-
City Council:
Sandra Lowe, Mayor
John Gurney, Vice Mayor
Jack Ding
Patricia Farrar-Rivas
Ron Wellander
6:00 P.M. - REGULAR MEETING
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OF THE SONOMA CITY COUNCIL
City Council Chambers
177 First Street West
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
6:00 PM Regular Meeting
CONVENE, CALL TO ORDER, & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Lowe called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
PUBLIC COMMENT PROCESS FOR ZOOM ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS
Public Comment Process for ZOOM Attendance at Meetings
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor Lowe, Council Member Ding, Council Member Farrar-Rivas, Vice Mayor Gurney, Council Member Wellander
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
There were no reportable actions taken in Closed Session, which was held on March 10, 2023.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Council Member Farrar-Rivas, seconded by Council Member Ding, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Laurie Sebesta provided public comment.
2. MEETING DEDICATIONS
Vice Mayor Gurney dedicated the meeting to Angelo Sangiacomo, Lorraine Sangiacomo, and Rob Lions. Mayor Lowe dedicated the meeting to Lynne Malouf.
3. COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Council Member Wellander reported that he attended the first Park's Recreation, and Open Space Commission meeting. He is encouraged by the quality and energy of the commission.
Vice Mayor Gurney attended the Sonoma Tourism Improvement District Board meeting where general and financial updates were provided.
Council Member Ding reported he attended the Sonoma Valley Continuum of Care meeting where he gave a brief overview of our local homeless service providers.
Council Member Farrar-Rivas reported she attended a Sonoma Clean Power Board meeting where they approved project agreements with three firms to expand the geothermal capabilities at the geyser.
Mayor Lowe signed the Monarch Butterflies Mayor's Pledge today, an ongoing commitment to increase the number of monarch butterflies in the State of California. Mayor Lowe stated the City will be applying for a grant with the Local Aging and Disability Action Planning to make Sonoma an age and disabled friendly city along with Santa Rosa. She also attended the Sonoma County Transportation Authority meeting, where they reviewed the details of the roundabout being installed at Highways 116 and 121.
Since Covid Emergency regulations have been lifted, any body subject to the Brown Act is required to hold their meetings in person once again. With no objections from Council, Mayor Lowe stated a letter will be drafted and sent to legislators in favor of Senate Bill 144, which would allow agencies the option to hold their meetings either in person or virtually. Mayor Lowe also met with the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce regarding installing bike racks in the City. This will be a joint effort by local businesses, Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce, Sonoma Vitiator's Center, and the City of Sonoma.
Mayor Lowe also followed up on the Plaza and Depot Park bathrooms reporting that there has been great process made to date.
4. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS