Sonoma City Council
April 2, 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
Wednesday, April 2, 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 (Ding, Lowe, Gurney, Wellander, Farrar-Rivas)

REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

1. PUBLIC HEARING

1.1: Presentation and Fifth Public Hearing to Select the Final District Map and Introduce an Ordinance Adding Section 2.01.030 to Chapter 2.01 of Title 2 of the Sonoma Municipal Code to Change the City's Electoral System from AtLarge to By-District Elections for City Council Elections, Establishing Boundaries, and Sequencing of Elections Within the Districts (David Guhin, City Manager & Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council:

1. Receive the presentation.

2. Select a final district map.

3. Introduce the ordinance
Agenda Report - Public Hearing #5 - By-District Elections - Pdf 5 - 30

2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
At this 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.

3. MEETING DEDICATIONS

4. COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Committee Reports - Council Members are appointed to various boards and committees - local, 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.

5. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

6. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS

7. PRESENTATIONS

7.1: Proclamation Declaring April 5-11, 2025 as Week of the Young Child in the City of Sonoma

7.2: Proclamation in Honor of the Sonoma Sister Cities on the Occasion of their 65th Anniversary in the City of Sonoma

7.3: Presentation by Vice Mayor Ron Wellander Regarding the 121/116 Gateway Roundabout Art Project

8. 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.

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

8.2: Adopt an Ordinance Repealing Sections 2.08.260, 2.08.270, and 2.08.280 and Amending Sections 2.10.020 and 2.10.030 of the Sonoma Municipal Code Pertaining to the City's Finance Director and Treasurer Duties (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the ordinance.

Agenda Report - City Treasurer Designation - Pdf
31 - 35

8.3: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Contract Amendments with Sonoma Ecology Center (SEC) for Work Done at Nathanson Preserve and Montini Preserve, for Total Contracts of $57,589 and $56,269 Respectively (Ashley Cotter, PW Admin & Project Manager) RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the resolution.

Agenda Report - SEC Contract Amendments - Pdf
36 - 47

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

9.1: A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Joint Powers Agreement with the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA State Parks) for Minor Renovations and Occupancy of the First Floor of the Toscano Hotel with Costs Shared Between the City and State Parks and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Sublease Between the City of Sonoma and Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau for Use of the Toscano Hotel First Floor (David Guhin, City Manager)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the proposed resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a Joint Powers Agreement with State Parks and authorizing the City Manager to execute a sublease with Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau for Use of the Toscano Hotel First Floor.

Agenda Report - Toscano Hotel JPA - Pdf
48 - 85

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 (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
RECOMMENDATION: Give direction to Mayor Farrar-Rivas or her designee regarding appointments.

Agenda Report - MCMASC Appointments - Pdf
86 - 100

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 of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 02 Apr 2025
Department
Administration
Staff Contact
David Guhin, City Manager, Rebekah Barr,
MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item Title
Presentation and Fifth Public Hearing to Select the Final District Map and Introduce an Ordinance Adding Section 2.01.030 to Chapter 2.01 of Title 2 of the Sonoma Municipal Code to Change the City's Electoral System from At-Large to By-District Elections for City Council Elections, Establishing Boundaries, and Sequencing of Elections Within the Districts Summary
On March 19th,the Sonoma City Council reviewed Draft Map B & B2 and made further adjustments to the district boundaries based on Council direction. Following this discussion, the Council directed staff and Redistricting Partners to bring back a new Draft Map B3 for final consideration. Draft Map B3 includes revisions to the boundaries between District 4 and District 5, resulting in adjustments in each district, reflecting additional adjustments to better align with community feedback and Council requests. Also attached is Draft Map B3 with staff proposed numbering (if approved this map will become Exhibit A to the ordinance).

At this fifth and final Public Hearing, the City Council is being asked to select a final district map and to introduce the attached draft ordinance to change the City's electoral system from "at-large" to "by-district" elections for City Council elections, establishing boundaries, and sequencing of elections within the districts.

BACKGROUND
At its Special City Council meeting on December 4, 2024, the Sonoma City Council adopted Resolution #98-2024, initiating the transition from an "at-large" election system—where all registered voters in the City vote for all Council Members, regardless of residence—to a "district-based" system. Under the new system, voters in each district will elect a Council Member who resides within that district.

Although there is no evidence suggesting that Sonoma’s current election system violates the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) or any other law, the City has chosen to transition voluntarily. This proactive approach aims to mitigate potential legal risks, similar to challenges faced by other cities across California.

The resolution not only declared the City's intent to transition to by-district elections but also included a timeline and authorized the retention of a professional demographer to guide the City through the process. Following a review of three proposals, the City Manager selected Redistricting Partners to assist with this effort.

Public Engagement Process
The CVRA establishes a structure for public engagement, requiring five public hearings:

1. Two hearings before any draft maps are drawn to gather public input.

Agenda Item #1.1:

2. Two hearings after draft maps are published to consider public feedback and refine the maps.

3. A final hearing to adopt a map that has been made public at least seven days prior to adoption.

Redistricting Partners is collaborating with the City to conduct presentations, gather and document public input, and utilize these hearings to determine initial criteria for draft maps as well as amend maps based on public feedback.

The adjusted timeline for these actions is as follows:

December 18, 2024 (5:00 PM): Special Meeting for the first public hearing what districting is and how it works (City Council Chambers). (COMPLETED)
January 15, 2025 (6:00 PM): Second public hearing to gather feedback on election structure, use of mapping tools, and public engagement on communities of interest. (COMPLETED) February 26, 2025: Publication of draft district maps for public review on the City's website. (COMPLETED)
March 5, 2025: Third public hearing to review the draft maps published February 26, 2025, and discuss feedback.(COMPLETED)
March 12, 2025: Publication of draft district map B and B2 for public review on the City's website. (COMPLETED)
March 19, 2025: Fourth public hearing for the City Council to select a preferred district map.(COMPLETED)
March 21, 2025: Publication of draft district map B3 for public review on the City's website. (COMPLETED)
April 2, 2025: Final public hearing for the City Council to select the final district map and for introduction of the ordinance to implement district-based elections.

April 21, 2025: City Council adoption of the ordinance to implement district-based elections.

Recommended Council Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:

1. Receive the presentation.

2. Select a final district map.

3. Introduce the ordinance
Alternative Actions
Council discretion.

Financial Impact
There is no financial impact resulting from this action.

Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Sonoma Draft Maps Presentation
Agenda Item #1.1:

Draft-B3
Draft Map B3 with Staff Proposed Numbering
Ordinance - District-based Elections
Alignment with Council Goals:

Agenda Item #1.1:

3/28/2025
1 Final Map
April 2, 2025
Agenda
Things we will cover:
• Public Hearing Schedule
• Traditional Districting/Redistricting Principles
• Draft B3
• What’s Next
1 2
Agenda Item #1.1:

3/28/2025
2 City of Sonoma
First three meetings devoted to community of interest
information gathering and education on districting process Tentative Schedule:

December 18, 2024 Public Hearing #1 (Pre-map)
January 15, 2025 Public Hearing #2 (Pre-map)
February 26, 2025 First draft of maps are published
March 5, 2025 Public Hearing #3 (Post-map)
March 19, 2025 Public Hearing #4 (Post-map)
April 2, 2025 Public Hearing #5: Adoption of Map and
Sequencing
3 Required Districting Criteria
There are a number of criteria that are required under the FAIR MAPS Act (ranked):
• Relatively equal size - people, not citizens
• Contiguous – districts should not hop/jump
• Maintain “communities of interest”
• Easily identifiable and understandable lines,
following natural, and man-made boundaries
• Keep districts compact – appearance/function
Traditional redistricting principles used throughout the country and written into state law
3 4
Agenda Item #1.1:

3/28/2025
3 Draft Maps: Draft B3
• Total Population Deviation: 5.7%
• Adjusted Draft B to maintain
neighborhood west of 4th Street
• Communities of Interest kept
intact:
• Mobile home communities
• Renters on the westside of
the city
• Historic Plaza area
Redistricting Partners
Sequencing
(3) Odd districts: 2026
(2) Even districts: 2028
5 6
Agenda Item #1.1:

3/28/2025
4 What’s Next
Discuss and
Vote on Final
Map
• Draft B3
Discuss and
Vote on
Sequencing
• Odd Districts: 2026
• Even Districts: 2028
Map &
Sequencing will
be sent to
County
• Demographers and
staff will prepare final
map to be sent to the
Registrar of Voters for
official use
8 7
8 Agenda Item #1.1:

3/28/2025
5 9
Agenda Item #1.1:

City of Sonoma
Draft B3
Agenda Item #1.1:

City of Sonoma
Draft B3
1 2 3 4 5
Population 2,151 2,091 2,194 2,110 2,215
Deviation -1 -61 42 -42 63
Deviation % -0.0% -2.8% 2.0% -2.0% 2.9%
Other 1,575 1,593 1,833 1,699 1,598
Other % 73.2% 76.2% 83.5% 80.5% 72.1%
Latino 478 417 323 318 543
Latino % 22.2% 19.9% 14.7% 15.1% 24.5%
Asian 84 76 27 71 57
Asian % 3.9% 3.6% 1.2% 3.4% 2.6%
Black 14 5 11 22 17
Black % 0.7% 0.2% 0.5% 1.0% 0.8%
2020 Census
1 2 3 4 5
Total CVAP 1,502 1,841 2,327 1,885 1,698
Other CVAP 1,362 1,502 2,168 1,510 1,366
Other CVAP % 90.7% 81.6% 93.2% 80.1% 80.4%
Latino CVAP 110 211 153 353 231
Latino CVAP % 7.3% 11.5% 6.6% 18.7% 13.6%
Asian CVAP 13 34 6 13 101
Asian CVAP % 0.9% 1.8% 0.3% 0.7% 5.9%
Black CVAP 17 94 0 9 0
Black CVAP % 1.1% 5.1% 0.0% 0.5% 0.0%
Citizen Voting Age Population (CVAP)
Agenda Item #1.1:

City of Sonoma
Draft B3
District 1
Other % Latino % Asian % Black %
2020 Census
Other % Latino % Asian % Black %
Citizen Voting Age Population
Population Deviation Deviation % Other Other % Latino Latino % Asian Asian % Black Black % 2,151 -1 -0.0% 1,575 73.2% 478 22.2% 84 3.9% 14 0.7%
Total CVAP Other CVAP Other CVAP % Latino CVAP Latino CVAP % Asian CVAP Asian CVAP % Black CVAP Black CVAP % 1,502 1,362 90.7% 110 7.3% 13 0.9% 17 1.1%
Agenda Item #1.1:

City of Sonoma
Draft B3
District 2
Other % Latino % Asian % Black %
2020 Census
Other % Latino % Asian % Black %
Citizen Voting Age Population
Population Deviation Deviation % Other Other % Latino Latino % Asian Asian % Black Black % 2,091 -61 -2.8% 1,593 76.2% 417 19.9% 76 3.6% 5 0.2%
Total CVAP Other CVAP Other CVAP % Latino CVAP Latino CVAP % Asian CVAP Asian CVAP % Black CVAP Black CVAP % 1,841 1,502 81.6% 211 11.5% 34 1.8% 94 5.1%
Agenda Item #1.1:

City of Sonoma
Draft B3
District 3
Other % Latino % Asian % Black %
2020 Census
Other % Latino % Asian % Black %
Citizen Voting Age Population
Population Deviation Deviation % Other Other % Latino Latino % Asian Asian % Black Black % 2,194 42 2.0% 1,833 83.5% 323 14.7% 27 1.2% 11 0.5%
Total CVAP Other CVAP Other CVAP % Latino CVAP Latino CVAP % Asian CVAP Asian CVAP % Black CVAP Black CVAP % 2,327 2,168 93.2% 153 6.6% 6 0.3% 0 0.0%
Agenda Item #1.1:

City of Sonoma
Draft B3
District 4
Other % Latino % Asian % Black %
2020 Census
Other % Latino % Asian % Black %
Citizen Voting Age Population
Population Deviation Deviation % Other Other % Latino Latino % Asian Asian % Black Black % 2,110 -42 -2.0% 1,699 80.5% 318 15.1% 71 3.4% 22 1.0%
Total CVAP Other CVAP Other CVAP % Latino CVAP Latino CVAP % Asian CVAP Asian CVAP % Black CVAP Black CVAP % 1,885 1,510 80.1% 353 18.7% 13 0.7% 9 0.5%
Agenda Item #1.1:

City of Sonoma
Draft B3
District 5
Other % Latino % Asian % Black %
2020 Census
Other % Latino % Asian % Black %
Citizen Voting Age Population
Population Deviation Deviation % Other Other % Latino Latino % Asian Asian % Black Black % 2,215 63 2.9% 1,598 72.1% 543 24.5% 57 2.6% 17 0.8%
Total CVAP Other CVAP Other CVAP % Latino CVAP Latino CVAP % Asian CVAP Asian CVAP % Black CVAP Black CVAP % 1,698 1,366 80.4% 231 13.6% 101 5.9% 0 0.0%
Agenda Item #1.1:

City of Sonoma
City of Sonoma District Map
Agenda Item #1.1:

City of Sonoma
City of Sonoma District Map
1 2 3 4 5
Population 2,110 2,215 2,194 2,151 2,091
Deviation -42 63 42 -1 -61
Deviation % -2.0% 2.9% 2.0% -0.0% -2.8%
Other 1,699 1,598 1,833 1,575 1,593
Other % 80.5% 72.1% 83.5% 73.2% 76.2%
Latino 318 543 323 478 417
Latino % 15.1% 24.5% 14.7% 22.2% 19.9%
Asian 71 57 27 84 76
Asian % 3.4% 2.6% 1.2% 3.9% 3.6%
Black 22 17 11 14 5
Black % 1.0% 0.8% 0.5% 0.7% 0.2%
2020 Census
1 2 3 4 5
Total CVAP 1,885 1,698 2,327 1,502 1,841
Other CVAP 1,510 1,366 2,168 1,362 1,502
Other CVAP % 80.1% 80.4% 93.2% 90.7% 81.6%
Latino CVAP 353 231 153 110 211
Latino CVAP % 18.7% 13.6% 6.6% 7.3% 11.5%
Asian CVAP 13 101 6 13 34
Asian CVAP % 0.7% 5.9% 0.3% 0.9% 1.8%
Black CVAP 9 0 0 17 94
Black CVAP % 0.5% 0.0% 0.0% 1.1% 5.1%
Citizen Voting Age Population (CVAP)
Agenda Item #1.1:

City of Sonoma
City of Sonoma District Map
District 1
Other % Latino % Asian % Black %
2020 Census
Other % Latino % Asian % Black %
Citizen Voting Age Population
Population Deviation Deviation % Other Other % Latino Latino % Asian Asian % Black Black % 2,110 -42 -2.0% 1,699 80.5% 318 15.1% 71 3.4% 22 1.0%
Total CVAP Other CVAP Other CVAP % Latino CVAP Latino CVAP % Asian CVAP Asian CVAP % Black CVAP Black CVAP % 1,885 1,510 80.1% 353 18.7% 13 0.7% 9 0.5%
Agenda Item #1.1:

