City Hall, Council Chamber
100 Santa Rosa Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
City of Santa Rosa
City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes - Final
12:00 PMTuesday, May 5, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Stapp called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m.
Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member Eddie Alvarez, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Dianna MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie Rogers
Present: 6 -
Council Member Victoria FlemingAbsent: 1 -
2. REMOTE PARTICIPATION UNDER THE BROWN ACT (Gov. Code § 54953.8) Vice Mayor Okrepkie participated remotely from 2365 Ka'anapali Parkway Lahaina, HI 96761 - Mauna Komohana Room as noted on the agenda, under traditional teleconferencing provisions of the Brown Act.
3. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS - NONE.
4. STUDY SESSION
4.1 REVIEW OF FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 OPERATIONS AND
MAINTENANCE BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
BUDGET
The Finance Department recommends that the Council hold a study session intended to provide City Council with the opportunity to receive information and ask questions related to the City’s overall financial stability and the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 Operations and Maintenance Budget and the Capital Improvement Program budget.
This item is provided for Council’s information, and no action is required. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
Day 1, May 5
City Council
City Attorney
City Manager
Finance
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 5, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final HCS Recreation
Planning and Economic Development
TPW - General Fund
Non-Departmental
Homeless Services
Police Department
Fire Department
Housing Authority
Information Technology
Day 2, May 6
Human Resources
Fleet
Enterprise Funds
Santa Rosa Water
Capital Improvement Program
Staff Report
Attachment 1 - 04-21-2026 Study Session Staff Report
Presentation (Uploaded 05-01-2026)
Late Correspondence (Uploaded 05-05-2026)
Attachments:
Interim City Manager Lori Ann Farrell provided opening comments on the study session presentation format differing from past years, that it will: be a more focused conversation related to the budget and addressing the $17.5 million deficit; review recent cost cutting measures adopted by Council to reduce deficit; and hear additional staff recommendations to address a portion of the deficit in Fiscal Year 2026-27 and out years. Interim City Manager Farrell acknowledged past tough decisions made by Council and
expressed appreciation to staff and the employee groups as the City works through the deficit challenges.
Scott Wagner, Chief Financial Officer, and Veronica Conner, Budget and Financial Analyst Manager, presented an overview of the proposed FY 2026-27 General Fund budget, department specific budgets, recent budget reductions, and proposed additional budget strategies and reductions to address the deficit, and answered questions from Council.
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 5, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final Vice Mayor Okrepkie left the meeting at approximately
12:55 p.m.
Mayor Stapp recessed the meeting at 1:51 p.m. and
reconvened at 2:03 p.m.
Chief Financial Officer Wagner continued the presentation and answered questions from Council with additional presentation and response partnership from John Cregan, Police Chief, and Scott Westrope, Fire Chief.
Vice Mayor Okrepkie rejoined the meeting at 2:23 p.m.
Council Member Fleming joined the meeting at 2:40 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Jennielynn Holmes, Catholic Charities, spoke on homeless services, requested that no further reductions are made to homeless services, and stated that Catholic Charities will continue to explore funding alternatives to reinstate those services impacted by previous budget reductions.
A.J. Trombetta, representing a property owner downtown and the Railroad Square Business Development Committee, spoke on the interdependence of economic development, public safety, homeless, mental health, parking, and safe streets services, noting the impact on the success of merchants, property owners, and hotels in downtown and Railroad Square areas.
Mayor Stapp adjourned the study session at 3:35 p.m., with the remaining staff presentations to be heard on Day 2, May 6, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., recessed the meeting at 3:35 p.m., and reconvened at 4:00 p.m.
5. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ROLL CALL (IF NEEDED)
Council Member Rogers rejoined the meeting shortly after roll-call.
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 5, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member Eddie Alvarez, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council Member Dianna MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie Rogers
Present: 7 -
6. REPORT, IF ANY, ON STUDY AND CLOSED SESSIONS
None.
7. PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS
7.1 PROCLAMATION - BIKE TO WORK MONTH & DAY
ProclamationAttachments:
Council Member Rogers read and presented the proclamation to Eris Weaver, Executive Director, Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition.
Eris Weaver, Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, spoke on the proclamation, the achievements in Santa Rosa this last year on active transportation safety, and upcoming community events.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Cal Weeks, Bicycle Coalition, spoke acknowledging the care Santa Rosa is exhibiting by moving forward with bicycle safety projects across the city.
7.2 PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL WILDFIRE AWARENESS MONTH
ProclamationAttachments:
Council Member MacDonald read and presented the proclamation to Paul Lowenthal, Division Chief - Fire Marshal.
Fire Marshal Lowenthal spoke on the proclamation, wildfire awareness initiatives throughout the city, and the support from Council to advance safety initiatives.
No public comments were made.
Mayor Stapp moved to Item 8.1 ahead of Item 7.3.
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 5, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final
8. STAFF BRIEFINGS
8.1 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.
Misti Wood, Communications and Intergovernmental Relations Officer, reported on recent and upcoming community events as part of the Community Empowerment Plan update.
No public comments were made.
7.3 PROCLAMATION - JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
ProclamationAttachments:
Council Member Fleming read and presented the proclamation to Danielle Feldman, JCRC Council Representative and Member of Congregation Shomrei Tora.
Danielle Feldman spoke on the proclamation and Jewish American history.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Irène Hodes, Jewish Community Voice Bay Area, spoke on the proclamation and safety of Jewish Americans in Santa Rosa.
Susan spoke and shared about the Jewish Free Clinic and Elishah's Pantry.
9. CITY MANAGER’S/CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORTS
Misti Wood provided the City Manager Report on behalf of Interim City Manager Lori Ann Farrell and reported on the upcoming City Works Festival being held May 20 in collaboration with the Downtown Wednesday Night Market, proposals are now being accepted to lease the DeTurk Round Barn at 819 Donahue Street, a call for volunteers for the Junior Giants program, the start of the Wednesday Night Market on May 13, and invited community City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 5, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final partners to participate in the 25th Annual Senior Expo on July 11.
Chief Assistant City Attorney Autumn Luna had nothing to report.
No public comments were made.
10. STATEMENTS OF ABSTENTION/RECUSAL BY COUNCIL MEMBERS None.
11. MAYOR'S/COUNCIL MEMBERS’ REPORTS
Council Member Bañuelos reported on upcoming community events including the Cinco de Mayo Festival on Sebastopol Road.
Council Member MacDonald reported on recent meetings and community events attended.
Council Member Alvarez reported on recent meeting with new president of Sonoma State University.
Mayor Stapp reported on recent community events attended.
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 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))
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 5, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final
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
No public comments were made.
12.1 March 24, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes.
Draft MinutesAttachments:
Approved as submitted.
12.2 April 20, 2026, Special Meeting Minutes.
Draft MinutesAttachments:
Approved as submitted.
12.3 April 21, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes. (THIS ITEM IS CONTINUED TO THE MAY 12, 2026, REGULAR MEETING)
This item was continued to the May 21, 2026, regular meeting.
12.4 April 27, 2026, Special Meeting Minutes.
Draft MinutesAttachments:
Approved as submitted.
13. CONSENT ITEMS
No public comments were made.
Approval of the Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Council Member Alvarez, seconded by Council Member Rogers, to adopt Consent Items 13.1 through 13.5.
The motion carried by the following vote:
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 5, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final Yes: Mayor Mark Stapp, Council Member Eddie Alvarez, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council Member Dianna MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie Rogers 6 -
Absent: Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie1 -
13.1 MOTION - APPROVAL OF COOPERATIVE PURCHASE - FIRE
DEPARTMENT PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT THROUGH
COOP AGREEMENT NPPGOV #PS26240
RECOMMENDATION: The Fire Department recommends that the Council, by motion: 1) approve a Purchase Order to purchase Personal Protective Equipment from MES Service Company, LLC, Miami, Florida, utilizing cooperative purchasing through the National Purchasing Partners Government cooperative contract Number PS26240 for a total not to exceed amount of $450,000 and authorizes the Purchasing Agent to execute the Purchase Order; and 2) delegate authority to negotiate and execute any other documents, agreements or amendments related to the purchase, in a form approved by the City Attorney. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
Staff Report
Attachment 1 - NPP Intergovermental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement Attachments:
This Consent - Motion was approved.
13.2 MOTION - APPROVAL OF COOPERATIVE PURCHASE - FIRE
DEPARTMENT FIREDEX PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
THROUGH SOURCEWELL COOP #010424-FDX AGENDA
RECOMMENDATION: The Fire Department recommends that the Council, by motion: 1) approve a Purchase Order to purchase Structural Personal Protective Equipment from Great West Fire & Safety, Inc., Ridgefield, Washington, utilizing cooperative purchasing through the Sourcewell COOP #010424-FDX, Medina, Ohio for a total not to exceed amount of $450,000 and authorizes the Purchasing Agent to execute the Purchase Order; and 2) delegate authority to negotiate and execute any other documents, agreements or amendments related to the purchase that are in a form approved by the City Attorney. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
Staff Report
Attachment 1 - Sourcewell Agreement
Attachments:
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 5, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final This Consent - Motion was approved.
13.3 MOTION - APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDER WITH IPS GROUP, INC. TO PAY SINGLE SPACE AND MULTI SPACE COMMUNICATION
FEES, CREDIT CARD TRANSACTION FEES, AND TEXT 2 PAY
MOBILE PAYMENT FEES
RECOMMENDATION: The Finance Department recommends that the Council, by motion: 1) approve a Purchase Order to offset ongoing secure wireless gateway and data fees, meter management software licensing, and credit card gateway fees from IPS Group, Inc., San Diego, California, for a total not to exceed amount of $810,000 and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute the Purchase Order; and 2) delegate authority to negotiate and execute any other documents, agreements or amendments related to the purchase, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
Staff Report
Attachment 1 - Fee Schedule
Attachment 2 - PO Terms And Conditions
Attachments:
This Consent - Motion was approved.
13.4 MOTION - APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDER WITH PASSPORT
LABS, INC. TO PROVIDE DIGITAL BILLING, TRANSACTION, AND
MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE PAYMENT OF PARKING
METERS VIA MOBILE PHONE.
RECOMMENDATION: The Finance Department recommends that the Council, by motion: 1) approve a Purchase Order to continue the Mobile Payment for Parking Platform provided by Passport Labs, Inc. for a total amount not to exceed $210,000, for an initial one-year term with four optional one-year extensions; and 2) delegate authority to the Purchasing Agent to execute the Purchase Order and to negotiate and execute any other documents, agreements, or amendments related to the purchase, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
Staff Report
Attachment 1 - Scope of Work
Attachment 2 - PO Terms And Conditions
Attachments:
This Consent - Motion was approved.
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 5, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final
13.5 RESOLUTION - FUNDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
SANTA ROSA AND COUNTY OF SONOMA FOR OPERATIONS AT
SAMUEL L. JONES HALL HOMELESS SHELTER
RECOMMENDATION: The Housing and Community Services
Department recommends that the Council, by resolution: 1) approve Modification Number One of Agreement 2025-5042-A01 Between the City of Santa Rosa and the County of Sonoma for Operational Funding at the Samuel L. Jones Hall Homeless Shelter (Funding Agreement) in the amount of $255,000 annually for a combined total amount of $510,000; and 2) authorize the Director of Housing and Community Services to make non-substantive changes to the Funding Agreement, subject to approval by the City Attorney, and execute the Funding Agreement for the period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027. This item will provide additional funding for the shelter for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Staff Report
Resolution
Exhibit A
Attachments:
This Consent - Resolution was adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. RES-2026-046 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA APPROVING MODIFICATION ONE
OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AND THE COUNTY OF SONOMA FOR OPERATIONAL FUNDING AT THE SAMUEL L.
JONES HALL HOMELESS SHELTER
14. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS
Sonia Byck Barwich, Generation Housing, spoke on the Housing for Healthy Communities initiative SB 10 and AB 1033.
Abigail Zoger, Co-Chair of Climate Action Night, spoke on housing insecurity in Santa Rosa.
Bob spoke on small housing units and Generation Housing's current initiative related to AB 1033 and SB 10 which supports infill development.
Hannah F spoke in support of high density housing near transit access.
City of Santa Rosa
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 5, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final Paul Schwartz spoke in support of Generation Housing and endorsed the legislation in SB 10 and AB 1033.
Mario B spoke on affordable housing and climate concerns and future generations in Santa Rosa.
LATE CORRESPONDENCE
Late Correspondence (Uploaded 05-07-2027)Attachments:
15. REPORT ITEMS - NONE.
16. PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE.
17. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - NONE.
18. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS
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 TO BE CONTINUED ON MAY 6, 2026, BEGINNING AT 9:00 A.M.
Mayor Stapp adjourned the meeting at 5:13 p.m. The study session will resume on May 6, 2026, at 9:00a.m. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at a time set by the Mayor.
21. UPCOMING MEETINGS
21.1 UPCOMING MEETINGS LIST
Upcoming Meetings ListAttachments:
Approved on: June 2, 2026
/s/ Dina Manis, City Clerk