Sonoma City Council
February 3, 2025

City Council:

Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
Ron Wellander, Vice Mayor
Jack Ding
Sandra Lowe
John Gurney

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

OF THE SONOMA CITY COUNCIL
City Council Chambers, 177 First Street West
Monday, February 3, 2025
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84876986131
6:00 PM Regular Meeting

ACCESSING PUBLIC MEETINGS
As a public service to the community, City Council meetings are held in-person, and viewable through a live webcast on the City’s CivicWeb Portal at https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/Portal/Video.aspx, City of Sonoma YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChZjUrg2rNLYxTgQHhFy-Tg, and televised on Comcast Cable Channel 27. Members of the public can also view the meeting via ZOOM, at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84876986131.

If a technical issue arises with Zoom video or the listening phone dial-in option, the City Council meeting will continue unless a Council Member is participating remotely pursuant to the provisions of Assembly Bill 2449.

Members of the public who wish to address the Council by providing public comments during the meeting may do so in-person in the Council Chambers at 177 First Street West, where the meeting is being publicly held. As an alternative, members of the public may also provide written public comment submitted via the City’s online Public Comment form at https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx or by email to:
[email protected]
PROCESS FOR COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: There will be two opportunities for members of the public to address items not appearing on the agenda. The early public comment period, Agenda Item 1, will be limited to ten speakers. Each speaker will be allowed up to two minutes. Speakers who do not have an opportunity to speak during the first public comment section will be allowed to make their comments during the later public comment period, Agenda Item 10, provided there were more than 10 people in the first public comment section.

When the Mayor announces these agenda items, please form a line to speak.

In the event a Council Member participates remotely for just cause or an emergency circumstance under Assembly Bill 2449, the City will allow for public comment through the Zoom link.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk (707) 933-2216. Notification 48 hours before the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.

Be Courteous - TURN OFF your cell phones and watches while the meeting is in session.

The City Council may discuss and/or take action on any or all of the items listed on the agenda irrespective of how the items are described.

No new items will begin after 9:00pm unless a majority of the members present vote to allow the items to be heard.

Page

REGULAR MEETING

CONVENE, CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL (Lowe, Gurney, Wellander, Ding, Farrar-Rivas)

REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
At this time members of the public may address the Council on matters not listed on this agenda, but which are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council. This public comment period will be limited to ten speakers. Each speaker will be allowed up to two minutes. Speakers who do not have an opportunity to speak during the first public comment section will be allowed to make their comments during the later public comment period, Agenda Item 10, provided there were more than 10 people in the first public comment section. When the Mayor announces these agenda items, please form a line to speak.

Under State Law, unless otherwise permitted under the Ralph M. Brown Act, the merits of the matters presented under this item cannot be discussed or acted upon by the City Council at this time. For items appearing on the agenda, the public will be invited to make comments at the time the item comes up for Council consideration. Please begin by stating your name.

2. MEETING DEDICATIONS

3. COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Committee Reports - Council Members are appointed to various boards and committees - ocal, county-wide and regional. Any updates from a council member will be shared at this time. A list of all appointments is available on our City Website for easy reference.

Council Members may also make appointments to city commissions at this time.

4. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

5. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS

6. PRESENTATIONS

7. CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
All items listed on the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and will be acted upon by a single motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of the Council or staff request specific items to be removed for separate action.

7.1: Waive further reading and Authorize Introduction and/or Adoption of Ordinances by Title Only. (Standard procedural action - no backup information provided)

7.2: Receive Minutes from the Regular Meeting of January 15, 2025 (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
RECOMMENDATION: Receive Minutes.

01.15.2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
5 - 8

7.3: Adopt a Resolution Cancelling the Regular Council Meetings on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, and Monday, March 3, 2025 of Adding a Regular Council Meeting on March 5, 2025 (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk) RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the Resolution.

Agenda Report - Regular Meeting Change - Pdf
9 - 10

7.4: Adopt an Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code Section 19.88.020 (Notice of Hearing), and Finding the Ordinance Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the Ordinance amending Sonoma Municipal Code Section 19.88.020 (Notice of Hearing), and Finding the Ordinance Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines.

Agenda Report - Hearing Notice Amendment - Pdf
11 - 19

7.5: Adopt an Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code, Title 5 Business Licenses and Regulations, Sections 5.04.110, 5.04.200, 5.04.290, and

5.08.075 (Alicia Formato, Accounting Technician)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code Title 5 Business Licenses and Regulations, Sections 5.04.110, 5.04.200,

5.04.290, and 5.08.075.

Agenda Report - Business Licenses Municipal Code Amendment - Pdf 20 - 25

7.6: 1. Adopt an Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code Section 10.52.020, Curb Markings to Indicate No Stopping and Parking Regulations, and Repealing Municipal Code Section 10.48.160 and Finding the Ordinance Exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines; and

2. Adopt a Resolution Designating Locations for 15-Minute Drop-off Parking (Green Curb) in the City of Sonoma Under Municipal Code Section 10.48.190 Consistent with Previous Council Direction (Ashley Cotter, PW Admin & Project Manager)
RECOMMENDATION:

1. Adopt an ordinance amending Sonoma Municipal Code Section

10.52.20, and Repealing Municipal Code Section 10.48.160 TwentyFour-Minute Parking, and finding the Action Exempt from Further Environmental Review Under the General Rule in California Environmental Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3); and

2. Adopt a resolution Designating Locations for 15-Minute Drop-Off Parking (Green Curb) in the City of Sonoma Under Sonoma Municipal Code Section 10.48.190.

Agenda Report - Curb Markings Ordinance Adoption - Pdf
26 - 34

8. PUBLIC HEARING

9. REGULAR CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
(Matters requiring discussion and/or action by the City Council)

9.1: A Resolution of the City Council Authorizing the City Manager to Sign on Behalf of the City a Funding Agreement with the County of Sonoma for Disbursement of Proceeds from Measure H, "The Improved and Enhanced Local Fire Protection, Paramedic Services and Disaster Response Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance" (David Guhin, City Manager) RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign a Measure H funding agreement with Sonoma County that either incorporates changes to the proposed County agreement substantially in accordance with the staff recommendations or that includes an agreement that the parties will negotiate 35 - 48

and reach agreement on changes substantially in accordance with the staff recommendations to clarify key provisions such as those concerning maintenance of effort.

Agenda Report - Measure H Disbursement - Pdf

9.2: Letters of Interest Received and Direction to Mayor Farrar-Rivas or Her Designee Regarding Nominations for Appointees to Regional Commissions & Committees on Behalf of the Mayors' and Councilmembers' Association of Sonoma County and the City Selection Committee (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
RECOMMENDATION: Give direction to Mayor Farrar-Rivas or her designee regarding appointments.

Agenda Report - MCMASC Appointments - Pdf
49 - 72

10. SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT (ONLY REQUIRED IF EARLIER PUBLIC SPEAKERS

REMAIN)
At this this time members of the public who did not have the opportunity to speak during the early comment period may address the Council on matters not listed on this agenda, but which are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council. Each speaker will be allowed up to two minutes. Please form a line to speak.

Under State Law, unless otherwise permitted under the Ralph M. Brown Act, the merits of the matters presented under this item cannot be discussed or acted upon by the City Council at this time. For items appearing on the agenda, the public will be invited to make comments at the time the item comes up for Council consideration. Please begin by stating your name.

11. ADJOURNMENT
I do hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing agenda was posted as legally required. Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk.
*********************************************************************************************************************************** Copies of all staff reports and documents subject to disclosure that relate to any item of business referred to on the agenda are usually available for public inspection the Wednesday before each regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall, located at No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma CA. Any documents subject to disclosure that are provided to all, or a majority of all, of the members of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda after the agenda has been distributed will be made available for inspection at the City Clerk’s office, No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma CA during regular business hours. If you challenge the action of the City Council in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described on the agenda or in written correspondence delivered to the City Clerk at or prior to the public hearing.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk (707) 933-2216. Notification 48 hours before the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.

City of Sonoma's Commission and Committee Roster: 2024 Commission _ Committees Roster 12.19.2024 Appointments to Commission/Committees: The Council may establish and make appointments to a Council committee (made up of two Council Members) with respect to any item appearing on this agenda.

Closed Session: If action is taken during a Closed Session meeting that is required to be reported out at this meeting, the Council will return to Open Session and report out immediately. However, if the Council is unable to do so due to time constraints, it will report out at the immediately following Regular Council Meeting under "REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION".

Motion for Consideration: A Council Member voting with the majority on any item appearing on this agenda may move for reconsideration of that vote provided the motion is in conformance with the rules adopted by the Council governing such motions.

City Council:

Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
Ron Wellander, Vice Mayor
Sandra Lowe
John Gurney
Jack Ding

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

OF THE SONOMA CITY COUNCIL
City Council Chambers
177 First Street West
Wednesday, January 15, 2025

6:00 PM Regular Meeting
Regular Meeting Minutes, January 15, 2025
6:00 P.M. – REGULAR MEETING

CONVENE, CALL TO ORDER, & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Farrar-Rivas called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Council Member Wellander, Council Member Lowe, Vice Mayor Farrar-Rivas, Mayor Gurney, and Council Member Ding

REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
There was no Closed Session held.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Council Member Gurney, seconded by Council Member Ding, to approve the agenda with item 10.1 moved directly after item 1.1. Motion carried unanimously.

1. PUBLIC HEARING
Item 1.1: Presentation and Second Public Hearing Regarding City of Sonoma's Transition to ByDistrict Elections (David Guhin, City Manager & Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk) Action: The presentation was received, and the public hearing was conducted.

Opened Public Hearing: 6:42 p.m.

Public Comments: Robert Demler and Erica Ercalano
Closed Public Hearing: 6:49 p.m.

10. REGULAR CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Item 10.1: Selection of the 2025 City of Sonoma Alcalde (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk) Action: Kathy Witkowicki was selected as the 2025 Alcaldessa.

2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Leslie Nickelson, Ken Stokes, Amy Alterman, Erica Ercalano, Julie King, Robert Demler, Jonathan Clark, David Dixon and Tom Graves provided public comments.

3. MEETING DEDICATIONS
Council Member Gurney dedicated the meeting to Sam Morphy and David Farrell.

4. COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Since the last City Council meeting, Council Member Lowe attended a Sonoma County Transportation Authority Ad-Hoc Committee meeting. She also reported that a new SMART station opened last Friday north of Petaluma on Corona Road and encourages everyone to ride it.

Vice Mayor Wellander, representing the City of Sonoma, attended the Mayors and Councilmembers Association Board meeting on January 9, 2025.

Council Member Ding attended the annual State of the Valley on January 9, 2025.

Council Member Gurney attended a Sonoma Tourism Improvement District meeting on January 15, 2025.

Mayor Farrar-Rivas also attended the State of the Valley on January 9, 2025. During the event, Sonoma Roots Natural Medicine was named Business of the Year, Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance was named Nonprofit of the Year, and Saul Gropman was awarded the Community Legacy Award for 2025.

5. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Manager Guhin reported that the City Council will hold their annual Goal Setting Session on January 30, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at The Lodge in Sonoma; public comments will be received starting at 10:00 a.m. Those unable to attend in person can submit their comments to [email protected] prior to the session. Additionally, that evening, there will be a General Plan Land Use Workshop being held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Vintage House. Mr. Guhin continued on to announce that on April 4, 2025, the City will be hosting the annual reception to honor the 2025 Agenda Item #7.2:

Regular Meeting Minutes, January 15, 2025
Treasure Artist Award recipient – Margaret Hatcher. He went on to report that the sidewalk repairs down Broadway are now complete, as well as some tree trimming, which was done in the same area.

Pedestrian flashers have also been installed along Broadway and the next anticipated set will be installed at West Spain and Third Street. City Manager Guhin updated the public that the holiday lights around Sonoma Plaza will be taken down next week. The main palm tree will continue being lit until the start of the Tuesday Night Farmers Market. Lastly, Mr. Guhin informed the assembly that progress continues on the Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. He emphasized the importance of public participation and encouraged residents to complete a survey available on the City’s website. This survey allows the public to identify hazards and suggest resources for the City to consider. City Manager Guhin concluded by expressing the City’s solidarity with the residents of Los Angeles and the broader Southern California region. He noted that Sonoma County has already deployed multiple resources to support the ongoing efforts in Southern California. Additionally, he reiterated that the City of Sonoma remains prepared to provide any necessary assistance throughout the recovery period.

6. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS
None.

7. PRESENTATIONS
Item 7.1: Presentation by Sonoma County Water Agency

8. CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Motion by Council Member Ding, seconded by Council Member Lowe, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 8.1: Waive further reading and Authorize Introduction and/or Adoption of Ordinances by Title Only. (Standard procedural action - no backup information provided) Item 8.2: Accept the Minutes from the Special Meeting of December 18, 2024, and the Regular Meeting of December 18, 2024 (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk) Action: The Minutes were accepted.

Item 8.3: Adopt a Resolution Adopting City of Sonoma Standard Plan No. 119 - SolarPowered/Wireless Communication Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon System and Square Pole Installation (Mike Berger, Public Works Director) Action: Adopted as Resolution 01-2025.

Item 8.4: Adopt a Resolution to (a) Accept the City’s Annual Report and Findings Regarding Development Impact Fees as Required by the Mitigation Fee Act and the Quimby Act for Fiscal Year 2023-24; (b) Approve the Reauthorization of the Intended Use of Retained Funds Collected for Improvements that Remain Unspent for More than Five Years (Prapti Aryal, Finance Director & Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 02-2025.