City of Sonoma
City of Sonoma District Map
District 2
Other % Latino % Asian % Black %
2020 Census
Other % Latino % Asian % Black %
Citizen Voting Age Population
Population Deviation Deviation % Other Other % Latino Latino % Asian Asian % Black Black % 2,215 63 2.9% 1,598 72.1% 543 24.5% 57 2.6% 17 0.8%
Total CVAP Other CVAP Other CVAP % Latino CVAP Latino CVAP % Asian CVAP Asian CVAP % Black CVAP Black CVAP % 1,698 1,366 80.4% 231 13.6% 101 5.9% 0 0.0%
Agenda Item #1.1:

City of Sonoma
City of Sonoma District Map
District 3
Other % Latino % Asian % Black %
2020 Census
Other % Latino % Asian % Black %
Citizen Voting Age Population
Population Deviation Deviation % Other Other % Latino Latino % Asian Asian % Black Black % 2,194 42 2.0% 1,833 83.5% 323 14.7% 27 1.2% 11 0.5%
Total CVAP Other CVAP Other CVAP % Latino CVAP Latino CVAP % Asian CVAP Asian CVAP % Black CVAP Black CVAP % 2,327 2,168 93.2% 153 6.6% 6 0.3% 0 0.0%
Agenda Item #1.1:

City of Sonoma
City of Sonoma District Map
District 4
Other % Latino % Asian % Black %
2020 Census
Other % Latino % Asian % Black %
Citizen Voting Age Population
Population Deviation Deviation % Other Other % Latino Latino % Asian Asian % Black Black % 2,151 -1 -0.0% 1,575 73.2% 478 22.2% 84 3.9% 14 0.7%
Total CVAP Other CVAP Other CVAP % Latino CVAP Latino CVAP % Asian CVAP Asian CVAP % Black CVAP Black CVAP % 1,502 1,362 90.7% 110 7.3% 13 0.9% 17 1.1%
Agenda Item #1.1:

City of Sonoma
City of Sonoma District Map
District 5
Other % Latino % Asian % Black %
2020 Census
Other % Latino % Asian % Black %
Citizen Voting Age Population
Population Deviation Deviation % Other Other % Latino Latino % Asian Asian % Black Black % 2,091 -61 -2.8% 1,593 76.2% 417 19.9% 76 3.6% 5 0.2%
Total CVAP Other CVAP Other CVAP % Latino CVAP Latino CVAP % Asian CVAP Asian CVAP % Black CVAP Black CVAP % 1,841 1,502 81.6% 211 11.5% 34 1.8% 94 5.1%
Agenda Item #1.1:

1 City of Sonoma
ORDINANCE # _____-2025

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA ADDING SECTION

2.01.030 TO CHAPTER 2.01 OF TITLE 2 OF THE SONOMA MUNICIPAL CODE TO CHANGE THE CITY’S ELECTORAL SYSTEM FROM AT-LARGE TO BY-DISTRICT ELECTIONS FOR

CITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS, ESTABLISHING DISTRICT BOUNDARIES, AND

SEQUENCING OF ELECTIONS WITHIN THE DISTRICTS
WHEREAS, members of the City Council of the City of Sonoma (“City”) are currently elected in “at-large” elections, in which each City Councilmember is elected by the registered voters of the entire City; and
WHEREAS, in a district-based election system, a candidate for the City Council must reside in the district which the candidate wishes to represent, and only the voters of that district are entitled to vote to decide who their representative will be; and WHEREAS, Government Code section 34886, in certain circumstances, authorizes the legislative body of a city of any population to adopt an ordinance to change its method of election from an “at-large” system to a “by-district,” or “district-based,” system; and WHEREAS, the City has no evidence that its election system violates the California Voting Rights Act of 2001 (“CVRA”) or any other law and asserts that its election system is legal in all respects and in connection with the manner in which it has conducted its City Council elections; and
WHEREAS, the City Council nevertheless concludes that the public interest would be better served by transitioning to a district-based electoral system because doing so: 1) furthers the purposes of the CVRA; 2) provides for improved representation of diverse neighborhoods and communities; 3) reduces the barriers to entry for city council candidates; and 4) avoids the need to pay attorney’s fees and costs in response to a demand letter and otherwise defend against a CVRA lawsuit; and
WHEREAS, at a City Council meeting on December 4, 2024, the Sonoma City Council approved a resolution to begin the process of transitioning from an “at-large” election system to a “district-based” system under Elections Code section 10010; and WHEREAS, before any maps of the proposed boundaries of the districts were drawn, the City Council held two public hearings on December 18, 2024, and January 15, 2025, to provide the public with background on districting, gather public feedback on election structures, use of mapping tools, and public engagement on communities of interest; and WHEREAS, the City published draft district maps for public review on February 26, 2025, at least seven (7) days before the third public hearing; and WHEREAS, the City Council held a third public hearing to review the draft maps and obtain public input on March 5, 2025, at which the City Council chose two potential draft maps for further consideration, called Draft Map B and Draft Map B2; and WHEREAS, the City published these draft district maps for public review on March 12, 2025, at least seven (7) days before the fourth public hearing; and Agenda Item #1.1:

2 WHEREAS, the City Council held a fourth public hearing to review the draft district maps and obtain public input on March 19, 2025, at which it selected a preferred district map, called Map B3, and directed staff to bring forward this Ordinance for its consideration; and WHEREAS, the City published draft district Map B3 for public review on March 21, 2025, at least seven (7) days before the fourth public hearing; and WHEREAS, the City Council held a fifth and final public hearing on April 2, 2025, to receive additional public input, formally select district Map B3, establish an election sequence, and introduce this Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of a district-based electoral system will not affect the terms of any sitting Councilmember, each of whom will serve out his or her current term; and WHEREAS, in accordance with Government Code section 34886, it is declared that the change in the method of electing members of the City Council of the City of Sonoma made by this Ordinance is in furtherance of the purposes of the CVRA (Chapter 1.5 (commencing with section 14025) of Division 14 of the Elections Code) and implementation of the guarantees of Section 7 of Article I and Section 2 of Article II of the California Constitution; and WHEREAS, all information in the staff reports, maps, presentations, Council discussion and public testimony referenced above is hereby incorporated into this decision and serves as evidentiary basis for these findings and legislative decision.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Sonoma does hereby ordain as follows:

Section 1: The recitals above are declared true and correct and incorporated into this Ordinance by this reference.

Section 2: Section 2.01.030 (District-Based Electoral System) is hereby added to Chapter 2.01 (City Council) of Title 2 (Administration and Personnel) of the Sonoma Municipal Code to read as follows:

Section 2.01.030 By-district electoral system.

A. Pursuant to Government Code section 34886, commencing with the November 2026 general municipal election, members of the city council of the city of Sonoma shall be elected by-district in five (5) single-member districts.

1. Members of the city council shall be elected in the electoral districts established by subdivision (B) of this section and subsequently reapportioned as provided by State law. Elections shall take place “by-district” as that term is defined in Government Code section 34871, meaning one councilmember shall be elected from each district, by the voters of that district alone. Each member of the city council shall serve a four-year term.

2. A councilmember elected or appointed to represent a district must reside in that district and be a registered voter in that district, and any candidate for city council must reside in, and be a registered voter in, the district in which candidate seeks election at the time nomination papers are issued pursuant to Government Code section 34882 and Elections Code section 10227.

Agenda Item #1.1:

3 3. Registered voters signing nomination papers or voting for a member of the city council shall be residents of the geographical area making up the district from which the candidate is to be elected.

4. Termination of residency in a district by a councilmember shall create a vacancy for that city council district unless the councilmember immediately declares a substitute residence within the district and establishes such substitute residence within thirty (30) days.

5. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the councilmembers elected at-large and in office at the time this section takes effect shall continue in office until the expiration of the term to which the councilmember was elected. In the event a vacancy occurs before the expiration of the at-large elected term of a councilmember in office at the time this section takes effect, a person who is appointed or elected by special election to fill such vacancy may reside anywhere within the corporate boundaries of the city. A person appointed or elected to fill such a vacancy shall hold the office in accordance with State law.

B. All five councilmembers shall be elected on a “by-district” basis from the council districts shown and numbered on the map titled “City of Sonoma District Map,” attached as Exhibit A, a copy of which shall be on file in the city clerk’s office.

Commencing with the general municipal election in 2026, and every four years thereafter, the following three city council districts shall be elected by-district:
district 1, district 3, and district 5. Commencing with the general municipal election in 2028, and every four years thereafter, the following two city council districts shall be elected by-district: district 2, and district 4.

C. Pursuant to Elections Code section 21601, as it may be amended from time to time, the city council shall adjust the boundaries of any or all of the districts following each decennial federal census to ensure that the districts are in compliance with all applicable provisions of law.

Section 3: Technical District Changes. If necessary to facilitate the implementation of this Ordinance, the City Clerk is authorized to make technical adjustments to the district boundaries that do not substantively affect the populations in the districts, the eligibility of candidates, or the residence of elected officials within any district. The City Clerk shall consult with the City Manager and City Attorney concerning any technical adjustments deemed necessary and shall advise the City Council of any such adjustments required in the implementation of the districts.

Section 4: Inconsistencies. Any motion, resolution, ordinance, or provision of the Sonoma Municipal Code or appendices thereto inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance, to the extent of such inconsistencies and no further, is hereby repealed or modified to the extent necessary to affect the provisions of this Ordinance.

Section 5: Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or word of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid and/or unconstitutional by a 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 passed and adopted this Ordinance and each of the provisions thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more of said provisions be declared invalid and/or unconstitutional.

Agenda Item #1.1:

4 Section 6: Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately as an ordinance relating to an election pursuant to Government Code section 36937, subdivision (a).

Section 7: Publication. This Ordinance shall be published in accordance with the provisions of Government Code Section 36933, subdivision (c)(1).
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THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE was introduced at a regular meeting of the Sonoma City Council held on the 2nd day of April 2025, and thereafter passed and adopted at a regular meeting of said City Council held on the _______ day of _________, 2025, by the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
___________________________
Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
___________________________
Date
Agenda Item #1.1:

City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 02 Apr 2025
Department
Administration
Staff Contact
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item Title
Adopt an Ordinance Repealing Sections 2.08.260, 2.08.270, and 2.08.280 and Amending Sections 2.10.020 and 2.10.030 of the Sonoma Municipal Code Pertaining to the City's Finance Director and Treasurer Duties
Summary
This ordinance was introduced at a public hearing on March 19, 2025, with no changes requested. It is being brought back for adoption.

BACKGROUND
Per California Government Code Section 36501, general law cities must have a City Council, a City Clerk, a City Treasurer, a Chief of Police, a Fire Chief, and any necessary subordinate officers or employees. This item specifically addresses the City Treasurer position, which has become unclear over time.

In Sonoma, the City Treasurer was an elected position until the 1992 special election changed it to an appointed role. Since then, Treasurer duties have been reassigned to positions such as Finance Officer and Accounting Manager through resolutions, rather than codification in the Municipal Code.

In 1996, Ordinance #96-1 designated the City Manager or their designee as the Director of Finance and incorporated those duties into Chapter 2.08 (City Manager) of the Municipal Code.

A 2008 amendment then removed the City Clerk and City Treasurer from the list of positions exempt from City Manager appointment, effectively eliminating references to the Treasurer from the Code.

Despite these changes, various policies and laws still assign responsibilities to the City Treasurer. For example, Government Code Section 87200 requires the City Treasurer to file a statement of economic interest.

With the appointment of a full-time Finance Director, the City seeks to formally assign Treasurer duties to this position. To clarify this designation, staff is presenting the attached clean-up and clarification ordinance.

The proposed amendments repeal references to the City Manager serving as Director of Finance and instead establish those responsibilities under Chapter 2.10 (Finance Director).

Additionally, Section 2.10.030 (Powers and Duties) will be updated to include item "G," which explicitly assigns the authority and duties of the City Treasurer to the Finance Director.

Recommended Council Action
Introduce the ordinance.

Agenda Item #8.2:

Alternative Actions
Council discretion.

Financial Impact
There is no financial impact resulting from this action.

Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Ordinance
Agenda Item #8.2:

371239.2
City of Sonoma
ORDINANCE # _____-2025

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA REPEALING SECTIONS 2.08.260, 2.08.270, AND 2.08.280 AND AMENDING SECTIONS 2.10.020 AND

2.10.030 OF THE SONOMA MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO THE CITY’S FINANCE

DIRECTOR AND TREASURER DUTIES
The City Council of the City of Sonoma does ordain as follows:

Section 1: Section 2.08.260 (“City manager designated as director of finance”) of Chapter 2.08 (“City Manager”) of Title 2 (“Administration and Personnel”) of the Sonoma Municipal Code is hereby repealed.

Section 2: Section 2.08.270 (“Duties of director of finance”) of Chapter 2.08 (“City Manager”) of Title 2 (“Administration and Personnel”) of the Sonoma Municipal Code is hereby repealed.

Section 3: Section 2.08.280 (“Revocation of ordinances”) of Chapter 2.08 (“City Manager”) of Title 2 (“Administration and Personnel”) of the Sonoma Municipal Code is hereby repealed.

Section 4: Section 2.10.020 (“Statutory authority for certain duties”) of Chapter 2.10 (“Finance Director”) of the Sonoma Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:

2.10.020 Statutory authority for certain duties.

By the authority granted under Section 40805.5 of the Government Code of the state, all rights, powers and duties of the city clerk pertaining to financial matters of the city, as defined in Sections 40802 through 40805 of the Government Code, are transferred to the office of finance director. In addition to the foregoing, the finance director shall assume all duties and responsibilities concerning certification and approval of payrolls previously performed by the city clerk before the creation of the office of director of finance as referred to and provided for in Government Code Section 37207, et seq., including the signing of city warrants.

Section 5: Section 2.10.030 (“Powers and duties”) of Chapter 2.10 (“Finance Director”) of the Sonoma Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:

2.10.030 Powers and duties.

The powers and duties of the finance director, in addition to those referred to in SMC 2.10.020, shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

A. The finance director shall be the accounting officer for the city and shall maintain records readily reflecting the financial condition of the city.

B. The finance director shall prepare and present to the city council monthly a written summary statement of receipts and disbursements by departments and funds, including opening and closing fund balances in the treasury.

Agenda Item #8.2:

371239.2
C. The finance director shall, at the end of each fiscal year, prepare and present a written summary statement of all the preceding year’s receipts and disbursements by departments and funds, including opening and closing fund balances in the treasury.

D. The finance director shall cause the annual financial statement to be published in the city. Such statement shall be published not later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year for the report compiled.

E. Under the direction of the city manager, Tthe finance director shall prepare and present to the city council a written suggested budget for the city, showing the suggested budget for each department. The written suggested budget shall be submitted to the city council on or before May 30th of each year.

F. The finance director shall study and present such additional written reports as the city council may from time to time direct.

G. The finance director shall possess the authority and perform the duties of the city treasurer provided in Government Code Section 41001, et seq. Any references made or contained in any chapter of this code to the city treasurer shall be deemed to refer to the finance director.

Section 6: Inconsistencies. Any motion, resolution, ordinance, or provision of the Sonoma Municipal Code or appendices thereto inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance, to the extent of such inconsistencies and no further, is hereby repealed or modified to the extent necessary to affect the provisions of this Ordinance.

Section 7: Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or word of this chapter is for any reason held to be invalid and/or unconstitutional by a 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 passed and adopted this Ordinance and each of the provisions thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more of said provisions be declared invalid and/or unconstitutional.

Section 8: Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after passage thereof.

Section 9: Publication. This Ordinance shall be published in accordance with the provisions of Government Code Section 36933(c)(1).
********
THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE was introduced at a regular meeting of the Sonoma City Council held on the ___ day of _________ 2025, and thereafter passed and adopted at a regular meeting of said City Council held on the _______ day of _________, 2025, by the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Agenda Item #8.2:

371239.2
___________________________
Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #8.2:

City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 02 Apr 2025
Department
Public Works
Staff Contact
Ashley Cotter, PW Admin & Project Manager
Agenda Item Title
Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Contract Amendments with Sonoma Ecology Center (SEC) for Work Done at Nathanson Preserve and Montini Preserve, for Total Contracts of $57,589 and $56,269 Respectively Summary
The City of Sonoma has historically collaborated with Sonoma Ecology Center (SEC) on various projects. SEC has held recurring contracts with the City for maintenance work at the NathansonOxbow Preserve on East MacArthur Street and the Montini Preserve. Previously, the City issued contracts in three-year cycles. During Fiscal Year 2023-24, the three-year contract expired, and standard maintenance contracts were not issued due to an oversight. Short-term contracts were issued in April 2024 for clean-up work at both sites, with the understanding that a full-year maintenance contract would be issued for FY 2024-25.

As of now, maintenance contracts for FY 2024-25 have not yet been issued. The short-term contracts, issued on April 8, 2024, are set to terminate on April 19, 2025. Staff recommend amending the current active contracts to include the required maintenance work for FY 2024- 25 and extending the termination date to June 30, 2025. Given that most of the work occurs in the spring, the contracted organization has assured City staff that the full scope of work can be completed by June 30, 2025. The funding for the FY 2024-25 maintenance agreements was approved by the City Council during the FY 2024-25 Budget Adoption on June 19, 2024.

In addition to the maintenance funding, the amendment to the Nathanson-Oxbow agreement includes $15,500 for construction management services for the Sonoma Overlook Trail Rehabilitation Project (CIP P-14). Of this amount, $12,000 was included in the project budget presented as part of the American Conservation Experience (ACE) contract award in November 2024. The project manager has previously provided similar services for the Sonoma Overlook Trail, playing a crucial role in project success. Under the agreed-upon arrangement, the project manager will become a temporary employee of the contracted organization, resulting in additional costs. To offset this cost, the City has increased the allocation to $15,500, covering $3,500 in additional expenses. Following consultation with City Legal Counsel, it was determined that incorporating these services into the existing maintenance agreement would provide better coverage than a standard professional services contract. The additional $3,500 for employee overhead will be funded from the project contingency budget, which currently stands at approximately $14,000.

Below is a breakdown of the amended contract amounts and funding sources:

Nathanson-Oxbow Contract (Amended Term End Date: June 30, 2025) • $17,589.00 – Original Contract Amount (issued April 8, 2024) | FY 2023-24 Parks Contract Services Budget
Agenda Item #8.3:

• $24,500.00 – Increase for FY 2024-25 Work | FY 2024-25 Parks Contract Services Budget
• $15,500.00 – CIP P-14 Construction Management Services ($12,000 for services, $3,500 for employee overhead) | CIP P-14 Project Budget (Quimby Funds, Fund 314, and Parks CIP Budget, Fund 304)
$57,589.00 – Amended Contract Total
Montini Contract (Amended Term End Date: June 30, 2025) • $21,269.00 – Original Contract Amount (issued April 8, 2024) | FY 2023-24 Measure M Contract Services Budget
• $35,000.00 – Increase for FY 2024-25 Work | FY 2024-25 Measure M Contract Services Budget
$56,269.00 – Amended Contract Total
This amendment ensures continuity in maintenance services and supports critical rehabilitation efforts for the Sonoma Overlook Trail.

Recommended Council Action
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Contract Amendments with Sonoma Ecology Center (SEC) for work done at Nathanson Preserve and Montini Preserve, for total contracts of $47,589 and $56,269 respectively.

Alternative Actions
Decline the budget amendments and provide further direction to staff.

Financial Impact
The added items in this contract have been previously approved by the City Council. The maintenance contract amounts were approved during budget adoption on June 19, 2024. This included $24,500 allocated to Parks Contract Services (100-43023-407-60407), and $35,000 allocated to Measure M Contract services (315-54000-407-60407 CIP P-3). The NathansonOxbow Maintenance work for FY 24-25 ($24,500) will be paid out of 100-43023-407-60407.

The Montini Preserve maintenance work for FY 24-25 will be paid out of 315-54000-407-60407.

The construction management work will be paid out of the CIP P-14 project budget, which includes a combination of Quimby Funds (fund 314) and Parks CIP (fund 304).

Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Agenda Item #8.3:

Resolution
Montini Contract Amendment 24-25
Nathanson Oxbow Contract Amendment 24-25
Agenda Item #8.3:

City of Sonoma
RESOLUTION # ________ - 2024

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

CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE CONTRACT AMENDMENTS WITH SONOMA ECOLOGY CENTER (SEC) FOR TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNTS OF 57,589 FOR NATHANSONOXBOW PRESERVE AND $56,269 FOR MONTINI PRESERVE WHEREAS, The City of Sonoma has worked with Sonoma Ecology Center on multiple projects, and has had recurring contracts with the City for maintenance work at the Nathanson-Oxbow Preserve and at the Montini Preserve; and WHEREAS, During Fiscal Year 23-24, the three-year maintenance contract had expired, and the City did not issue a one-year maintenance contract for the entire year, instead opting to provide short term maintenance contracts for both Montini and Nathanson-Oxbow maintenance for FY23-24 for work from April – June 2024, with the understanding that a full year’s maintenance contract for FY24-25 would follow; and WHEREAS, The City has not issued a new contract to SEC, as the original intended short term contract agreements issued in April 2024 have a term end date of April 19, 2025; and WHEREAS, Staff is suggesting that the maintenance work at both Montini and NathansonOxbow preserves for FY 24-25 be incorporated into the current contracts and the term end date be extended to June 30, 2025; and
WHEREAS, The funding for the 24-25 maintenance work at both Montini and NathansonOxbow Preserves were approved during the June 19, 2024 budget adoption.; and WHEREAS, Additionally, the maintenance agreement for Nathanson-Oxbow will be amended to include $15,500 for the cost of construction management and overhead for CIP P-14, Sonoma Overlook Trail Rehabilitation Project; and
WHEREAS, The Sonoma Overlook Trail Rehabilitation Project Budget includes $12,000 for Construction Management, the additional $3,500 for overhead will be paid for out of project contingency ; and
WHEREAS, With these inclusions, the Montini Preserve SEC Contract will be amended to reflect a term end date of June 30th, 2025, and a total cost of $56,269, and WHEREAS, With these inclusions, the Nathanson-Oxbow SEC Contract will be amended to reflect a term end date of June 30th, 2025, and a total cost of $57,589, and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Sonoma that the City Manager is authorized to execute contract amendments with Sonoma Ecology Center (SEC) for total contract amounts of $57,589 for Nathanson-Oxbow Preserve and $56,269 for Montini Preserve.

Agenda Item #8.3:

PASSED, RESOLVED, AND ADOPTED, at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Sonoma on this 2nd day of April 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
____________________________
Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #8.3:

381983.1 Initials: (City) _______ (Contractor) _______
AMENDMENT No. 1 TO MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT
(City of Sonoma and Sonoma Ecology Center)
This Amendment No. 1 (“Amendment”) to Maintenance Services Agreement (“Agreement”) is made on this 23rd day of December, 2024 at Sonoma, California, by and between the City of Sonoma, a municipal corporation, No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma, CA 95476 (“City”) and Sonoma Ecology Center, P.O. Box 1486 Eldridge, CA, 95431 (“Contractor”).

This Amendment modifies the original Agreement between the City and the Contractor dated April 19, 2024 in the following fashion:

A. City and Consultant desire to amend the Agreement by modifying section 3.7 – Termination Date of the “Agreement” to read as follows:

3.7 “Termination Date”: June 30, 2025.

B. City and Consultant desire to amend the Agreement by modifying the total compensation and costs payable to Consultant under this Agreement to a not-to-exceed sum of $56,269 (Fifty Six Thousand two hundred and sixty nine dollars). Amended scope of work and fee schedule are detailed in Exhibit B.

Unless expressly amended in this Amendment, all provisions, conditions, covenants, and terms of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. [Signatures on following page]
x
x
x
Agenda Item #8.3:

Maintenance Services Agreement
City of Sonoma / Sonoma Ecology Center
381983.1 Page 2 of 2
TO EFFECTUATE THIS AGREEMENT, the parties have caused their duly authorized representatives to execute this Agreement on the dates set forth below.
“City”
City of Sonoma
By: ______________________________
David Guhin, City Manager
Date: _______________
Attest:

By: ______________________________
Rebekah Barr, City Clerk
Date: _______________
Approved as to form:

By: ______________________________
David J. Ruderman, City Attorney
Date: _______________
“Contractor”
Sonoma Ecology Center
By:______________________________
Richard Dale, Executive Director
Date: __________________
By:______________________________
[Name, Title]
Date: __________________
Agenda Item #8.3:

Exhibit B
Sonoma Ecology Center-City of Sonoma
Site Task Checklist
Montini Preserve
Fuel Management:
• Complete fire fuel reduction work in the Wildland-Urban Interface before July • Eastern side adjacent surrounding home and maintenance road • Southern side adjacent to Field of Dreams and maintenance below water tanks • Western 4th Street West entrance area adjacent to nearby neighborhood • SEC mowing areas completed
• Grazing contractor areas completed
• Oversee grazing areas conducted by subcontractor and provide access, water, and support • Inform the City of dates for commencing and completing the mowing and grazing work • Provide signage as necessary to help inform the community of these efforts Trail Maintenance:
• Identify areas in need of trail maintenance and repair for volunteer events • Hold volunteer events to address the most urgent and tangible sites in the fall • Mow trail margins on the Preserve, approximately 3 feet on each side, to be completed by July
Invasive Plant Control:
• Target most aggressive threats found in the Preserve
• Carry out properly timed controls to address those threats • Map each of the areas where invasive populations are found • Document areas where treatments were carried out to gauge effectiveness over time • Carry out volunteer events to assist with these efforts Restoration:
• Identify areas suited for restoration work to maintain habitat and provide resources for wildlife
• on the Preserve
• Conduct out-planting of locally sourced native species to their appropriate habitats • Maintain restoration sites with irrigation and weeding • Track survival rates to include in reports
• Carry out volunteer events to assist with these efforts Hazardous Tree Assessments:
• Perform inspection of the trees on the Preserve which may pose a threat to hikers • Respond to emergency conditions
Agenda Item #8.3:

• Clear fallen trees and branches from trails
• Where feasible, build burn piles with small branches and woody debris Volunteerism:
• Recruit stewardship (day-to-day task) volunteers via outreach and trail notices • Provide orientation, support, and regular communication • Facilitate larger volunteer events, providing leadership, materials, tools, and beverages • Perform outreach to the public for each of these volunteer events and let the City as well as the Sonoma Overlook Trail stewards know the dates ahead of time to help with outreach
• Trail volunteer events will be scheduled for the fall • Restoration volunteer events will be scheduled over the winter • Invasive Plant volunteer events will be scheduled over the spring and summer *In addition progress reports will be submitted to the City with more specific details of each of the tasks listed above.

Agenda Item #8.3:

381983.1 Initials: (City) _______ (Contractor) _______
AMENDMENT No. 1 TO MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT
(City of Sonoma and Sonoma Ecology Center)
This Amendment No. 1 (“Amendment”) to Maintenance Services Agreement (“Agreement”) is made on this 4th day of March, 2025 at Sonoma, California, by and between the City of Sonoma, a municipal corporation, No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma, CA 95476 (“City”) and Sonoma Ecology Center, P.O.

Box 1486 Eldridge, CA, 95431 (“Contractor”).

This Amendment modifies the original Agreement between the City and the Contractor dated April 19, 2024 in the following fashion:

A. City and Consultant desire to amend the Agreement by modifying section 3.7 – Termination Date of the “Agreement” to read as follows:

3.7 “Termination Date”: June 30, 2025.

B. City and Consultant desire to amend the Agreement by modifying the total compensation and costs payable to Consultant under this Agreement to a not-to-exceed sum of $57,589 (Fifty Seven Thousand Five Hundred Eighty Nine Dollars). Amended scope of work and fee schedule are detailed in Exhibit B.

Unless expressly amended in this Amendment, all provisions, conditions, covenants, and terms of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. [Signatures on following page]
x
x
x
Agenda Item #8.3:

Maintenance Services Agreement
City of Sonoma / Sonoma Ecology Center
381983.1 Page 2 of 2
TO EFFECTUATE THIS AGREEMENT, the parties have caused their duly authorized representatives to execute this Agreement on the dates set forth below.
“City”
City of Sonoma
By: ______________________________
David Guhin, City Manager
Date: _______________
Attest:

By: ______________________________
Rebekah Barr, City Clerk
Date: _______________
Approved as to form:

By: ______________________________
David J. Ruderman, City Attorney
Date: _______________
“Contractor”
Sonoma Ecology Center
By:______________________________
Richard Dale, Executive Director
Date: __________________
By:______________________________
[Name, Title]
Date: __________________
Agenda Item #8.3:

Exhibit B
Sonoma Ecology Center-City of Sonoma
Site Task Checklist
Nathanson Creek
Nathanson Demonstration (D.) Garden:
• Maintain medians along the road of both sides of the demonstration garden through a • combination of both weeding and mulching
• Limb dead branches and remove woody debris from the D. garden • Prune low hanging branches to 8-10 feet for clearance in the walkways of the D. garden • Prune plants to maintain clear paths throughout D. garden • Control weeds within the various habitat areas of the D. garden • Maintain irrigation system for the D. garden and perform repairs as needed • Provide botanical signage for plants within the D. garden and perform repairs to the signs when necessary
Nathanson Oxbow:
• Maintain a weed free area between the fence and sidewalk of the Oxbow area • Care for drought tolerant native plants between sidewalk and fence for aesthetics • Continue weed prevention through a combination of fabric and mulch from the fence line to the top edge of the berm
• Continue to weed control through targeted mowing or weed whacking from the sidewalk to the berm
• Mow or weed whack fence line for fuel reduction heading into fire season *In addition progress reports will be submitted to the City with more specific details of each of the tasks listed above.

Sonoma Overlook Trail Construction Management Work, 3/5-5/21/2025 Providing construction management and quality control services during Sonoma Overlook Trail Rehabilitation Project (CIP P-14)
Fee: $12,000.00
Overhead: $3,500.00
Agenda Item #8.3:

City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 02 Apr 2025
Department
Administration
Staff Contact
David Guhin, City Manager
Agenda Item Title
A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Joint Powers Agreement with the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA State Parks) for Minor Renovations and Occupancy of the First Floor of the Toscano Hotel with Costs Shared Between the City and State Parks and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Sublease Between the City of Sonoma and Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau for Use of the Toscano Hotel First Floor
Summary

Background
The Toscano Hotel, located in the heart of the City of Sonoma's downtown Plaza, is owned by California State Parks. The building has remained largely underutilized despite the high foot traffic location, due to the limited access at the building's entrance. The City of Sonoma currently subleases space in the Carnegie Library Building, located on the Plaza, to the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau (SVVB) for use as a Visitors Center. Recognizing a public agency partnership opportunity for historic preservation and supporting local tourism, the City and CA State Parks are proposing a Joint Powers Agreement for adaptive reuse of the first floor of the Toscano Hotel for a Visitors Center.

Adaptive Reuse
Partnering with CA State Parks to relocate the Visitor Center to the Toscano Hotel would be a strategic and beneficial move for the City of Sonoma and CA State Parks to provide access and visibility to this CA State Park asset. The Toscano Hotel Complex and Servants' Quarters Historic Structures Report (HSR) prepared by CA State Parks in 2013, recommends adaptive reuse of this site, ensuring that the historic integrity of the site is preserved while activating an underutilized space.

Adaptive reuse is the process of repurposing historic buildings for new, functional uses while preserving their architectural and cultural significance. In this context, transforming the Toscano Hotel first floor into a Visitors Center allows the space to remain active and relevant, rather than sitting unused or solely as a static exhibit. This approach honors the site's history while making it a vibrant functional part of the community, providing an engaging experience for visitors while supporting local tourism.

Joint Powers Agreement
The Joint Powers Agreement between the California State Parks and the City of Sonoma establishes a cooperative effort to renovate and activate the underutilized Toscano Hotel first floor within Sonoma State Historic Park for public use as a Visitor Center.

Agenda Item #9.1:

Key points include:

Term & Use: The agreement spans five years (renewable for another five), allowing the City to renovate, equip, and maintain the hotel first floor for a Visitor Center, office space, historical exhibits, and limited retail in partnership with the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau (SVVB).

Renovation Responsibilities: The City will manage renovations, ensuring compliance with historic preservation standards and relevant building codes. State Parks will review and approve all plans to ensure alignment with historical and environmental regulations.

The City will perform the renovations required for the use of the historic Toscano Hotel prior to occupancy. This work includes removal of access barriers so that the building will be open to the public and operate as a Visitors Center. The proposed budget for this work is estimated at $4,500 and work will be done using City crews.

Operations & Maintenance: The City and the SVVB will be responsible for operational costs, utilities, and general maintenance, while State Parks maintains the building’s structural elements. The Visitor Center will be open to the public during SVVB business hours.

Training: The State Parks will provide SVVB staff and volunteers with training on park history and visitor services to be ambassadors for the site.

Liability & Insurance: Both parties agree to indemnification terms and confirm they possess sufficient insurance or self-insurance coverage.

The Joint Powers Agreement is aligned with City Council goals for Economic Development and Parks, Recreation and Community Services and strengthens the City's partnership with CA State Parks to provide accessibility and renovation to a historic downtown structure.

Sublease Agreement
In alignment with the Joint Powers Agreement, the sublease will define the terms under which SVVB will occupy and manage the space. These terms will be substantially similar to those included in the attached sublease, subject to legal review.

This partnership, along with the sublease with Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureaus, strengthens local tourism efforts, enhances public engagement with Sonoma’s history, and revitalizes an important historic structure while ensuring responsible stewardship of the site.

Approval of the Joint Powers Agreement with CA State Parks and the sublease with SVVB will create an innovative adaptive reuse project to increase local tourism, support economic development, and enhance community engagement utilizing the City's unique State Historic Park assets.

Recommended Council Action
Adopt the proposed resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a Joint Powers Agreement with State Parks and authorizing the City Manager to execute a sublease with Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau for Use of the Toscano Hotel First Floor.

Agenda Item #9.1:

Alternative Actions
Council discretion.

Financial Impact
The renovations budget is $4,500 for barrier removal and threshold improvements.

Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Resolution -Toscano JPA final
City of Sonoma - Toscano Hotel JPA -Clean
Sublease - Toscano Hotel - City & SVVB
Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma
RESOLUTION # _______ - 2025

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA (CITY) APPROVING

AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT

WITH THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ACTING THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS

AND RECREATION (CASTATE PARKS), FOR RENOVATION AND OCCUPANCY OF THE

FIRST FLOOR OF THE TOSCANO HOTEL WITH COSTS SHARED BETWEEN THE CITY

AND STATE PARKS AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A

SUBLEASE BETWEEN THE CITY AND SONOMA VALLEY VISITORS BUREAU WHEREAS, the Toscano Hotel is owned by CA State Parks and remains largely underutilized despite its high foot traffic location in the City of Sonoma’s downtown Plaza; and WHEREAS, CA State Parks prepared the 1993 Toscano Hotel Complex and Servants’ Quarters Historic Structures Report (HSP) that recommended adaptive reuse of the site; and WHEREAS, the City currently subleases space in the Carnegie Library Building, located on the Plaza, to the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau for use as a Visitors Center; and WHEREAS, CA State Parks and the City are authorized by Section 6500 et seq. of the California Government Code to enter into an Agreement to jointly exercise their common powers; and
WHEREAS, the City and CA State Parks desire to partner for adaptive reuse of the first floor of the Toscano Hotel to relocate the Visitors Center to provide access and visibility to this CA State Park asset through a Joint Powers Agreement - Exhibit A; and WHEREAS, the City will manage minor renovations required for adaptive reuse as outlined in the Joint Powers Agreement - Exhibit A, Scope of Work and in compliance with historic preservation standards and relevant building codes to renovate and activate the first floor of the Toscano Hotel within the Sonoma State Historic Park for public use as a Visitors Center; and WHEREAS, the City desires to achieve this occupancy through a Sublease-Exhibit B with Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau to relocate its downtown Visitors Center to the first floor of the Toscano Hotel; and
WHEREAS, the Joint Powers Agreement is aligned with City Council goals for Economic Development and Parks, Recreation and Community Services.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Sonoma hereby approves the Joint Powers Agreement with State of California, acting through the Department of Parks and Recreation (CA State Parks), for renovation and occupancy of the first floor of the Toscano Hotel with costs shared between the City and State Parks and authorizes the City Manager to execute the Joint Powers Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Sonoma hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute a sublease on terms substantially similar to those included in Sublease-Exhibit B and subject to legal review for occupancy of the first floor of the Toscano Hotel with Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau.

Agenda Item #9.1:

PASSED, RESOLVED, AND ADOPTED, at a Regular Meeting of the City of Sonoma City Council on this 2nd day of April 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

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

Joint Powers Agreement #P24OT007
1 | P a g e
Joint Powers Agreement
Between
State of California Dept of Parks and Recreation
And
City of Sonoma
For
Renovation and Occupancy of the First Floor of the Toscano Hotel Agenda Item #9.1:

Joint Powers Agreement #P24OT007
2 | P a g e
THIS JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT (Agreement), by and between STATE OF CALIFORNIA, acting through the Department of Parks and Recreation, hereinafter referred to as “State Parks”, and the City of Sonoma, a general law city, hereinafter referred to as "City".

RECITALS
WHEREAS, the State and City are authorized by Section 6500 et seq. of the California Government Code to enter into this Agreement to jointly exercise their common powers; and
WHEREAS, State Parks desires to increase visitor interest and usage of the underutilized Toscano Hotel, located adjacent to the historic barracks in Sonoma State Historic Park as depicted in Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein, and owned and maintained by State Parks; and WHEREAS, the Toscano Hotel is one of the least visited areas of Sonoma State Historic Park despite the high foot traffic location, it lacks a welcoming presence with a wrought-iron cage limiting access, and access has been generally limited to this entry enclosure for passive viewing only; and WHEREAS, the City and State Parks desire to work cooperatively together to foster and strengthen a partnership; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to renovate and utilize the Toscano Hotel for occupancy to help increase local tourism and promote Sonoma Valley as a visitor destination, and the City desires to achieve this through a sublease with Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate that the following Agreement be entered into for the convenience of the general public in the use and enjoyment of, and the overall enhancement of recreational and educational experience at, Sonoma State Historic Park.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, which are hereby deemed a contractual part hereof, the mutual covenants hereinafter contained, and for other valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows.

Agenda Item #9.1:

3 1. TERM
The term of this Agreement shall be for a period of 5 years with an option, upon mutual agreement, to be renewed for up to 5 additional years, and shall commence and shall be effective following approval by the State of California Department of General Services, the date of which shall be evidenced by a memorandum executed by both parties ("Commencement Date"). Should City hold-over after the expiration of the term of this Agreement with the express or implied consent of the State, such holding-over shall be deemed to be a tenancy from month-to-month. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Agreement Year" shall mean each one-year period of time that commences on the Commencement Date identified above, extending twelve (12) months therefrom, and continuing from each anniversary throughout the term of the Agreement.

2. PREMISES
The State, for and in consideration of the agreements hereinafter stated, grants to City for the purposes stated herein, the right, privilege, and duty to renovate, equip, occupy, and maintain the first floor of the Toscano Hotel at Sonoma State Historic Park as set forth in Exhibit A, attached to and made a part of this Agreement (the "Premises"). The granting to the City the right to occupy the Toscano Hotel does not exclude the general public from the Premises; however, the use by the general public is limited by the terms and conditions given herein. This Agreement is not intended to confer third party beneficiary status to any member of the public who is benefited by the terms of this Agreement.

3. USE OF PREMISES
The City is granted use of the Premises to occupy the building with City staff and, upon execution of a sublease, Sonoma Valley Visitor Bureau (SVVB) staff and volunteers. Use will consist of a combination of office space, visitor center, period appropriate interpretation and exhibits, and limited retail. Public occupancy will be limited to 49 people or less. The Premises will be open to the public during normal SVVB business hours.

4. CONDITION OF PREMISES

4.1 Renovation of Premises
a. The City acknowledges that the premises must be renovated for adaptive reuse of a historic structure prior to occupancy. City agrees to perform the services necessary to complete the renovations (“Project”) in accordance with Agenda Item #9.1:

4 the Scope of Work and Project Budget set forth in Exhibit B, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein.

Any changes to the Scope of Work and Project Budget, except as provided herein, must be mutually agreed to in a formal written amendment approved by City and State Parks. Such approvals shall not be unreasonably withheld.

State Parks' approval of the work and plans shall be for the purpose of determining that such work conforms in scope and quality to State Parks’ policies and standards, and in no way shall relieve City or its contractors or subcontractors of the responsibility to perform and complete the work (1) in accordance with generally accepted industry standards, (2) faithfully adhering to the approved plans, specifications, and drawings, and (3) in accordance with all applicable codes, laws, regulations, or other requirements including California’s State Historical Building Code and applicable Secretary of the Interior Standards for Historic Structures (PRC 5024.5). Permission to start construction will not be granted until all required permits and approvals have been secured. b. City as Project Manager. City shall be the party to manage the Project through completion. City shall be responsible for entering into all professional service agreements, consultant agreements, and any other supplemental agreements required for the planning, design, permitting, and construction of the Project.
c. Review of Design and Working Drawings by State Parks. i. City shall provide State Parks for its review and
approval a Schematic Design for the renovations. State Parks shall not unreasonably withhold such approval. The objective of the Schematic Design is to clearly define the renovations and should include a site plan, building floor plans, all building elevations, outline specification, and any additional detailed specifications necessary to describe project work, floor area usage, Critical Path Method (CPM) or Gantt-type chart construction schedule. If the State disapproves any element of the program statement, City shall promptly submit to State Parks all necessary modifications and revisions.
ii. Design Development: Upon State Parks’ approval of
City’s Schematic Design, City shall submit the Design Development for State Parks’ review and approval. State Parks shall not unreasonably withhold such approval.

The objective of the Design Development is to define and describe all the important aspects of the Project and should include the necessary details of each element of the Schematic Design to adequately convey key conditions of major improvements.

Agenda Item #9.1:

5 In addition, the Design Development should include Floor Plans, Schedules, Structural Requirements, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Plans, Color Boards, Material and Systems Specifications, and an updated construction schedule and Preliminary Statement of Probable Construction Cost. If State Parks disapproves any element of the Design Development, City shall promptly submit necessary modifications and revisions. The parties agree that State Parks shall be lead agency under Section 15051(d) of the State Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for this Agreement and the Project and shall concurrently complete CEQA and other environmental documents as may be required, and file such with California State Clearinghouse. iii. Working Drawings: Upon State Parks’ approval of City’s Design Development, City shall submit Working Drawings for State Parks' review and approval. State Parks shall not unreasonably withhold such approval. The objective of the Working Drawings is to set forth in detail the requirements for construction of the renovations including bidding and contracting. At a minimum, the drawings should include all Design Development elements plus: complete documentation of quantities, qualities, and relationships of all work required for the Project; documentation of decisions made in the Design Development phase; all documentation needed for obtaining regulatory and State approvals; and construction schedule. If State Parks disapproves any drawings, plans or specifications, City shall promptly submit necessary modifications and revisions. No changes or alterations shall be made to the approved Working Drawings without prior written approval of State Parks.
d. Use of Consultants. City shall employ licensed Contractor(s) or use its own forces in the completion of all required construction work. Additionally, City shall utilize professional contractors and consultants, including architects(s) and engineer(s), acting in accordance with the latest American Institute of Architects’ standards of practice to develop comprehensive construction plans, including schematic design plans, design development plans, and working drawings, and to conduct independent inspections and monitoring of all construction. To the extent City contracts for construction work for the Project, City agrees to select contractors and consultants who are licensed to practice in the State of California. In no event shall State Parks be deemed to have control of or be responsible for City’s final hiring decisions, the day-to-day management of the project, or administration of contracts with contractors or consultants.
e. Permits. City shall obtain all permits, licenses, and other approvals necessary for the construction and completion of the Project. Such permits may include, but are not limited to, those required by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. All plans must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of Agenda Item #9.1:

6 1990 (ADA) and shall have the required certification including by State Parks Accessibility Unit.
f. Signage. City, or its sublessee, shall be allowed to include exterior signage at the Toscano Hotel provided that any signage is approved in advance by State Parks and complies with City’s sign ordinance.

4.2 Maintenance, Repair, Utilities, and Removal
a. City’s Responsibilities
i. During the term of this Agreement the Premises shall be maintained at the sole expense of the City in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. City shall pay all utilities associated with use of the Premises including but not limited to electricity, phone, internet, and alarm system. ii. Removal and disposal of all rubbish, refuse, and
garbage resulting from use and operations of the Premises shall be the City’s responsibility and shall be disposed of outside the park unit and in accordance with applicable laws and local ordinances. City shall remedy without delay any defective, dangerous, or unsanitary conditions.
iii. City shall repair any damage to the Premises which occurs that is related to the use of the Premises. Damage to the Premises caused by the City’s use of the Premises shall be repaired at City’s sole cost and expense during the term of this Agreement. City shall immediately report any damage to the Premises to the District Superintendent. Such repairs shall conform to State Park standards as stated in Chapter 8 of the Department’s Operations Manual.

Should City fail, neglect, or refuse to undertake and complete any required repairs, State shall have the right to perform such repairs for City. In the event, City shall promptly reimburse State for the cost thereof provided that State shall first give City thirty (30) days written notice of its intention to perform such maintenance or repairs. State shall not be obligated to make any repairs to or maintain any improvements on the Premises related to the City’s operations. City hereby expressly waives the right to make repairs at the expense of State and the benefit of the provisions of §1941 and §1942 of the Civil Code of the State of California relating thereto if any there be. State has made no representations respecting the condition of the Premises, except as specifically set forth in this Agreement.
iv. Removal and Restoration. At the expiration or sooner termination of this Agreement, City at its own expense shall remove all personal property brought onto the Premises by City. City, at City's expense, shall restore Agenda Item #9.1:

7 and repair the Premises, and any of City's improvements or fixtures remaining thereon, to a good, clean, safe, and fit condition, reasonable wear and tear expected, and shall completely remedy all injuries to the Premises associated with the City’s use of the Premises.
b. State Parks’ Responsibilities
i. State Parks, at its cost, shall maintain, in good
condition, the structural parts of the building and other improvements that are a part of the Premises, which structural parts include the foundations, bearing and exterior walls (excluding glass and doors), subflooring, and roof (excluding skylights); the unexposed electrical, plumbing, and sewage systems, including, without limitation, those portions of the systems lying outside the premises; heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system servicing the Premises.

5. EMPLOYEE TRAINING AND SECURITY
City will ensure that all SVVB employees and Volunteers in contact with State Park visitors shall receive up to one hour of training and/or training curriculum which may be completed in up to one hour which shall include an orientation on the State Park System, local points of interest, and basic information about the cultural history of Sonoma State Historic Park. State Parks shall provide the training in a mutually agreed upon format.

Security: The City shall ensure that the Premises are secure when not in use.

6. INDEMNIFICATION
Each party shall indemnify and hold the other party harmless against all actions, claims, demands, and liabilities, and against all losses, damages, costs, expenses, and attorney’s fees, arising directly or indirectly out of an actual or alleged injury to a person or property in the same proportion that its own acts and/or omissions are attributed to said claims, demands, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, expenses, and/or attorney’s fees. This provision shall not extend to any claim, demand, liability, loss, damage, cost, expenses, and/or attorney’s fees covered by the insurance of any party. The obligations under this section shall survive the termination of the Agreement.

7. INSURANCE
The parties hereby warrant and represent that each possesses sufficient insurance, self-insurance, or coverage under a self-insurance pool for the potential risks and liabilities it undertakes pursuant to this Agreement. The Agenda Item #9.1:

8 insurance obligation set forth in this Section 7 shall survive termination of this Agreement.

8. RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES
State Parks and City are each an independent “public agency,” as defined by Government Code section 6500, and this Agreement does not create a separate legal entity. Each party shall, at all times, remain an independent public agency solely responsible for all acts of its employees or agents, including any negligent acts or omissions. State Parks and City, and their respective officers, agents, and employees are not, and shall not be deemed, employees of the other party for any purpose including but not limited to worker’s compensation and employee benefits.

Agenda Item #9.1:

9 9. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING

9.1 City shall not voluntarily assign or encumber its interest in this Agreement or in the Premises, or sublease all or any part of the Premises, or allow any other person or entity (except City’s authorized representatives) to occupy or use all or any part of the Premises, without first obtaining the State Parks’ written consent. Any assignment, encumbrance, or sublease without the State Parks’ written consent shall be voidable and, at State Parks’ election, shall constitute a default. No consent to any assignment, encumbrance, or sublease shall constitute a further waiver of the provisions of this paragraph.

9.2 Notwithstanding section 9.1 above, City is permitted to sublet the Premises and assign all of the City’s rights and obligations under this Agreement to the SVVB; provided that any such subletting or assignment shall not release City of any obligations hereunder and shall not alter the primary liability of City for the performance of any other obligations to be performed by City, including but not limited to its obligations under section 4.1 of this Agreement. State Parks consents to said sublease and/or assignments, and no further consent from State Parks is required for same. With respect to all subleases and assignments other than the sublease with the SVVB mentioned above, City shall give written notice of its intent to sublease and assign the Agreement to State Parks at least thirty (30) days before the sublease or assignment becomes effective. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the provisions of section 15.7 shall not apply to these specific subleases and assignments.

10. GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
During the term of the Agreement, City must notify the State Parks in writing if their services or any work under this Agreement includes, or makes available, any previously unreported GenAI technology, including GenAI from third parties or subcontractors. City shall immediately complete the GenAI Reporting and Factsheet (STD 1000) to notify State Parks of any new or previously unreported GenAI technology. At the direction of the State Parks, City shall discontinue the use of any new or previously undisclosed GenAI technology that materially impacts functionality, risk or contract performance, until use of such GenAI technology has been approved by State Parks. Failure to disclose GenAI use to State Parks and submit the GenAI Reporting and Factsheet (STD 1000) may be considered a breach of the Agreement by State Parks at its sole Agenda Item #9.1:

10 discretion and State Parks may consider such failure to disclose GenAI and/or failure to submit the GenAI Reporting and Factsheet (STD 1000) as grounds for the immediate termination of the Agreement. State Parks is entitled to seek any and all relief to which it may be entitled to as a result of such non-disclosure.

State Parks reserves the right to amend the Agreement, without additional cost, to incorporate GenAI Special Provisions into the Agreement at its sole discretion and/or terminate any contract that presents an unacceptable level of risk to State Parks.

11. WARRANTIES; NOTICE OR RELEASE OR INVESTIGATION

11.1 State Parks warrants and represents to City that, to the best of State Parks’ actual knowledge without independent investigation or inquiry, as of the effective date of this Agreement:
a. There has been no release onto or under the Premises or the Toscano Hotel of any Hazardous Substances in violation of any Environmental Law; b. The Premises and/or Toscano Hotel contain no PCBs, PCBcontaminated electrical equipment, or asbestos-containing materials; and c. State Parks has received no notice that the Premises or the Toscano Hotel is in violation of any Environmental Law.

11.2 If, during the term of this Agreement (including any extensions), either State Parks or City becomes aware of (a) any actual or threatened release of any Hazardous Substances on, under, or about the Premises or the Toscano Hotel or (b) any inquiry, investigation, proceeding, or claim by any government agency or other person regarding the presence of Hazardous Substances on, under, or about the Premises or the Toscano Hotel, that party will give the other party written notice of the release or investigation within five (5) days after learning of it and will simultaneously furnish to the other party copies of any claims, notices of violation, reports, or other writings received by the party providing notice that concern the release or investigation.

11.3 State Parks shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless City and its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers, from and against any and all claims (including, without limitation, third party claims from bodily injury or real or personal property damage), actions, administrative proceedings (including information proceedings), judgments, damages, punitive damages, penalties, fines, taxes and assessments, liabilities (including sums paid in settlement of claims), interest, Agenda Item #9.1:

11 impairments, losses, fees and expenses (including attorney's fees and expenses incurred in enforcing this provision or collecting any sums due hereunder), consultant and expert fees, together with all other costs and expenses of any kind or nature, including any and all expenses of cleaning up or disposing of any such Hazardous Substances arising from or caused by State Parks’ use of the Premises or State Parks’ failure to perform the covenants of this section (“Environmental Damages”). The obligations, covenants and agreements of State Parks contained in this section shall survive expiration or termination of this Agreement for any reason.

11.4 As used in this Section, “Hazardous Substances ” shall mean any substance or material at the level defined or designated as hazardous or toxic waste, hazardous or toxic material, a hazardous or toxic chemical, a hazardous, toxic or radioactive substance, petroleum or other similar term, by any federal, State or local environmental statute, regulation or ordinance presently in effect or that may be promulgated in the future, as such statutes, regulations and ordinances may be amended from time to time.

12. DEFAULT
If either party ("demanding party") has a good faith belief that the other party ("defaulting party") is not complying with the terms of this Agreement, the demanding party shall give written notice of the default (with reasonable specificity) to the defaulting party and demand the default to be cured within ten days of the notice. If: (a) the defaulting party fails to cure the default within ten days of the notice, or, (b) if more than ten days are reasonably required to cure the default and the defaulting party fails to give adequate written assurance of due performance within ten days of the notice, then (c) the demanding party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the defaulting party.

13. PRIVILEGES, IMMUNITIES, AND OTHER BENEFITS
In accordance with Government Code section 6513, all of the privileges and immunities from liability, all exemptions from laws, ordinances and rules, and all pension, relief, disability, worker’s compensation, and other benefits which apply to the activity of the trustees, officers, employees, or agents of the parties when performing their functions within the territorial limits of their respective public agencies, shall apply to them to the same degree and extent while engaged in the performance of any of their functions and duties associated with performance of this Agreement.

Agenda Item #9.1:

12 14. NOTICES
Any notices, bills, invoices, or reports required by this Agreement shall be deemed received on: (i) the day of delivery if delivered by hand, facsimile or overnight courier service during the receiving party’s regular business hours; (ii) the third business day following deposit in the United States mail if delivered by mail, postage prepaid, to the addresses listed below (or to such other addresses as the parties may, from time to time, designate in writing); or (iii) the day of delivery if emailed to the email address listed below and simultaneously deposited in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid, to the address(es) listed below (or to such other addresses as the parties may, from time to time, designate in writing).

If to State Parks:

Maria Mowery
California State Parks
Bay Area District Superintendent
3325 Adobe Road
Petaluma, CA 94954
Telephone: (707)762-4871
Email: [email protected]
If to City:

David Guhin
City of Sonoma
City Manager
No. 1 The Plaza
Sonoma, CA 95476
Telephone: (707) 938-3681
Email: [email protected]
With courtesy copy to:

David J. Ruderman
Sonoma City Attorney
Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC
670 W. Napa Street, Suite F
Sonoma, CA 95476
Telephone: (707) 986-8091
Facsimile: (707) 509-7295
Email: [email protected]
Agenda Item #9.1:

13 15. GENERAL PROVISIONS

15.1 Headings. The heading titles for each paragraph of this Agreement are included only as a guide to the contents and are not to be considered as controlling, enlarging, or restricting the interpretation of the Agreement.

15.2 Governing Law, Jurisdiction, and Venue. The interpretation, validity, and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California. Any suit, claim, or legal proceeding of any kind related to this Agreement shall be filed and heard in a court of competent jurisdiction in the County of Sonoma.

15.3 Authority to Contract. Each party warrants hereby that it is legally permitted and otherwise has the authority to enter into and perform pursuant to this Agreement.

15.4 Conflict of interest. Each party covenants that it presently has no interest and shall not acquire any interest, direct or indirect, which would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of its services hereunder. Each party further covenants that in the performance of its services pursuant to this Agreement, no person having any such interest shall be employed.

15.5 Third Party Beneficiaries. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to create any rights in third parties and the parties do not intend to create such third-party rights.

15.6 Attorney's Fees.· In the event that a party commences legal action of any kind or character to either enforce the provisions of this Agreement or to obtain damages for breach thereof, the prevailing party in such litigation shall be entitled to all costs and reasonable attorney's fees incurred in connection with such action.

15.7 Assignment and Delegation. Except as specifically provided in this Agreement, e.g., section 9.2, this Agreement, and any portion thereof, shall not be assigned or transferred, nor shall any of either party's duties be delegated, without the written consent of the other party.

Any attempt to assign or delegate this Agreement without the written consent of the other party shall be void and of no force or effect. A consent to one assignment shall not be deemed to be a consent to any subsequent assignment.

Agenda Item #9.1:

14 15.8 Modifications. This Agreement may not be modified orally or in any manner other than by an agreement in writing signed by both parties.

15.9 Waivers. Waiver of a breach or default under this Agreement shall not constitute a continuing waiver

15.10 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement, or any portion thereof, is found by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable or invalid for any reason, such provision shall be severable and shall not in any way impair the enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

15.11 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject of this Agreement and supersedes all previous agreements, promises, representations, understandings and negotiations, whether written or oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

15.12 Each Party's Role in Drafting the Agreement. Each party to this Agreement has had an opportunity to review the Agreement, confer with legal counsel regarding the meaning of the Agreement, and negotiate revisions to the Agreement. Accordingly, neither party shall rely upon Civil Code section 1654 in order to interpret any uncertainty in the meaning of the Agreement.

15.13 Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall be deemed one and the same instrument. The parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement may be executed by electronic signature, which shall be considered as an original signature for all purposes and shall have the same force and effect as an original signature. Without limitation, “electronic signature” shall include faxed or emailed versions of an original signature, electronically scanned and transmitted versions (e.g., via pdf) of an original signature, or a digital signature.

Rest of Page Intentionally Left Blank
Agenda Item #9.1:

15 STATE PARKS
State of California, acting through the
Department of Parks and Recreation
By:________________________________
Armando Quintero, Director
Printed:_____________________________
Date:______________________
CITY
City of Sonoma
By:____________________________
David Guhin, City Manager
Date:______________________
Attest:

By:__________________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Date:________________________
Agenda Item #9.1:

16 EXHIBIT A
Premises
Agenda Item #9.1:

17 Exhibit B
Scope of Work and Budget
Parties seek to improve the visitor experience and increase visitor usage of the Toscano Hotel located in Sonoma State Historic Park.
• Remove and reset pavers at a higher elevation to
accommodate threshold grade (2 locations); estimated cost is $3,500.
• Remove existing steel partitions at entry (2 locations); estimated cost is $1,000.

Agenda Item #9.1:

SUBLEASE
THIS SUBLEASE (“Sublease”) dated ______________, is made between the City of Sonoma, a California general law city (“Sub-landlord”), and the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, a not-for-profit California corporation (“Subtenant”).

RECITALS
A. Sub-landlord is the tenant under a Joint Powers Agreement dated _____________ (“Original Master Lease”), pursuant to which the State of California, acting through the Department of Parks and Recreation (“Master Lessor”) leased to Sub-landlord the first floor of the Toscano Hotel, real property located in the City of Sonoma, County of Sonoma, State of California, described as 20 East Spain Street, Sonoma, CA (“Premises”).

B. The Original Master Lease, together with its attachments, is collectively referred to as the “Master Lease.”
C. A copy of the Master Lease is attached and incorporated in this Sublease as Exhibit A.

D. Capitalized terms used herein shall have the same meaning as those terms are used in the Master Lease, unless the context dictates otherwise.

ARTICLE I
Sublease

1.1. Sub-landlord subleases to Subtenant on the terms and conditions in this Sublease the Premises.

ARTICLE II
Warranty by Sub-Landlord

2.1. Sub-landlord warrants to Subtenant that the Master Lease has not been amended or modified except as expressly set forth in this Sublease; that Sub-landlord is not now, and as of the commencement of the Term (defined in this Sublease) of this Sublease will not be, in default or breach of any of the provisions of the Master Lease; and that Sub-landlord has no knowledge of any claim by Master Lessor that Sublandlord is in default or breach of any of the provisions of the Master Lease.

Agenda Item #9.1:

ARTICLE III
Term

3.1. The term of this Sublease (the “Term”) will commence on the latter of [Insert date of Sublease listed above] (“Beginning Date”), or when Master Lessor consents to this Sublease (if consent is required under the Master Lease), whichever occurs later, and end on five (5) years after the Commencement Date of the Master Lease (“Expiration Date”), unless terminated sooner in accordance with the provisions of this Sublease.

3.2. If the Term commences on a date other than the Beginning Date, Sublandlord and Subtenant will execute a memorandum setting forth the actual date of commencement of the Term. Possession of the Premises (“Possession”) will be delivered to Subtenant on the commencement of the Term. If for any reason Sub-landlord does not deliver Possession to Subtenant on the commencement of the Term, Sub-landlord will not be subject to any liability for this failure, the Expiration Date will not be extended by the delay, and the validity of this Sublease will not be impaired. Rent will be abated until delivery of Possession. However, if Sub-landlord has not delivered Possession to Subtenant within thirty (30) days after the Beginning Date, at any time after that and before delivery of Possession, Subtenant may give written notice to Sublandlord of Subtenant’s intention to cancel this Sublease. The notice will set forth an effective date for the cancellation, which will be at least ten (10) days after delivery of notice to Sub-landlord. If Sub-landlord delivers Possession to Subtenant on or before this effective date, this Sublease will remain in full force. If Sub-landlord fails to deliver Possession to Subtenant on or before this effective date, this Sublease will be canceled.

Upon cancellation, all consideration previously paid by Subtenant to Sub-landlord on account of this Sublease will be returned to Subtenant, this Sublease will have no further force, and Sub-landlord will have no further liability to Subtenant because of this delay or cancellation. If Sub-landlord permits Subtenant to take Possession prior to the commencement of the Term, the early Possession will not advance the Termination Date and will be subject to the provisions of this Sublease, including, without limitation, the payment of Rent.

ARTICLE IV
Rent; Security Deposit; Utilities

4.1. Subtenant will pay to Sub-landlord a rent (“Rent”) of one dollar ($1.00) per month for the Premises, without deduction, setoff, notice, or demand, at City of Sonoma, Atten: City Manager, No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma, CA, or at any other place Sublandlord designates by notice to Subtenant. The Subtenant will pay the Rent on or before the first of each month and every month of the Term of this Sublease to the SubAgenda Item #9.1:

landlord. If the Term begins or ends on a day other than the first or last day of a month, the rent for the partial months will be prorated on a per diem basis. The Rent shall be subject to adjustment as set forth in the Master Lease.

4.2. No security deposit is required.

4.3. Subtenant agrees to pay all charges for all utilities, including electricity, gas, water, garbage disposal, and telephones, used in or an the Premises, including the second floor of the Toscano Hotel regardless of Subtenant’s use or non-use of the second floor, during the Term of this Sublease. Subtenant agrees to assume Sublandlord’s responsibilities under the Master Lease for payment of maintenance, repair, utilities, and removal and restoration thereunder.

ARTICLE V
Use of Premises

5.1. The Premises will be used and occupied only for the purposes described in the Master Lease and for no other use or purpose.

5.2. Throughout the term of this Sublease, Subtenant shall, at Subtenant’s sole cost and expense, maintain the Premises and all improvements in good condition. The Subtenant will promptly notify the Sub-landlord of any damage, or of any situation that may significantly interfere with the normal use of the Premises or to any furnishings supplied by the Sub-landlord.

5.3. Subtenant shall not commit, or suffer to be committed, any waste upon the Premises, or any nuisance, or other act or thing that may disturb the quiet enjoyment of the community, the Sub-landlord, and nearby neighbors. Subtenant, its members, visitors, and any sub-lessee shall not dispose of any waste, trash, debris, refuse, rubbish, and junk within Sub-landlord’s trashcans adjacent to the Premises.

Subtenant may contract with Sub-landlord or Sonoma’s solid waste franchisee for additional trash, recycling, or green waste pickup.

5.4. The Subtenant will comply with standards of health, sanitation, fire, housing and safety as required by law.

5.5. At the expiration of the Sublease term, the Subtenant will quit and surrender the Premises in as good a state and condition as they were at the commencement of this Sublease, reasonable use and wear and damages by the elements expected.

Agenda Item #9.1:

5.6. The Subtenant will not keep or have on the Premises any article or thing of a dangerous, flammable, or explosive character that might unreasonably increase the danger of fire. Subtenant shall not have an open flame, barbecue, grill, or engage in any cooking activities without prior written consent of Sub-landlord.

5.7. The Subtenant will obey all rules and regulations posted by the Sublandlord regarding the use and care of the Premises, parking lot and other common facilities, if any, that are provided for the use of the Subtenant in, around and on the Premises.

5.8. No smoking, vaping, or e-cigarette use, whether of tobacco or cannabis, is allowed anywhere on the Premises, including any outdoor areas.

5.9 Subtenant may not install any exterior signage without the advance written approval of the Sub-landlord and Master Lessor. Any such signage must be in compliance with all sign-related ordinances of Sub-landlord.

ARTICLE VI
Encumbrances

6.1. Subtenant may not encumber its leasehold interest hereunder.

ARTICLE VII
Negation of Partnership

7.1. Sub-landlord shall not become or be deemed a partner or a joint venturer with Subtenant by reason of the provisions of this Sublease.

ARTICLE VIII
Assignment and Subletting

8.1. Subtenant will not assign this Sublease or further sublet all or any part of the Premises without the prior written consent of Sub-landlord (and the consent of Master Lessor, if this is required under the terms of the Master Lease).

ARTICLE IX
Other Provisions of Sublease and Subtenant’s Obligation to Perform as Though the Lessee under the Master Lease

9.1. This Sublease is and shall be at all times subject and subordinate to the Master Lease.

Agenda Item #9.1:

9.2. The terms, conditions and respective obligations of Sub-landlord and Subtenant to each other under this Sublease shall be the terms and conditions of the Master Lease except for those provisions of the Master Lease which are directly contradicted by this Sublease, in which event the terms of this Sublease document shall control over the Master Lease. Therefore, for the purpose of this Sublease, where in the Master Lease the word “State Parks” is used it shall be deemed to mean the Sublandlord herein and wherever in the Master Lease the word “City” is used it shall be deemed to mean the Subtenant herein. All the terms and conditions of the Master Lease are incorporated into and made a part of this Sublease as if Sub-landlord were the Lessor under the Master Lease and Subtenant were the Lessee under the Master Lease.

9.3. During the Term of this Sublease and for all periods subsequent for obligations which have arisen prior to the termination of this Sublease, Subtenant does hereby expressly assume and agree to perform and comply with, for the benefit of Sublandlord and Master Lessor, each and every obligation of Sub-landlord under the Master Lease. The obligations that Subtenant has assumed under this paragraph are hereinafter referred to as the “Subtenant’s Assumed Obligations.” Subtenant shall hold Sub-landlord free and harmless from all liability, judgments, costs, damages, claims or demands, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising out of Subtenant’s failure to comply with or perform Subtenant’s Assumed Obligations.

9.4. Subtenant will not commit or suffer any act or omission that will violate any of the provisions of the Master Lease.

9.5. Sub-landlord will exercise due diligence in attempting to cause Master Lessor to perform its obligations under the Master Lease for the benefit of Subtenant.

Sub-landlord agrees to maintain the Master Lease during the entire term of this Sublease, subject, however, to any earlier termination of the Master Lease without the fault of the Sub-landlord. If the Master Lease terminates, at the option of Master Lessor, this Sublease will terminate, and the parties will be relieved of any further liability or obligation under this Sublease. However, if the Master Lease terminates as a result of a default or breach by Sub-landlord or Subtenant under this Sublease or the Master Lease, the defaulting party will be liable to the non-defaulting party for the damage suffered as a result of the termination. Regardless, if the Master Lease gives Sub-landlord any right to terminate the Master Lease in the event of the partial or total damage, destruction, or condemnation of the Premises or the Building or Project of which the Premises are a part, the exercise of this right by Sub-landlord will not constitute a default or breach. In the event of a Default under this Sublease by Subtenant, Sublandlord shall have all of the remedies available to the Master Lessor under the Master Lease.

Agenda Item #9.1:

9.6. Under Section 1 of the Master Lease, Sub-landlord is granted the option of extending the Term of the Master Lease an additional five (5) years. The parties acknowledge and agree that the Sub-landlord has the sole discretion on whether to exercise this option, and the exercise of such does not automatically extend this Sublease accordingly.

ARTICLE X
Notice of Possessory Interest

10.1. In accordance with California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 107.6, subdivision (a), Sub-landlord states that entering into this Sublease may create a possessory interest subject to property taxes. Subtenant or any other party in whom the possessory interest is vested shall be responsible for and pay any such taxes upon the assessed value of the entire Premises.

ARTICLE XI
Alterations

11.1. Subtenant shall not make any alterations to the Premises without Sublandlord’s prior written consent. Any alterations made shall remain on and be surrendered with the Premises on expiration or termination of the Term, except that Sub-landlord can elect within 30 days before expiration of the term, or within 5 days after termination of the term, to require Subtenant to remove any alterations that Subtenant has made to the Premises. If Sub-landlord so elects, Subtenant at its cost shall restore the Premises to the condition designated by Sub-landlord in its election, before the last day of the term, or within 30 days after notice of election is given, whichever is later.

11.2. Subtenant waives the provisions of Civil Code Sections 1941 and 1942 with respect to Sub-landlord’s obligations for habitability of the Premises and Subtenant’s right to make repairs and deduct the expenses of such repairs from the Rent.

ARTICLE XII
Compliance with Laws and Indemnification

12.1. Subtenant shall comply with all applicable laws, ordinances and regulations in subleasing and using the Premises pursuant to the Sublease, including but not limited to all local ordinances, hazardous substances laws, the Americans with Disabilities Act, its State counterpart and all implementing regulations (collectively “Laws”). The Subtenant shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend (with counsel reasonably acceptable to the Sub-landlord) the Sub-landlord, and its officers, Agenda Item #9.1:

employees, agents, representatives, and attorneys from any and all claims, injuries, damages, causes of action, costs, expenses (including attorney’s fees) and liabilities of any sort arising out of (i) Subtenant’s use and subleasing of the Premises, (ii) Subtenant’s failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the Sublease, (iii) Subtenant’s performance or failure to perform under the Sublease, (iv) Subtenant’s Default(s) under the Sublease, (v) Subtenant’s acts or omissions, (vi) Subtenant’s contractors’ and agents’ acts or omissions, (vii) Subtenant’s performance or failure to perform under this Agreement or any other agreement entered with the City, and (viii) Subtenant’s failure to comply with the Laws, and irrespective of the City’s negligence or its exercise of its police powers, land use authority, regulatory authority, permitting authority and/or inspection and building plan approval authority; provided, however, that this indemnity shall not extend to the Sub-landlord’s sole or gross negligence or to its willful misconduct. The foregoing indemnity shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE XIII
Insurance

13.1. On or prior to the date first written above, Subtenant shall furnish or cause to be furnished to Sub-landlord, and shall obtain Sub-landlord’s City Manager’s approval (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) of duplicate originals of policies and endorsements, or appropriate certificates thereof, of liability insurance policies covering Subtenant’s activities under the Sublease and Master Lease and Subtenant’s obligations to provide insurance under the Sublease, and insuring against bodily injury and property damage in the amount of at least Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000), combined single limits, naming the Sub-landlord, Master Lessor and each of their employees, officers, agents and representatives (“Personnel”) as additional insureds. Subtenant shall maintain such insurance in force and without lapse throughout the Term of the Sublease and provide evidence of such insurance to the City Manager not less than once per calendar year, or more often if reasonably requested by the City Manager. In addition, all said insurance:
(a) shall be primary insurance and not contributory with any other insurance the Sub-landlord may have;
(b) shall contain no special limitations on the scope of protection afforded to the Sub-landlord and Personnel;
(c) shall be “date of occurrence” and not “claims made” insurance; Agenda Item #9.1:

(d) shall apply separately to each insured against whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the limits of the insurer’s liability; (e) shall provide that the policy (i) shall not be cancelled by the insurer or Subtenant unless there is a minimum of thirty (30) days prior written notice to Sublandlord, and (ii) shall not be non-renewed by the insurer or Subtenant unless there is a minimum of thirty (30) days prior written notice to Sub-landlord; (f) shall be written by a California admitted insurer with a Best rating of not less than B+, Class X; and
(g) none of the above-described policies shall require Subtenant to meet a deductible or self-insured retention amount of more than Twenty- Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) unless approved in writing by the City Manager in their sole and absolute discretion.

13.2. Subtenant shall maintain Workers’ Compensation Insurance with statutory limits and employer’s liability insurance with limits of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) per accident.

ARTICLE XIV
Entry

14.1. Sub-landlord reserves the right to enter the Premises on reasonable notice to Subtenant to inspect the Premises or the performance by Subtenant of the terms and conditions of this Sublease and, during the last six months of the Term, to show the Premises to prospective subtenants. In an emergency, no notice will be required for entry.

ARTICLE XV
Default

15.1. The occurrence of any of the following shall constitute a default by Subtenant:
(a) Failure to pay Rent when due.
(b) Abandonment and vacation of the Premises (failure to occupy and operate the Premises for 30 consecutive days shall be deemed an abandonment and vacation).

Agenda Item #9.1:

(c) Failure to perform any other provision of this Sublease if the failure to perform is not cured within 30 days after notice has been given to Subtenant. If the default cannot reasonably be cured within 30 days, Subtenant shall not be in default of this Sublease if Subtenant commences to cure the default within the 30-day period and diligently and in good faith continues to cure the default as determined in Sublandlord’s sole discretion. (d) Notices given under this paragraph shall specify the alleged default and the applicable lease provisions and shall demand that Subtenant perform the provisions of this Sublease or pay the Rent that is in arrears, as the case may be, within the applicable period of time, or quit the Premises. No such notice shall be deemed a forfeiture or a termination of this Sublease unless Sub-landlord so elects in the notice. (e) The purpose of the notice requirements set forth in this paragraph is to extend the notice requirements of the unlawful detainer statutes of California.

15.2. Sub-landlord’s Remedies.
(a) Cumulative Nature of Remedies. Sub-landlord shall have the following remedies if Subtenant commits a default. These remedies are not exclusive; they are cumulative in addition to any remedies now or later allowed by law. (b) Subtenant’s Right to Possession Not Terminated. Sub-landlord can continue this Sublease in full force and effect, and the Sublease will continue in effect as long as Sub-landlord does not terminate Subtenant’s right to possession, and Sublandlord shall have the right to collect Rent when due. (c) Termination of Subtenant’s Right to Possession. Sub-landlord can terminate Subtenant’s right to possession of the Premises at any time. No act by Sublandlord other than giving notice to Subtenant shall terminate this Sublease. Acts of maintenance, efforts to relet the Premises, or the appointment of a receiver on Sublandlord’s initiative to protect Sub-landlord’s interest under this Sublease shall not constitute a termination of Subtenant’s right to possession. On termination, Sublandlord has the right to recover from Subtenant:
(i) The worth, at the time of the award, of the unpaid Rent that had been earned at the time of termination of this Sublease; (ii) The worth, at the time of the award, of the amount by which the unpaid Rent that would have been earned after the date of termination of this Sublease until the time of award exceeds the amount of the loss of Rent that Subtenant proves could have been reasonably avoided;
Agenda Item #9.1:

(iii) The worth, at the time of the award, of the amount by which the unpaid Rent for the balance of the term after the time of award exceeds the amount of the loss of Rent that Subtenant proves could have been reasonably avoided; and (iv) Any other amount, and court costs, necessary to compensate Sub-landlord for all detriment proximately caused by Subtenant’s default. (d) Sub-landlord’s Right To Cure Subtenant’s Default. Sub-landlord, at any time after Subtenant commits a default, can cure the default at Subtenant’s cost. If Sub-landlord at any time, by reason of Subtenant’s default, pays any sum or does any act that requires the payment of any sum, the sum paid by Sub-landlord shall be due immediately from Subtenant to Sub-landlord at the time the sum is paid, and if paid at a later date shall bear interest at the maximum rate an individual is permitted by law to charge from the date the sum is paid by Sub-landlord until Sub-landlord is reimbursed by Subtenant. The sum, together with interest on it, shall be Operating Costs.

15.3. In the event that Sub-landlord Defaults under its obligations to be performed under the Master Lease by Sub-landlord, Sub-landlord agrees to deliver to Subtenant a copy of any such notice of Default. Subtenant shall have the right to cure any Default of Sub-landlord described in any notice of default if Subtenant does so within the same number of days set forth in the notice of Default given to Sub-tenant. If such Default is cured by Subtenant, then Subtenant shall have the right of reimbursement and offset from and against Sub-landlord.

ARTICLE XVI
Notices

16.1. Any notices, bills, invoices, or reports required by this Agreement shall be deemed received on: (i) the day of delivery if delivered by hand, facsimile or overnight courier service during the receiving party’s regular business hours; (ii) the third business day following deposit in the United States mail if delivered by mail, postage prepaid, to the addresses listed below (or to such other addresses as the parties may, from time to time, designate in writing); or (iii) the day of delivery if emailed to the email address listed below and simultaneously deposited in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid, to the address(es) listed below (or to such other addresses as the parties may, from time to time, designate in writing).

Agenda Item #9.1:

If to Sub-landlord (City):

David Guhin
City of Sonoma
City Manager
No. 1 The Plaza
Sonoma, CA 95476
Telephone: (707) 938-3681
Email: [email protected]
If to Subtenant (SVVB):

Tim Zahner
Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau
Executive Director
453 First Street East
Sonoma, CA 95476
Telephone: (707)996-1090
Email: [email protected]
With courtesy copy to:

David J. Ruderman, Sonoma City
Attorney
Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC
670 W. Napa Street, Suite F
Sonoma, CA 95476
Telephone: (707) 986-8091
Facsimile: (707) 509-7295
Email: [email protected]

ARTICLE XVII
Environmental Matters

17.1. The Subtenant hereby represents and warrants that:
(a) The Subtenant has not been informed of, nor does the Subtenant have any knowledge of (i) the presence of any Hazardous Substances (as defined below) on the Premises, or (ii) any spills, releases, threatened releases, discharges or disposals of Hazardous Substances that have occurred or are presently occurring on or onto the Premises, or (iii) any spills or disposals of Hazardous Substances that have occurred or are presently occurring on any other properties as a result of any construction on or operation and use of the Premises.
(b) In connection with the operation and use of any of the Premises, the Subtenant has no knowledge of any failure to comply with any applicable local, state or federal environmental laws, regulations, ordinances and administrative and judicial orders relating to the generation, treatment, recycling, reuse, sale, storage, handling, transport and disposal of any Hazardous Substances.

Agenda Item #9.1:

(c) In the event that the Subtenant becomes aware of the release of any Hazardous Substances on, or other environmental condition, problem or liability with respect to, the Premises, the Subtenant agrees to notify promptly the Sub-landlord in writing of such condition. The Subtenant further agrees to take actions to investigate and clean up the release of any Hazardous Substances on, or other environmental condition, problem or liability affecting the Premises promptly after the Subtenant becomes aware of any such condition and to keep the Sub-landlord advised in writing of all such actions taken by the Subtenant.
(d) Subtenant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Sub-landlord (inclusive of its subsidiaries, affiliates, as now or hereafter constituted) and its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers, from and against any and all claims (including, without limitation, third party claims for bodily injury or real or personal property damage), actions, administrative proceedings (including information proceedings), judgments, damages, punitive damages, penalties, fines, taxes, assessments, liabilities (including sums paid in settlement of claims), interest, impairments, losses, fees and expenses (including attorney's fees and expenses incurred in enforcing this provision or collecting any sums due hereunder), consultant and expert fees, together with all other costs and expenses of any kind or nature, including any and all expenses of cleaning up or disposing of any such Hazardous Substances arising from or caused by Subtenant’s use of the Premises or Subtenant’s failure to perform the covenants of this section (“Environmental Damages”). Subtenant shall have no responsibility for any Environmental Damages which preceded the Commencement Date of this Sublease.

The obligations, covenants and agreements of Subtenant contained in this section shall survive the expiration or termination of this Sublease for any reason. (e) As used in this Section, “Hazardous Substances” shall mean any substance or material at the level defined or designated as hazardous or toxic waste, hazardous or toxic material, a hazardous or toxic chemical, a hazardous, toxic or radioactive substance, petroleum or other similar term, by any federal, State or local environmental statute, regulation or ordinance presently in effect or that may be promulgated in the future, as such statutes, regulations and ordinances may be amended from time to time.

17.2. The representations and warranties set forth in this Section shall survive the expiration or termination of this Sublease.

Agenda Item #9.1:

ARTICLE XVIII
Successors and Assigns

18.1. This Sublease will be binding on and inure to the benefit of the parties to it, their heirs, executors, administrators, successors in interest, and assigns.

ARTICLE XIX
Entire Agreement

19.1. This Sublease sets forth all the agreements between Sub-landlord and Subtenant concerning the Premises, and there are no other agreements either oral or written other than as set forth in this Sublease.

ARTICLE XX
Time of Essence

20.1. Time is of the essence in this Sublease.

ARTICLE XXI
Attorney Fees

21.1. If either party commences an action against the other in connection with this Sublease, the prevailing party will be entitled to recover costs of suit and reasonable attorney’s fees in accordance with and as provided in Section 14.6 of the Master Lease.

ARTICLE XXII
Governing Law; Venue

22.1. This Sublease will be governed by and construed in accordance with California law. Any legal action brought under this Agreement must be instituted in the Superior Court of the County of Sonoma, or in the Federal District Court of the applicable federal district of California.

ARTICLE XXIII
ADA Compliance

23.1. Since compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other similar laws is dependent upon Subtenant’s specific use of the Premises, Sublandlord makes no warranty or representation as to whether or not the Premises comply with ADA or any similar legislation. In the event that Subtenant’s use of the Premises requires modifications or additions to the Premises in order to be in ADA Agenda Item #9.1:

compliance, Subtenant agrees to make any such necessary modifications and/or additions at Subtenant’s expense.

ARTICLE XXIV
Third Party Beneficiaries

24.1. None of the terms or provisions of this Agreement are intended to benefit any person or entity other than the Sub-landlord and Subtenant.

ARTICLE XXV
Waivers

25.1. No waiver of any breach of any covenant or provision contained in this Sublease shall be deemed a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach or such provision, or of any other covenant or provision contained in this Sublease. No extension of the time for performance of any obligation or act or any waiver of any provision of this Sublease shall be enforceable against the Sub-landlord or Subtenant, unless made in writing and executed by both the Sub-landlord or Subtenant.

ARTICLE XXVI
Non-Liability of Officials, Officers, and Employees

26.1. No officer, official, member, employee, agent, representative, or volunteer of the Sub-landlord shall be personally liable to Subtenant, or any successors in interest, in the event of any default or breach by the Sub-landlord of this Sublease, or for any amount which may become due to Subtenant or to any successor under this Sublease, or for breach of any obligation of the terms of this Sublease.

26.2. No officer, official, member, employee, agent, representative, or volunteer of Subtenant shall be personally liable to the Sub-landlord, or any successors in interest, in the event of any default or breach by Subtenant of this Sublease, or for any amount which may become due to the Sub-landlord or to any successor under this Sublease, or for breach of any obligation of the terms of this Sublease.

ARTICLE XXVII
Non-Discrimination

27.1. Subtenant shall not discriminate against any person in relation to Subtenant’s performance under this Sublease (including any employee or applicant) on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, sex, or any other unlawful basis under state or federal law.

Agenda Item #9.1:

ARTICLE XXVIII
Warranty of Authority

28.1. The persons whose signatures appear below warrant that they are duly authorized to execute this agreement on behalf of the entity which they represent and warrant that this agreement is a binding obligation on the part of their respective entity.

ARTICLE XXIX
Execution in Counterparts

29.1. This Sublease may be signed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall be deemed one and the same instrument. The parties acknowledge and agree that this Sublease may be executed by electronic signature, which shall be considered as an original signature for all purposes and shall have the same force and effect as an original signature. Without limitation, “electronic signature” shall include faxed or emailed versions of an original signature, electronically scanned and transmitted versions (e.g., via pdf) of an original signature, or a digital signature.
[Signatures on following page]
Agenda Item #9.1:

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Sublease as of the date first above written.

SUB-LANDLORD
CITY OF SONOMA, a municipal corporation
By:

Name:

Its:

ATTEST:
_________________________
Rebekah Barr, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________
David J. Ruderman, City
Attorney

SUBTENANT
SONOMA VALLEY VISITORS BUREAU, a California
corporation
By:

Name:

Its:

By:

Name:

Its:

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 02 Apr 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
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. 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 April 10, 2025. Listed below are the appointments and individuals who have submitted letters of interest for consideration at the April meeting of the Mayors & Council Members Board.

Board of Directors
 Measure H Oversight Committee – 2 Seats. 3-year term starting in May. *Note – you must be an independent County resident; active fire chiefs, active fire directors, County employees, or spouses to any such individuals may not serve on the committee. Meeting schedule details are pending.
o 5 Letters Received:
▪ Jeff Okrepkie, Santa Rosa
▪ Evelyn Mitchell, Healdsburg
▪ Sandra Lowe, Sonoma
▪ Neysa Hinton, Sebastopol
▪ Jill McLewis, Sebastopol
The purpose of this committee is to provide transparency and ensure fiscal accountability. The committee will review the receipt and expenditures of the revenue from the transactions and use tax, including the annual report of each Agency’s use of the tax. 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.
 North Bay Division, LOCC, Executive Board: 2 Seats (to fill expiring terms of Susan Harvey of Cotati and Janice Cader Thompson of Petaluma) 1 primary seat and 1 alternate seat. 2-year term starting in April.

Agenda Item #9.2:

o 3 Letters Received:
▪ Susan Harvey, Cotati
▪ Janice Cader Thompson, Petaluma
▪ Stephen Zollman, Sebastopol
This is a regional division of the League of California Cities, representing cities in the North Bay area. The Executive Board is responsible for overseeing the activities and operations of the North Bay Division.
 Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Citizens Advisory Committee – 2 Seats (to fill expiring terms of John Shribbs of Petaluma and Kevin McDonnell of Petaluma). 2-year term starting in April.
o 3 Letters Received:
▪ John Shribbs, Petaluma
▪ Marjorie Morgenstern, Cloverdale
▪ Karen Nau, Petaluma
While solely advisory, the Committee offers opinions and makes recommendations at the request of the Ag and Open Space Board of Directors or its General Manager. The Committee also provides broad-based citizen input on Ag and Open Space activities and acts as ambassadors for Ag and Open Space.

Recommended Council Action
Give direction to Mayor Farrar-Rivas or her designee regarding appointments.

Alternative Actions
Council discretion.

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

City Manager’s Office
100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room10
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Phone: 707-543-3010 Fax: 707-543-3030
February 14, 2025
Sonoma County Mayors' & Councilmembers' Association
Re: Measure H Citizen’s Oversight Committee – Letter of Interest Honorable Mayors and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my strong interest in serving on the Measure H Oversight Committee and to seek your recommendation for this critical role. As someone who has firsthand experience with the devastation of wildfire and has dedicated years to recovery, resiliency and public safety efforts, I believe I am uniquely qualified to provide oversight and strategic guidance for Sonoma County’s fire initiatives.

In the aftermath of the 2017 Tubbs Fire, which destroyed my home and forever changed our community, I cofounded Coffey Strong, a neighborhood-led recovery group that became a model for disaster response across the country. Through this work, I gained extensive experience navigating government processes, advocating for residents, and ensuring that recovery efforts remained transparent, efficient, and community driven. I have traveled the United States sharing this experience from Colorado, Paradise & Oregon to most recently Los Angeles.

Since then, I have continued my commitment to disaster resilience and public service as a Santa Rosa City Council Member, where I serve as Chair of the Public Safety Subcommittee. In this role, I have worked closely with local, state, and federal agencies to secure resources for fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and long-term recovery. I have also been a strong advocate for expanding firefighting resources, improving evacuation planning, and ensuring that communities across Sonoma County have access to critical disaster response funding.

Additionally, I am a founding board member of the Santa Rosa Fire Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting firefighters and enhancing wildfire prevention and emergency response efforts in our region. Through this work, I have gained valuable insight into the challenges facing our fire agencies and the opportunities we have to improve public safety through strategic investment and community collaboration.

My background in both community leadership and public policy equips me with the knowledge and perspective needed to serve effectively on the Measure H Oversight Committee. I understand the importance of responsible fiscal management, clear communication with the public, and ensuring that the investments made through Measure H truly enhance the safety and resilience of our communities.

I would be honored to contribute my experience and leadership to this important committee. I respectfully ask for your recommendation and support as I seek this appointment, and I welcome any opportunity to discuss how we can work together to strengthen Sonoma County’s disaster preparedness and response efforts.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Jeff Okrepkie
Councilmember, City of Santa Rosa
[email protected] | 707.531.0056
CC: Santa Rosa City Council and City Manager
Agenda Item #9.2:

February 24, 2025
Clerk of the Board
County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Dr., Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Attn: Kyreen Gonzalez, [email protected] Cc: Lauren Berges, [email protected]
RE: Appointment to the Measure H Oversight Committee
Dear Honorable Mayors and Councilmembers:

I am writing to express my interest and request your support for my appointment to one of the two Measure H Oversight Committee seats appointed by the Sonoma County Mayors & Councilmembers Association.

Measure H has given us an opportunity to make transformational investments in fire prevention and protection. I believe my skills and experience align well with the goals of the Measure H Oversight Committee.

Serving on the Healdsburg City Council for the last six years, a city with its own independent Fire Department, I have developed a keen understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our first responders. I have learned first-hand, through the numerous fires that have affected Healdsburg in the last several years, the toll fires take on a community. My dedication to public service employees and my ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams make me confident I can bring an energetic perspective to the Committee. My goal would be to work in partnership with Sonoma County’s cities and fire districts to ensure they are empowered to develop local and regional strategies to best meet the goals of Measure H and, ultimately, to best enhance the safety of our communities.

As a Finance/Accounting Professional, with over twenty years of experience in finance, I bring a deep understanding and knowledge of what it means to provide transparency and ensure fiscal accountability. These skills will be invaluable when reviewing the receipts and expenditures and the annual reports from each Agency’s use of Measure H.

CITY OF HEALDSBURG
MAYOR EVELYN L. MITCHELL
401 Grove Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448-4723
Phone: (707) 431-3317
Fax: (707) 431-3321
Visit us at www.healdsburg.gov
Agenda Item #9.2:

Appointment to the Measure H Oversight Committee
February 24, 2025

It would be an honor to put my experience to work for you on the Measure H Oversight Committee and I humbly ask for your support.

Sincerely,
Evelyn L. Mitchell, Mayor
City of Healdsburg
Agenda Item #9.2:

City of Sonoma
No. 1 The Plaza
Sonoma, California 95476-6618
Phone (707) 938-3681 Fax (707) 938-8775
E-Mail: [email protected]
March 6, 2025
★
Sonoma Sister Cities:

Aswan, Arab Republic of Egypt
Chambolle-Musigny, France
Greve In Chianti, Italy
Kaniv, Ukraine
Patzcuaro, Mexico
Penglai, China
Tokaj, Hungary
Clerk ofthe Board
County ofSonoma, Board ofSupervisors
575 Administration Dr., Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Attn: Kyreen Gonzalez, [email protected] Dear Board Members:

I respectfully request your supportfor my appointmentto the MeasureH Oversight Committee.

Asa Councilmemberand pastMayor, Ihave had the opportunity towork closely with theSonoma Valley Fire District and ChiefAkre. Sonoma is unique in thatwe contract with the district rather than having a city-run fire department. As we allknow, Sonoma Valley is home to some ofthe most fire-prone areas, as identifiedin the recentCal Fire report. Ensuring strong fireprevention and emergency services remain the top concern of our residents.

For the past two years, I have also had the privilege of serving on the LAFCO Board, where I have been involved in discussions on multiple fire district consolidations. This experience has given me a deep understanding of fire district needs throughoutthe county. Additionally, atthe state level, I have worked alongside the California Professional Firefighters on key statewide ballot measures to increase funding forfire districts.

I am confidentthat myexperience atthe local,county, and state levels will allowme to contribute valuable leadership to the Oversight Committee, strengthening our collective efforts to keep Sonoma safe, prepared, and well-funded.

I would sincerely appreciate your support in endorsing mycandidacy. Please feel freeto reach outif you have any questions orwould like to discuss myqualifications further. I can be reached at (707)337-3796 or viaemail at [email protected].

Thankyou foryour time and consideration.I look forward toyour support.

Best regards,
ne Sandra Lowe
Councilmember
c: Lauren Berges, [email protected]
O
Agenda Item #9.2:

City Council
Councilmember Neysa Hinton

March 14, 2025
Sonoma County Mayors and Councilmember’s Association
c/o Mary Gourley
Re: Request for Appointment to the Measure H Oversight Committee Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I seek your support for my appointment by the Mayor and Councilmembers of Sonoma County to the Measure H Oversight Commission. It would be my honor to serve and represent our nine cities and our citizens on this oversight committee that has responsibility to review annual audits. These annual reports will include positions, equipment, and facilities funded, including activities related to fire prevention ensuring compliance with requirements of the Measure H sales tax.

I have been an elected councilmember in the City of Sebastopol since 2016. During that time my expertise in budgeting includes having served on my city’s annual in-depth budgeting process for 5+ years. I also have served on various sub-committees related to our fire department over the past eight years as we discussed moving from a city department to joining the neighboring fire district of Gold Ridge Fire Protection District.

Through this process, I have grown in my knowledge related to fire departments and believe this uniquely qualifies me as the right fit for one of the two appointments representing Sonoma County cities on this new oversight position.

I will come to this appointment position with experience in both city managed fire departments as well as a deep understanding of fire districts. The nine Sonoma County cities are almost equally split between the two types of structuring. Currently, the cities of Healdsburg, Petaluma, Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa have municipal fire departments, and the cities of Cloverdale, Cotati, Sonoma and Windsor are part of various fire districts. I currently sit on the Sebastopol Fire Sub-Committee and have spent hours in committee working on Sebastopol’s plan to go from a municipal fire department run by City of Sebastopol to becoming part of the Gold Ridge Fire District. Sebastopol is going through the LAFCO process currently hoping to finalize the re-organization process with Gold Ridge Fire District by July 1, 2025.

Measure H funding is so important to our community and effort to increase fire services. Estimated at 62 million each year, annual reporting and oversight of these new dollars is a promise to the community and ourselves. With the past fires we have faced in recent years locally, not to mention throughout the State of California., additional dollars help us fund needed expansion of services due to changing climate conditions. The tax measure revenue with oversight assures funds to vital fire protection services and additional personnel and building upgrades help our community have the funds needed to provide vital fire services.

It would be my honor to have your support for appointment to the Measure H Oversight Committee, and I respectfully ask for your vote.

Sincerely,
Neysa Hinton
Councilmember, City of Sebastopol
[email protected]
(707) 890-1753
Agenda Item #9.2:

Lauren Berges <[email protected]>
Measure H Oversight Committee
1 message
Jill McLewis <[email protected]> Fri, Mar 14, 2025 at 10:54 PM To: Lauren Berges <[email protected]>, Mary Gourley <[email protected]> Honorable Mayors, Vice Mayors, and Councilmembers:

I’m writing to express my interest in serving on the Measure H Oversight Committee. Working on this committee would be an extension of the work I’ve been doing as a member of the Sebastopol/Gold Ridge ad hoc committee which has been considering and now working toward consolidation after a number of years. This work has allowed me to gain a deep understanding of finances, staffing, equipment, and facility needs of fire departments. I am well-versed in the budgeting process and understand the complexities involved in managing fire districts. Additionally, my familiarity with levels of call service, the safety our community deserves, and the impact of these factors on consumer insurance rates equips me with a comprehensive perspective on the operational and financial challenges facing our fire services.

Moreover, I’ve gained significant experience with the consolidation and LAFCO process.

This experience has really given me a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with merging resources and improving service delivery. I believe this background uniquely positions me to provide valuable oversight and guidance as part of the Measure H Oversight Committee.

I am committed to ensuring that Measure H funds are used effectively and transparently to strengthen our fire services and enhance public safety. It would be an honor to serve and contribute my experience and insights on the committee.

Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,
Jill McLewis
Vice Mayor
City of Sebastopol
3/16/25, 11:06 AM Gmail - Measure H Oversight Committee https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/?ik=8cbee50ff6&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1826638367924046131&simpl=msg-f:1826638367924046131 1/1 Agenda Item #9.2:

City of Cotati
Sonoma County, California
February 24, 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 Reappointment to the North Bay Division LOCC Executive Board CITY of COTATI
1963
Dear Honorable Mayors and Council Members,
I am submitting this letter to you to advance my candidacy for reappointment to the above position by the Mayors' and Councilmembers' Association Board of Directors.

I have enjoyed representing Sonoma County on the NB Division LOCC Executive Board since 2010. It was my pleasure to represent Sonoma County as President of the NB Division LOCC Executive Board for 2022. During my tenure, as President, I began monthly coffee chats to allow Division members more opportunities to connect and share ideas about subjects impacting our communities. I strive to ensure that the programs are appropriate and timely for our cities. I have been active in the planning for the programs, participated in League events and shared information on League work that impacts our cities.

I continue to support the needs and concerns of our communities in meetings with our legislators. It has also been my honor to represent the NB Division on multiple Policy Committee's which help provide input to various bills that move through the legislation.

I respectfully ask for your support of my request for reappointment.

Sincerely,
Susan
Cotati Dsa

Harvey
City Councilmember A orex
Cc: Kevin Patterson
201 W. Sierra Ave, Cotati, CA 94931 | (707) 792-4600 www.cotaticity.gov | @cityofcotati Agenda Item #9.2:

CITY OF PETALUMA
POST OFFICE BOX 61
PETALUMA, CA 94953-0061
Janice Cader-Thompson
Councilmember
Petaluma City Hall
11 English Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone (707) 778-4345
E-Mail:
[email protected]
March 8, 2025
Lauren Berges, MCA Clerk
RE: North Bay Division LOCC, Executive Board Appointment Dear Mayor and Council members,
I am asking your support by reappointing me for the North Bay Division of LOCC, Executive Board. As a board member I will continue to advocate on Local revenues, Climate Change, Infrastructure, Homeless and Housing and Legislative updates. As past President of the North Bay League Division, 2002, my theme was Working Together. I will continue working with my collogues in the North Bay to strengthen our voice.

I would appreciate your support to re-appoint me to the North Bay Division LOCC, Executive Board. If you have questions, please contact me.

Sincerely,
Janice Cader Thompson
707 774-5912

Agenda Item #9.2:

March 5, 2025
Chair Giudice
Sonoma County Mayors’ and
Councilmembers’ Association
130 Ayram Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Attn: Lauren Berges, MCA Clerk
[email protected]
Re: Appointment to North Bay Division
LOCC, Executive Board
Dear Chair Giudice and Mayors and Councilmembers’ Board Members, I am excited to submit this letter of interest for an appointment to North Bay Division LOCC Executive Board.

I have served on the Cal Cities Revenue and Taxation Policy committee and am starting my second year on the Community Services Policy Committee. Through these policy committees, I have learned a lot and have developed connections that could elevate the work of our division.

The mission of our division states that we are to develop regional informational programs and carry out grassroots activities to support specific legislative, regulatory or ballot measure goals. Under our new Administration, it is important that our programing and grassroots efforts are relevant and serve the needs of our marginalized Agenda Item #9.2:

2 communities, especially our brown and trans communities. Continuing my intersectional work, I have developed contacts within these communities that could help shape our programs. Those programs could then help mobilize legislative efforts.

Representation continues to matter. To my knowledge, I am the only elected who is a Veteran and remain one of only two queer electeds. I also come from a city that is not on the 101 corridor. Geographical diversity is an important part of diversity.

It would be an honor to serve. If anyone has questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

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

Lauren Berges <[email protected]>
letter of interest for AGOS Advisory Committee
2 messages
John Shribbs <[email protected]> Sat, Feb 15, 2025 at 5:51 PM To: Lauren Berges <[email protected]>
Cc: Peggy Flynn <[email protected]>, Kevin McDonnell <[email protected]> Attn:

Lauren Berges, MCA Clerk [email protected]
2025 Chair City, City of Rohnert Park
Sonoma County Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association
130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Lauren et al,
I am interested in continuing my work with the Ag and Open Space Advisory Committee for another 2- year term.

I am currently vice chair of the committee and, if I continue, will probably be nominated for one of the three executive committee positions.

My background includes a PhD in Horticulture, MS in Pest Management, BS in Biology, and Teaching Credential for teaching science in public high schools. My PhD thesis was on groundcover management in apple tree orchards and have worked in cotton, road and transmission line vegetation management, multiple horticulture crops, sugar beets, and riparian/wetland habitats. I have also been involved with local environmental nonprofits for over 25 years including Friends of the Petaluma River and Petaluma Wetlands Alliance. I also helped found ReLeaf Petaluma and am on their board and we achieved plating our 2000th tree recently. Currently I am the chair of Maintenance and Restoration for PWA Board and actively working on improving our public Petaluma wetlands.

My work experience includes about 25 years in the pesticide industry and 17 years teaching high school science. I built a native plant nursery and permaculture outdoor classroom at Casa Grande HS while teaching there. During my 12-year tenure doing research for an international AgriChem corporation, I worked on international herbicide development with emphasis on the corn and soybean markets.

I want to advance the opportunities that AG and OS can provide. Please consider me for another 2-year term.

John
Kevin McDonnell <[email protected]> Sat, Feb 15, 2025 at 7:53 PM To: John Shribbs <[email protected]>, Lauren Berges <[email protected]> Cc: Peggy Flynn <[email protected]>
Good on you. I’m glad you’re applying. I will likely not apply for Ag & OS this cycle.

Kevin
From: John Shribbs <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, February 15, 2025 5:51 PM
To: Lauren Berges <[email protected]>
Cc: Peggy Flynn <[email protected]>; Kevin McDonnell <[email protected]> Subject: letter of interest for AGOS Advisory Committee [Quoted text hidden]
2/15/25, 9:54 PM Gmail - letter of interest for AGOS Advisory Committee https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/?ik=8cbee50ff6&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1824176929267715240&simpl=msg-f:182417692926771524… 1/1 Agenda Item #9.2:

Dear Selection Committee,
I am writing to express my strong interest in joining the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Citizens Advisory Committee. As someone deeply passionate about land conservation and agricultural preservation, I would be honored to contribute to the committee’s vital work in protecting our region’s open spaces and farmlands.

Growing up in Marin County, I was fortunate to live at the end of a quiet street, adjacent to a privately owned parcel of land. When that land was eventually designated as Open Space, it was a transformative moment for the entire community. The preservation not only safeguarded the natural beauty of the area but also provided a shared space for hiking, gatherings, and picnics. This experience reinforced my belief in the immense value of Open Space—not only for its scenic and recreational benefits but also for its critical role in environmental conservation.

Agricultural preservation is equally essential, as it sustains biodiversity, strengthens local communities, and supports the economy. Protected farmland fosters habitats for wildlife, enhances soil health, reduces water pollution, and ensures a reliable local food supply. Moreover, it sustains countless jobs within the agricultural and food sectors, reinforcing the importance of preserving these lands for future generations.

I am eager to play an active role in safeguarding Sonoma County’s Open Space and farmland, ensuring that these invaluable resources remain protected for years to come.

Agriculture is at the heart of our region’s identity, and as a key contributor to the nation’s food and wine industries, Sonoma County must continue to uphold its legacy of sustainability and responsible land stewardship.

I would be honored to serve on this committee and contribute my perspective, dedication, and experience to further its mission. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to support this important work.

Sincerely, Marjorie Morgenstern
Councilmember, City of Cloverdale
Agenda Item #9.2:

Agenda Item #9.2: