sonoma County Fair Grounds.
City Manager Stricker had no report.
No public comments were made.
10. STATEMENTS OF ABSTENTION/RECUSAL BY COUNCIL MEMBERS There were no statements of abstention/recusal.
11. MAYOR'S/COUNCIL MEMBERS’ REPORTS
Council Member Rogers provided a brief report on recent meetings and events attended.
Vice Mayor Alvarez provided a brief report regarding a recent bike ride in District 1 with Dan Hennessey, Director - Transportation and Public Works.
Council Member Bañuelos acknowledged the volunteer efforts of the Friends of Prince Memorial Greenway in our community.
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft No public comments were made.
11.1 MAYOR'S/COUNCIL MEMBERS' SUBCOMMITTEE AND LIAISON
REPORTS (AND POSSIBLE COUNCIL DIRECTION TO BOARD
REPRESENTATIVE ON PENDING ISSUES, IF NEEDED)
11.1.1 Council Subcommittee Reports
11.1.2 Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Authorities (SCTCA)
11.1.3 Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) - Water Advisory Committee
11.1.4 Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
11.1.5 Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Advisory Committee
11.1.6 Sonoma Clean Power Authority (SCPA)
11.1.7 Zero Waste Sonoma (formerly known as Sonoma County Waste Management Agency (SCWMA))
11.1.8 Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA)
11.1.9 Sonoma County Homeless Coalition
11.1.10 Renewal Enterprise District (RED)
11.1.11 Public Safety Subcommittee
11.1.12 Other
11.2 DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATE/ALTERNATE TO LEAGUE OF
CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE
11.2.1 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES 2025 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
VOTING DELEGATE
In order to vote at the Annual Business Meeting at the League of California Cities 2025 Annual Conference, each member City must designate a voting delegate and up to two alternate delegates. This year’s conference will be held in Long Beach from Wednesday, October 8 through Friday, October 10. The delegates must be designated by the City Council, and the voting delegate and City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft alternates must be registered to attend the conference.
No public comments were made.
A motion was made by Council Member MacDonald, seconded by Council Member Okrepkie, to designate Mayor Stapp as voting delegate and Vice Mayor Alvarez and Council Member Rogers as the two alternate delegates. 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 -
12. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
12.1 August 19, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes.
Approved as submitted.
13. CONSENT ITEMS
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Janice spoke on Item 13.1 and requested a crosswalk beyond intersection of Calistoga Road and Highway 12.
Approval of the Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Alvarez, seconded by Council Member Rogers, to waive reading of the text and adopt Consent Items 13.1 through
13.3. 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 -
13.1 MOTION - CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION
CONTRACT AWARD - CALISTOGA ROAD RECONSTRUCTION -
MONTECITO BOULEVARD TO HWY 12
RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works
Department recommends that the Council, by motion, approve Project Work Order Number A010139-2016-37 to provide Construction Management and Inspection services with Coastland Civil Engineering, Santa Rosa, California, in an amount not to exceed $1,339,723, City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft inclusive of a 10% contract contingency. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
This Consent - Motion was approved.
13.2 RESOLUTION - FOUNTAINGROVE PARKWAY EXTENSION
ASSESSMENT DISTRICT CLOSEOUT
RECOMMENDATION: The Finance Department recommends that the Council, by resolution: 1) recognize that the Fountaingrove Parkway Assessment District’s purpose has been accomplished; 2) declare no remaining balance in the Redemption Fund of the District; 3) approve the Closeout Analysis Report; and 4) dissolve the Fountaingrove Parkway Assessment District. This item has no fiscal impact to the City.
This Consent - Resolution was adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-155 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA DECLARING THE REMAINING
REDEMPTION FUND BALANCE TO BE SURPLUS, ORDERING THE
DISPOSITION OF SUCH SURPLUS, AND APPROVING THE CLOSEOUT
ANALYSIS REPORT PREPARED BY NBS FOR THE FOUNTAINGROVE
PARKWAY EXTENSION ASSESSMENT DISTRICT
13.3 ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION - ZONING CODE TEXT AMENDMENT - CLERICAL EDIT TO ORDINANCE
RECOMMENDATION: The Planning and Economic Development
Department recommends that the Council introduce an ordinance to correct a clerical error to Section 8 of Ordinance No. ORD-2025-001, which was previously adopted by Council on January 28, 2025, to accurately cite an amendment to Zoning Code Section 21-31.040(C).
This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
This Consent - Ordinance was introduced on first reading, ORDINANCE ENTITLED: ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA ROSA CORRECTING A CLERICAL ERROR IN ORDINANCE
ORD-2025-001
15. REPORT ITEMS - NONE.
16. PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE.
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft
17. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - NONE.
18. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS
No public comments were made.
19. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONTINUED CLOSED SESSION ITEMS, RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION IN THE MAYOR’S CONFERENCE ROOM, RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS [IF NEEDED]
20. ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING
Mayor Stapp adjourned the meeting at 6:37 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on September 30, 2025, at a time to be set by the Mayor.
21. UPCOMING MEETINGS
21.1 UPCOMING MEETINGS LIST
Approved on:
_______________________________
Dina Manis
City Clerk