Item 8.5: Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of Sonoma as Successor Agency Approving the FY 25-26 Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule [ROPS] for the Period July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026 (Prapti Aryal, Finance Director)
Action: Adopted as SA Resolution 01-2025.

Item 8.6: Adopt an Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code Chapters 19.41 – Two-Unit Residential Development and Chapter 19.72 – Parcel Maps For Urban Lot Splits and Finding this Action is Not a Project under Division 13 (Commencing With Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director) Action: Adopted as Ordinance 01-2025.

Item 8.7: Accept the Expenditure Report for the Month of December 2024 (Prapti Aryal, Finance Director)
Action: The expenditure report was accepted.

Item 8.8: Adopt an Ordinance Amending Chapter 19.51 of the Sonoma Municipal Code to Align with the Revised Public Art Policy (Sarah Tracy, Senior Management Analyst/PIO)
Action: Adopted as Ordinance 02-2025.

Item 8.9: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Small Enterprise Agreement for Local Government Cloud-Based Geographic Information Systems Software and Support with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. and Directing the City Manager to Amend the Fiscal Year 24-25 Budget by Increasing the Management Information Services Fund Budget by $2,920 (Chris Pegg, Public Works Operations Manager)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 03-2025.

9. PUBLIC HEARING
Agenda Item #7.2:

Regular Meeting Minutes, January 15, 2025
Item 9.1: Discussion, Consideration, and Possible Action to Introduce an Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code Section 19.88.020 (Notice of Hearing), and Finding the Ordinance Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director)
Action: The ordinance was introduced.

Opened Public Hearing: 8:14 p.m.

Public Comment: None.

Closed Public Hearing: 8:14 p.m.

Motion by Council Member Lowe, seconded by Council Member Ding, to introduce an Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code Section 19.88.020 (Notice of Hearing), and Finding the Ordinance Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) – General Rule – of the CEQA Guidelines. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 9.2: Discussion, Consideration, and Possible Action to Introduce an Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code Section 10.52.20, Curb Markings to Indicate No Stopping and Parking Regulations, and Repealing Municipal Code Section 10.48.160 and Finding the Ordinance Exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines (Mike Berger, Public Works Director & Ashley Cotter, Public Works Administrative & Project Manager)
Action: The ordinance was introduced.

Opened Public Hearing: 8:23 p.m.

Public Comment: Erica Ercalano
Closed Public Hearing: 8:25 p.m.

Motion by Council Member Lowe, seconded by Council Member Gurney, to Introduce an Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code Section 10.52.20, Curb Markings to Indicate No Stopping and Parking Regulations, and Repealing Municipal Code Section 10.48.160 and Finding the Ordinance Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) – General Rule – of the CEQA Guidelines. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 9.3: Discussion, Consideration and Possible Action to Introduce an Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code, Title 5 Business Licenses and Regulations, Sections

5.04.110, 5.04.200, 5.04.290, and 5.08.075 (Alicia Formato, Accounting Technician) Action: The ordinance was introduced.

Opened Public Hearing: 8:34 p.m.

Public Comment: None
Closed Public Hearing: 8:34 p.m.

Motion by Council Member Ding, seconded by Council Member Lowe, to Introduce an Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code, Title 5 Business Licenses and Regulations, Sections 5.04.110,

5.04.200, 5.04.290, and 5.08.075. Motion carried unanimously.

10. REGULAR CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Farrar-Rivas called a recess at 8:36 p.m.; Council reconvened at 8:41 p.m.

Item 10.2: Presentation and Discussion, Consideration, and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sonoma Approving the Active Transportation Plan and Finding this Action is Exempt from Further Environmental Review Under the General Rule in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director)
Action: The presentation was received and adopted as Resolution 04-2025.

Public Comment: Emily Charton and Michael Woods
Motion by Council Member Gurney, seconded by Council Member Lowe, to Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sonoma Approving the Active Transportation Plan and Finding this Action is Exempt from Further Environmental Review Under the General Rule in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3). Motion carried unanimously.

11. SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT (ONLY REQUIRED IF PUBLIC SPEAKERS REMAIN FROM ITEM 2.0) None.

12. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Farrar-Rivas adjourned the meeting at 9:39 p.m.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing minutes were duly and regularly received at a regular meeting of the Sonoma City Council on the 3rd of February 2025.

Agenda Item #7.2:

Regular Meeting Minutes, January 15, 2025
____________________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.2:

City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 03 Feb 2025
Department
Administration
Staff Contact
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item Title
Adopt a Resolution Cancelling the Regular Council Meetings on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, and Monday, March 3, 2025, and Adding a Regular Council Meeting on March 5, 2025 Summary
On December 18, 2024, the City Council adopted the 2025 Regular Meeting Calendar.

Due to the timeline for the transition to by-district elections, the regular meeting on March 5th was moved to March 3rd. Since that time, the timeline has shifted, and the alternate date is no longer required. Staff are asking that the City Council cancel the Regular Meetings of the City Council on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 and Monday, March 3, 2025, and a regular meeting be scheduled for March 5, 2025.

Recommended Council Action
Adopt the Resolution.

Alternative Actions
Council discretion.

Financial Impact
None
Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Resolution - Meeting Cancellation _ Reschedule
Agenda Item #7.3:

City of Sonoma
RESOLUTION # ___ - 2025

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA CANCELLING THE REGULAR MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 19, 2025, AND MARCH 3, 2025, AND SCHEDULING A REGULAR MEETING ON MARCH 5, 2025
WHEREAS, Section 2.01.010 of the Sonoma Municipal Code requires the City Council to establish, by resolution, the date and time of regular Council meetings; and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted its 2025 Meeting Calendar on December 18, 2024; and WHEREAS, it is desired to cancel the Regular Meetings scheduled for Wednesday, February 19, 2025 and Monday, March 3, 2025; and
WHEREAS, it is desired to schedule a Regular Meeting for Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Sonoma that the Regular Meetings of February 19, 2025, and March 3, 2025, are cancelled.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that there is scheduled a Regular Meeting on March 5, 2025.

PASSED, RESOLVED, AND ADOPTED at Regular meeting of the City of Sonoma City Council on this 3rd day of February 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
______________________________
Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.3:

City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 03 Feb 2025
Department
Community Development
Department
Staff Contact
Jennifer Gates, AICP
Community Development Director
Agenda Item Title
Adopt an Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code Section 19.88.020 (Notice of Hearing), and Finding the Ordinance Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines Summary
This ordinance was introduced at a Public Hearing at the Regular Council Meeting of January 15, 2025, with no changes to the proposed ordinance.

Government Code Sections 65090 through 65096 provide the rules for noticing public hearings under the Planning and Zoning law, including timelines, distances requirements, mailing, publication, and other requirements. The City’s Municipal Code Section 19.88.020 (Notice of Hearings) provides the City’s public hearing requirements that meet or exceed the requirements in the Planning and Zoning law. Staff is proposing amendments of Section 19.88.020 to clarify and amend the existing requirements consistent with State regulations and implement Assembly Bill 2904 (“AB 2904”).

On September 27, 2024, Governor Newsom signed into law, AB 2904, which amends Government Code Section 65854 by increasing the required noticing period for a proposed zoning ordinance or amendment affecting permitted uses of real property from 10 to 20 days.

Staff is proposing to add this requirement to the Code. In addition, staff propose the following clarifications:
 Publication – Reduce newspaper advertisement from two Fridays to one Friday.  Mailed notices – Clarify tenants on the site and within 100 feet will be mailed a notice instead of Director discretion.
 Posting – Clarify the agenda will be posted at City Hall.  Posted Notice - Require a signed affidavit from the applicant that the posting has occurred on their site.

Topic Current Requirement Proposed Change
Publication Two consecutive Fridays One Friday
Mailed Notices
Property Owners within 500
feet (300 feet required by
state law)
Tenants at Planning Director
discretion
Property Owners within 500
feet
Tenants on site and within
100 feet
Posting
Three locations (was
combined with posted
notice)
Agenda will be posted at
City Hall
Agenda Item #7.4:

Posted Notice Three locations Only on-site and require a signed affidavit of posting
Notice period 10 days
10 days for hearings not
concerning a zoning
ordinance amendment, e.g.,
land use permits and
appeals.
20 days zoning ordinance or
amendment affecting
permitted uses of real
property (AB 2904)
On December 19, 2024, the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the City Council Ordinance with no modifications.

Recommended Council Action
Adopt the Ordinance amending Sonoma Municipal Code Section 19.88.020 (Notice of Hearing), and Finding the Ordinance Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines.

Alternative Actions
Council discretion.

Financial Impact
There is no financial impact from this action.

Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Draft Ordinance - Public Notice
Exhibit A SMC 19.88.020 Amendment
Agenda Item #7.4:

City of Sonoma
ORDINANCE #_____ - 2025

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA AMENDING SONOMA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 19.88.020 (NOTICE OF HEARING) AND FINDING

THIS ACTION IS EXEMPT FROM FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW UNDER THE

GENERAL RULE IN CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(B)(3).

WHEREAS, Government Code Sections 65090 – 65096 & 65854 provide the provisions for notices of public hearings under the Planning and Zoning Law; and WHEREAS, on September 27, 2024, Governor Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 2904 (“AB 2904”), which amends Government Code Section 65854 by increasing the required noticing period for a proposed zoning ordinance or amendment from 10 to 20 days; and WHEREAS, state law allows a local agency to adopt additional noticing requirements if deemed necessary or desired; and
WHEREAS, the City of Sonoma desires to amend Section 19.88.020 of the Sonoma Municipal Code to clarify noticing requirements and to implement AB 2904; and WHEREAS, adoption of this Ordinance is consistent with the goals, policies, and actions of Sonoma General Plan, would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the city, and is internally consistent with other applicable provisions of the City’s development code for the reasons expressed in this Ordinance, the accompanying staff reports, and other substantial evidence presented; and WHEREAS, the proposed Ordinance was reviewed by the Planning Commission at a duly noticed public hearing on December 19, 2024, at which the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Ordinance was introduced by the Sonoma City Council on January 15, 2025.

NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. RECITALS
The recitals above are each incorporated by reference and adopted as findings by the City Council.

SECTION 2. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS
The Sonoma Municipal Code Section 19.88.020 is hereby amended as shown in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.

SECTION 3. FINDINGS FOR DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENTS
Pursuant to Section 19.86.070(B) of the Sonoma Municipal Code, the proposed amendments of the development code under this ordinance are:

Agenda Item #7.4:

A. The proposed amendment is consistent with the goal, policies, and actions of the General Plan;
The City of Sonoma Development Code carries out the policies and implementation measures of the General Plan and State Law. Consistency between Sections of the Development Code and State Law ensure accuracy of the Development Code review process and therefore the amendments are consistent with the goals, policies, and actions of the General Plan.

B. The proposed amendment would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the city;
The proposed amendment is to amend the noticing requirements for public hearings as required by state law. Therefore the proposed amendment would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the city.

C. Comply with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as described in Section 4 below; and
The amendments fall under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (B)(3) General Rule. The General Rule, also known as the “Common Sense Exemption” applies to projects in which it is clear and definitive that the project will not have any significant impacts on the environments.

D. The proposed amendment is internally consistent with other applicable provisions of this development code.

The purpose of the amendments is to create consistency with applicable provisions of the development code and state law for public noticing requirements to improve clarity on the post-approval procedures for staff, applicants, and residents.

SECTION 4. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
This Ordinance has been assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and the environmental regulations of the city. City Planning Staff has determined that the adoption and implementation of the Ordinance is exempt from further environmental review under the general rule in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) that CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. As a series of text amendments and additions without any physical project being approved, and not involving a commitment to any specific project that may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment, it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the ordinance will have a significant effect on the environment. The City Council concurs in these findings and adopts them as its own. The City Council, therefore, directs that a Notice of Exemption be filed with the County Clerk of the County of Sonoma in accordance with CEQA Guidelines.

SECTION 5. SEVERABILITY
Agenda Item #7.4:

If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance for any reason is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.

The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after passage thereof.

SECTION 7. PUBLICATION
This ordinance shall be published in accordance with the provisions of Government Code section 36933, subdivision (c)(1).

SECTION 8. THIS ORDINANCE PREVAILS WHERE THERE IS CONFLICT To the extent that this Ordinance conflicts with any other provision in the Sonoma Municipal Code or city ordinance (urgency or otherwise), policy or regulation, this Ordinance will control.

Introduced and first read at a Regular Meeting of the City Council on the 15th day of January 2025.

Final passage and adoption by the City Council of the City of Sonoma was at a meeting held on the ____ of _____ 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
_________________________________
Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
State of California )
County of Sonoma )
City of Sonoma )
I, Rebekah, Barr, City Clerk of the City of Sonoma, do hereby certify that the foregoing ordinance was adopted on the _____ of ______ 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

Agenda Item #7.4:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
_________________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.4:

EXHIBIT A
The following section of the Sonoma Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows (strikeout is used to denote existing text being deleted; underline is used to denote new text being added):

19.88.020 Notice of hearing.

When a land use permit or other matter requires a public hearing, the public shall be provided notice of the hearing in compliance with state law (Government Code Section 65090 et seq.), and as required by this chapter.

A. Contents of Notice. Notice of a public hearing shall include:

1. Hearing Information. The date, time, and place of the hearing and the name of the hearing body; and the phone number and street address of the planning division, where an interested person could call or visit to obtain additional information;

2. Project Information. The name of the applicant; a general explanation of the matter to be considered; a general description, in text and/or by diagram, of the location of the property that is the subject of the hearing; and any proposed CEQA determination.

B. Minimum Method of Notice Distribution. Notice of a public hearing required by this chapter for a land use permit, amendment, or appeal shall be given as follows, as required by state law (Government Code Sections 65090 and 65091), and by all of shall be given by the following methods:

1. Publication. Notice published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the city at least 10 days before the hearing, with an additional publication thereafter.

2. Mailing. Notice mailed or delivered at least 10 days, or 20 days for ordinances affecting permitted uses of real property, before the hearing to the following:
a. Owner(s) of Proposed Site. The owner(s) of the property being considered in the application, or the owner’s agent, and the applicant;
b. Local Agencies. Each local agency expected to provide schools, water, or other essential facilities or services to the project, whose ability to provide the facilities and services may be significantly affected;
c. Affected Owners. All owners of real property as shown on the latest Sonoma County equalized assessment roll, within a radius of 500 feet of the exterior boundaries of the Agenda Item #7.4:

parcel that is the subject of the hearing; and any other person whose property might, in the judgment of the city plannerdirector, be affected by the proposed project; d. Notice to Tenants. Each residential and/or commercial tenant located within the project site and/or one hundred feet of the property line of the project site. e. Persons Requesting Notice. Any person who has filed a written request for notice with the city plannerdirector and has paid the required fee for the notice.

3. Posting. The agenda for the public hearing shall be posted at city hall. Notice posted in at least three public places within the boundaries of the local agency, including one public place on the site (if applicable) directly affected by the proceeding and including the notice board at City Hall and Police Station/City Council Chambers.

4. a. Posted Notice. A poster or posters with minimum dimensions of 11 by 17 inches, including the content set forth in subsection (A) of this section, shall be placed by the project applicant at the subject property and for the entire duration of the notification period as set forth herein.

One poster shall be required for each street frontage of the subject property. For example, two posters would be required for a corner lot. The project applicant must submit a signed affidavit in a form provided by the community development department that states the property sign has been installed consistent with the terms of this section and these standards along with a photo of the sign on site.

C. Additional Notice to Tenants. As deemed necessary by the city planner.

D. Alternative to Mailing. If the number of property owners to whom notice would be mailed in compliance with subsection (B)(2) of this section is more than 1,000, the city plannerdirector may choose to provide the alternative notice allowed by state law (Government Code Section 65091(a)(3)) by placing a display advertisement of at least one-eighth page in a newspaper of general circulation in the city at least 10 days before the hearing, , or 20 days before the hearing for ordinances affecting permitted uses of real property.

E. Large Project Posting. In addition to the types of notice required above, posting shall be required for specified projects, as follows:

1. Applicable Projects. Provisions for a large project posting shall apply to the following types of projects:
a. Applications for residential development that would result in five or more new units or parcels;
Agenda Item #7.4:

b. Applications for commercial or mixed use development that would result in the creation of 2,500 square feet or more of new commercial building area.

2. Size and Placement. A large project posting shall consist of a minimum 24-inch by 36-inch sign board, securely mounted on posts with a minimum clearance of three feet, placed on the property that is the subject of the application. The posting shall be placed so that it is clearly visible and readable from a public right-of-way.

3. Content. Information provided on the posting shall include the following: the name of the applicant; a general description of the application; the property address; a telephone number for a project contact; and the phone number and street address of the planning division, where an interested person could call or visit to obtain additional information. In addition, the words “Proposed Development Project” shall appear at the top of the sign, with a minimum letter height of three inches.

4. Maintenance on Property. The placement of a large project posting consistent with the provisions of this section shall be considered an application submittal requirement. The posting shall occur upon submittal of an application for a planning or subdivision permit and the posting shall be maintained in good order until such time as the application has been decided.

5. Responsibility of Applicant. The fabrication, placement and maintenance of a large project posting shall be the sole responsibility of the project applicant.

F. Applications for Drive-Through Facilities. Whenever a hearing is held on a permit for a new drive-through facility or the modification of an existing drive-through facility, the city shall incorporate, where necessary, notice procedures for the blind, aged and disabled communities in order to facilitate their participation in any hearing on, or appeal of the denial of, the permit application.

G. Additional Notice. In addition to the types of notice required above, the city plannerdirector may provide any additional notice with content or using a distribution method as the city plannerdirector determines is necessary or desirable.

H. Resolution of Conflicting Requirements. In situations where noticing requirements established by the state or federal government require public notice in a manner that conflicts with the provisions of this section, the applicable state or federal requirements shall prevail.

Agenda Item #7.4:

City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 03 Feb 2025
Department
Finance
Staff Contact
Alicia Formato, Accounting Technician
Agenda Item Title
Adopt an Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code, Title 5 Business Licenses and Regulations, Sections 5.04.110, 5.04.200, 5.04.290, and 5.08.075.

Summary
This ordinance was introduced at a Public Hearing at the Regular Council Meeting of January 15, 2025, with no changes.

The proposed amendments to the Business License and Regulations reflect the Finance Department’s initiative to address inconsistencies within the City of Sonoma’s Municipal Code (SMC). Staff has identified discrepancies in the code that no longer align with current operational procedures.

Section 5.04.110, titled “Renewal of license,” states that, when a business wishes to renew its business license, the business must provide the City with a sworn statement containing the information necessary for renewal before July 1st of each year. However, this conflicts with the City’s practice of having all business licenses expire on December 31st, requiring renewal before the end of the calendar year. To make this section consistent with the City’s process of using calendar years for business license renewals, we propose amending this section to require the sworn statement before January instead of July.

Section 5.04.200, titled “License Tax - How and When Payable,” states that the business license tax is due on July 1st. Again, this conflicts with the City’s practice of having all business licenses expire on December 31st. The business license tax is typically collected and issued for the full calendar year or prorated if issued after July 1st. The proposed ordinance would amend section 5.04.200 to require payment before December 31st, instead of July 1st, consistent with City practice. Additionally, we propose removing Sections A through F in this section in their entirety as the City does not provide license terms other than annual and prorated.

Section 5.04.290, titled “Partial Refund of Annual Tax,” states that any person who has paid an annual business license tax in advance and terminates the business during the first half of the fiscal year is eligible for a refund. Consistent with the City’s practice of using calendar years for business license renewals, we propose amending this section to refer to the calendar year instead of the fiscal year. Additionally, the application for refund requests should be directed to the Finance Director, rather than the City Clerk.

Section 5.08.075, titled “Automatic Adjustment in License Tax Based on Per Capita Income within the State,” specifies that if there is an increase or decrease in per capita income, the City Clerk shall make a corresponding adjustment to the license tax rate, rounded to the nearest full dollar, for the succeeding fiscal year. The proposed ordinance would transfer this responsibility from the City Clerk to the Finance Director.

Agenda Item #7.5:

The proposed changes to the ordinance aim to align the City of Sonoma’s Business License regulations with current practices and improve operational efficiency.

Recommended Council Action
Adopt the Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code Title 5 Business Licenses and Regulations, Sections 5.04.110, 5.04.200, 5.04.290, and 5.08.075.

Alternative Actions
Council discretion.

Financial Impact
Not applicable.

Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Business License Draft Ordinance
Agenda Item #7.5:

City of Sonoma
ORDINANCE # - 2025

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA AMENDING SECTIONS 5.04.110, 5.04.200, 5.04.290, AND 5.08.075 AND OF THE SONOMA

MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING BUSINESS LICENSE TAX PAYMENTS, REFUNDS,

AND ADJUSTMENTS
WHEREAS, the Finance Department has identified inconsistencies in the Sonoma Municipal Code (SMC) regarding the payment due date for business licenses, refund procedures, and the authority for adjusting the business license tax rate based on per capita income; and
WHEREAS, these inconsistencies need to be addressed to ensure clarity, efficiency, and alignment with current business license practices; and WHEREAS, on January 15th, 2025 the City Council reviewed the proposed amendments and determined that aligning the business license regulations with current procedures would improve consistency and streamline administrative functions; and WHEREAS, the proposed amendments to the Sonoma Municipal Code set forth hereinbelow are consistent with state law.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1: The recitals above are each incorporated by reference and adopted as findings by the City Council.

SECTION 2: The following sections of the Sonoma Municipal Code are hereby amended to read as follows (strikeout is used to denote existing text being deleted; underline is used to denote new text being added):

5.04.110 Renewal of license.

In all cases, the applicant for the renewal of a license shall submit to the collector on or before July January 1st an application for renewal containing a sworn statement upon a form to be provided by the collector, setting forth such information concerning the applicant’s business during the preceding calendar year as may be required by the collector to enable him to verify the amount of the license tax to be paid by the applicant pursuant to the provisions of Chapters 5.04 and 5.08 SMC.

5.04.200 License tax – How and when payable.

Unless otherwise specifically provided, all annual license taxes under the provisions of Chapters 5.04 and 5.08 SMC shall be due and payable in advance on the first day of July January of each year; provided, that license taxes covering new operations, commenced after the first day of January July, may be prorated 50 percent for the final six months of the license period. For new businesses within the city the business license Agenda Item #7.5:

tax shall become due prior to the opening of the business but no later than five days after mailing a notice of the amount of such tax by the tax collector.

Except as otherwise herein provided, license taxes, other than annual, required hereunder shall be due and payable as follows:

A. Semiannual license taxes on the first day of July and the first day of January of each fiscal year;
B. Quarterly license taxes on the first day of July, October, January, April of each fiscal year;
C. Monthly license taxes on the first day of each and every month; D. Weekly flat-rate license taxes on Monday of each week in advance; E. Daily flat-rate license taxes each day in advance;
F. Other flat-rate license taxes are payable in advance on the first day of business and thereafter on the first day of any applicable period.

5.04.290 Partial refund of annual tax.

Effective July 1, 1975, any person who has paid an annual business license tax in advance and who terminates the subject business during the first half of the fiscal calendar year for which the tax is paid may have a refund of one-half the annual tax on condition that application is made to the city clerk finance director within 30 days after the date on which the business is terminated.

5.08.075 Automatic adjustment in license tax based on per capita income within the state.

The rate of the license tax payable for the license period beginning July 1st and each year thereafter shall be adjusted upward or downward automatically as follows:

Beginning July 1, 1980, each flat rate tax shall be adjusted upward or downward automatically in proportion to the increase or decrease of per capita income within the state as reported officially by the executive department of the state for the annual period ending the preceding March 31st. The flat rate tax in effect for the year beginning July 1, 1979, shall be used as the base. If there is either an increase or decrease in such per capita income, the city clerk finance director shall make a corresponding adjustment in the rate of license tax, rounded off to the nearest full dollar, payable for the succeeding fiscal year. The annual maximum increase in the sale of the license tax shall not exceed eight percent in one fiscal year.

SECTION 3. CEQA. This ordinance has been assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and the environmental regulations of the city. City Staff has determined that the adoption and implementation of the ordinance is exempt from further environmental review under the general rule in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) that CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. As a text amendment and addition without any physical project being approved, it can be seen with certainty that Agenda Item #7.5:

there is no possibility that the ordinance will have a significant effect on the environment.

The proposed ordinance is therefore exempt from the provisions of CEQA because it does not involve a commitment to any specific project that may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. The City Council concurs in these findings and adopts them as its own. The City Council, therefore, directs that a Notice of Exemption be filed with the County Clerk of the County of Sonoma in accordance with CEQA Guidelines.

SECTION 4: Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance for any reason is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, despite the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 5. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after passage thereof.

SECTION 6. Publication. This ordinance shall be published in accordance with Government Code section 36933, subdivision (c)(1).

INTRODUCED and first read at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 15th day of January 2025.

PASSED, RESOLVED, AND ADOPTED, at a Regular Meeting of the City of Sonoma on this ___ day of February 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
__________________________________
Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
ATTEST
__________________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
State of California )
County of Sonoma)
City of Sonoma )
I HEREBY CERTIFY the foregoing ordinance was introduced at a Regular Meeting of the City of Sonoma City Council held on the 15th day of January 2025, and was duly adopted at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Sonoma held on this ___ day of February 2025, by the following vote:

Agenda Item #7.5:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
__________________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.5:

City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 03 Feb 2025
Department
Public Works
Staff Contact
Ashley Cotter, PW Admin & Project Manager,
Michael Berger, Public Works Director
Agenda Item Title

1. Adopt an Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code Section 10.52.020, Curb Markings to Indicate No Stopping and Parking Regulations, and Repealing Municipal Code Section 10.48.160 and Finding the Ordinance Exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines; and

2. Adopt a Resolution Designating Locations for 15-Minute Drop-off Parking (Green Curb) in the City of Sonoma Under Municipal Code Section 10.48.190 consistent with previous Council direction.

Summary
This ordinance was introduced at the Regular Meeting of January 15, 2025, with no changes to the ordinance.

Green curbs are utilized at various locations throughout the Plaza and along Broadway for businesses and restaurants that need reserved brief parking for quick bank transactions, picking up take-out orders, or quick pick-up items. Green curbs are designated for a brief period of time, whereas a standard parking stall at the Plaza or on Broadway has the City standard 3- hour parking limit. Currently, the green curb signs installed on the Plaza state that parking is limited to 15 minutes only.

Currently, Sonoma Municipal Code Section 10.52.20 states that green curb marking shall mean no standing or parking for a period of time longer than 24 minutes at any time between 9:00am and 6:00pm on any day except Sunday(s) and holidays. The proposed ordinance would amend this to: Green curb marking shall mean no standing or parking for a period of time longer than 15 minutes at any time on any day. The green curb signs installed on the Plaza state that parking is limited to 15 minutes only. This ordinance would bring the Municipal Code in line with the current posted signage.

This ordinance also repeals Section 10.48.160 - Twenty-four-minute parking. With the proposed amendments to Municipal Code Section 10.52.160, there would be no more 24-minute parking, and thus this Section 10.48.160 would be superfluous.

The Plaza/near Plaza locations proposed for green curbs installed outside of the listed businesses are below (many of these locations already have an existing drop-off/pickup green zone), and a site plan is attached:
1) Crown Cleaners
2) US Bank (Broadway Entrance)
3) US Bank (East Napa Entrance)
4) The Red Grape
5) El Dorado Hotel (First Street West)
Agenda Item #7.6:

6) El Dorado Kitchen Pick Up (West Spain Street)
7) Sonoma Hotel (West Spain Street near Girl and the Fig) 8) Mary's Pizza Shack
9) Toscano Hotel (Visitor's Bureau)
10) Between B&V Whiskey Bar and Grille and La Casa Restaurant and Bar 11) Between Sweet Scoops and The Plaza Bistro
12) Between Maya Restaurant and Della Santina
These locations reflect requested green curb installations, as well as locations staff deemed to be useful for businesses on the Plaza that have robust to-go operations or a need for reservedshort term parking. Public Works and Community Development staff worked together with the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses to compile the locations for green curb installations. The Chamber of Commerce reviewed the final list and confirmed there are no outstanding requests.

The City Council has authority under Vehicle Code Section 22507 and Sonoma Municipal Code Section 10.48.190 to establish parking regulations by resolution. Council also approved the Plaza/near Plaza green curb locations during the January City Council meeting.

Recommended Council Action

1. Adopt an ordinance amending Sonoma Municipal Code Section 10.52.20, and Repealing Municipal Code Section 10.48.160 Twenty-Four-Minute Parking, and finding the Action Exempt from Further Environmental Review Under the General Rule in California Environmental Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3); and

2. Adopt a resolution Designating Locations for 15-Minute Drop-Off Parking (Green Curb) in the City of Sonoma Under Sonoma Municipal Code Section 10.48.190.

Alternative Actions

1. Introduce a modified version of the Ordinance.

2. Do adopt ordinance, provide additional direction to staff.

3. Adopt ordinance but provide direction to staff to amend green curb locations.

4. Council discretion.

Financial Impact
There are no financial impacts at this time.

Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Green Curb Ordinance
Resolution - Green Curb Locations and Exhibit A
Agenda Item #7.6:

City of Sonoma
ORDINANCE #_______ - 2025

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA AMENDING SONOMA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 10.52.020 , REPEALING SECTION 10.48.160

TWENTY-FOUR-MINUTE PARKING, AND FINDING THIS ACTION IS EXEMPT FROM

FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW UNDER THE GENERAL RULE IN CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(B)(3) WHEREAS, the City Council conducted a noticed public hearing on January 15, 2025, for the purpose of considering the proposed amendments to the Ordinance; and WHEREAS, the City Council has duly considered all testimony presented at the public hearings, and the evaluation and recommendations from staff; and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments to the Sonoma Municipal Code set forth hereinbelow are consistent with state law.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1: The recitals above are each incorporated by reference and adopted as findings by the City Council.

SECTION 2: Section 10.52.020(D) Curb markings to indicate no stopping and parking regulations of the Sonoma Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows (strikeout is used to denote existing text being deleted; underline is used to denote new text being added):

When authorized signs or curb markings have been determined by the city traffic engineer or city council to be necessary and are in place giving notice thereof, no operator of any vehicle shall stop, stand or park the vehicle adjacent to any such legible curb marking or sign in violation thereof. The city public works superintendent is authorized to place the following curb markings to indicate parking or standing regulations, and The curb markings shall have the meanings as herein set forth:

A. Red means no stopping, standing or parking at any time except as permitted by the Vehicle Code, and except that a bus may stop in a red zone marked or signed as a bus zone; B. Yellow means no stopping, standing or parking at any time between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on any day except Sunday(s) and holiday(s) for any purpose other than the loading or unloading of passengers or materials;
C. White means no stopping, standing or parking for any purpose other than loading or unloading of passengers, or for the purpose of depositing mail in an adjacent mailbox, which shall not exceed three minutes and such restrictions shall apply between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. of any day except Sunday(s) and holiday(s);
Agenda Item #7.6:

D. Green curb marking shall mean no standing or parking for a period of time longer than 24 fifteen minutes at any time between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on any day except Sunday(s) and holidays;
E. It is unlawful for any person in charge of any vehicle to permit such vehicle to remain standing at any time for a continuous period of time longer than two hours as posted at locations so designated for two-hour parking, except by permit as provided in SMC 10.48.260.

SECTION 3: Section 10.48.160 Twenty-four-minute parking of the Sonoma Municipal Code is hereby repealed.

SECTION 4. CEQA
This Ordinance has been assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and the environmental regulations of the city. City Planning Staff has determined that the adoption and implementation of the Ordinance is exempt from further environmental review under the general rule in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) that CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. The City Council concurs in these findings and adopts them as its own. The City Council, therefore, directs that a Notice of Exemption be filed with the County Clerk of the County of Sonoma in accordance with CEQA Guidelines.

SECTION 5. Severability.

If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance for any reason is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.

The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 6. Effective Date.

This ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after passage thereof.

SECTION 7. Publication.

This ordinance shall be published in accordance with the provisions of Government Code section 36933, subdivision (c)(1).

SECTION 8. This Ordinance Prevails Where There is Conflict.

To the extent that this Ordinance conflicts with any other provision in the Sonoma Municipal Code or city ordinance (urgency or otherwise), policy or regulation, this Ordinance will control.

Agenda Item #7.6:

Introduced and first read at a Regular Meeting of the City Council on the 15th of January 2025.

Final passage and adoption by the City Council of the City of Sonoma was at a meeting held on the ______ of _______ 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
_________________________________
Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
State of California )
County of Sonoma )
City of Sonoma )
I, Rebekah, Barr, City Clerk of the City of Sonoma, do hereby certify that the foregoing ordinance was adopted on the ____ of ______ 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
_________________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.6:

387819.1
City of Sonoma
RESOLUTION # ______-2025

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA DESIGNATING LOCATIONS FOR 15-MINUTE DROP-OFF PARKING (GREEN CURB) IN THE CITY OF SONOMA UNDER CHAPTERS 10.48 AND 10.52 OF THE SONOMA MUNICIPAL CODE WHEREAS, Sonoma Municipal Code (SMC) section 10.48.190 authorizes the City Council, by resolution, to regular parking upon any street or highway of the city, or any off-street parking facility which the city owns or operates, including the determination and designation of parking time limits; and
WHEREAS, SMC section 10.52.020 (Curb markings to indicate no stopping and parking regulations) as amended, makes it unlawful for any vehicle operator to stop, stand, or park a vehicle adjacent to any green curb marking or sign for a period of time longer than 15 minutes at any time on any day; and
WHEREAS, SMC section 10.48.190 authorizes the City Council, by resolution, to direct the public works superintendent to place the curb markings to indicate parking or standing regulations, including green curb markings to indicate no standing or parking for a period of time longer than 15 minutes; and
WHEREAS, the Public Works and Community Development Departments consulted with local businesses and the Chamber of Commerce to produce a list of twelve Plaza/near Plaza green curb locations; and
WHEREAS, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on January 15, 2025, to introduce an ordinance to amend SMC 10.52.020 to provide 15-minute parking for green curb installations and removing 24-minute parking, at which the City Council approved the necessity and locations for green curb installations as determined by staff in consultation with local businesses and the Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, the City Council now wishes to regulate 15-minute parking at the locations detailed in Exhibit A.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Sonoma that the following parking restrictions are hereby established:

Section 1. 15-minute parking under SMC section 10.52.020(D), as amended, is necessary for the locations indicated in the Plaza/near Plaza site plan attached hereto as Exhibit A, and listed below:
1) Crown Cleaners – 568 Broadway
2) US Bank (Broadway Entrance) – 500 Broadway
3) US Bank (East Napa Entrance) - 5 East Napa Street
4) The Red Grape – 529 First Street West
5) El Dorado Hotel (First Street West) – 405 First Street West 6) El Dorado Kitchen Pick Up (West Spain Street) – 98 West Spain Street 7) Sonoma Hotel (West Spain Street near Girl and the Fig) – 110 West Spain Street 8) Mary's Pizza Shack – 8 West Spain Street
Agenda Item #7.6:

387819.1
9) Toscano Hotel (Visitor's Bureau) – 20 East Spain Street 10) Between B&V Whiskey Bar and Grille and La Casa Restaurant and Bar – 121 East Spain Street
11) Between Sweet Scoops and The Plaza Bistro – 414 First Street East 12) Between Maya Restaurant and Della Santina – 127 East Napa Street Section 2. The Director of Public Works is directed to install a drop off zone (green curb markings) at the approved Plaza/near Plaza locations, in compliance with amended SMC section

10.52.020 and as outlined above and in the site plan Exhibit A to effectuate this resolution.

Section 3. This resolution shall take effect at the same time the Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Sonoma Amending Sonoma Municipal Code Section 10.52.020, Repealing Section

10.48.160 Twenty-Four-Minute Parking and Finding This Action is Exempt From Further Environmental Review Under the General Rule in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(B)(3) takes effect.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Sonoma this 3rd day of February, 2025 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
ATTEST:

Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.6:

Site Plan – Estimated locations, not drawn to scale. Each line indicates one parking space replaced with green curb.

Exhibit A
Agenda Item #7.6:

Location 1: Crown Cleaners
Location 2: US Bank (Broadway)
Location 3: US Bank (East Napa)
Location 4: Red Grape
Location 5: El Dorado Hotel
Location 6: El Dorado Kitchen pick up
Location 7: Sonoma Hotel (Girl and the Fig)
Location 8: Mary’s Pizza Shack
Location 9: Toscano Hotel (Visitor’s Bureau)
Location 10: Between B&V and La Casa
Location 11: Between Sweet Scoops and Plaza Bistro
Location 12: Between Maya and Della Santina
Agenda Item #7.6:

City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 03 Feb 2025
Department
Administration
Staff Contact
David Guhin, City Manager
Agenda Item Title
Adoption of a Resolution of the City Council Authorizing the City Manager to Sign on Behalf of the City a Funding Agreement with the County of Sonoma for Disbursement of Proceeds from Measure H, "The Improved and Enhanced Local Fire Protection, Paramedic Services and Disaster Response Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance"
Summary
Measure H Background
On March 5, 2024, the voters of Sonoma County approved Measure H, “The Improved and Enhanced Local Fire Protection, Paramedic Services and Disaster Response Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance,” which added Article VIII, consisting of Sections 12.60 through 12.68 to Chapter 12 of the Sonoma County Code.

Measure H is a 1/2 cent countywide transactions and use (sales) tax that provides funding that is intended to achieve effective and efficient regional fire response services throughout Sonoma County. Measure H is intended to address growing wildfire risks by generating revenue to improve fire preparedness, response times, and infrastructure, including equipment, training, and personnel. The measure aims to enhance Sonoma County fire services agencies’ ability to respond to wildfires and emergencies, helping ensure public safety and the protection of vital resources.

Approximately 1.18% of the revenue generated by Measure H is allocated to eligible fire and emergency services costs of the City of Sonoma including providing additional staffing for emergency response and wildfire mitigation efforts. The expenditure plan requires funds only be used to supplement existing services in six program categories which include, but are not limited to:
• wildfire prevention, preparedness, emergency response and vegetation management; • recruitment and retention of local firefighters;
• updates to essential equipment and facilities;
• transfer of funds among designated local agencies or entities; • implementation costs; and
• countywide expenditures.

Measure H Oversight Committee
Measure H imposes a fiduciary duty on Sonoma County to administer the tax proceeds. In addition, Measure H provides that its implementation is the responsibility of an Oversight Committee consisting of eleven appointed members to provide transparency and ensure fiscal accountability by reviewing the receipt and expenditure of Measure H revenues and an annual report from each agency that receives Measure H funds. Oversight Committee members must Agenda Item #9.1:

be Sonoma County residents who are not active fire chiefs, active fire directors, County employees or the spouses of any such individuals. The Committee’s make up is as follows:
• Six committee members will be chosen by the Board of Supervisors. o 2 will be selected from a list submitted by the Mayors and Councilmembers Association of Sonoma County (this is tentatively scheduled for the April Mayors and Councilmembers Association meeting);
o 2 members will be selected from a list of names submitted by the labor organizations responsible for collective bargaining on behalf of firefighters employed by agencies that receive Measure H funds.
o The remaining 2 members will at large selected by the Board of Supervisors. • Three committee members will be appointed by the Sonoma County Fire Chiefs’ Association.
o One of the committee members appointed by the Fire Chiefs’ Association will be selected from a list nominated by the general public.
• Two committee members will be appointed by the Sonoma County Fire Districts Association.
o One of these members must be selected from a list of names submitted by the Sonoma County Taxpayers’ Association.

Measure H Maintenance of Effort
Section 12-65 of Measure H requires that tax proceeds shall not be used to supplant recipient agencies’ historical general fund contribution originating from taxes and fees to support the operating cost for providing fire related services, excluding non-capital project and limited term expenses. Section 12-65 also establishes a baseline maintenance of effort amount consisting of each recipient’s baseline fire-related services operating budget for fiscal year 2021-2022, excluding limited term funds such as those budgeted for capital projects, grants, grant matches, or other one-time revenues. Section 12-68(A) of Measure H further requires that the funding agreements between the County of Sonoma and recipient agencies shall establish existing revenue used to fund existing personnel in order to establish the baseline for measuring compliance with the requirement that sales tax proceeds from the measure shall only be used to pay for the purposes authorized in Section 12-66(B) of the measure (which include recruitment of additional personnel), and also retention of existing personnel.

It should be noted, unlike other cities in Sonoma County, the City of Sonoma contracts with the Sonoma Valley Fire District to provide fire service and does not have a stand-alone fire department as part of the City’s budget. Details of this arrangement are provided in a Joint and Mutual Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services Agreement Between the Sonoma Valley Fire District and City of Sonoma dated March 16, 2022. The current agreement is effective for a period of 5 years. Staff will be evaluating how the required maintenance of effort calculation will apply to this agreement and any potential future contract extensions.

Funding Agreement Discussion
Measure H requires the County to have a funding agreement in place before it can distribute tax proceeds to the recipient agencies. The first distribution is planned for the beginning of March. Thus, for the County to distribute funds to the City and other recipients in March, the County needs an approved funding agreement this month. However, because of certain ambiguities in Measure H related to recipient agencies’ historic general fund allocations to fire Agenda Item #9.1:

related services, the County has indicated it does need an agreement that covers all the specifics of each recipient’s maintenance of effort and personnel amounts. Instead, as drafted, the City and County are agreeing to amend the funding agreement before the City’s Measure Recommended Council Action
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign a Measure H funding agreement with Sonoma County that either incorporates changes to the proposed County agreement substantially in accordance with the staff recommendations or that includes an agreement that the parties will negotiate and reach agreement on changes substantially in accordance with the staff recommendations to clarify key provisions such as those concerning maintenance of effort.

Alternative Actions
This action is being brought for City Council approval at this time to ensure the required funding agreement between Sonoma County and the City is in effect so that Sonoma will begin receiving its share of Measure H proceeds when they first become available in April, 2025.

Delay in this action could result in delaying the City's access to Measure H funds. Accordingly, there is no alternative action recommended by staff in lieu of approving the attached resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign a Measure H funding agreement on behalf of the City.

Financial Impact
Approximately 1.18% of the tax proceeds from Measure H are allocated to eligible fire protection and emergency services costs of the City of Sonoma. Measure H is currently projected to generate approximately $731,600 annually for Sonoma.

Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Measure H Resolution
Measure H Funding Agreement
Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma
RESOLUTION #_________ - 2025

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA AUTHORIZING THE CITY

MANAGER TO SIGN ON BEHALF OF THE CITY A FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH THE

COUNTY OF SONOMA FOR DISBURSEMENT OF PROCEEDS FROM
MEASURE H, “THE IMPROVED AND ENHANCED LOCAL FIRE

PROTECTION, PARAMEDIC SERVICES AND DISASTER RESPONSE
TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX ORDINANCE”
WHEREAS, on March 5, 2024, the voters of Sonoma County approved Measure H, “The Improved and Enhanced Local Fire Protection, Paramedic Services and Disaster Response Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance,” which added Article VIII, consisting of Sections 12.60 through 12.68 to Chapter 12 of the Sonoma County Code; and
WHEREAS, Measure H is a ½ cent county-wide transactions and use (sales) tax that provides funding that is intended to achieve effective and efficient regional fire response services throughout Sonoma County, and to address growing wildfire risks by generating revenue to improve fire preparedness, response times, and infrastructure, including equipment, training, and personnel; and WHEREAS, Measure H aims to enhance Sonoma County fire services agencies’ ability to respond to wildfires and emergencies, helping ensure public safety and the protection of vital resources; and WHEREAS, approximately 1.18% of the revenue generated by Measure H is allocated to eligible fire and emergency services costs of the City of Sonoma, and Sonoma’s share of Measure H proceeds can fund additional staffing for emergency response and wildfire mitigation efforts; and WHEREAS, Measure H imposes on the County of Sonoma a fiduciary duty to administer Measure H tax proceeds, and implementation of Measure H is the responsibility of an Oversight Committee that the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors must establish consisting of eleven appointed committee members to provide transparency and ensure fiscal accountability by reviewing the receipt and expenditure of Measure H revenues and an annual report from each agency that receives Measure H funds on that agency’s use of the measure proceeds; and WHEREAS, Section 12-61 of Measure H provides: “The Expenditure Plan set forth in section 12-66 is intended as a specific and legally binding and enforceable limitation on how the proceeds of the transactions and use tax imposed by this Ordinance may be spent;” and as part of the Measure H Expenditure Plan, Section 12-66(D) of the measure specifies allocation percentages for entities receiving funds generated by the measure; and
WHEREAS, Section 12-68(A) of Measure H requires that the funding agreements between the County of Sonoma and recipient agencies are required before any tax proceeds are distributed; and WHEREAS, City Council action to adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign a Measure H funding agreement with Sonoma County as recommended by staff is not a “project” subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) in accordance with Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines, which provides that “projects” for CEQA purposes do not include the creation of government funding mechanisms or other government fiscal activities, which do not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment, and organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment, and subsequent actions or programs of the City utilizing Measure H funds that may result in environmental impacts subject to CEQA review will be separately analyzed in accordance with applicable CEQA requirements.

Agenda Item #9.1:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Sonoma as follows:

1. Recitals Made Findings. The above recitals are hereby declared to be true and correct and are incorporated into this resolution as findings of the City Council.

2. Action is Not a Project Subject to CEQA: Council action to adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign a Measure H funding agreement with Sonoma County as recommended is not a "project" subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") in accordance with Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines, which provides that "projects" for CEQA purposes do not include the creation of government funding mechanisms or other government fiscal activities, which do not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment, and organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. Subsequent actions or programs of the City utilizing Measure H funds that may result in environmental impacts subject to CEQA review will be separately analyzed in accordance with applicable CEQA requirements.

3. City Manager Authorized to Execute Agreement. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute a funding agreement with the County of Sonoma for disbursement to the City of its share of proceeds from Measure H, the “The Improved and Enhanced Local Fire Protection, Paramedic Services and Disaster Response Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance.”

4. Severability. The City Council hereby declares that every section, paragraph, sentence, clause, and phrase of this resolution is severable. If any section, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this resolution is for any reason found to be invalid or unconstitutional, such invalidity, or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases.

PASSED, RESOLVED, AND ADOPTED, at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Sonoma on this 3rd day of February 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
____________________________
Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #9.1:

386013.2 1

MEASURE H FUNDING AGREEMENT

BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SONOMA AND

CITY OF SONOMA
This Agreement is made and entered into as of _______________________ (“Effective Date”) by and between the County of Sonoma, a political subdivision of the State of California, and City of Sonoma, a California municipal corporation and general law city, hereinafter referred to as “COUNTY” and the “FIRE AGENCYCITY”, and collectively as “the Parties.”

RECITALS
WHEREAS, on March 5, 2024, the voters of Sonoma County approved Measure H, “The Improved and Enhanced Local Fire Protection, Paramedic Services and Disaster Response Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance”, which added Article VIII to Chapter 12 of the Sonoma County Code (hereinafter “the Ordinance”); and
WHEREAS, the Ordinance provides funding to achieve effective and efficient regional fire response services throughout Sonoma County; and
WHEREAS, the County of Sonoma is charged with a fiduciary duty in administrating the tax proceeds generated by the Ordinance and implementation of the Ordinance is the responsibility of an Oversight Committee which reports directly to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors; and
WHEREAS, Section 12-61 of the Ordinance states: “The Expenditure Plan set forth in section 12-66 is intended as a specific and legally binding and enforceable limitation on how the proceeds of the transactions and use tax imposed by this Ordinance may be spent”; and WHEREAS, as part of the Ordinance Expenditure Plan, Section 12-66(D) provides allocation percentages for entities receiving funds generated by the Ordinance (“Recipients”); and WHEREAS, as part of independent Oversight Committee and performance audit, Section 12- 67(B) of the Ordinance requires Recipients to prepare and distribute to the Oversight Committee specific information in annual reports not later than December 31st of each year; and WHEREAS, as part of the oversight and administration of the Ordinance, Section 12-68(A) of the Ordinance requires a funding agreement between the County of Sonoma and Recipients before any tax proceeds are distributed; and
WHEREAS, Section 12-65 of the Ordinance requires that Ordinance proceeds shall not be used to supplant FIRE AGENCYCITY’S historical proportional allocation togeneral fund contribution in support of the operating costs for providing fire related services and establishes a baseline for maintenance of effort requirement that shall not be violated; and WHEREAS, Section 12-68(A) of the Ordinance further requires that the funding agreement between the County of Sonoma and Recipients shall establish existing revenue used to fund Agenda Item #9.1:

386013.2 2
existing personnel in order to establish the baseline for measuring compliance with the requirement that sales tax proceeds generated by the Ordinance shall only be used to pay for the expenditures authorized in Section 12-66(B) and (C) of the Ordinance, which include recruitment of additional personnel and retention of existing personnel; and WHEREAS, the County of Sonoma and Recipients desire to have a uniform agreement to ensure consistency in distribution, reporting, oversight, and administration of the funds generated by the Ordinance.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, COUNTY and FIRE AGENCYCITY do hereby agree as follows:

1. The Parties agree to comply with the purpose, intent, use of fund limitations and specific implementation provisions of the Ordinance, which became operative October 1, 2024.

2. Allocation of Funds. As provided in Section 12-66(D), the allocation percentage of funds generated by the Ordinance to be received by FIRE AGENCYCITY is one and eighteen hundredths percent (1.18%), to be used for the purposes set forth in Sections 12-66(B) and 12-66(C) of the Ordinance. As provided in Section 12-66(E), the successor fire agency of any enumerated entity in Section 12-66(D) shall receive the funds set forth in that section.

3. Distribution of Funds. COUNTY shall distribute the sales tax proceeds to FIRE AGENCYCITY on a quarterly basis based on the following schedule:

July – September proceeds will be distributed by the 10th of December; October – December proceeds will be distributed by the 10th of March; January – March proceeds will be distributed by the 10th of June; April – June proceeds will be distributed by the 10th of September.

The first distribution of tax proceeds from COUNTY to FIRE AGENCYCITY per the Ordinance and this Agreement will be the by the 10th of March 2025 for the October – December 2024 collection date.

4. Baseline maintenance of effort. As provided in Section 12-65, Ordinance proceeds shall not be used to supplant FIRE AGENCYCITY’S historical general fund contribution for providing fire related services. The CITY’S proportional allocation to determine maintenance of effort is FIRE AGENCY’S baseline operating budget for Fiscal Year 2021-2022, which includes ad valorem property taxes, parcel taxes or any other taxes and/or fees in support of the operating cost for providing fire related services but excluding limited term funds such as capital projects, grants, grant matches or other onetime revenues, will be reported on the CITYFIRE AGENCY’s Annual Report in Exhibit A. The Parties intend and agree to execute an Amendment to this Funding Agreement prior to the submission of the Annual Report, which sets forth FIRE AGENCYCITY’s proportional allocation. If the proportional allocation to FIRE AGENCY in any Agenda Item #9.1:

386013.2 3
subsequent fiscal year is materially less than the FY 21/22 allocation, then the jurisdiction that provides funding shall be deemed to violate the maintenance of effort requirement.

5. Baseline personnel funding. For the purposes of Section 12-68(A) of the Ordinance, the baseline amount from Fiscal Year 2021-2022 for measuring compliance with the requirement that Ordinance proceeds used for personnel costs (other than permitted use for local firefighter retention in accordance with Section 12-66 of the Ordinance) shall only be used to pay for additional personnelas provided in the operating budget for Fiscal Year 2021-2022, FIRE AGENCY’S annual existing revenues used to fund existing personnel in order to establish the baseline for measuring compliance with the requirement that sales tax proceeds shall only be used to pay for additional personnel will be reported on the FIRE AGENCYCITY’s Annual Report in Exhibit A. The Parties intend and agree to execute an Amendment to this Funding Agreement prior to the submission of the Annual Report, which sets forth FIRE AGENCYCITY’s baseline personnel funding.

6. 30-year limit on Bonded Indebtedness. As provided in Sections 12-63 and 12-66(C), FIRE AGENCYCITY may issue limited tax bonds to finance any program or project in accordance with the Ordinance Expenditure Plan, as allowed by applicable law and as approved by their respectiveits legislative body. The maximum bonded indebtedness shall not exceed the projected 30-year distribution of FIRE AGENCYCITY’S annual allocation and any costs associated with the issuance of such bonds shall be accounted for within the program category in which the bond proceeds are used.

7. Reporting Requirements.
a. In order to ensure consistency in distribution, reporting, oversight, and administration of the funds generated by the Ordinance as set forth in Section 12- 67(B) of the Ordinance, annual reports to the Oversight Committee shall be made by FIRE AGENCYCITY not later than December 31st of each year in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.
b. If FIRE AGENCYCITY receives funding as part of the Countywide Expenditures from the Sonoma County Fire Chiefs Association (“SCFCA”) pursuant to Section 12-66(C)(6) of the Ordinance, FIRE AGENCYCITY shall prepare an annual report to be provided to SCFCA no later than September 30th to be included in the SCFCA’s annual report to the Oversight Committee.

8. Appropriations Limit. As provided in Section 12-64 of the Ordinance, revenue generated by the Ordinance shall be attributed to the appropriations limit of the County, and not to the appropriations limit of any Recipients.

Agenda Item #9.1:

386013.2 4

9. Records. The Parties shall retain all records regarding expenditures of funds generated by the Ordinance for a period of three (3) years from the date of the expenditure.

10. Audit authority of Oversight Committee. Subject to Sections 12-67(C) and 12-67(D) of the Ordinance, the Oversight Committee shall have the authority to audit the receipt and expenditures as set forth in the annual reports submitted by Recipients.

11. Over Allocation. If COUNTY over over-allocates funds to FIRE AGENCYCITY for any reason, FIRE AGENCYCITY agrees to return the amount of such over allocation to COUNTY to be re-allocated per Section 12-66(D).

12. County Costs. As provided in Section 12-66(C)(5), the Parties agree COUNTY is authorized to allocate funds collected pursuant to the Ordinance to pay for expenses incurred which relate to the implementation of the tax, including payments necessary for the operation of the Oversight Committee and Ordinance reporting. The Parties further agree that any costs that exceed the County of Sonoma ACTTC Administrative Fee allocation as set forth in Section 12-66(D) shall be removed from the total tax proceeds prior to distribution of funds to all respective agencies.

13. Indemnification. FIRE AGENCYCITY shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless COUNTY, its officers, officials, and employees, from and against any and all demands, claims, actions, litigation or other proceedings, liability, damages and costs (including but not limited to attorney fees), that arise out of, pertain to or relate in whole or in part to COUNTY’S obligations under this agreement, excepting only matters that are based upon the County's breach of its fiduciary duty, gross negligence or willful misconduct.

14. Notices. Any notice which may be required under this Agreement shall be in writing, shall be effective when received, and shall be given by personal service, or by certified or register mail, return receipt requested. to the addresses set forth below, or to such addresses which may be specified in writing to the parties Parties hereto.

TO FIRE AGENCY: City of Sonoma
No. 1 The Plaza
Sonoma, CA 95476
TO COUNTY: County of Sonoma
Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector
585 Fiscal Drive, #100
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

15. Additional Acts and Documents. Each party agrees to do all such things and take all such actions, and to make, execute and deliver such other documents and instruments, as Agenda Item #9.1:

386013.2 5
shall be reasonably requested to carry out the provisions, intent and purpose of this Agreement.

16. Integration. This Agreement represents the entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. No representations, warranties, inducements or oral agreements have been made by any of the Parties except as expressly set forth herein, or in other contemporaneous written agreements.

17. Amendment. This Agreement may not be changed, modified or rescinded except in writing, signed by all parties Parties hereto, and any attempt at oral modification of this Agreement shall be void and of no effect.

18. Independent Agencies. The Parties renders their services under this Agreement as independent agencies. None of either Party’s agents or employees shall be agents or employees of the other Party.

19. Assignment. The Agreement may not be assigned, transferred, hypothecated or pledged by any party without the express written consent of the other party.

20. Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon the successor(s), assignee(s) or transferee(s) of the COUNTY or FIRE AGENCYCITY as the case may be. This provision shall not be construed as an authorization to assign, transfer, hypothecate or pledge this Agreement other than as provided above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, per Section 12-66(E)(2) of the Ordinance, in the event any enumerated entity in Section 12- 66(D) consolidates with or is annexed by another entity, the successor agency shall receive the funds allocated to the enumerated entity.

21. Severability. Should any part of this Agreement be determined to be unenforceable, invalid, or beyond the authority of either party to enter into or carry out, such determination shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Agreement which shall continue in full force and effect; provided that, the remainder of this Agreement can, absent the excised portion, be reasonably interpreted to give effect to the intensions of the partiesParties.

22. Limitations
a. All obligations of COUNTY under the terms of this Agreement are expressly subject to COUNTY’S continued authorization to collect and allocate the sales tax proceeds generated by the Ordinance. If for any reason COUNTY’S right to collect or expend such sales tax proceeds is terminated, suspended, or modified, in whole or in part, COUNTY shall promptly notify FIRE AGENCYCITY, and the parties Parties shall consult on a course of action. If, after twenty-five (25) business days, a course of action is not agreed upon by the partiesParties, this Agenda Item #9.1:

386013.2 6
Agreement shall be deemed terminated by mutual or joint consent; provided, that any future obligation to fund from the date of the notice shall be expressly limited by and subject to (i) the lawful ability of COUNTY to expend sales tax proceeds for the purposes of the Agreement; and (ii) the availability, taking into consideration all the obligations of COUNTY under all outstanding contracts, agreements to other obligations of COUNTY, of funds for such purposes. b. All obligations of FIRE AGENCYCITY under the terms of this Agreement are expressly subject to FIRE AGENCYCITY’s continued authorization to receive and spend the sales tax proceeds generated by the Ordinance. If for any reason CITYFIRE AGENCY’s right or ability to collect or expend such sales tax proceeds is terminated, suspended, or modified, in whole or in part, FIRE AGENCYCITY shall promptly notify COUNTY, and the parties Parties shall consult on a course of action. If, after twenty-five (25) business days, a course of action is not agreed upon by the partiesParties, this Agreement shall be deemed terminated by mutual or joint consent; provided, that any future obligation to fund from the date of the notice shall be expressly limited by and subject to (i) the lawful ability of FIRE AGENCYCITY to expend sales tax proceeds for the purposes of the Agreement; and (ii) the availability, taking into consideration all the obligations of FIRE AGENCYCITY under all outstanding contracts, agreements to other obligations of FIRE AGENCYCITY, of funds for such purposes.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Pparties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

COUNTY OF SONOMA CITY OF SONOMA
By:____________________ By:________________________
Board of Supervisors, Chairperson David Guhin, City Manager ATTEST:

By:________________________ By:________________________ Clerk of the Board of Supervisors Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk

APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM
Agenda Item #9.1:

386013.2 7
FOR COUNTY: FOR FIRE AGENCYCITY:
_______________________ ____________________________
County Counsel Counsel David J. Ruderman, City Attorney Agenda Item #9.1:

386013.2 8

EXHIBIT A

ANNUAL REPORT TO MEASURE H OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
Pursuant to the requirements of Sonoma County Code section 12-67(B), this is the annual report of the allocation of funds received by the reporting agency under the Sonoma County voter-approved Measure H, “The Improved and Enhanced Local Fire Protection, Paramedic Services and Disaster Response Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance” (the “Ordinance”).

Name of Agency receiving Measure H funds:_______________________________________ Reporting period: FY 24-25 (4/26/24 to 6/30/25 (with April-June proceeds received 9/10/25))

1. Detail of the activities related to the Ordinance this reporting period, based on attached budget to actual report, balance sheet, and fund balance report.

2. Summary of the positions and start up, equipment and facilities that were funded with revenue from the Ordinance.

3. The specific activities that support fire prevention, including vegetation management.

4. Update on the status of facility capital improvement projects that are funded with revenue from the Ordinance.

5. Demonstration of compliance with the requirement that revenue from the Ordinance shall be used for enhancing operations.

Proportional budget allocation for fire related services:

FY 21-22 $ _________; FY 21-22 ____%; this reporting period: $__________; ____%.

Personnel expenditures: FY 21-22 $___________; this reporting period $___________.

6. Any material changes in service needs within the agency’s jurisdiction or countywide.

7. Any remaining funds from allocations provided in previous years, and an explanation for proposed use of such funds.

Agenda Item #9.1:

386013.2 9
Required Attachments:

Annual Budget
Budget to Actual Report
Balance Sheet
Fund Balance Report
Most recent annual audit and/or other independent financial review FY 21-22 budget documents showing baseline dollar figure for maintenance of effort and personnel expenditures.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 03 Feb 2025
Department
Administration
Staff Contact
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item Title
Letters of Interest Received and Direction to Mayor Farrar-Rivas or Her Designee Regarding Nominations for Appointees to Regional Commissions & Committees on Behalf of the Mayors' and Councilmembers' Association of Sonoma County and the City Selection Committee Summary
The City of Sonoma is a member of the Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association of Sonoma County (MCMASC). The MCMASC meets on the second Thursdays of the months of February, April, June, August, and October to connect and plan for the future on matters that affect the cities in Sonoma County. The Chair City rotates on an annual basis, the City of Rohnert Park being the Chair City for 2025. All Mayors and Council Members in the incorporated cities in Sonoma County make up the membership of the association. The Mayors of these cities serve as the Board of Directors and the Sonoma County City Selection Committee.

The Board of Directors and the City Selection Committee make appointments to various regional commissions and committees, of which some will be considered at the next meeting on February 13, 2025, at 6:00pm in the City of Santa Rosa. The initial call for Letters of Interest was sent out on December 1, 2024, with a deadline of January 20, 2025. These notices are sent from the Association Clerk directly to all members of the association.

Listed below are the appointments and individuals who have submitted letters of interest for consideration at the February 13th meeting of the Mayors & Council Members Board of Directors and City Selection Committee.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1. North Bay Division LOCC, Executive Board – 1 Seat (to fill expiring term of Jackie Elward of Rohnert Park). 2-year term starting in February.

Letters Received: Jackie Elward, Rohnert Park

2. Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Citizens Advisory Committee – 1 Seat (to fill expiring term of Mark Stapp of Santa Rosa). 2- year term starting in February.

Letters Received: Karen Nau, Petaluma
Marjorie Morgenstern, Cloverdale
Frank Quint, Petaluma
Alex DeCarli, Petaluma
Agenda Item #9.2:

3. Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) Commission – 3 Seats. 4-year fixed term.
2 – SCTA appointments (members appointed must also be a city/town representative for the Sonoma County Transportation Authority) to fill the vacancies by Melanie Bagby of Cloverdale and Chris Rogers of Santa Rosa. These appointments will finish out the current terms of Bagby and Rogers that end in February 2027.

Letters Received: Gerard Giudice, Rohnert Park
Janice Cader Thompson, Petaluma
Todd Lands, Cloverdale
Ariel Kelley, Healdsburg
1 – Non-SCTA appointment (must be from a city/town on the rail line) to fill the expiring term of Debora Fudge of Windsor. This appointment will start a new 4-year fixed term beginning in February.

Letters Received: Victoria Fleming, Santa Rosa
Chris Herrod, Healdsburg
Alex DeCarli, Petaluma
Sylvia Lemus, Cotati

CITY SELECTION COMMITTEE

1. Bay Area Air Quality Management District Board – 1 Seat (to fill expiring term of Brian Barnacle of Petaluma). 2-year term starting in February.

Letters Received: Brian Barnacle, Petaluma

2. Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District – 1 Seat (to fill expiring term of Gerard Giudice of Rohnert Park). 2-year term starting in February.

Letters Received: Gerard Giudice, Rohnert Park
Frank Quint, Petaluma

3. Sonoma County Consolidated Oversight Board – 1 Seat (to fill vacancy of Chris Rogers of Santa Rosa). Term limit at the discretion of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.

Letters Received: Jackie Elward, Rohnert Park
Stephen Zollman, Sebastopol
Recommended Council Action
Give direction to Mayor Farrar-Rivas or her designee regarding appointments.

Alternative Actions
Council discretion.

Agenda Item #9.2:

Financial Impact
N/A
Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Board of Directors Letters of Interest Received
City Selection Committee Letters of Interest Received
Agenda Item #9.2:

130 Avram Avenue  Rohnert Park CA  94928  (707) 588-2226  Fax (707) 794-9248 www.rpcity.org
City Council
Gerard Giudice
Mayor
Emily Sanborn
Vice Mayor
Susan Hollingsworth Adams
Jackie Elward
Samantha Rodriguez
Councilmembers
________________
Marcela Piedra
City Manager
Michelle Marchetta Kenyon
City Attorney
Lee Burdick
Assistant City Attorney
Cindy Bagley
Director of Community Services
Jamie Cannon
Director of Human Resources
Vanessa Garrett
Director of Public Works
Alicia Giudice
Director of
Development Services
Sylvia Lopez Cuevas
City Clerk
Tim Mattos
Public Safety Director
Betsy Howze
Finance Director
January 6, 2025
2025 Chair City, City of Rohnert Park
Sonoma County Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association
130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Attn: Lauren Berges, MCA Clerk [email protected]
Re: Request for Re-Appointment to the North Bay Division, LOCC, Executive Board
Honorable Mayors and Councilmembers,
I am writing to respectfully request your support for my re-appointment to the North Bay Division, LOCC, Executive Board.

I’ve been an active member of the League of California Cities since elected to the Rohnert Park City Council in 2020 and appointed to the North Bay Division, LOCC, Executive Board in February of 2023. I would love to continue expanding my understanding of the challenges faced by all the member cities and towns, and I am excited at the opportunity to continue to work collaboratively with the League of California Cities. I believe working together and sharing common experiences will help us come up with creative solutions to ongoing issues.

Thank you so much for your consideration of my request for reappointment to the North Bay Division, LOCC, Executive Board.

Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions at (707) 588-2223, or by email at [email protected].

Sincerely,
Jackie Elward
City of Rohnert Park
Cc: City Council
City Manager
City Clerk
City Selection Committee Clerk of the Board
[email protected] and
[email protected]
Docusign Envelope ID: E48F9B1D-CC33-4FBB-8218-4B8D582F61A7 Agenda Item #9.2:

January 19, 2025
SCMCA City Selection Committee
Michelle Norman
Kyreen Gonzalez
County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Dr. Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Re: Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Letter of Interest To Whom it May Concern,
Please accept my request for your support for my appointment to the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. Agriculture, water, farmlands, wildlife and quality of life in Sonoma County is very important to me. Would love to have an opportunity to contribute to future decisions in this area.

Raised on a local Family Farm in Petaluma, I learned the importance of Agriculture and education of sustainable agriculture for future generations. My family’s land is near the Petaluma Urban Growth Boundary, it was very important for me, to protect it, supporting the recent ballot measure to expand the UGB for another 50 years. As well, as volunteering to help defeat Measure J which would have harmed our local agricultural businesses and put our local farms/ranches, in jeopardy.

In the past, I have raised awareness to the importance to our local State Parks and keeping them open to the public. My love of the community and history, earned me the Petaluma 1995 Good Egg Award.

Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park is one of the County’s first ranchos, owned by General Vallejo. It is an example of how important Agricultural lands are to our area, protecting and maintaining the waterways for wildlife etc.

My first term on the Petaluma City Council was 2004-2008, during that term, the City approved a 20- year General Plan. In 2022, I was elected again, as the District 3 Council member, again, Petaluma is working to finalize another 20-year General Plan. Looking to the future, yet remembering the past, is important to me. Quality of life for my family, friends, and neighbors is my commitment, as I serve on the City Council. I would very much like to have an opportunity to serve on a County Committee too.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit my name to this County committee, I ask for your support as a new member. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 707-529-2487 or [email protected]
Sincerely,
Karen Nau
City of Petaluma
Council member
District 3
Agenda Item #9.2:

Lauren Berges <[email protected]>
Letter of Interest
1 message
Marjorie Morgenstern <[email protected]> Sun, Jan 19, 2025 at 8:13 PM To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
I would like to submit a letter of interest to become a member of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Citizens Advisory Committee.

I grew up in Marin County at the very end of a dead end street. First the land next to our home was privately owned. Eventually the land became Open Space and the entire community was delighted that the land would be preserved and that the community could finally utilize the land for hiking gatherings and picnics. I believe Open Space and Agricultural Preservation are extremely important for our entire community. Not only is Open Space beautiful it is highly recreational as well. Open Space is important for protecting and preserving the environment.

Agricultural Preservation is important because it supports the environment along with nurturing biodiversity, local communities and the economy. Preserved farmland creates habitats for wildlife, improved soiled health, along with helping to reduce water pollution while ensuring local food supply. Preserved farmland supports numerous jobs in agriculture and in the food sector.

I would like to participate in preserving Sonoma County Open Space and Farmland for generations to come.

Farmland preservation insures that farming is here to stay. Sonoma County is a vital part of the Country’s food and wine supply and I would like to participate on a committee that supports these endeavors.

Thank you,
City of Cloverdale Councilmember Marjorie Morgenstern
Sent from my iPad
1/20/25, 11:12 AM Gmail - Letter of Interest
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/?ik=8cbee50ff6&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1821739773705753131&simpl=msg-f:1821739773705753131 1/1 Agenda Item #9.2:

January 20, 2025
2025 Chair City,
City of Rohnert Park
Sonoma County Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association
130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Re Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Citizens Advisory Committee Letter of Interest
Honorable Mayors and Councilmembers,
I write to respectfully request your support for my appointment to the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Citizens Advisory Committee. I firmly support the District’s mission to preserve agricultural lands, community identity, community health, water, and wildlands.

My diverse background and passion for open spaces gives me a unique perspective that will serve this advisory board well. I am an avid user of our open spaces through hiking, backpacking, and biking, I am a strong supporter of our county’s agriculture and view it as a cornerstone of our economy and culture. I am deeply rooted in our community and committed to serving it. I’ve served on Petaluma’s Transit Advisory Committee since 2023 (Chair for past 6 months). I also served simultaneously on Petaluma’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee and was the Vice Chair of this committee during this same time. My terms on these committees ended when I recently won my election to Petaluma’s City Council, at which time I was reappointed to both committees as the council liaison.

I hold a BA in Accounting and an MBA from Saint Martin’s University in Lacey Washington.

My professional background is in supply chain transportation. I’ve held key leadership positions for companies like Target and my current employer Restoration Hardware. My years of experience have taught me how to lead teams, collaborate and work with others to accomplish important goals. Our opens spaces are critical for our community’s quality of life and I’m confident my experience will help me offer meaningful contributions to this important committee.

Lastly, I’m passionate about climate change and I believe preserving our open spaces is critical to our efforts to reverse the course we are on. I am excited to join the Petaluma City Council, and I am committed to protecting our open spaces would enjoy an opportunity to work on this issue regionally.

I would be honored by your support for this appointment and respectfully ask for your vote. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 707-971-9226 or by email at [email protected] Sincerely,
Frank Quint
Petaluma City Council member
cc: Members of Petaluma City Council
Agenda Item #9.2:

Agenda Item #9.2:

130 Avram Avenue  Rohnert Park CA  94928  (707) 588-2226  Fax (707) 794-9248 www.rpcity.org
City Council
Gerard Giudice
Mayor
Emily Sanborn
Vice Mayor
Susan Hollingsworth Adams
Jackie Elward
Samantha Rodriguez
Councilmembers
________________
Marcela Piedra
City Manager
Michelle Marchetta Kenyon
City Attorney
Lee Burdick
Assistant City Attorney
Cindy Bagley
Director of Community Services
Jamie Cannon
Director of Human Resources
Vanessa Garrett
Director of Public Works
Alicia Giudice
Director of
Development Services
Sylvia Lopez Cuevas
City Clerk
Tim Mattos
Public Safety Director
Betsy Howze
Finance Director
January 6, 2025
Clerk of the Board
County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Dr, Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Attn: Michelle Norman [email protected] Karen Gonzalez [email protected]
Re: Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District Letter of Interest Dear City Selection Committee,
In light of the upcoming vacancies, I am writing to respectfully request your support for the appointment to the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District Board of Directors, for a four-year term.

I was first elected in 2020, and since then I have served as a Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Councilmember on the Rohnert Park City Council. In December of last year, I was elected by the Rohnert Park City Council to serve as Mayor for 2025. For many years, I have served as a Director for the Sonoma County Transportation Authority/Regional Climate Protection Authority, and in 2022, I was appointed as Director for the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District Board. I am a long-time resident of Rohnert Park and have had the fortune of witness each phase of the system come to fruition. I have been a supporter of SMART connecting cities since regular service opened in 2017.

The combination of my professional and live experiences as a resident residing on the rail line in Sonoma County will bring a unique perspective as member of the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District Board of Directors.

Thank you for your consideration of my request for an appointment to the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District Board of Directors. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions at (707) 899-3087, or by email at [email protected]. I appreciate your support.

Kind Regards,
Gerard Giudice
Mayor, City of Rohnert Park
Cc: Rohnert Park City Council and City Manager
Cc: Lauren Berges, [email protected]
Docusign Envelope ID: 41F979C6-E2CC-4DD4-89ED-E608C92CCF91 Agenda Item #9.2:

CITY OF PETALUMA
POST OFFICE BOX 61
PETALUMA, CA 94953-0061
Janice Cader Thompson
District 1
Petaluma City Hall
11 English Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone (707) 778-4345
E-Mail:
[email protected]
January 19, 2025
Re: Request for Appointment to the Sonoma Marin Rail Transit (SMART) Commission Dear Board of Directors:

Dear Mayors and Council Members,
I am seeking one of two SMART-SCTA/RCPA seats representing the nine Sonoma County cities on the SMART board of directors and I humbly ask for your support. With all three seats being vacated (two SMART-SCTA/RCPA, one SMART only), it is vital to appoint experienced councilmembers who understand the intricacies of transportation funding, SMART’s role in driving city-centered development, and the importance of both the train and multi-modal trail to our cities and region. A SMART sales tax renewal will likely be on a ballot in the next two years. My hard-earned experience passing local measures and working with regional partners will be vital to SMART’s success and I will work tirelessly to make sure the renewal passes.

I currently serve as Petaluma’s representative on SCTA/RCPA where I strongly advocate for transit equity and mobility as part of Petaluma’s commitment to citycentered development and carbon neutrality. As a member of the SMART board, as I have at SCTA/RCPA, I will advocate for policies to complete SMART to Healdsburg and north to Cloverdale, as well as policies to ensure safe and reliable access to the SMART corridor from communities in east and west county.

I will use my experience and regional relationships to make sure the interests of all nine cities are represented and that the most vulnerable populations have opportunities to access safe, reliable, transportation options.

My approach to projects is to find innovative and practical solutions, work closely with partners, and to support equity, mobility and carbon neutrality. Like other cities, Petaluma city bus rides are fare-free, and we recently added Luma Go, our county’s first door-to-door pickup service. Both programs have proven successful and are utilized by Petaluma’s seniors, communities of color, and the vulnerable and underserved. Our goal is to expand Luma Go for those who need alternate transportation options —I will bring my commitment to innovative solutions that benefit all to representing your city on the SMART board.

Thank you for your careful consideration. I will work tirelessly to pass the sales tax renewal, bring my long years of experience working for practical and innovative solutions, and make sure your community’s interests are represented at SMART.

Feel free to call or email if you have any questions.

Agenda Item #9.2:

Sincerely,
Janice Cader Thompson
Janice Cader Thompson
Councilmember for District 1
City of Petaluma
Agenda Item #9.2:

Cloverdale Mayor Todd Lands
124 N Cloverdale Boulevard
Cloverdale, CA 95425
[email protected]
(707) 280-1366
1/10/2025
SMART Board of Directors
Old Redwood Highway
Suite 200
Petaluma, CA 94954
Subject: SMART Board Letter of Interest
Dear SMART Board of Directors,
I am writing to express my interest in concurrently serving as the Cloverdale city/town representative to the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) Board of Directors and the Sonoma County Transit Authority (SCTA). As an experienced leader with a strong commitment to advancing infrastructure, providing services to economically vulnerable residents, and enhancing connectivity within our communities, my interest in serving aligns SMART’s objectives.

Serving as Mayor of Cloverdale for three consecutive terms, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in improving public services and infrastructure. During my tenure, I’ve advanced projects aimed at supporting socio-economically disadvantaged populations, ensuring that vital services reach those who need them most. I’ve collaborated with diverse stakeholders across jurisdictions to deliver positive outcomes.

SMART’s planned extension to Windsor, Healdsburg, and finally Cloverdale, aligns with my community’s desire to be connected to the rest of the region. I’m particularly interested in the potential of SMART’s rail and pathway system to enhance access to jobs, education, retail hubs, and housing, while also boosting tourism and economic growth in Cloverdale. My familiarity with local needs and priorities positions me uniquely to advocate for SMART’s expansion and ridership in northernmost Sonoma County.

In addition to my leadership experience, I bring a strong track record of fiscal responsibility and resource optimization. Crafting and managing balanced budgets has been a cornerstone of my public service career, beginning with my tenure on the board of Cloverdale Unified School District and most recently, as mayor, filling a one-million-dollar deficit and bringing the City’s spending back into the black. I highly value ensuring that community projects are both impactful and sustainable. I am confident my skills would be valuable to SMART’s ongoing success as a steward of public funds and resources.

Agenda Item #9.2:

I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my leadership experience, budgetary acumen, and dedication to sustainable growth makes me a good choice to serve as the city/town representative to the SMART Board.

Warm regards,
Todd Lands,
Cloverdale Mayor
(707) 280-1366
Agenda Item #9.2:

CITY OF HEALDSBURG
401 Grove Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448-4723
Visit us at www.healdsburg.gov
Ariel Kelley
Healdsburg City Councilmember
January 20, 2025
Sonoma County Mayors' & Councilmembers' Association
Re: SMART Board - SCTA Seat Letter of Interest
Honorable Mayors and Councilmembers,
As I begin my second term on the Healdsburg City Council, I am writing to request your support for my appointment to one of the two SCTA/RCPA seats on the SMART Board of Directors as the Sonoma County Mayors & Councilmembers appointee.

I am uniquely positioned to help SMART achieve its key priorities over the next four years:

For the past four years, I have served on the Sonoma County Transportation Authority/Regional Climate Protection Authority (SCTA/RCPA), planning, funding, and implementing regional and local transportation projects. In this role, I have worked diligently to advocate for Sonoma County as a whole. This has included ensuring our fair share of transportation and roadway funding and fostering collaboration among agencies often operating in silos.

Before joining the City Council, I served as CEO of Corazón Healdsburg, an equity-driven nonprofit advocating for underserved residents. In that role, I worked closely with SMART staff to secure resources and engage marginalized communities in SMART planning and funding efforts in Northern Sonoma County. I turned those insights into successful grant applications, increased ridership, and pathway planning that benefited both SMART and our local residents.

As a Sonoma County Planning Commissioner representing District 4 from 2017 to 2020, I built relationships with our tribal partners across the county. I have leveraged these relationships to secure federal and state funding for SMART through advocacy on key grant applications and by raising awareness of passenger rail as a vital transit equity issue for Native communities at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

As an attorney with expertise in land use law and environmental policy, I bring a deep understanding of CEQA, complex funding structures, and real estate agreements. These skills will be invaluable in executing environmental planning and construction for SMART’s northern extensions and exploring future expansions toward the Capitol Corridor.

Finally, as a parent of a nine- and eleven-year-old, I bring a personal perspective on nurturing the next generation in Sonoma County. Today families and students are using SMART in record numbers to get to school, work and other critical destinations. This lens will inform my advocacy on the SMART board as it implements the Plan Bay Area 2050 vision.

In this coming term, SMART and our regional partners will be tasked with prioritizing strategies to create a more resilient and equitable future for Sonoma County and the Bay Area. It would be an honor to put my experience to work for you on the SMART Board and I humbly ask for your support.

Successfully reauthorizing the SMART sales tax prior to its expiration.

Securing funding to complete SMART’s extension through Healdsburg to Cloverdale, including the pathway.

Increasing ridership and operationalizing freight rail service to meet critical regional economic and climate goals. [email protected] | 707-385-1282
Agenda Item #9.2:

Lauren Berges <[email protected]>
SMART Position
1 message
Fleming, Victoria <[email protected]> Mon, Jan 6, 2025 at 9:25 AM To: Lauren Berges <[email protected]>
January 6, 2024
Dear Mayors and Council Members,
I am writing to you to express my interest in service as your “non-SCTA” representative to SMART.

My interest in serving comes from a desire to streamline communication about planning and funding between SMART and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission which I have served on since 2021.

In this time I have successfully advocated to add the Healdsburg Station to Plan Bay Area and have been in frequent communication with staff at SMART and Board Members.

Thank you for considering me for this position. If you have any questions, please reach out to talk with me.

Warmly,
Victoria Fleming
1/6/25, 9:37 AM Gmail - SMART Position
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/?ik=8cbee50ff6&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1820521204067457619&simpl=msg-f:1820521204067457619 1/1 Agenda Item #9.2:

Agenda Item #9.2:

Agenda Item #9.2:

January 20, 2025
2025 Chair, City of Rohnert Park
Sonoma County Mayors’ and Councilmember’s Association (SCMCA) 130 Avram Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Attn: Lauren Berges, MCA Clerk, [email protected]
Dear SCMCA Chair, et al.,
I am enthusiastic about submitting my letter of interest for the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) Board of Director position. My understanding is there are three positions open – two are for SCTA Board of Directors and one is for a Non-SCTA Board of Director. My interest is in the Non-SCTA Board of Director opening.

I’m passionate about the work of SMART and excited that Cotati has this opportunity to have one of its members be selected for the Board to represent our entire region. Cotati is currently working on an update to the Santero Way Specific Plan which would facilitate a residentially focused transit-oriented community (TOC) surrounding the SMART station in Cotati, which may be the first TOC in the Bay Area. Having this TOC experience would enable me to share that with the other nine (9) cities in the county. This is going to benefit infill and other similar projects at the other cities in Sonoma County.

In Cotati, the City Council recently approved an agreement with the City of Rohnert Park and Sonoma State University to work on issues on a collaborative basis, and SMART would be one of those areas. Ensuring that SMART and the parallel multi-use path continues towards completion is of utmost importance to all residents in Sonoma County. The new Redwood Bikeshare program installed in Cotati, has the highest ridership in Sonoma County and could be attributed to our SMART station’s proximity to Sonoma State University. I’m aware that SMART has some important work and initiatives and know I would be able to lend my skills and support.

I’m a hard-working public servant that works strategically with others to connect and build coalitions. As a Board Director, I would be able to use my bilingual public information officer experience to help outreach for the upcoming sales tax renewal. Also, my experience and ideas would help with community engagement and engaging groups of voters and riders who are traditionally difficult to reach.

I will be fully committed to the SMART Board and look forward to serving to help the Board and organization meet its goals and objectives. Since I retired from my 34-year career in public service at the County of Sonoma, I have been serving as a City Councilmember in Cotati and look forward to sharing and connecting all communities with the work and aspirations of SMART.

Thank you for your time and consideration and please let me know if I can answer any further questions.

Sincerely,
Sylvia Lemus
Sylvia Lemus
Vice-Mayor, City of Cotati
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvia-lemus-369a4929/
Agenda Item #9.2:

CITY OF PETALUMA
POST OFFICE BOX 61
PETALUMA, CA 94953-0061
Brian Barnacle
Councilmember
Petaluma City Hall
11 English Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone (707) 778-4345
Msg Phone (707) 778-4541
E-Mail:
[email protected]
December 30, 2024
Clerk of the Board
County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Dr., Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Attn: Michelle Norman and Kyreen Gonzalez
Cc: Lauren Berges
Re: Re-appointment to Bay Area Air Quality Management District Board of Directors Dear Sonoma County Mayors and Council Members,
I am writing to ask for your support in re-appointing me to serve on the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Board of Directors.

The last 13 years of my career have been focused on energy, transportation, and buildings policy and program development. My experience with air quality improvement measures includes building and appliance regulations, and electrification of light duty vehicles, first/last-mile delivery, and heavy-duty trucking. I have participated in regulatory processes at the California Public Utilities Commission, Air Resources Board, Housing and Community Development, and Energy Commission, and helped advance climate and clean energy legislation in Sacramento.

In 2020, I ran for a seat on the Petaluma City Council because I truly love local government. Now, after four years of serving on the City Council and two years serving on the BAAQMD Board, I am seeking re-appointment because I want to continue helping reduce emissions and local air pollution throughout Bay Area communities.

In many ways, BAAQMD’s work is precedent-setting for our nation. Addressing intersectional issues like environmental, climate, and economic justice requires BAAQMD board members to do what is best for the health of our climate and public, while mitigating concerns about equity, career displacement, the economy, and more. I remain up for this challenge.

As the son of a union carpenter who was raised in a Sonoma County dairy family and today works in climate policy, my life experiences have forced me to see different sides of issues. My diverse background helps me understand and take principled positions on the many complex issues that BAAQMD takes on.

For these reasons, I ask for your support. Please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at (707) 373-6414 or by email at [email protected] if you would like to speak more about my interest in this position.

Thank you for your consideration and happy New Year.

Sincerely,
Agenda Item #9.2:

130 Avram Avenue  Rohnert Park CA  94928  (707) 588-2226  Fax (707) 794-9248 www.rpcity.org
Gerard Giudice
Mayor
Emily Sanborn
Vice Mayor
Susan Hollingsworth Adams
Jackie Elward
Samantha Rodriguez
Councilmembers
________________
Marcela Piedra
City Manager
Michelle Marchetta Kenyon
City Attorney
Lee Burdick
Assistant City Attorney
Cindy Bagley
Director of Community Services
Jamie Cannon
Director of Human Resources
Vanessa Garrett
Director of Public Works
Alicia Giudice
Director of
Development Services
Sylvia Lopez Cuevas
City Clerk
Tim Mattos
Public Safety Director
Betsy Howze
Finance Director
January 6, 2025
Clerk of the Board
County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Dr, Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Attn: Michelle Norman [email protected] Karen Gonzalez [email protected]
Re: Letter of Interest and Request for Re-Appointment to Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District
Dear City Selection Committee,
I respectfully request your support for my reappointment to the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District Board of Directors for an additional two-year term.

Over the past two years, it has been my privilege to represent Sonoma County on the Board. During my tenure, I have actively contributed through my roles on key committees, including the Governmental Affairs and Public Information Committee, the Building and Operating Committee, the Finance-Auditing Committee (including the OPEB Retirement Investment Trust Board), the Suicide Deterrent System Advisory Committee, and the Nomination of Officers of the Board of Directors Advisory Committee. These responsibilities have allowed me to advocate for the community and address critical issues impacting our region.

I am confident that my continued service on the Board will further strengthen our collective efforts in enhancing transportation infrastructure and community engagement. I ask for your support in ensuring the continuation of this work.

Should you have any questions or wish to discuss my qualifications further, I can be reached at (707) 899-3087 or via email at [email protected]. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your favorable consideration.

Kind Regards,
Gerard Giudice
Mayor, City of Rohnert Park
Cc: Rohnert Park City Council and City Manager
Cc: Lauren Berges, [email protected]
Docusign Envelope ID: 3BCE5C2F-7B31-4494-A68A-16BD9227DFDA Agenda Item #9.2:

January 16, 2025
Clerk of the Board
County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Dr., Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Re: Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District Letter of Interest Honorable Sonoma County Supervisors,
I write to respectfully request your support for my appointment to the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District Board. I firmly support the District’s mission to provide safe and reliable operation, maintenance and enhancement of the Golden Gate Bridge and to provide congestion free transportation services within the U.S. Highway 101 Golden Gate Corridor.

My diverse background and passion for public transportation gives me a unique perspective that will serve this board well. I’ve served on Petaluma’s Transit Advisory Committee since 2023 (Chair for past 6 months). I also served simultaneously on Petaluma’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee and was the Vice Chair of this committee during this same time. My terms on these committees ended when I recently won my election to Petaluma’s City Council, at which time I was re-appointed to both committees as the council liaison. During this time, I have championed Petaluma Transit’s free ride program, Luma Go, and MicroTransit. I’ve also contributed and supported the ongoing work to renew Petaluma’s ATP.

I hold a BA in Accounting and an MBA from Saint Martin’s University in Lacey Washington.

My professional background is in supply chain transportation. I’ve held key leadership positions for companies like Target and my current employer RH (formerly Restoration Hardware). I understand what it takes to move products around the globe but I’m particularly adept in domestic US trucking and intermodal (rail) services. I’ve also run a mid-sized California based trucking company. While my expertise in supply chain transportation isn’t the same as public transportation, there is crossover, and it offers me a useful and unique perspective. I fully understand our nation’s highway and rail systems and their challenges.

Lastly, I’m passionate about climate change, I believe climate change is an existential threat, and I believe one of the most important things we should be working on is effective alternatives to driving. Developing work opportunities closer to where people live, developing communities around transit corridors and developing effective alternatives for people to move through their communities without depending on automobiles is crucial. I am excited to join the Petaluma City Council, and I am committed to making this community more transit-oriented and would enjoy an opportunity to work on this issue regionally.

I would be honored by your support for this appointment and respectfully ask for your vote. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 707-971-9226 or by email at [email protected] Sincerely,
Frank Quint
Petaluma City Council member
cc: Members of Petaluma City Council
Agenda Item #9.2:

130 Avram Avenue  Rohnert Park CA  94928  (707) 588-2226  Fax (707) 794-9248 www.rpcity.org
City Council
Gerard Giudice
Mayor
Emily Sanborn
Vice Mayor
Susan Hollingsworth Adams
Jackie Elward
Samantha Rodriguez
Councilmembers
________________
Marcela Piedra
City Manager
Michelle Marchetta Kenyon
City Attorney
Lee Burdick
Assistant City Attorney
Cindy Bagley
Director of Community Services
Jamie Cannon
Director of Human Resources
Vanessa Garrett
Director of Public Works
Alicia Giudice
Director of
Development Services
Sylvia Lopez Cuevas
City Clerk
Tim Mattos
Public Safety Director
Betsy Howze
Finance Director
January 6, 2025
Clerk of the Board
County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Dr., Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Attn: Michelle Norman, [email protected] and Kyreen Gonzalez, [email protected]
Re: Request for Appointment to the Sonoma County Consolidated Oversight Board Letter of Interest
Dear Selection Committee:

I am writing to express my interest in serving on the Sonoma County Consolidated Oversight Board to fill the vacancy left by Chris Rogers of Santa Rosa.

Since being elected in 2020, I have had the privilege of serving my community in several capacities, including one term as Mayor and one term as Vice Mayor.

These leadership roles have allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our region, as well as the importance of collaborative decision-making.

In addition to my municipal leadership, I served on the North Bay Division of the League of California Cities (LOCC) Executive Board for two years and on the Sonoma Clean Power Board of Directors (SCP). I have also served on the Homeless Coalition Board (formerly the Sonoma County Continuum of Care Board) for two consecutive years.

I am passionate about contributing to the continued success of Sonoma County through thoughtful oversight and collaboration. I am confident that my leadership experience, regional perspective, and dedication to public service make me a strong candidate for this position.

Thank you for considering my application. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions at (707) 588-2223, or by email at [email protected].

Sincerely,
Jackie Elward
City of Rohnert Park
Cc: City Council
City Manager
City Clerk
Cc: Lauren Berges, [email protected]
Docusign Envelope ID: 5D4760C8-BBED-42A0-9EBC-AEDCE5F522E2 Agenda Item #9.2:

January 13, 2015
Attn: Michelle Norman, Kyreen Gonzalez
Clerk of the Board
County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors
Re: Consolidated Oversight Board
Dear Board of Supervisors:

I am excited to be applying for this primary consolidated oversight board position.

For the last two years, I have served as the alternate to this board as it fulfills its purpose of overseeing the dissolution of former redevelopment successor agencies. This work involves appointees form County Board of Supervisor, County Superintendent of Education, Chancellor of the California Colleges, the city selection committee and an employee organization representing the largest number of successor employees in the county. My work as the Mayors and Council Member Associations’ appointee to the Childcare Planning council, a part of our Office of Education, along with familiarity with various colleges has helped my understanding of this process.

As the primary, I will bring my statewide experience from having served on the Cal Cities revenue and taxation policy committee, two years of city council budget committee experience and my legal understanding of the fiduciary duties owing to holders of enforceable obligations and taxing entities.

Additionally, I have engaged with the assigned staff and have a great relationship with them.

I would be honored to be appointed to this position and help the board fulfill its mission.

Agenda Item #9.2:

2 Sincerely,
signed
Stephen Zollman
Sebastopol Mayor
[email protected]
Agenda Item #9.2: