City Hall, Council Chamber
100 Santa Rosa Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
City of Santa Rosa
City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes - Final
2:30 PMTuesday, April 7, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Stapp called the meeting to order at 2:31 p.m.
Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council Member Dianna MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie Rogers
Present: 6 -
Council Member Eddie AlvarezAbsent: 1 -
2. REMOTE PARTICIPATION UNDER THE BROWN ACT (Gov. Code § 54953.8)
3. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Peter spoke on legal versus lawful systems and litigation.
Mayor Stapp recessed the meeting to closed session at 2:35 p.m. to discuss Item 3.1 as listed on the agenda.
3.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE
TO LITIGATION
Government Code § 54956.9, subdivision (d)(2) and (e)(2): 1 potential case
The City is in receipt of information that might result in litigation against the City that is known to a potential plaintiff and pertains to a potential employment-related claim.
This item was received and filed.
Mayor Stapp adjourned closed session at approximately 3:42 p.m. and reconvened the meeting to open session at 4:00 p.m.
4. STUDY SESSION - NONE.
5. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ROLL CALL (IF NEEDED)
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 7, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council Member Dianna MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie Rogers
Present: 6 -
Council Member Eddie AlvarezAbsent: 1 -
6. REPORT, IF ANY, ON STUDY AND CLOSED SESSIONS
Mayor Stapp reported there was no reportable action taken in closed session.
7. PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS
7.1 PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH ProclamationAttachments:
Council Member Fleming read and presented the proclamation to Debra Sanders on behalf of CASA Executive Director.
No public comments were made.
7.2 PROCLAMATION - FAIR HOUSING MONTH
ProclamationAttachments:
Council Member Bañuelos read and presented the proclamation to Irmina Benson, Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California.
Elena, Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California, thanked the council for the recognition.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Fred Allebach spoke on three pillars of fair housing - economics, environment, and society.
7.3 PROCLAMATION - AMERICAN MUSLIM APPRECIATION AND
AWARENESS MONTH
ProclamationAttachments:
Council Member Rogers read and presented the proclamation.
Maria Kapitonova and Zobida McCorguodale thanked Council for the City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 7, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final recognition and expressed appreciation for the care Council has demonstrated for the Muslim community.
No public comments were made.
8. STAFF BRIEFINGS
8.1 EARTH DAY AT COURTHOUSE SQUARE
Staff will provide information on Santa Rosa's annual Earth Day event taking place at Courthouse Square on Saturday, April 25, from 12pm - 4pm. Council will take no action except for possible direction to staff.
PresentationAttachments:
Jennifer Nesbit, Research and Program Coordinator, presented and answered questions from Council.
No public comments were made.
8.2 COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT PLAN UPDATE
This is a standing item on the agenda. Council will take no action except for possible direction to staff. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
Ana Horta, Community Engagement Manager, provided a brief report on recent and upcoming engagement events.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Fred Allebach spoke on the upcoming traffic discussions.
9. CITY MANAGER’S/CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORTS
Jason Nutt, Assistant City Manager, provided a report on upcoming overcrossing groundbreakings, current updates at the Comstock Pedestrian Mall work to create a more welcoming, comfortable, and walkable downtown, that Santa Rosa Police Chief John Cregan received the Allen W. Sill Founders award from the California Police Chiefs Association, Transportation and Public Works and Santa Rosa Water departments received an award from the American City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 7, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final Public Works Association - Northern California, for the Lower Colgan Creek project as Environmental Project of the Year, and Sara Kozel, Supervising Engineer, has been identified as one of the "40 under 40" in the Northbay Business Journal, exemplifying the excellence within the organization.
Teresa Stricker, City Attorney, had no report.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
David Harris spoke on the Highway 101 overcrossing and escalation of costs since project discussions started in early 2000s.
Mayor returned to item 7.1 to allow for a photo opportunity with proclamation recipient.
10. STATEMENTS OF ABSTENTION/RECUSAL BY COUNCIL MEMBERS There were no statements of recusal or abstention.
11. MAYOR'S/COUNCIL MEMBERS’ REPORTS
Council Member Bañuelos provided a brief report on recent meetings and community events attended.
Council Member Rogers provided a brief report on recent meetings and community events attended.
Vice Mayor Okrepkie provided a brief report.
Mayor Stapp provided a brief report.
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) City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 7, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final
11.1.3 Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) - Water Advisory Committee Council Member Rogers provided a brief report.
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
Council Member Bañuelos provided a brief report.
11.1.10 Renewal Enterprise District (RED)
11.1.11 Public Safety Subcommittee
11.1.12 Other
12. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
12.1 March 24, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes (THIS ITEM IS CONTINUED TO THE APRIL 21, 2026, REGULAR MEETING).
This item was continued to the April 21, 2026 regular meeting.
13. CONSENT ITEMS
Council Member Bañuelos asked a question on Item 13.13 and City Attorney Stricker responded.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Maryanne Michaels spoke on Item 13.13.
Approval of the Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Okrepkie, seconded by Council Member Rogers, to adopt Consent Items 13.1 through 13.13. The motion carried by City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 7, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council Member Dianna MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie Rogers 6 -
Absent: Council Member Eddie Alvarez1 -
13.1 MOTION - SECOND AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NUMBER F002776 WITH BURKE, WILLIAMS &
SORENSEN, LLP FOR CONTINUED AS-NEEDED GENERAL
MUNICIPAL LEGAL SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION: The City Attorney’s Office recommends that the Council, by motion: 1) approve the Second Amendment to Professional Services Agreement Number F002776 with Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP, San Francisco, California, increasing compensation by $45,000, for a total contract amount not to exceed $145,000, for continued as-needed general municipal legal services; and 2) authorize the City Attorney to execute the agreement. This item will not impact the general fund because services provided under the proposed amendment will be paid for with appropriated funds in current and/or future fiscal year budgets.
Staff Report
Attachment 1 - Second Amendment to PSA F002776
Attachments:
This Consent - Motion was approved.
13.2 MOTION - SECOND AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NUMBER F002775 WITH BURKE, WILLIAMS &
SORENSEN, LLP FOR CONTINUED AS-NEEDED PERSONNEL AND
EMPLOYMENT RELATED LEGAL SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION: The Human Resources Department
recommends that the Council, by motion: 1) approve the Second Amendment to Professional Services Agreement Number F002775 with Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP, San Francisco, California, increasing compensation by $100,000, for a total contract amount not to exceed $200,000, for continued as-needed personnel and related employment legal services; and 2) authorize the City Attorney to execute the agreement. This item will not impact the general fund as services under this agreement will be paid for with appropriated funds in current and future fiscal year budgets.
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 7, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final Staff Report
Attachment 1 - Second Amendment to PSA F002776
Attachments:
This Consent - Motion was approved.
13.3 MOTION - FIRST AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT NUMBER F002773 WITH KRAMER WORKPLACE
INVESTIGATIONS FOR CONTINUED LEGAL SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION: The Human Resources Department
recommends that the Council, by motion: 1) approve the First Amendment to Professional Services Agreement Number F002773 with Kramer Workplace Investigations, a professional corporation, Danville, California, for continued employment-related workplace investigations and legal services by increasing compensation by $150,000, for a total contract amount not to exceed $250,000, amending the scope of services and increasing the hourly rate under the Agreement for services rendered since June 1, 2025; 2) authorize the City Attorney to execute the agreement; and 3) ratify $4,961 in payments erroneously made under the agreement for services rendered since June 1, 2025 at the updated rates in the proposed amendment rather than at the rates in original agreement. This item will not impact the general fund as services under this agreement will be paid for with appropriated funds in current and future fiscal year budgets.
Staff Report
Attachment 1 - First Amendment to PSA F002773
Attachments:
This Consent - Motion was approved.
13.4 MOTION - APPROVAL AND ISSUANCE OF A PURCHASE ORDER FOR THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) VAC-CON 1100 XCAVATOR
RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works
Department recommends that the Council, by motion, approve a Purchase Order to purchase one (1) Vac-Con 1100 Xcavator machine from Vac-Con Inc., of Deerfield, Illinois, utilizing cooperative purchasing through the Sourcewell Cooperative Contract 101221-VAC for a total not to exceed amount of $682,634.73, and authorizes the Purchasing Agent to execute the Purchase Order. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 7, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final Staff Report
Attachment 1 - Sourcewell Contract 101221-VAC
Attachment 2 - Sourcewell Contract Extension
Attachment 3 - Vendor Pricing
Attachments:
This Consent - Motion was approved.
13.5 MOTION - APPROVAL AND ISSUANCE OF A PURCHASE ORDER FOR THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) DTC THERMOPLASTIC
APPLICATION SYSTEM
RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works
Department recommends that the Council, by motion, approve a Purchase Order to purchase one (1) DTC Thermoplastic Application system from PB Loader Corporation of Fresno, California, utilizing the Sourcewell Cooperative Contract 050625-PBL for a total not to exceed amount of $216,258.40 and authorizes the Purchasing Agent to execute the Purchase Order. This item has no impact on the current fiscal budget.
Staff Report
Attachment 1 - Sourcewell Contract 050625-PBL
Attachment 2 - Vendor Pricing
Attachments:
This Consent - Motion was approved.
13.6 RESOLUTION - APPROVAL OF ADDITION OF SUBCONTRACTOR
TO CONSTRUCTION PROJECT- GARAGE HOIST PURCHASE AND
INSTALLATION (C02354)
RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works
Department recommends that the Council, by resolution, approve the addition of subcontractor, Sonoma Marin Electric, Inc of Sebastopol (an IBEW Local 551 Journeyman Electricians and Apprentice Electricians Union subcontractor), at no additional cost, to the Garage Hoist Purchase and Installation project (C02354) with Power Builders Inc. of El Granada, California. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
Staff Report
Attachment 1 - Location Map
Resolution
Exhibit A - IBEW Local 551 Letter
Attachments:
This Consent - Resolution was adopted.
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 7, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final RESOLUTION NO. RES-2026-031 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA TO ADD A SUBCONTRACTOR TO
CONSTRUCTION PROJECT- GARAGE HOIST PURCHASE AND
INSTALLATION (C02354)
13.7 RESOLUTION - ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017 SENATE BILL 1 TRANSPORTATION FUNDING FISCAL YEAR
2026-2027 PROJECT LIST
RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works
Department recommends that the Council, by resolution, authorize the Transportation and Public Works Department to submit one project to the California Transportation Commission in order to receive Fiscal Year 2026-2027 apportionment of Senate Bill 1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Funding for the Oakmont Pavement Maintenance project in the amount of $4,820,318. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
Staff Report
Resolution
Attachments:
This Consent - Resolution was adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. RES-2026-032 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL
OF ONE PROJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION IN ORDER TO RECEIVE FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 APPORTIONMENT OF SENATE BILL 1 ROAD MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION ACCOUNT
FUNDING FOR THE OAKMONT PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,820,318
13.8 RESOLUTION - TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT (TDA)
ARTICLE 3 GRANT APPLICATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works
Department recommends that the Council, by resolution: 1) request that the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) allocate $15,000 from Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027 Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 funds towards the installation of one Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the intersection of College Avenue and Beaver Street; 2) request that MTC allocate $143,189 from FY 2026-2027 TDA Article 3 funds towards the Safety Demonstration Projects at High Injury Intersections project; and 3) authorize the City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 7, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final Director of Transportation and Public Works to file the applications and other required documents to request and allocate the funds, recommended by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
Staff Report
Resolution
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
Attachments:
This Consent - Resolution was adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. RES-2026-033 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA REQUESTING THE ALLOCATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT ARTICLE 3 PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE PROJECT FUNDING FROM THE
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
13.9 RESOLUTION - TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT ARTICLE
IV AND STATE TRANSIT ASSISTANCE ANNUAL FORMULA
ALLOCATION APPLICATION SUBMITTAL
RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works
Department recommends that the Council, by resolution: 1) approve a grant application to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for the Transit Division’s annual request of Transportation Development Act Article IV and State Transit Assistance funds in the amount of $16,600,000; 2) authorize the Director of Transportation and Public Works or designee to submit a grant application on behalf of the Transit Division; 3) authorize the Director of Transportation and Public Works to accept the grant and execute any and all Grant Agreements and amendments thereto, and all other agreements or documents necessary for the completion of the project, subject to approval by the City Attorney; and 4) authorize the Chief Financial Officer to increase appropriations by the approved grant award amount.
Staff Report
Resolution
Attachments:
This Consent - Resolution was adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. RES-2026-034 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA APPROVING A GRANT
APPLICATION WITH THE METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 7, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final
COMMISSION FOR ALLOCATION OF TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT
ACT ARTICLE IV / STATE TRANSIT ASSISTANCE FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 IN THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF $16,600,000; AUTHORIZE
THE DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS TO ACCEPT THE GRANT AND EXECUTE DOCUMENTS NECESSARY; AND AUTHORIZE
THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TO INCREASE APPROPRIATIONS
13.10 RESOLUTION - STATE OF GOOD REPAIR PROGRAM
AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR THE ANNUAL FORMULA
ALLOCATION AND PROJECT APPROVAL
RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works
Department recommends that the Council, by resolution: 1) approve the SB1 State of Good Repair Project; 2) authorize the Director of Transportation and Public Works or designee to request the City’s annual allocation of FY 2026-2027 State of Good Repair funding in the estimated amount of $30,788 from the California Department of Transportation; and 3) agree to comply with all conditions and requirements in the Certifications and Assurances document and applicable law for such purposes.
Staff Report
Resolution
Attachments:
This Consent - Resolution was adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. RES-2026-035 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA APPROVING THE SB1 STATE OF
GOOD REPAIR PROGRAM PROJECT, AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF A FUNDING CLAIM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-27, AND AGREEING TO
COMPLY WITH ALL PROGRAM CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES AND
APPLICABLE LAW
13.11 RESOLUTION - APPROVE SUMMARY VACATION OF A PORTION OF PUBLIC SERVICE EASEMENT LOCATED AT 1927, 1931, 1935 AND 1936 LYON COURT
RECOMMENDATION: The Board of Public Utilities, Santa Rosa Water and Real Estate Services recommend that the Council, by resolution, approve the summary vacation of a portion of unused public service easement that runs across four parcels (collectively, the “Subject Properties”) located at 1927, 1931, 1935 and 1936 Lyon Court, Santa Rosa, CA (Assessor Parcel Numbers 173-630-014, 173-630-013, City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 7, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final 173-630-012 and 173-630-010, respectively). This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
Staff Report
Resolution
Exhibits A and B
Attachments:
This Consent - Resolution was adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. RES-2026-036 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA APPROVING SUMMARY
VACATION OF A PORTION OF PUBLIC SERVICE EASEMENT LOCATED AT 1927, 1931, 1935 AND 1936 LYON COURT
13.12 RESOLUTION - ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING THE
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT’S PROHOUSING INCENTIVE PROGRAM GRANT
OF $1.25 MILLION; AND AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES TO EXECUTE
AGREEMENTS AND ANY RELATED LOAN DOCUMENTS FOR
PROJECTS FUNDED BY THE GRANT
RECOMMENDATION: The Housing and Community Services
Department recommends that the Council, by resolution: 1) accept and appropriate the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s Prohousing Incentive Program grant in the amount of $1,250,000; and 2) authorize the Director of Housing and Community Services to execute agreements and any related loan documents for projects funded by the grant. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
Staff Report
Resolution
Attachments:
This Consent - Resolution was adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. RES-2026-037 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA ACCEPTING AND
APPROPRIATING THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT'S PROHOUSING INCENTIVE PROGRAM
GRANT OF $1.25 MILLION; AND AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS AND
ANY RELATED LOAN DOCUMENTS FOR PROJECTS FUNDED BY THE
GRANT.
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 7, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final
13.13 ORDINANCE ADOPTION SECOND READING - ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA ADDING CHAPTER 13-40
TO THE SANTA ROSA CITY CODE TO (1) ESTABLISH THAT CIVIL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT IS NOT A CITY PURPOSE; AND (2)
PROHIBIT USE OF CITY PROPERTY THAT WOULD DISRUPT
CITY OPERATIONS OR DISCOURAGE ACCESS TO CITY
SERVICES, UNLESS THE USE FURTHERS A CITY PURPOSE OR IS
TRADITIONALLY AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC WITHOUT CITY
AUTHORIZATION
RECOMMENDATION: The City Manager’s Office recommends that the Council approve the second reading and adopt an ordinance adding Chapter 13-40 to the Santa Rosa City Code to (1) establish that civil immigration enforcement is not a city purpose and (2) prohibit the use of City property that would disrupt City operations or discourage access to City services, unless the use furthers a City purpose or is traditionally available to the public without City authorization. This ordinance, introduced at the March 24, 2026, Regular Meeting, passed by a 7-0-0-0 vote.
Ordinance_Redlined
Ordinance
Attachments:
This Consent - Ordinance was adopted on second reading.
ORDINANCE NO. ORD-2026-005 ENTITLED: ORDINANCE OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA ADDING CHAPTER 13-40 TO THE SANTA ROSA CITY CODE TO (1) ESTABLISH THAT CIVIL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT IS NOT A CITY PURPOSE; AND (2) PROHIBIT USE OF
CITY PROPERTY THAT WOULD DISRUPT CITY OPERATIONS OR
DISCOURAGE ACCESS TO CITY SERVICES, UNLESS THE USE
FURTHERS A CITY PURPOSE OR IS TRADITIONALLY AVAILABLE TO THE
PUBLIC WITHOUT CITY AUTHORIZATION
Mayor Stapp left the meeting at 5:00 p.m. and Vice Mayor Okrepkie moved to Item 14.
14. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS
Fred Allebach spoke on a recent March meeting and efforts by Council and staff facilitating the meeting, and spoke favorably on Chief Cregan and the police department's alignment with North Bay Area values.
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 7, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final Vice Mayor Okrepkie moved to Item 16.1.
16. PUBLIC HEARINGS
16.1 PUBLIC HEARING - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT STREAMLINING BACKGROUND: The City is working on an initiative to streamline the Conditional Use Permit process with the goal of making it more predictable and less costly for applicants and business owners. The primary objective is to support economic development within the City by making it easier to establish and expand businesses. The proposal includes amendments to the Zoning Code to address three main elements: 1) Create a new Director Level Conditional Use Permit process, allowing certain uses to be reviewed and approved administratively rather than requiring a public meeting or hearing, unless one is specifically requested; 2) Reduce the level of Conditional Use Permit (Director, Minor, or Major) required for certain uses, to reduce timelines, lower costs and improve overall efficiency, while maintaining appropriate review and oversight; and 3) Update the Temporary Use Permit section of the Zoning Code to allow for a broader range of temporary activities, including pop-up retail and interim activities for vacant or underutilized sites and buildings, supporting the activation of spaces and encouraging reinvestment.
RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Commission and the Planning and Economic Development Department recommend that the Council, by one ordinance and one resolution: 1) introduce an ordinance entitled Ordinance Of The Council Of The City Of Santa Rosa Amending Title 20 Of The Municipal Code To Address Streamlining And Process Improvements For The Conditional Use Permit Process; and 2) adopt a resolution to set a fee for the Director Conditional Use Permit application. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
Staff Report
Attachment 1 - Draft ZC Amendments
Attachment 2 - Public Correspondence
Attachment 3 - Planning Commission Resolution No. PC-RES-2026-007 Ordinance
Resolution
Public Hearing Notice
Presentation
Attachments:
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 7, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final Jessica Jones, Deputy Director-Planning, presented and answered questions from Council.
Vice Mayor Okrepkie opened the public hearing at 5:17 p.m.
David Harris spoke and requested a separate fee schedule for non-profits and addition of a sunset date.
Al Lerman, Mitote Food Park, spoke in support of the item.
Fred Allebach spoke on the item and provided suggestions on diversifying business types.
Vice Mayor Okrepkie closed the public hearing at 5:24 p.m.
A motion was made by Council Member Rogers, seconded by Council Member MacDonald, to introduce an ordinance and adopt the resolution as presented by staff.
ORDINANCE ENTITLED: ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AMENDING TITLE 20 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO
ADDRESS STREAMLINING AND PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT PROCESS
RESOLUTION NO. RES-2026-038 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA ASSIGNING EXISTING SERVICE
FEES TO DIRECTOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATIONS
The motion carried by the following vote:
Yes: Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council Member Dianna
MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie Rogers
5 -
Absent: Mayor Mark Stapp, and Council Member Eddie Alvarez2 -
15. REPORT ITEMS
15.1 REPORT - HOMELESSNESS SOLUTIONS STRATEGIC PLAN
(2023-2027) - YEAR THREE REPORT (2025) (THIS ITEM IS
CONTINUED FROM THE FEBRUARY 10, 2026, REGULAR
MEETING)
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 7, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final BACKGROUND: On November 15, 2022, Council approved the
Homelessness Solutions Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan) for the five-year period beginning January 2023 through December 2027. The Strategic Plan provides key strategies and actions that focus on bolstering the City’s response to the homelessness crises, aligning efforts with the Sonoma County Homeless Coalition (our local County Continuum of Care) to achieve the regional goal of “Functional Zero” homelessness by 2027. A system of care achieves “Functional Zero” when a person’s experience with homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring. This report highlights the City’s progress toward implementing year three of the five-year Strategic Plan.
RECOMMENDATION: The Housing and Community Services
Department recommends that the Council receive a Year Three Report (2025) on the implementation of the Homelessness Solutions Strategic Plan (2023-2027). This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
Staff Report
Attachment 1 – Year Three Implementation Plan (2025)
Presentation
Attachments:
Sasha Brown, Program Specialist II - Housing and Community Services, and Kelli Kuykendall, Housing and Community Services Manager, presented and answered questions from Council.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Peter spoke on the power of magic and expansion of community gardens to address housing and homelessness concerns.
A motion was made by Council Member Bañuelos, seconded by Council Member Rogers, to approve receipt of a Year Three Report (2025) on the implementation of the Homelessness Solutions Strategic Plan (2023-2027).
The motion carried by the following vote:
Yes: Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council Member Dianna
MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie Rogers
5 -
Absent: Mayor Mark Stapp, and Council Member Eddie Alvarez2 -
15.2 REPORT - POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 7, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final REPORT
BACKGROUND: The passage of Assembly Bill 481 added several new statues to the Government Code (GC § 7070-7075). These statutes require any state or local law enforcement agency that uses or wants to acquire “military equipment” as defined in the statue to create a written policy detailing the acquisition and use of the equipment which is adopted by ordinance.
RECOMMENDATION: The Police Department recommends the
Council, by resolution: 1) approve the Santa Rosa Police Department Annual Military Equipment Report which complies with the requirements of AB 481; 2) review Ordinance No. ORD-2022-007; and 3) renew Ordinance No. ORD-2022-007, codified as Chapter 2-38 of the Santa Rosa City Code per California Assembly Bill No. 481.
Staff Report
Attachment 1 - SR City Ord 2022-007 Military Equipment Use Policy Attachment 2 - SRPD Military Equipment Policy
Resolution
Exhibit A - Annual Military Equipment Report
Presentation
Resolution_Redlined (Uploaded 04-08-2026)
Resolution_Revised (Uploaded 04-08-2026)
Attachments:
John Cregan, Chief of Police, and Chris Mahurin, Lieutenant, presented and answered questions from Council.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Fred Allebach spoke and asked regarding how this type of equipment is procured.
David Harris spoke spoke and asked about the sales history of this type of equipment.
A motion was made by Council Member MacDonald, seconded by Council Member Rogers, to adopt resolution as amended by staff.
RESOLUTION NO. RES-2026-039 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA APPROVING THE SANTA ROSA
POLICE DEPARTMENT MILITARY EQUIPMENT REPORT AND
DETERMINING THAT THE CITY MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE ORDINANCE, CODIFIED AS CHAPTER 2-38 OF THE SANTA ROSA CITY CODE, SHOULD City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 7, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final
NOT BE REPEALED OR AMENDED AT THIS TIME
The motion carried by the following vote:
Yes: Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council Member Dianna
MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie Rogers
5 -
Absent: Mayor Mark Stapp, and Council Member Eddie Alvarez2 -
17. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
17.1 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
· Support Letter for state bill SB762 Transactions and use tax: City of Hercules - Provided for information
· Request Letters (3) for federal appropriations towards The City of Santa Rosa Stormwater Management Project - Provided for information
· Request Letters (4) for federal appropriations towards The City of Santa Rosa Regional Llano Trunk Sewer Line Rehabilitation Project - Provided for information
Legislative Update Memo
Letter of Support - SB762
Bill Text - SB762
Federal Appropriations Request - Stormwater Management Project - Padilla Federal Appropriations Request - Stormwater Management Project - Schiff Federal Appropriations Request - Stormwater Management Project - Thompson Federal Appropriations Request - Llano Trunk Sewer Line Rehabilitation Project - Huffman
Federal Appropriations Request - Llano Trunk Sewer Line Rehabilitation Project - Padilla
Federal Appropriations Request - Llano Trunk Sewer Line Rehabilitation Project - Schiff
Federal Appropriations Request - Llano Trunk Sewer Line Rehabilitation Project - Thompson
Attachments:
This item was received and filed.
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]
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 7, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final
20. ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING
Mayor Stapp adjourned the meeting at 6:25 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at a time set by the Mayor.
21. UPCOMING MEETINGS
21.1 UPCOMING MEETINGS LIST
Upcoming Meetings ListAttachments:
This item was received and filed.
Approved on: April 21, 2026
/s/ Dina Manis, City Clerk