Sonoma City Council
August 6, 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, August 6, 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 (Wellander, Ding, Lowe, Gurney, Farrar-Rivas)

REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

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

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

2. MEETING DEDICATIONS

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

4. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

5. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS

6. PRESENTATIONS

6.1: Proclamation Recognizing August 3-9, 2025, as National Health Center Week in the City of Sonoma

6.2: Presentation of GIS Cemetery Mapping Project by Intern Eowyn Medeiros

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

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

7.2: Receive Minutes from the Regular Meetings of June 18, 2025, and July 16, 2025 (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
RECOMMENDATION: Receive the Minutes.

06.18.2025 Regular Meeting Minutes

07.16.2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
5 - 10

7.3: Adopt Ordinances Amending Sonoma Municipal Code to Clarify the Responsibilities of the Review Authorities and Modify Regulations Pertaining to 11 - 44

Design Review to Further Streamline City Entitlement Process, and Finding the Ordinances are Exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the ordinances.

Agenda Report - Adoption Ordinance Design Review - Pdf

7.4: 1. Adoption of an Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Chapter 7.40, Permits for Motion Picture and Television Production and adding Chapter 7.42, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, of the Sonoma Municipal Code and Finding the Ordinance Exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines; and

2. Adoption of a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sonoma adopting a Filming Operations Permit Policy finding the Resolution exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the ordinance and the resolution.

Agenda Report - Drone Ordinance & Film Operations Policy - Pdf 45 - 58

7.5: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Finalize and Execute Agreements with Richardson & Company LLP and Robert Smith, and Amendments with Keyser Marston Associates, Matrix Consulting Group, and W-Trans Inc (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the resolution.

Agenda Report - Miscellaneous FY 25-26 Agreements - Pdf 59 - 131

7.6: Adopt a Resolution Cancelling the Regular Meeting Scheduled for September 3, 2025 (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the resolution.

Agenda Report - Regular Meeting Cancellation - Pdf
132 - 133

7.7: Adopt a Resolution Approving a Budget Amendment and Authorizing the City Manager to Purchase a Previously Approved and Budgeted 2024 Ford E450 Type III Ambulance (Steve Akre, Fire Chief)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the resolution.

Agenda Report - Ambulance Budget Amendment - Pdf
134 - 150

8. PUBLIC HEARING

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

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.

Appointments to Commission/Committees: The Council may establish and make appointments to a Council committee (made up of two Council Members) with respect to any item appearing on this agenda.

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

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

City Council:

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

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

OF THE SONOMA CITY COUNCIL
City Council Chambers
177 First Street West
Wednesday, June 18, 2025

6:00 PM Regular Meeting
Regular Meeting Minutes, June 18, 2025

REGULAR MEETING

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

ROLL CALL:

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

REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
There was no Closed Session held.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Council Member Lowe, seconded by Council Member Ding, to approve the agenda with item 9.2 being pulled from consideration. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Donna Dambach, Peter Alexander, and Jeff Lensel provided public comments.

2. MEETING DEDICATIONS
Council Member Gurney dedicated the meeting to Robert Kowal.

3. COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Mayor Farrar-Rivas attended a Sonoma Clean Power meeting on June 5, 2025. On June 9, 2025, she attended a Climate Safe Sonoma meeting as well as on June 11, 2025, attended a National Climate Mayors meeting. Mayor Farrar-Rivas, along with Vice Mayor Wellander and Council Member Ding, attended the first Friday show of this year’s Transcendence Theater event. On June 17, 2025, she attended a meeting regarding the possible creation of a “Sonoma Shuttle Loop”. Lastly, the City hosted a dinner on June 12, 2025, for a Mayors and Councilmembers Association meeting.

Vice Mayor Wellander attended the annual Bear Flag Celebration event on June 14, 2025.

4. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Manager Guhin shared the following updates: he reminded everyone about ongoing paving work at West MacArthur and Fifth St West, announced plans for a prescribed burn at Montini Preserve (with more details available on the City’s website), and reported that the second phase of tree maintenance will take place around the Plaza next week. Lastly, he noted that City Hall will be closed tomorrow, June 19, 2025, in observance of Juneteenth.

5. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS
None.

6. PRESENTATIONS
Item 6.1: Recognition of Sonoma Splash Lifeguards for Their Life-saving Efforts on January 12, 2025
Item 6.2: Proclamation Designating June as Pride Month in the City of Sonoma

7. CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Motion by Council Member Gurney, seconded by Council Member Lowe, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Per Government Code Section 54953(c)(3), City Attorney Ruderman reported a summary of recommendations for final action regarding the salary/salary schedules or compensation paid to local agency executives regarding item 7.6.

Item 7.1: Waive further reading and Authorize Introduction and/or Adoption of Ordinances by Title Only. (Standard procedural action - no backup information provided) Agenda Item #7.2:

Regular Meeting Minutes, June 18, 2025
Item 7.2: Receive Minutes from the Regular Meetings of April 21, 2025, May 7, 2025, May 21, 2025, June 4, 2025, and the Special Meetings of April 21, 2025, and May 22, 2025 (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
Action: The minutes from the Regular Meetings of April 21, 2025, May 7, 2025, May 21, 2025, June 4, 2025, and the Special Meetings of April 21, 2025, and May 22, 2025, were received.

Item 7.3: Adopt a Resolution Approving the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Road Pavement Preservation and Rehabilitation Projects as the Projects for Fiscal Year 2025-26 Funded by Senate Bill 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 and Authorize the Public Works Department to Submit these Projects to the California Transportation Commission (Ashley Cotter, PW Admin & Project Manager)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 33-2025.

Item 7.4: Adopt a Resolution Approving the Replacement of the Existing City of Sonoma Job Description for "Accounting Technician" with the Proposed Job Description for "Accounting Technician I/II" and add the Job Classification and Salary Range for Accounting Technician II to the City of Sonoma Salary Schedule effective June 27, 2025 (Jenny Yankovich, Asst to the City Manager)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 34-2025.

Item 7.5: Accept the Expenditure Report for the Month of May 2025 (Prapti Aryal, Finance Director)
Action: The expenditure report was accepted.

Item 7.6: Adopt Resolutions Approving the Tentative Agreement with Sonoma Employees Association (SEIU) 1021 and Compensation Adjustments for the Non-Represented Confidential Personnel and Executive/At-Will, Management and Administrative Personnel for the Period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028 and Implementing the City of Sonoma Salary Schedule for FY 2025/26 (David Guhin, City Manager) Action: Adopted as Resolution 35-2025 and 36-2025.

8. PUBLIC HEARING
None.

9. REGULAR CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Item 9.1: Approval of the FY 2025-26 City of Sonoma Operating and Capital Improvement Budget with the Following:

1. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sonoma and the Successor Agency of the Former Sonoma Community Development Agency Adopting the FY 2025-26 City of Sonoma Operating Budget; and Approving Community Fund Programming

2. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sonoma Adopting the 2025-30 FiveYear Capital Improvement Program; and Authorizing Capital Project Funds Appropriated and Unspent in FY 2024-25 to be Rolled into the FY 2025-26 Budget

3. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sonoma Authorizing the City Manager to Approve the Carryforward Operational Funds for One Time Projects Appropriated and Unspent in FY 2024-25 to be Rolled into the FY 2025-26 Budget

4. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sonoma Authorizing the City Manager to Fund Recreation and Community Service Discretionary Funding Program for the FY 2025-26 Budget

5. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sonoma Approving a Budget Amendment for FY 2025-26 to Authorize the Use of General Fund Unreserved Fund Balance to Support One-Time Projects and Authorize the City Manager to Execute or Amend Contracts with Various Vendors

6. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sonoma Establishing the Appropriations Limit for the FY 2025-26
Action: Adopted as Resolution 37-2025, 38-2025, 39-2025, 40-2025, 41-2025, and 42-2025.

Public Comment: Robert Demler, Madolyn Agrimonti, and Ken Stokes.

Council Member Ding disclosed his involvement with Sonoma Overnight Support, Council Member Gurney disclosed his involvement with Hanna Boys Center, and Mayor Farrar-Rivas disclosed her involvement with Sonoma Ecology Center.

Motion by Council Member Gurney, seconded by Council Member Lowe, to Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sonoma and the Successor Agency of the Former Sonoma Community Agenda Item #7.2:

Regular Meeting Minutes, June 18, 2025
Development Agency Adopting the FY 2025-26 City of Sonoma Operating Budget; and Approving Community Fund Programming. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Motion by Council Member Ding, seconded by Council Member Lowe, to Adopt a Resolution Adopting the 2025-30 Five-Year Capital Improvement Program; and Authorizing Capital Project Funds Appropriated and Unspent in FY 2024-25 to be Rolled into the FY 2025-26 Budget. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Motion by Council Member Gurney, seconded by Council Member Lowe, to Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Approve the Carryforward Operational Funds for One Time Projects Appropriated and Unspent in FY 2024-25 to be Rolled into the FY 2025-26 Budget. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Motion by Council Member Ding, seconded by Council Member Lowe, to Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Fund Recreation and Community Service Discretionary Funding Program for the FY 2025-26 Budget. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Motion by Council Member Wellander, seconded by Council Member Lowe, to Adopt a Resolution Approving a Budget Amendment for FY 2025-26 to Authorize the Use of General Fund Unreserved Fund Balance to Support One-Time Projects and Authorize the City Manager to Execute or Amend Contracts with Various Vendors. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion by Council Member Lowe, seconded by Council Member Ding, to Adopt a Resolution Establishing the Appropriations Limit for the FY 2025-26. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Item 9.2: A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Affordable Housing Grant for Burbank Housing and Associated Budget Transfer of $200,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for the Purchase of 18 Units in the City of Sonoma for the Preservation of Existing Affordable Housing (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director)
Action: This item was pulled from this agenda and will be brought back at a subsequent meeting.

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

11. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Farrar-Rivas adjourned the meeting at 7:23 p.m.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing minutes were duly and regularly received at a regular meeting of the Sonoma City Council on the 6th of August 2025.
____________________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.2:

City Council:

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

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

OF THE SONOMA CITY COUNCIL
City Council Chambers
177 First Street West
Wednesday, July 16, 2025

6:00 PM Regular Meeting
Regular Meeting Minutes, July 16, 2025

REGULAR MEETING

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

ROLL CALL:

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

REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
There was no Closed Session held.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Council Member Ding, seconded by Council Member Lowe, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Madolyn Agrimonti, Janet Boyle, Graham Bennett, Charleston Treadle, Stefanie Sada, Paty Marken, Carrie Atwood, Carrie Gerster, Claudia Raniker, and Robert Demler provided public comments.

2. MEETING DEDICATIONS
Council Member Lowe dedicated the meeting to Alice Waco.

3. COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Council Member Ding attended several meetings since the last City Council meeting including a Zero Waste Sonoma meeting on June 19, 2025, a Sonoma County Mayors and Councilmembers Association Legislation Committee meeting, and a Sonoma Valley Groundwater Sustainability Committee meeting on June 23, 2025.

Vice Mayor Wellander attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for The French Florist on July 11, 2025.

Council Member Lowe attended a Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Authority (SCTCA) meeting on July 14, 2025.

Mayor Farrar-Rivas attended a number of meetings since the last City Council meeting including an Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) meeting on June 20, 2025, a Climate Safe Tourism meeting on June 30, 2025, the annual Fourth of July Parade on July 4, 2025, and a Sonoma Community Housing Corporations Board of Directors meeting, along with Vice Mayor Wellander, on July 7, 2025.

4. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCMENTS
City Manager Guhin provided an update on the Cultural Asset Inventory currently underway, directing everyone to the City’s website for more information and welcoming feedback. He also shared a few updates: the new Parks Director will be announced next week; the annual Fourth of July Parade and festivities went very well; the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Book will be published online soon; the annual 5k Rose Half Marathon is scheduled for June 19, 2025; and this year marks the Valley’s 200th Harvest, with events happening throughout the year to celebrate.

5. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS

6. PRESENTATIONS
Item 6.1: Recognition of Enclos Sonoma in Honor of its Prestigious Award of two Michelin stars, a Rare and Significant Achievement Reflecting Culinary Excellence and Bringing Distinction to the City of Sonoma
Item 6.2: Presentation by Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) Staff on the Proposed Sonoma County Water Agency/MMWD Water Supply Agreement (WSA) and Provide Direction to the City's Water Advisory Committee (WAC) Representative (Vice Mayor Wellander) on How to Vote for the WSA at the Upcoming August 4th WAC Meeting (Michael Berger, Public Works Director)
Agenda Item #7.2:

Regular Meeting Minutes, July 16, 2025

7. CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Motion by Council Member Lowe, seconded by Council Member Gurney, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Mayor Farrar-Rivas disclosed her involvement with Sonoma Ecology Center.

Item 7.1: Waive further reading and Authorize Introduction and/or Adoption of Ordinances by Title Only. (Standard procedural action - no backup information provided) Item 7.2: Adopt a Resolution Amending the FY25-26 Budget and Allocate $25,454 Within Fund 731 Senior Housing (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director) Action: Adopted as Resolution 43-2023.

Item 7.3: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Agreements with Sonoma Ecology Center, Olaunu, Inc, and Two Lynchpin Road and Amendments with R3, Inc. and Sonoma Community Center for Services Rendered Throughout the 25-26 Fiscal Year (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk & Ashley Cotter, PW Admin & Project Manager) Action: Adopted as Resolution 44-2025.

Item 7.4: Adopt a Resolution to Approve the Allocation of $5,000 in Discretionary Community Funding to Secure Families Collaborative (David Guhin, City Manager) Action: Adopted as Resolution 45-2025.

8. PUBLIC HEARING
Item 8.1: An Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Chapter 7.40, Permits for Motion Picture and Television Production and adding Chapter 7.42, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, of the Sonoma Municipal Code and Finding the Ordinance Exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director) Action: The ordinance was introduced.

Open Public Hearing: 7:18 pm
Public Comment: Richard Dale
Closed Public Comment: 7:19 pm
Motion by Council Member Lowe, seconded by Council Member Ding, to Introduce An Ordinance as amended, Repealing and Replacing Chapter 7.40, Permits for Motion Picture and Television Production and Adding Chapter 7.42, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, of the Sonoma Municipal Code and Finding the Ordinance Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) – General Rule – of the CEQA Guidelines. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 8.2: Ordinances Amending Sonoma Municipal Code to Clarify the Responsibilities of the Review Authorities and Modify Regulations Pertaining to Design Review to Further Streamline City Entitlement Process, and Finding the Ordinances are Exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director) Action: The ordinances were introduced.

Open Public Hearing: 7:31 pm
Public Comment: Robert Demler and Omar Lopez
Closed Public Comment: 7:35 pm
Motion by Council Member Ding, seconded by Council Member Gurney, to Introduce an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Sonoma Amending Provisions of Title 19 of the Sonoma Municipal Code to Clarify the Responsibilities of the Review Authorities and Modify Regulations Pertaining to Design Review to Further Streamline City Entitlement Process. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion by Council Member Lowe, seconded by Vice Mayor Wellander, to Introduce an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Sonoma Amending Provisions of Chapters 2.60, 12.04, 12.08, 12.12, and 14.24 of the Sonoma Municipal Code to Clarify the Responsibilities of the Review Authorities and Modify Regulations Pertaining to Design Review to Further Streamline City Entitlement Process. Motion carried unanimously.

9. REGULAR CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Item 9.1: A Resolution to Approve the 9/11 Memorial Public Art Installation at Sonoma Valley Fire District Station 1 (Sarah Tracy, PIO/Senior Management Analyst) Action: Adopted as Resolution 46-2025.

Public Comment: Robert Demler
Motion by Council Member Lowe, seconded by Council Member Ding, to Adopt a Resolution to Approve the 9/11 Memorial Public Art Installation at Sonoma Valley Fire District Sttion 1. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Agenda Item #7.2:

Regular Meeting Minutes, July 16, 2025
Item 9.2: Resolution Approving the First Amendment to the Agreement for Law Enforcement Services between the County of Sonoma and the City of Sonoma, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Amendment (David Guhin, City Manager & Brandon Cutting, Chief of Police)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 47-2025.

Motion by Council Member Gurney, seconded by Council Member Ding, to Adopt a Resolution Approving the First Amendment to the Agreement for Law Enforcement Services between the County of Sonoma and the City of Sonoma, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Amendment.

Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Item 9.3: A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Burbank Housing for an Affordable Housing Grant and Associated Budget Transfer of $250,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for the Purchase of 18 Units in the City of Sonoma for the Preservation of Existing Affordable Housing (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 48-2025.

Public Comment: Caitlyn Cornwall, Robert Demler and Rich Wallick.

Motion by Council Member Lowe, seconded by Council Member Ding, to Adopt a Resolution, as amended, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Burbank Housing for an Affordable Housing Grant and Associated Budget Transfer of $250,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for the Purchase of 18 Units in the City of Sonoma for the Preservation of Existing Affordable Housing. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Item 9.4: Priority Projects for Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Authorities (SCTCA) Funding Program Cycle 2 Call for Projects (Michael Berger, Public Works Director) Action: Council provided feedback to Staff.

Public Comment: Eris Weaver
Motion by Council Member Lowe, seconded by Vice Mayor Wellander, to Approve the Priority Projects for Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Authorities (SCTCA) Funding Program Cycle 2 Call for Projects. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

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

11. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Farrar-Rivas adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing minutes were duly and regularly received at a regular meeting of the Sonoma City Council on the 6th of August 2025.
____________________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.2:

City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 06 Aug 2025
Department
Community Development
Department
Staff Contact
Jennifer Gates, AICP
Community Development Director
Agenda Item Title
Adopt Ordinances Amending Sonoma Municipal Code to Clarify the Responsibilities of the Review Authorities and Modify Regulations Pertaining to Design Review to Further Streamline City Entitlement Process, and Finding the Ordinances are Exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines
Summary
In December 2024, the Planning Commission Streamlining ad hoc committee provided recommendations to the Planning Commission for changes to the Design Review Ordinance that were discussed by the Commission. (Agenda, Video, and Staff Report) Staff further refined the types of projects that would require design review, levels of design review, and a new administrative noticing process which were reviewed with the ad hoc committee of Matt Wirick and Therese Nugent, and Commissioner Willers in April. On April 17, 2025, the Planning Commission (Agenda, Video, and Staff Report) reviewed the draft ordinance changes and provided comments. Comments were provided and further refinement was provided for Planning Commission consideration on June 17, 2025. Planning Commission recommended approval of the proposed ordinance. (Agenda, Video, and Staff Report) Modifications to design review process include:
 Planning Commission to review major design review.
 Removal of the table and outline what qualifies for the different levels of design review or an exemption.
 Only structures that are nonresidential, and residential structures that are located in the historic overlay or are listed or determined eligible for listing as a historic resource will be required to have a design review permit.
 Continue to require Historic Resource Evaluations until Citywide survey is complete.  New administrative process for a minor design review.  Increase in projects that are exempt from design review.

With the modifications to the design review process, code amendments are required to clarify the new responsibilities for the renamed Historic Preservation Commission, expand application of multifamily objective standards to all development of two or more units, and add two new definitions for new construction and multifamily development included in Exhibits A and B of the attached ordinance amending Title 19. The ordinance also moves responsibility for consideration of certain demolition permits to the Planning Commission.

A second ordinance is provided for City Council consideration that modifies additional sections of the Municipal Code that are not under the purview of Planning Commission and therefore do not require its recommendation. This ordinance also clarifies the responsibilities of the renamed Historic Preservation Commission.

On July 16, 2025, the City Council introduced the Ordinances.

Agenda Item #7.3:

Environmental Review:

City Planning Staff has determined that the adoption and implementation of the Ordinance is exempt from further environmental review under the general rule in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) that CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.

Recommended Council Action

1. Adopt an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Sonoma amending provisions of Title 19 of the Sonoma Municipal Code to clarify the responsibilities of the review authorities and modify regulations pertaining to design review to further streamline city entitlement process; and

2. Adopt an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Sonoma amending provisions of Chapters 2.60, 12.04, 12.08, 12.12 and 14.24 of the Sonoma Municipal Code to clarify the responsibilities of the review authorities and modify regulations pertaining to design review to further streamline city entitlement process.

Alternative Actions
Council discretion.

Financial Impact
Not applicable.

Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Ordinance Design Review - PC
Design Review Ordinance PC - Exhibit A
Design Review Ordinance PC - Exhibit B
Ordinance Design Review - CC
Design Review CC - Exhibit A
Agenda Item #7.3:

City of Sonoma
ORDINANCE #_____ - 2025

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA AMENDING PROVISIONS OF TITLE 19 OF THE SONOMA MUNICIPAL CODE TO CLARIFY THE

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE REVIEW AUTHORITIES AND MODIFY REGULATIONS

PERTAINING TO DESIGN REVIEW TO FURTHER STREAMLINE CITY ENTITLEMENT

PROCESS
WHEREAS, the City of Sonoma desires to amend the Sonoma development code to streamline the design review process; and
WHEREAS, adoption of this Ordinance is consistent with the goals, policies, and actions of Sonoma General Plan, would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the city, and is internally consistent with other applicable provisions of the City’s development code for the reasons expressed in this Ordinance, the accompanying staff reports, and other substantial evidence presented; and WHEREAS, the proposed Ordinance was reviewed by the Planning Commission at a duly noticed public hearing on June 17, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Ordinance was introduced by the Sonoma City Council on July 16, 2025.

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

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

SECTION 2. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS
The Sonoma Municipal Code is hereby amended as shown in Exhibit A that clarifies responsibilities of the review authorities and Exhibit B that modifies the design review process, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.

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

A. The proposed amendment is consistent with the goal, policies, and actions of the General Plan.

The City of Sonoma Development Code carries out the policies and implementation measures of the General Plan and State Law. Consistency between Sections of the Development Code and State Law ensure accuracy of the Development Code review Agenda Item #7.3:

process and therefore the amendments are consistent with the goals, policies, and actions of the General Plan.

B. The proposed amendment would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the city.

The proposed amendment is to streamline the design review process and clarify the responsibilities of the renamed Historic Preservation Commission and other review authorities. It does not modify uses. Therefore the proposed amendment would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the city.

C. The proposed amendment complies with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as described in Section 4 below.

The amendments fall under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (B)(3) General Rule. The General Rule, also known as the “Common Sense Exemption” applies to projects in which it is clear and definitive that the project will not have any significant impacts on the environments.

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

The purpose of the amendments is to streamline the design review process to reduce the applicability to only nonresidential properties or residential properties listed or eligible historic resources or located in the historic overlay and provide clarity for staff, applicants, and residents and clarify responsibilities by the review authorities in the municipal code.

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

SECTION 5. SEVERABILITY
If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance for any reason is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance.

The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this ordinance, and each section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that Agenda Item #7.3:

any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

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

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

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

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular Council Meeting of the City Council of the City of Sonoma held on the 6th day of August, 2025 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
_________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:

Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.3:

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing ordinance was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council of the City of Sonoma, Sonoma County, California, at a meeting thereof, held on the _____________, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.3:

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

A. Section 19.01.070 (Responsibility for administration) of Chapter 19.01 (Purpose and Effect of Development Code) is amended as follows:

19.01.070 Responsibility for administration.

This development code shall be administered by the Sonoma city council, the planning commission, the design review and historic preservation commission, and relevant city officials, in compliance with SMC Title 2, Administration and Personnel, and Chapter 19.80 SMC, Administrative Responsibility.

B. Section 19.10.030(C)(2) (Overlay zoning districts and their requirements) of Chapter

19.01 (Zones and Allowable Uses) is amended as follows:

2. /H (Historic) District. The /H overlay district is intended to preserve structures that are historically and/or culturally significant.
a. Applicability. The /H overlay district is applied to historic sites and areas as identified on the zoning map.
b. Permit Requirements for Increased Residential Densities and Alternative Uses. As set forth in Chapter 19.42 SMC, Historic Preservation and Infill in the Historic Zone, increased residential densities and limited office or commercial land uses may be allowed with use permit approval if found to be consistent with the intent of preserving existing historic structures and the historic context of the site.
c. Permit Requirements for New Construction, Additions, Renovations, and Relocations. Design Review permit approval is required for specific types of development within the district Aas set forth in SMC 19.54.080, Design review., the design review and historic preservation commission shall review any new commercial buildings and additions or exterior changes to existing commercial buildings, new multifamily development and additions or exterior changes to multifamily structures, additions to single-family dwellings resulting in a 50 percent or greater increase in floor area, and the relocation of any primary structure. d. Permit Requirements for Demolition. Demolitions of structures within the district require Demolition permit approval Aas set forth in SMC 19.54.090, Demolition permit., the design review and historic preservation commission (DRHPC) shall review proposed demolitions of structures within the district.

Agenda Item #7.3:

C. Section 19.30.020(B)(2) (Building Design) of Chapter 19.30 (Gateway District) is amended as follows:

2. Building Types – Guidelines for Commercial, Mixed Use and Multifamily Residential Structures. New construction and alterations to existing structures should be designed to establish the Four Corners area as a distinctive gateway to Sonoma. In reviewing proposals for new development and redevelopment, the review authority (the planning commission or the design review and historic preservation commission, as applicable) shall make use of the following guidelines:
…
D. Section 19.32.020(B)(3) (Building Design) of Chapter 19.32 (Broadway Corridor) is amended as follows:

3. Building Types – Guidelines for Commercial and Mixed Use Structures. New commercial and mixed use buildings and alterations to existing structures should contribute to the established Broadway streetscape. In reviewing proposals for commercial and mixed development and redevelopment, the review authority (the planning commission or the design review and historic preservation commission, as applicable) shall make use of the following guidelines:
…
E. Section 19.34.020(B)(3) (Building Design) of Chapter 19.34 (Downtown District) is amended as follows:

3. Building Types – Guidelines for Commercial and Mixed Use Structures. New commercial and mixed use buildings and alterations to existing structures should reinforce the authentic historic character of the Downtown district. In reviewing proposals for commercial and mixed use development and redevelopment, the review authority (the planning commission or the design review and historic preservation commission, as applicable) shall make use of the following guidelines:
…
F. Section 19.36.020(B)(3) (Building Design) of Chapter 19.36 (West Napa Street/Sonoma Highway Corridor) is amended as follows:

3. Building Types – Guidelines for Commercial and Mixed Use Structures. New commercial and mixed use buildings and alterations to existing structures should enhance the character of the West Napa Street/Sonoma Highway corridor and preserve significant historic elements. In reviewing proposals for commercial and mixed development and redevelopment, the review authority (the planning commission or the design review and historic preservation commission, as applicable) shall make use of the following guidelines:
…
Agenda Item #7.3:

G. Section 19.40.060(E)(1) and (3) (Landscape Requirements) of Chapter 19.40 (General Property Development and Use Standards) is amended as follows:

E. Landscape Plan Requirements.

1. Preliminary Landscape Plan. A preliminary landscape plan shall be submitted in conjunction with or following the approval of an application for a land use entitlement (e.g., use permit, tentative map, planned unit development), for new development, or the significant expansion or redevelopment of an existing use subject to review by the review authority. design review and historic preservation commission.

2. Content. Preliminary landscape plans and final landscape plans shall contain information as specified in the instructions for preparing landscape plans, provided by the department.

Properties where more than 2,500 square feet of impervious surface are being developed or replaced must meet the BASMAA low impact development (LID) stormwater standards to treat flows unable to be infiltrated on site, which must meet the performance standard requirement to function as designed. Sites meeting or exceeding 2,500 square feet of impervious surface and are doubling the impervious surfaces extant on the parcel must treat 100 percent of all stormwater generated on site.

3. Review and Approval. After initial application review in compliance with SMC 19.52.060, Initial application review, the review authority design review and historic preservation commission shall review each preliminary landscape plan to verify its compliance with the provisions of this section. The review authority design review and historic preservation commission may approve the submittal in compliance with this section, or may disapprove or require changes to a submittal that is not in compliance. WELO calculations are not required for the preliminary landscape plan.
…
H. Section 19.40.080(F) (Exemptions) of Chapter 19.40 (General Property Development and Use Standards) is amended as follows:

F. Exemptions. The provision of required open space may be reduced or waived by the review authority (planning commission or design review and historic preservation commission) under the following circumstances:

1. Minor commercial development or additions involving less than 500 square feet of new building area;

2. Infill or replacement development in the downtown district.

I. Section 19.40.100(A)(2) (Screening Between Different Uses) and Section

19.40.100(B)(2) (Architectural Compatibility) of Chapter 19.40 (General Property Development and Use Standards) is amended as follows:

Agenda Item #7.3:

19.40.100 Screening and buffering.
…

2. Wall Treatment. The walls or fences shall be architecturally treated on both sides, subject to the approval of the review authority city planner or the design review and historic preservation commission, as applicable.
…

2. Architectural Compatibility. The method of screening shall be architecturally compatible with other on-site development in terms of colors, materials, architectural style, and shall include appropriately installed and maintained landscaping subject to SMC 19.40.060, Landscape standards, and the approval of the review authority city planner or the design review and historic preservation commission, as applicable.
…
J. Section 19.40.110(D)(1) (Projections into the Public Right of Way) of Chapter 19.40 (General Property Development and Use Standards) is amended as follows:

D. Projections into the Public Right-of-Way. In commercial and mixed use zoning districts, projections into the public right-of-way may be allowed as provided for below:

1. Signs, Awnings and Canopies. Subject to the approval of the design review and historic preservation commission in accordance with SMC 19.54.080, Design review, signs, awnings, and similar nonpermanent structures may project into the public right-of-way. The minimum clearance of such structures shall be seven feet and the minimum distance from an adjoining curb or street edge shall be three feet. Supporting posts or columns shall not be permitted under this provision.
…
K. Section 19.42.020 (Designation of a local historic resource or district) of Chapter 19.42 (Historic Preservation and Infill in the Historic Zone) is amended as follows:

19.42.020 Designation of a local historic resource or district.

A. Purpose. In order to recognize and promote the preservation of sites, structures, and areas that are important to the history of Sonoma, this section provides for the nomination and designation of locally significant historic resources and districts.

Agenda Item #7.3:

B. Designation Process – Local Historic Resources. Local historic resources shall be designated by the design review and historic preservation commission in the following manner:

1. Initiation of Designation. Designation of an historical resource may be initiated by the design review and historic preservation commission or by the owner of the property that is proposed for designation. Applications for designation originating from outside the commission must be accompanied by such historical and architectural information as is required by the commission to make an informed recommendation concerning the application, together with the fee set by the city council.

2. Review, Notice and Hearing. The design review and historic preservation commission shall conduct a public hearing on a nomination for local historic resource designation. Notice of the public hearing shall be provided, and the hearing shall be conducted in compliance with Chapter 19.88 SMC (Public Hearings), including mailed notice to the owners of any property proposed for such designation.

3. Findings, Decision. Following a public hearing, the design review and historic preservation commission may approve or disapprove a nomination for designation as a local historic resource. The commission shall record the decision and the findings upon which the decision is based. The design review and historic preservation commission may approve such designation only if it finds that the resource meets at least one of the following criteria:
a. It is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to Sonoma’s history and cultural heritage; or
b. It is associated with the lives of persons important in Sonoma’s past; or c. It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or represents the work of an important creative individual, or possesses high artistic values; or
d. It has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in Sonoma’s prehistory or history.

C. Designation Process – Local Historic Districts. Local historic districts shall be designated by the city council upon the recommendation of the design review and historic preservation commission in the following manner:

1. Initiation of Designation. The designation of a local historic district may be initiated by the city council or the design review and historic preservation commission.

2. Requirements for Designation. The designation of a local historic district is subject to finding by the review authority that all of the following requirements are met:
a. The proposed district is a geographically definable area. b. The proposed district possesses either a significant concentration or continuity of buildings unified by past events or aesthetically by plan or physical development.

Agenda Item #7.3:

c. Considered as a whole, a sufficient concentration of buildings within the proposed district demonstrates integrity of design, setting, materials, workmanship and association. d. The collective historic value of the buildings and structures in the proposed district is greater than the historic value of each individual building or structure. e. The designation of the area as a historic district is reasonable, appropriate and necessary to protect, promote and further the goals and purposes of this chapter and is not inconsistent with other goals and policies of the city.

3. Design Review and Historic Preservation Commission Hearing and Recommendation. The design review and historic preservation commission shall conduct a public hearing on a nomination for local historic resource district. Notice of the public hearing shall be provided, and the hearing shall be conducted in compliance with Chapter 19.88 SMC (Public Hearings), including mailed notice to the owners of any property proposed for such designation. Following the public hearing, the commission shall recommend approval in whole or in part or disapproval of the application for designation in writing to the city council, setting forth the reasons for the decision. The design review and historic preservation commission may approve a recommendation for a local historic district only if it makes the findings set forth in subsection (B) of this section.

4. City Council Hearing and Decision. The city council shall conduct a public hearing on a nomination for local historic district. Notice of the public hearing shall be provided, and the hearing shall be conducted in compliance with Chapter 19.88 SMC (Public Hearings), including mailed notice to the owners of any property proposed for such designation. Following the public hearing, the city council shall by resolution approve the recommendations in whole or in part, or shall by motion disapprove them in their entirety. The city council may approve a designation as a local historic district only if it makes the findings set forth in subsection (B) of this section. If the city council approves a local historic district, notice of the decision shall be sent to property owners within the district.

D. Amendment or Rescission. The design review and historic preservation commission and the city council may amend or rescind any designation of an historical resource or historic district in the same manner and procedure as are followed for designation.

E. Previously Designated Historic Resources. The sites and structures previously designated by the city council as having local historic significance through the adoption of Resolution 18- 2006 are hereby designated as local historic resources as defined in this chapter.

F. Register. The design review and historic preservation commission shall maintain a register of designated local historic resources and districts.

L. Section 19.46.070(A) (Special wall and fencing guidelines) of Chapter 19.46 (Fences, Hedges and Walls) is amended as follows:

Agenda Item #7.3:

A. Fence and Wall Design. In new development for which architectural review is required (see SMC 19.54.080), the review authority design review and historic preservation commission shall make reference to the following guidelines:
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M. Section 19.48.080 (Development guidelines for parking facilities) of Chapter 19.48 (Parking and Loading Standards) is amended as follows:

19.48.080 Development guidelines for parking facilities.

The following guidelines shall be considered by the review authority planning commission or the design review and historic preservation commission, as applicable, in the review of discretionary planning applications involving the creation or modification of parking facilities:
…
N. Section 19.50.100(C)(6)(d) (Service Stations) of Chapter 19.50 (Special Use Standards) is amended as follows:
d. Colors, design, materials, and textures of the wall shall be compatible with on-site development and adjoining properties and subject to the approval of the review authority design review and historic preservation commission;
O. Table 5-1 Review Authority for Planning Permits of Section 19.52.060 (Initial application review) of Chapter 19.52 (Applications: Filing and Processing) is amended as follows:

Table 5-1 Review Authority for Planning Permits
Type of Role of Review Authority
Decision
City
Planner
Planning
Commission
Design Review and Historic
Preservation Commission
City
Council
P. Section 19.54.090 (Demolition Permit) of Chapter 19.54 (Planning Permit Approval or Disapproval) is amended as follows:

19.54.090 Demolition permit.

A. Purpose. Sonoma has a significant heritage of historic buildings, as exemplified by the designation of the Sonoma Plaza as a National Historic Landmark. These buildings provide a Agenda Item #7.3:

tangible link to the city’s past, foster civic pride and a sense of community, and constitute an important aesthetic, cultural, and economic resource. In order to preserve this heritage while respecting the rights of the property owners, this chapter establishes provisions for the review of demolitions, including a requirement for demolition permits.

B. Applicability. For any proposed demolition, a demolition permit shall be obtained prior to the issuance of a building permit, unless the demolition is exempted by subsection (C) of this section. Applications for a demolition permit shall be subject to the review and approval by the design review and historic preservation planning commission (DRHPC).

C. Exemptions. The following categories of demolition shall be exempt from DRHPC review:

1. Structures that are less than 45 years of age and that are not located in the historic overlay or listed or determined eligible for listing identified on the city of Sonoma inventory of historic sites and structures;

2. Detached accessory structures less than 45 years of age that are not listed or determined eligible for listing identified on the city of Sonoma inventory of historic sites and structures;

3. Structures that the building official has determined present a clear and immediate threat to public safety.

D. Timing. When an application for demolition is associated with a development proposal that requires a discretionary permit, the review of the demolition application shall be completed concurrent with review of any other application for a discretionary permit.

E. Application Requirements and Procedures. Any person seeking approval of a nonexempt demolition in compliance with this chapter shall make application for a demolition permit prior to an application for a building permit, in compliance with SMC 19.52.040, Application preparation and filing. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide evidence in support of the findings required by subsection (G) of this section, Findings, Decision.

1. Commencement of Review. The review of an application for a demolition permit shall not be initiated until the planning division receives a complete application, including all required documentation as specified in the application form and any additional information required by the city planner in order to conduct a thorough review of the proposed demolition, including, if applicable, a historic resource evaluation (HRE) prepared by a qualified architectural historian meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for Architectural History or Historic Architecture. An HRE shall be submitted for all primary and detached accessory structures over 45 years old. The HRE shall evaluate the potential significance of the existing structures and their eligibility for listing on the California Register. The architectural historian shall be selected and retained by the city planner from a list of qualified members historians selected by the planning and community services director. Alternatively, at the discretion of the planning and community services director, an applicant-submitted HRE prepared by a qualified architectural historian meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for Architectural History or Historic Architecture may be peer reviewed by an architectural historian selected and retained by the city planner from a list Agenda Item #7.3:

of qualified members historians. All costs and fees for the services of the HRE shall be paid by the applicant and shall be paid in full at the time of the project application.

2. Notice and Hearing. The design review and historic preservation planning commission shall conduct a public hearing on an application for a demolition permit. Notice of the public hearing shall be provided, and the hearing shall be conducted in compliance with Chapter 19.88 SMC, Public Hearings, and may approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove the demolition permit in compliance with this section.

3. Factors to Be Considered. In the course of demolition permit review, the consideration of the design review and historic preservation planning commission shall include the following factors:
a. The historical significance, if any, of the structure proposed for demolition; b. The contribution, if any, the structure makes to a historic context; c. The cost of preserving or rehabilitating the structure; d. The potential for adaptive reuse; and
e. The potential for relocating the structure.

F. Determination of Significance. For purposes of requiring an application for a demolition permit, it shall be presumed that a structure possesses historic significance if said structure is listed or determined eligible for listing over 45 years old and/or identified on the city of Sonoma inventory of historic sites and structures or found during previous or current evaluation to be eligible for listing in the California Register. However, in its review of an application for a demolition permit, the design review and historic preservation planning commission may determine that a listed structure is not historically significant if, based on evidence in the record, it finds that:

1. The listing in the inventory or finding or eligibility is based on erroneous or incomplete information; or

2. The property no longer meets the eligibility criteria for listing due to loss of integrity.

G. Findings, Decision. Following the public hearing, the design review and historic preservation planning commission may approve or approve with conditions or disapprove a demolition permit application. In order to approve an application for a demolition permit, the design review and historic preservation planning commission must find that:

1. The structure is not historically significant, based upon the criteria established by the State Office of Historic Preservation; or

2. The structure does not represent a unique and irreplaceable historic or architectural resource;

3. The community benefit of preserving the structure is outweighed by the cost of preservation and rehabilitation;
Agenda Item #7.3:

4. The adaptive reuse of the structure is infeasible or inappropriate, due to economic considerations, structural conditions or land use incompatibility; and

5. The relocation of the structure is infeasible due to cost, structural conditions or lack of an interested taker.

H. Review of Replacement Structures. Notwithstanding the limitations on the design review set forth in SMC 19.54.080(B), the planning commission DRHPC may require, as a condition of approval for a demolition permit issued within the historic overlay district, that any replacement structures, including single-family residences, be subject to design review in order to ensure that the new construction is compatible with the historic context of the site.

I. Post-Approval Procedures. Post-approval procedures shall comply with Chapters 19.56 (Permit Implementation, Time Limits, Extensions) and 19.84 (Appeals) SMC after the decision on a demolition permit application.

Q. Section 19.54.100(D)(3) (Request for reasonable accommodation) of Chapter 19.54 (Planning Permit Approval or Disapproval) is amended as follows:

3. Referral to Other Review Authority. The planning director shall have the authority, upon his or her sole discretion, to refer any reasonable accommodation application to any other reviewing authority, including, but not limited to, the planning commission and the design review and historic preservation commission, to review the reasonable accommodation application and make a determination on the same in accordance with the applicable sections of the development code.

R. Section 19.80.020 (Planning agency defined) of Chapter 19.80 (Administrative Responsibility) is amended as follows:

19.80.020 Planning agency defined.

The functions of a planning agency shall be performed by the Sonoma city council, planning commission, design review and historic preservation commission and department of planning, building community development and public works, in compliance with state law (Government Code Section 65100).

S. Section 19.80.060 (Design review and historic preservation commission) of Chapter

19.80 (Administrative Responsibility) is amended as follows:

19.80.060 Design review and hHistoric preservation commission.

A. Establishment. The Sonoma design review and historic preservation commission is established by Chapter 2.60 SMC, Design Review and Historic Preservation Commission, which identifies the membership, terms of office, removal, rules of order, and general responsibilities.

Agenda Item #7.3:

B. Duties and Authority. The design review and historic preservation commission shall perform the duties and functions prescribed in this development code, including:

1. The review of and determination of sign applications in accordance with SMC Title 18;

2. Initiation, review and designation of a local historic resource or district, in accordance with SMC 19.42.020, Designation of a local historic resource or district.

2. The review of applications for the demolition or relocation of structures within the historic overlay zone and of potentially historic structures located outside of the historic overlay zone, in accordance with SMC 19.54.090, Demolition permit;

3. Architectural review, in accordance with SMC 19.54.080, Design review.

The above listed duties and functions shall be performed in compliance with SMC 19.52.020, Authority for land use and zoning decisions, Table 5-1, Review Authority for Planning Permits, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

T. Section 19.84.020 (Appeal subjects and jurisdiction) of Chapter 19.84 (Appeals) is amended as follows:

19.84.020 Appeal subjects and jurisdiction.

Determinations and actions that may be appealed, and the authority to act upon an appeal shall be as follows:

A. Code Administration and Interpretation. The following determinations and actions of the city planner and department staff may be appealed to the planning commission or the design review and historic preservation commission, as applicable, and then to the council:

1. Determinations on the meaning or applicability of the provisions of this development code that are believed to be in error, and cannot be resolved with staff;

2. Any determination that a permit application or information submitted with the application is incomplete, in compliance with state law (Government Code Section 65943); and

3. Any enforcement action in compliance with Chapter 19.90 SMC, Enforcement of Development Code Provisions.

B. Land Use Permit and Hearing Decisions. Decisions of the city planner on zoning clearances may be appealed to the planning commission or the design review and historic preservation commission, as applicable. Decisions by a commission may be appealed to the council.

U. Section 19.92.020 (Definitions of specialized terms and phrases) of Chapter 19.92 (Definitions) is amended as follows:
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Agenda Item #7.3:

Commission. See “Design review and hHistoric preservation commission” and “Planning commission.”
…
“Design review and hHistoric preservation commission” means the city of Sonoma design review and historic preservation commission, appointed by the Sonoma city council in compliance with Government Code Section 65101 and Chapter 2.60 SMC.

Agenda Item #7.3:

Exhibit B
The following sections of the Sonoma Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

A. Section 19.43.010 (Purpose) of Chapter 19.43 (Multifamily Objective Standards) is amended as follows (strikeout is used to denote existing text being deleted; underline is used to denote new text being added):

19.43.010 Purpose.

The intent of this chapter is to provide objective design standards for multifamily residential projects that are eligible for ministerial project review under state law. Multifamily residential projects that are not consistent with one or more of the following standards shall be subject to design review in accordance with SMC Section 19.54.080.

B. Section 19.54.080 (Design Review) of Chapter 19.54 (Planning Permit Approval or Disapproval) is repealed and replaced in its entirety as follows:

19.54.080 Design review.

A. Purpose. This section establishes the review procedures necessary to ensure that all applicable development projects comply with the required standards, design guidelines and ordinances of the city; minimize potential adverse effects on surrounding properties and the environment; implement general plan policies regarding community design; and promote the general health, safety, welfare, and economy of the residents of the city. Therefore, it is the purpose of this section to:

1. Protect and enhance historic buildings and the city’s historic character;

2. Encourage the orderly and harmonious appearance of structures and property within the city along with associated facilities, landscaping, parking areas, and streets;

3. Recognize the interdependence of land values and aesthetics and provide a method by which the city may implement this interdependence; and

4. Ensure that new developments, including residential, institutional, commercial, and industrial developments, build on the city’s character and do not have an adverse aesthetic impact upon existing adjoining properties, the natural environment, or the city in general.

B. Development Subject to Major Design Review. Major design review shall be required for the following, unless eligible for minor design review as provided for in subsection C of this section or exempt as provided for in subsection D of this section:

1. Nonresidential buildings:
a. Any new construction of primary structures.

Agenda Item #7.3:

b. Additions greater than or equal to 25 percent or eight hundred (800) square feet of existing gross floor area, whichever is less.
c. Any exterior modifications visible to the public from the public right-of-way or areas accessible to the public.

2. Residential buildings located in the historic overlay or listed or determined eligible for listing in the local historical register:
a. Any new construction of primary structures.
b. Additions greater than or equal to 25 percent or five hundred (500) square feet of existing gross floor area, whichever is less.
c. Additions that create a new upper story or exceed a height of 15 feet above the adjacent finished grade elevation measured in accordance with SMC 19.40.040 (Structure height measurement and height limit exceptions). d. Any exterior modifications visible from the public right of way or areas accessible to the public.

3. New single family residential subdivision.

4. New multifamily development that does not comply with the applicable design standards of Chapter 19.43 SMC (Multifamily objective design standards).

5. New parking facilities with ten or more parking spaces or improvements to existing parking facilities of the same size either before or after the proposed improvement.

6. Modifications of previously approved design review plans, except as otherwise provided in subsections C and D of this section.

C. Development Subject to Minor Design Review. Minor design review shall be required for the following, unless exempt as provided for in subsection D of this section:

1. Nonresidential buildings:
a. Additions of less than 25 percent or eight hundred (800) square feet of existing gross floor area, whichever is less.
b. Any exterior modifications not visible to the public from the public right-of-way or areas accessible to the public.

2. Residential buildings located in the historic overlay or listed or determined eligible for listing in the local historical register:
a. New accessory structure in keeping with all development criteria. b. Additions less than 25 percent or five hundred (500) square feet of existing gross floor area, whichever is less.
c. Additions that do not create a new upper story and do not exceed a height of 15 feet above the adjacent ground elevation measured in accordance with SMC

19.40.040 (Structure height measurement and height limit exceptions). d. Any exterior modifications not visible from the public right of way or areas accessible to the public.

3. New parking facilities with less than ten parking spaces or improvements to existing parking facilities of the same size.

4. Modifications of previously approved design review plans, except as otherwise provided in Sections B and D of this section.

Agenda Item #7.3:

5. Any new construction not in compliance with the development standards that are determined by the community development director or designee to pose unusual or substantial impacts to neighboring properties.

6. Those projects normally exempt under Section D that are determined by the community development director or designee to pose potential impacts to neighboring properties.

D. Development Exempt from Design Review. The following improvements shall be exempt from the design review process. The community development director has the discretion to refer applications to the appropriate design review authority for consideration and final action. Exemptions shall be reviewed through the plan check process to ensure compliance with zoning standards.

1. New residential structures and residential accessory structures not located in the historic overlay or in a listed or eligible historic district.

2. Modifications to existing residential structures not listed or determined eligible for listing on the local historical register.

3. New multifamily development that complies with the applicable design standards of Chapter 19.43 SMC (Multifamily objective design standards).

4. Window replacement.
a. Structures that are listed or determined eligible for listing on the local historical register - original windows must be replaced like for like in material, type, size and style.
b. Non residential structures and residential structures in the historic overlay – replacement windows shall match the predominant window material type and there are no changes to the dimensions.
c. Vinyl and vinyl clad windows should not be used in the historic overlay or on listed or eligible historic resources that are visible from the public right-of-way. d. Public facing windows shall all be consistent in material and design.

5. Repainting structures that are listed or determined eligible for listing on the local historical register that are consistent with the historic architectural style.

6. Re-roofing buildings and structures.
a. Structures that are listed or determined eligible for listing on the local historical register - roof materials shall be replaced like for like in material, size and style. b. Non residential structures and residential structures in the historic overlay – roof materials shall be Class A roofing that is consistent with the architectural style and surrounding neighborhood, provided there are no changes to the dimensions, square footage, or roof pitch.

7. Exterior wildfire resistant construction materials and methods in accordance with Chapter 7A of the California Building Code, including, but not limited to, replacement of natural wood siding with fire resistant materials that simulate the appearance of wood, enclosing of roof eaves and wrapping of decks, except for buildings listed or determined eligible for listing on the local historical register.

8. Involves reconstruction of a conforming structure has been destroyed by a natural disaster or accident and the proposal to reconstruct uses the same materials and Agenda Item #7.3:

design, is located on the same footprint, and does not increase the gross floor area of the previously existing structure.

E. Historic Resource Evaluation Required. A historic resource evaluation (HRE) prepared by a qualified architectural historian meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s professional qualifications standards for architectural history or historic architecture shall be submitted for all projects impacting primary and detached accessory structures over 45 years old to determine eligibility for listing as a historic resource. The architectural historian shall be selected and retained by the community development director from a list of qualified historians selected by the community development director. Alternatively, at the discretion of the community development director, an applicant-submitted HRE prepared by a qualified architectural historian meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s professional qualifications standards for architectural history or historic architecture shall be peer reviewed by an architectural historian selected and retained by the director from a list of qualified historians. All costs and fees for the services of the HRE shall be paid by the applicant and shall be paid in full at the time of the project application. The HRE shall evaluate the potential significance of the existing structures and their eligibility for listing on the local historical register.

F. Application Requirements. An application for design review shall be prepared, filed, and processed in compliance with SMC 19.52.040 (Application preparation and filing), before the application for a building permit.

1. The application shall provide a site plan, building elevations, narrative, and any other information, plans and maps prescribed by the community development director.

2. For those structures listed or determined to be eligible for listing in the local historical register or a contributing resource to a historic district, a report prepared by a qualified architectural historian meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s professional qualifications standards for architectural history or historic architecture shall be provided which evaluates the proposed project according to the Secretary of the Interior’s standards for the treatment of historic properties. This report shall determine whether the proposed project would cause a significant impact to a historical resource and shall be prepared by an architectural historian selected and retained by the community development director from a list of qualified historians. All costs and fees for the services of the report and shall be paid in full at the time of the project application.

3. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide evidence in support of the findings required by subsection (J) of this section (Findings, Decision).

G. Review Procedures and Authority. Each design review application shall be reviewed by the community development director to ensure that the application is consistent with the purpose and intent of this section.

1. Major Design Review. The planning commission shall hold a public hearing in compliance with Chapter 19.88 SMC (Public Hearings) and may approve, approve with conditions, or deny a major design review permit application in compliance with this chapter.

Agenda Item #7.3:

2. Minor Design Review. The community development director may approve, approve with conditions, or deny a minor design review permit application in compliance with this chapter. a. Noticing. Prior to a decision, the director shall notice pending decisions in compliance with SMC 19.88.020 (Notice of hearing). The notice shall state that the community development director will decide whether to approve or deny the minor design permit application on a date specified in the notice, and that a planning commission public hearing will be held only if requested in writing by any interested person before the specified date for the decision.
b. Hearing. When a hearing is requested, notice of the planning commission public hearing shall be provided in compliance with Chapter 19.88 SMC (Public Hearings).

H. Factors to Be Considered.

1. In the course of design review, the consideration of the review authority shall include the following factors:
a. The historical significance, if any, of the site or buildings or other features on the site; b. Environmental features on or adjacent to the site;
c. The context of uses and architecture established by adjacent development; and d. The location, design, site plan configuration, and effect of the proposed development.

2. These factors shall be considered in relation to the development standards of this development code, other applicable ordinances of the city, and applicable general plan policies.

I. Findings, Decision. The review authority may approve, approve subject to conditions, or deny an application for design review. The review authority may approve an application, with or without conditions, only if it first makes the findings set forth below.

1. Basic Findings. To approve any application for design review, the review authority must make the following findings:
a. The project complies with applicable policies and regulations, as set forth in this development code (except for approved variances and exceptions), other city ordinances, and the general plan;
b. On balance, the project is consistent with the intent of applicable design standards set forth in this development code;
c. The project responds appropriately to the context of adjacent development, as well as existing site conditions and environmental features; and d. The proposed development will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare, or materially injurious to properties and improvements in the vicinity.

Agenda Item #7.3:

2. Projects Within the Historic Overlay District. In addition to the basic findings set forth in subsection (I)(1) of this section, the review authority must make the following additional findings for any project located within the historic overlay district:
a. The project will not impair the historic character of adjacent historic resources; b. The project substantially complies with the applicable guidelines set forth in Chapter

19.42 SMC (Historic Preservation and Infill in the Historic Zone); and c. The project substantially complies with any applicable preservation plan or other guidelines or requirements pertaining to a local historic district as designated through SMC 19.42.020 (Designation of a local historic resource or district) and adopted by the city of Sonoma.

3. Projects Involving Historically Significant Resources. In addition to the basic findings set forth in subsection (I)(1) of this section, the review authority must make the following additional findings for any project located on a site that contains a resource that is listed or eligible for listing in the local historical register or located in a historic district:
a. The project will not impair the historic character of adjacent historic resources; b. The project substantially complies with the applicable guidelines set forth in Chapter

19.42 SMC (Historic Preservation and Infill in the Historic Zone); and c. The project substantially complies with any applicable preservation plan or other guidelines or requirements pertaining to a local historic district as designated through SMC 19.42.020 (Designation of a local historic resource or district) and adopted by the city of Sonoma.
d. The project complies with the applicable Secretary of the Interior standards and guidelines for the treatment of historic properties.

J. Post-Approval Procedures. Post-approval procedures shall comply with Chapters 19.56 (Permit Implementation, Time Limits, Extensions) and 19.84 (Appeals) SMC after the decision on a design review application.

C. Section 19.92.020 (Definitions of specialized terms and phrases) of Chapter 19.92 (Definitions) is amended as follows (underline is used to denote new text being added in alphabetical order):
“New Construction” A structure that has never before been used or occupied for any purpose or a nonconforming structure that has been modified by the replacement of more than 50 percent of the original floor area or more than 50 percent of the total length of all exterior walls.

Agenda Item #7.3:

“Multifamily development” means a residential structure or structures on a single lot containing more than two dwelling units. An accessory dwelling unit constructed in accordance with Sonoma Municipal Code Chapter 19.45 shall not be counted as a dwelling unit for purposes of this definition.

Agenda Item #7.3:

City of Sonoma
ORDINANCE #_____ - 2025

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA AMENDING PROVISIONS OF CHAPTERS 2.60, 12.04, 12.08, 12.12 AND 14.24 OF THE SONOMA

MUNICIPAL CODE TO CLARIFY THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE REVIEW AUTHORITIES

AND MODIFY REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO DESIGN REVIEW TO FURTHER

STREAMLINE CITY ENTITLEMENT PROCESS
WHEREAS, the City of Sonoma desires to amend the municipal code to streamline the design review process; and
WHEREAS, adoption of this Ordinance is consistent with the goals, policies, and actions of Sonoma General Plan, would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the city, and is internally consistent with other applicable provisions of the City’s development code for the reasons expressed in this Ordinance, the accompanying staff reports, and other substantial evidence presented; and WHEREAS, the proposed Ordinance was introduced by the Sonoma City Council on July 16, 2025.

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

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

SECTION 2. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS
The Sonoma Municipal Code is hereby amended as shown in Exhibit A that clarifies responsibilities of the review authorities, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.

SECTION 3. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
This ordinance has been assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and the environmental regulations of the city. City Planning Staff has determined that the adoption and implementation of the ordinance is exempt from further environmental review under the general rule in CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) that CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. As a series of text amendments and additions without any physical project being approved, and not involving a commitment to any specific project that may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment, it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the ordinance will have a significant effect on the environment. The City Council concurs in these findings and adopts Agenda Item #7.3:

them as its own. The City Council, therefore, directs that a Notice of Exemption be filed with the County Clerk of the County of Sonoma in accordance with CEQA Guidelines.

SECTION 4. SEVERABILITY
If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance for any reason is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance.

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

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

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

SECTION 7. THIS ORDINANCE PREVAILS WHERE THERE IS CONFLICT To the extent that this Ordinance conflicts with any other provision in the Sonoma Municipal Code or city ordinance (urgency or otherwise), policy or regulation, this Ordinance will control.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular Council Meeting of the City Council of the City of Sonoma held on the 6th day of August, 2025 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
_________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:

Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.3:

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing ordinance was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council of the City of Sonoma, Sonoma County, California, at a meeting thereof, held on the _____________, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.3:

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

A. Chapter 2.60 (Design Review and Historic Preservation Commission) is amended as follows:

Chapter 2.60 DESIGN REVIEW AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Sections:

2.60.010 Purpose.

2.60.020 Composition – Design review and historic preservation commission.

2.60.030 Duties and responsibilities.

2.60.040 City council review.

2.60.010 Purpose.

The purpose of the design review and historic preservation commission shall be to protect the architectural heritage of Sonoma, identify and preserve significant historic resources, enhance the visual character of the built environment, and promote excellence in town design and architecture through its review of projects in accordance with this chapter and other applicable provisions of the Sonoma Municipal Code.

2.60.020 Composition – Design review and historic preservation commission.

The design review and historic preservation commission shall consist of seven voting members who are at least 18 years of age. All members shall be appointed and hold office in accordance with Chapter 2.40 SMC and rules and procedures established by city council resolution. Each council member will directly appoint one voting member who shall be a resident of the city. The remaining voting members will be referred to as-large members and at least one shall be a resident of Sonoma Valley, as defined by the council commission and committee appointment policy. The members of the commission shall include persons who have demonstrated special interest, competence, experience or knowledge in the following areas: historic preservation, cultural geography, or other historic preservation-related discipline; architecture and architectural history; prehistoric and historic archaeology; urban planning; landscape architecture; or related disciplines, to the extent such persons are available in the community.

All members must have demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the cultural heritage of the city.

Agenda Item #7.3:

2.60.030 Duties and responsibilities.

The design review and historic preservation commission shall have the following responsibilities:

A. Exercise the authority set forth in this chapter and as otherwise provided in the municipal code.

B. Recommend to the city council policies and programs in support of historic preservation including but not limited to goals and policies for the general plan and other regulatory plans as well as programs for historic preservation incentives.

C. Review and make recommendation to the State Office of Historic Preservation regarding nominations of property located within the city to the National Register of Historic Places.

D. Perform the duties pursuant to the certified local government provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. This shall include undertaking review and comment upon those projects on which the city as a certified local government has an obligation or opportunity to provide review and comment under the National Historic Preservation Act including but not limited to private and public projects undertaken within the Sonoma Plaza National Landmark District, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the municipal code.

E. Administer the nomination, designation, and registry of local historic resources and districts as set forth in SMC 19.42.020.

F. Develop and administer historic preservation plans, historic resource inventories, context statements, design guidelines and other information, plans and procedures related to historic preservation.

G. Implement the applicable provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act pertaining to historic and cultural resources, consistent with its authority under the provisions of Chapter

19.54 SMC.

H. Conduct the review of applications for the demolition or relocation of buildings and structures within the historic overlay zone and of potentially historic buildings and structures located outside of the historic overlay zone, in accordance with SMC 19.54.090 (Demolition permit).

I. Conduct architectural review, in accordance with SMC 19.54.080 (Design review).

J. Conduct sign review in accordance with the provisions of SMC Title 18.

K. Consult with, advise, and report to the city council on a regular basis in connection with the exercise of the commission’s duties and functions.

The above-listed duties and functions shall be performed in compliance with SMC 19.52.020 (Authority for land use and zoning decisions), SMC 19.52.060, Table 5-1 (Review Authority for Planning Permits), and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as applicable.

2.60.040 City council review.

Agenda Item #7.3:

The city council shall review the duties, responsibilities and effectiveness of the design review and historic preservation commission on an annual basis commencing one year from the effective date of this section.

B. Sections 12.04.040(E)(1) and 12.04.040(H) (Outdoor display of merchandise on sidewalk areas) of Chapter 12.04 (Obstructions to Streets and Public Ways) is amended as follows:
…
E. Requirements for Outdoor Display Areas. Outdoor displays shall be subject to the following requirements:

1. Maximum Area. The area devoted to outdoor display of merchandise shall not exceed a footprint of 16 square feet per business, unless approved by the review authority design review and historic preservation commission.
…
H. Permit Process. Applicants for outside merchandise display permits shall submit an written application to the planning division on a city form. Outdoor merchandise display permit applications shall be considered and acted upon administratively by the planning and community services community development director or his/her designee, or by the review authority design review and historic preservation commission, subject to the regulations in this title and Section 19.50.060. Permit applications must include a site plan and proof of insurance, and shall be accompanied by a fee set by the city council by resolution. If the application is found to be complete and in compliance with the provisions of this section, a permit shall be granted. Proof of insurance must be provided on an annual basis thereafter. …
C. Section 12.08.020(G) (Definitions) of Chapter 12.08 (Tree Ordinance) is amended as follows:

G. “Landscape tree” means any tree required under a landscaping plan, approved by the design review and historic preservation commission, associated with commercial or multifamily development, except for trees located in private yard areas associated with an individual dwelling.

D. Section 12.08.035(A) through (E) (Applications for New Development) of Chapter 12.08 (Tree Ordinance) is amended as follows:

12.08.035 Applications for new development.

A. Rule. Applications for new development, as defined by this chapter, requiring the review and approval of the review authority planning commission or design review and historic preservation Agenda Item #7.3:

commission shall also be subject to the review of the tree committee. Said review shall be advisory in nature and shall occur prior to any consideration of the project by the review authority planning commission or design review and historic preservation commission when the project is not otherwise subject to planning commission review. In those instances when a project may be subject to the review of both the more than one review authority planning commission or design review and historic preservation commission, the planning commission shall have the sole decision-making authority over tree-related matters governed by this chapter, except in the event of an appeal to the city council.

B. Scope of Tree Committee Authority. The scope of the review by the tree committee shall be limited to the identification of potential impacts of the proposed development to existing trees on or adjacent to the project site, and recommendations to the review authority planning commission or design review and historic preservation commission relative to the mitigation of identified impacts, including but not limited to a replacement program.

C. Authority of Review Authority planning commission or design review and historic preservation commission to Impose Conditions. The review authority planning commission or design review and historic preservation commission, under their its authority to approve, conditionally approve, or deny a project application, may, based on the recommendations of the tree committee and the arborist’s report, modify the project site plan, adopt conditions of approval, or take any other relevant action deemed necessary to preserve, protect or replace existing trees on or adjacent to the project site. Failure to comply with requirements or conditions of approval, established by the review authority planning commission or design review and historic preservation commission, shall be considered a violation of the provisions of this chapter.

D. Tree Information Required at Time of Application. An arborist’s report, prepared by an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified arborist, shall be a requirement of all new development. The report shall provide the necessary information to determine the appropriate extent of tree preservation and protection and tree replacement requirements.

An arborist shall be selected and retained by the city planner from a list of qualified members provided by the tree committee. All costs and fees for the services of the arborist shall be paid by the applicant and shall be paid in full at the time of the project application.

The requirement of an arborist’s report may be waived by the determination of the city planner upon the finding of no significant trees on:

1. The project site;

2. On adjoining property that could reasonably be affected by the project construction.

Agenda Item #7.3:

The arborist’s report shall clearly describe in writing all trees on the property. The report shall indicate the genus and species, the shape, the trunk diameter of each tree and the nonintrusion zone around each tree as determined by the table in SMC 12.08.020(H), and shall indicate those trees which are proposed to be altered, removed, or relocated and the reasons therefor.

Tree delineations by trunk location and an accurate outline of each tree’s nonintrusion zone must be shown on the project site plan or tentative map, and on every page of the development and improvement plans where any work is proposed within the nonintrusion zone of any protected tree. The property owner of the property and the person in control of the proposed development shall protect and preserve each tree situated within the site of the proposed development during the period the application(s) for the proposed development is being considered by the city.

E. Tree Replacement Program. A person owning or controlling a new development project shall be required to replace trees designated for removal as part of the approval of the project in accordance with the conditions of approval established by the review authority planning commission or design review and historic preservation commission as follows:
…
E. Section 12.08.065(B) (Maintenance and replacement) of Chapter 12.08 (Tree Ordinance) is amended as follows:

B. Replacement. In the event that a landscape tree, as defined in this chapter, dies or is substantially damaged within one year of its planting, the property owner shall be responsible for replacing the tree within 60 days with a tree of the same or similar species, unless an alternative is approved by the review authority design review and historic preservation commission.

F. Sections 12.12.015(C)(3) and 12.12.015(E) (Additional regulations) of Chapter 12.12 (Sidewalk and Driveway Constructions) is amended as follows:
…

3. For new development, for which the applicant has received the approval of the review authority design review and historic preservation commission of a landscaping plan for the affected portion of the property, the implementation of the approved plan shall be required as a condition of issuance of the permit.
…
E. The decision of the community development director may be appealed to the review authority design review and historic preservation commission within 15 days of the date of decision.

Agenda Item #7.3:

…
G. Sections 14.24.100(B) (Abatement – Rehabilitation or demolition) is amended as follows:

B. Demolition. Buildings subject to the requirements of this chapter which do not meet the requirements of this chapter may be abated by demolition. Owners of buildings located within the historic overlay district must receive approval from the review authority design review and historic preservation commission prior to obtaining a demolition permit to demolish the structure.

Prior to obtaining a demolition permit for the demolition of a qualified historical building or property, the proposed building demolition shall be reviewed by the city’s environmental review committee and shall comply with the guidelines of the California Environmental Quality Act and the requirements of this chapter.

Agenda Item #7.3:

City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 06 Aug 2025
Department
Community Development
Department
Staff Contact
Jennifer Gates, AICP
Community Development Director
Agenda Item Title

1. Adopt an Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Chapter 7.40, Permits for Motion Picture and Television Production and adding Chapter 7.42, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, of the Sonoma Municipal Code and Finding the Ordinance Exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines; and

2. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sonoma adopting a Filming Operations Permit Policy finding the Resolution exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines
Summary
The increased availability and use of drones have raised concerns regarding public safety, privacy, and airspace management. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates national airspace, but municipalities retain limited authority to address local impacts, including takeoff and landing locations, use over public property, and enforcement of time, place, and manner restrictions.

To regulate drone use in the city, especially use over public property and for commercial uses, the City reviewed policies adopted by other jurisdictions and consulted with legal counsel and the police department to draft a proposed ordinance that adds a new chapter to the municipal code.

The proposed ordinance includes:
 Establish guidelines for drone takeoff and landing in public spaces;  Prohibit drone use in sensitive areas such as near schools, government facilities, and emergency operations;
 Restrict operations during permitted public events or where crowds are present;  Reinforce FAA rules regarding altitude and line-of-sight operations;  Provide exemptions for law enforcement and permitted commercial uses; and  Establish enforcement and penalty provisions for violations.

In addition to the new regulations for drones, the City proposes to amend existing Chapter 7.40 regulating city film permits. Staff proposes to simplify the existing code, clarify its applicability, and move the sections related to the application process, submittal requirements, and operation of filming activities into a policy to be adopted by the City Council together with the adoption of the proposed ordinance. A draft of the film policy was attached for discussion during the public hearing and will be brought to City Council for approval after the attached Ordinance is introduced.

Agenda Item #7.4:

On July 16, 2025, the City Council introduced the Ordinance with two amendments:

1. Adding to SMC Section 7.40.070 Fees, the following sentence:

The City Council may adopt discounted fees for charitable and student films due to their noncommercial nature.

2. Amending SMC Section 7.42.060. Drones for commercial filming, as follows:

Any person who uses a drone for a filming activity, as provided in SMC 7.40.020,as that term is defined in SMC 7.40.030, shall obtain a film permit as required by SMC chapter 7.40.

A Resolution adopting a Film permit policy and procedures that was previously presented on July 16 is also attached for the Council’s consideration and possible approval together with the Ordinance.

Environmental Review:

City Planning Staff has determined that the adoption and implementation of the Ordinance and Resolution is exempt from further environmental review under the general rule in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) that CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.

Recommended Council Action

1. Adopt an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Sonoma repealing and replacing Chapter 7.40, Permits for Motion Picture and Television Production, and adding Chapter

7.42, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, of the Sonoma Municipal Code and finding the Ordinance exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines.

2. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sonoma adopting a Filming Operations Permit Policy and finding the Resolution exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines.

Alternative Actions
Council discretion.

Financial Impact
Not Applicable.

Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Drone & Film Permit Ordinance
Agenda Item #7.4:

CC Resolution Film Policy
Agenda Item #7.4:

City of Sonoma
ORDINANCE #_____ - 2025

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA
REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 7.40, PERMITS FOR MOTION

PICTURE AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION, AND ADDING CHAPTER

7.42, UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS, TO THE CITY OF SONOMA

MUNICIPAL CODE AND FINDING THIS ACTION IS EXEMPT FROM

FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW UNDER THE GENERAL RULE IN

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) GUIDELINES
SECTION 15061(b)(3) THAT CEQA ONLY APPLIES TO PROJECTS

THAT HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR CAUSING A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT

ON THE ENVIRONMENT
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS
Chapter 7.40, Permits for Motion Picture and Television Production, of the Sonoma Municipal Code is hereby repealed and replaced as set forth in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated by this reference.

Chapter 7.42, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, is hereby added to the Sonoma Municipal Code as set forth in Exhibit B, attached hereto and incorporated by this reference.

SECTION 2. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
This ordinance has been assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and the environmental regulations of the city. City Planning Staff has determined that the adoption and implementation of the ordinance is exempt from further environmental review under the general rule in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) that CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. As the project is adding regulations regarding the operation of unmanned aircraft systems without any physical project being approved and modifying the permit process for commercial filming, it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the ordinance will have a significant effect on the environment. Furthermore, this ordinance will not cause a direct or indirect physical change to the environment and is therefore not a project under CEQA Guidelines Section 15378. The proposed ordinance is therefore exempt CEQA because it does not involve a commitment to any specific project that may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. The City Council concurs in these findings and adopts them as its own. The City Council, therefore, directs that a Notice of Exemption be filed with the County Clerk of the County of Sonoma in accordance with CEQA Guidelines.

SECTION 3. SEVERABILITY
If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance for any reason is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance.

Agenda Item #7.4:

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

SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after passage thereof.

SECTION 5. PUBLICATION
This ordinance shall be published in accordance with the provisions of Government Code section 36933, subdivision (c)(1).

SECTION 6. THIS ORDINANCE PREVAILS WHERE THERE IS CONFLICT To the extent that this ordinance conflicts with any other provision in the Sonoma Municipal Code or city ordinance (urgency or otherwise), policy or regulation, this ordinance will control.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular Council Meeting of the City Council of the City of Sonoma held on the 6th of August, 2025 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
_________________________
Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
ATTEST:

Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Date: ___________________________
Agenda Item #7.4:

“EXHIBIT A”
Chapter 7.40

PERMITS FOR COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY, FILMING, AND RECORDING

7.40.010 Title.

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Sonoma film permit ordinance.

7.40.020 Purpose.

It is the purpose of this chapter to provide for rules governing the issuance of permits for filming activities on location within the city. The intent of this chapter is to ensure that motion picture, television, commercial, and nontheatrical filming companies will be encouraged to use locations for filming activities within the city so long as those activities are consistent with the public health and safety and the protection of property.

7.40.030 Definitions.

A. "City manager" shall mean the city manager of the city of Sonoma or his/her designee.

B. "City produced or city sponsored government or educational access productions" shall mean motion picture, television, or still photography produced by or in association with the city.

C. “Charitable films” shall mean commercials, motion pictures, television, digital media or still photography produced by a nonprofit organization, which qualifies under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as a charitable organization. No person, directly or indirectly, shall receive a profit from the marketing and production of the film or from showing the films, tapes, or photos
D. "Family videos" shall mean the filming or videotaping of motion pictures or taking of still photographs solely for private use.

E. "Film permit" shall mean written authorization from the city manager to conduct the filming activity described in the permit.

F. “Motion picture, television, still photography” shall mean and include all activity attendant to staging or shooting commercial motion pictures, television shows or programs, commercials, digital media, still photography in any medium including film, tape or digital format.

G. “News media” shall mean the photographing, filming or videotaping for the purpose of spontaneous, unplanned television news broadcasts (“breaking news”) or reporting for print media by reporters, photographers or camerapersons.

H. "Student films" shall mean motion picture, television, or still photography produced to satisfy a course or curriculum requirement at an educational institution. The student must supply proof that he/she is currently enrolled in an educational institution.

I. “Studio productions” shall mean a fixed place of business certified as such by a local fire authority having jurisdiction where filming activities (motion or still photography) are regularly conducted upon the premises.

Agenda Item #7.4:

7.40.040 Permit required.

No person shall use any public or private property, facility or residence for the purpose of taking motion pictures, television, digital media or commercial still photography without first applying for and receiving a permit from the city manager or designee. No such permit shall be issued until the permit applicant has paid the application fee and the use and service charge required in connection therewith, and until the permit applicant has furnished proof of insurance with coverage as required by the city.

7.40.050 Permit exemptions.

This chapter shall not apply to the following:

A. News media.

B. Family videos.

C. Studio productions.

D. City produced or city sponsored government or educational access productions.

7.40.060 Application required.

Any person requesting a permit under the provisions of this chapter shall complete an application provided by the city manager, or designee. The form must be signed and accompanied by all applicable fees, deposits, indemnification agreement, and insurance certificate required before the permit will be processed. City council will establish by resolution an administrative policy to regulate the application, permitting, conditions, and operating requirements of film permit operations in the city.

7.40.070 Fees.

A permit application processing fee in an amount established by city council resolution shall be paid by the applicant at the time the application is filed. The City Council may adopt discounted fees for charitable and student films due to their non-commercial nature.

7.40.080 Revocation of city film permit.

A. A city film permit may be revoked in writing by the city manager for the following reasons:

1. Misrepresentation of production parameters or special effects on the permit application.

2. Any violations of the Sonoma Municipal Code, state or federal law, and/or this section.

3. Any violation of the conditions imposed on the city film permit.

B. The police and fire departments are authorized to suspend the following film or photography activity:

1. Unpermitted film or photography activity.

2. Permitted film or photography activity that violates federal, state, or local law, including Agenda Item #7.4:

the Sonoma Municipal Code.

3. Permitted film or photography activity that interferes with the provision of emergency services or city business.

C. If either the police or fire departments suspend film or photography activity, such suspension shall be reported to the city manager who may revoke the permittee's city film permit under this section.

7.40.090 Appeals.

The permit applicant may appeal a permit denial, permit condition, or permit revocation or refusal to waive a deadline under this chapter by filing an appeal of the city manager’s decision with the city clerk. All appeals shall follow the procedures as established in Chapter 1.24 SMC.

7.40.100 Penalties.

The violation of any provision of this chapter shall be an infraction which shall be punished pursuant to Chapter 1.12 SMC. Such violations may also be addressed in a civil action, through a restraining order, a preliminary or permanent injunction, or by any other means available by law.

Agenda Item #7.4:

“EXHIBIT B”
CHAPTER 7.42

UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

7.42.010. Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide regulations to maintain the quality of life of residents, businesses, property owners, and visitors through regulation of unmanned aircraft systems within city limits.

7.42.020. Definitions.

For the purpose of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings set forth below, unless another or different meaning is clearly intended from the context in which the phrase or words are used.
“Drone” or “UAS” refers to any civil small unmanned aircraft system as those terms are used in title 14, part 107 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
“FAA” means the Federal Aviation Administration.
“Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, joint venture, or other legal entity including those defined in Section 1.28.020 of the Sonoma Municipal Code. “Public UAS” means a UAS that is used or operated by any government agency under section 40102 of title 49 of the United States Code.
“Visual line of sight” means that the operator has an unobstructed view of the UAS, unaided by any device other than corrective lenses, as that term is used in section 107.31 of title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
“UAS operator” means both a “remote pilot in command” and/or a “visual observer” as defined in sections 107.12, 107.19, and 107.33 of title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. “Public safety event” means an event, condition, or situation that has caused, or may cause, injury to persons or damage to property including, but not limited to, conditions of emergency as defined in Government Code section 8558, law enforcement operations, emergency medical or fire responses, search and rescue operations, and natural disasters.

7.42.030. Regulation of UAS Takeoff, Operation, and Landing.

A. No person shall takeoff or land a UAS outside of the person’s visual line of sight.

B. No person shall takeoff or land a UAS within 25 feet of another individual, except the UAS Operator, unless granted written permission by the city, including without limitation pursuant to Chapter 7.40, Permits for Motion Picture and Television Production, of the Sonoma Municipal Code.

C. No person shall takeoff or land a UAS on private property without the consent of the property owner.

Agenda Item #7.4:

D. No person shall takeoff or land a UAS within the visual line of sight of permitted public events unless granted written permission by the city.

E. No person shall takeoff or land a UAS within 1,500 horizontal feet of any aircraft.

F. No person shall takeoff or land a UAS that has any type of weapon attached to it.

G. No person shall takeoff or land a UAS within the visual line of sight any emergency vehicle that is operating with lights and/or sirens.

H. No person shall takeoff or land a UAS within 500 feet of any active law enforcement or emergency response incident.

I. No person shall be located within the visual line of sight of any of the following while conducting drone operations:

1. An event sponsored by the city and open to the general public,

2. An event for which a special event permit has been issued or is otherwise subject to the city’s special events policy,

3. A law enforcement or emergency response vehicle that is operating with lights and/or sirens, or

4. A public safety event.

J. No person shall takeoff or land a UAS in violation of any temporary flight restriction or notice to airmen issued by the FAA.

K. No person shall takeoff or land a UAS within 100 feet of a school facility without prior notification and authorization of school officials.

L. No person shall takeoff or land a UAS within 500 feet of any county or city owned jails, holding facilities, law enforcement facility, or within 100 feet of any designated publicly owned building chosen by the city.

M. In addition to the specific requirements set forth above, the city directs and delegates to its city manager the authority to develop rules for the operation of Unmanned Aircraft within the city limits, consistent with this ordinance. The city manager must publish such rules on the city’s website.

7.42.040. No reckless endangerment.

No person shall takeoff or land a UAS in a reckless manner so as to create a substantial risk of serious physical injury to any person or substantial risk of damage to the property of another.

The standard for what constitutes reckless operation under this section shall be the same as the standard set forth in any federal statutes or regulations governing aeronautics including but not limited to Federal Aviation Rule 91.13
Agenda Item #7.4:

7.42.050. Exemptions.

This chapter shall not apply to any publicly owned UAS that is operated by the city, or by any other public agency for government related purposes in compliance with all federal laws and regulations and operated in compliance with city policies.

7.42.060. Drones for commercial filming.

Any person who uses a drone for a filming activity, as provided in SMC 7.40.020, shall obtain a film permit as required by SMC chapter 7.40.

7.42.070. Violations—penalties.

A. Any violation of the provisions of this chapter shall be a misdemeanor and punishable as provided in SMC 1.12.010(B).

B. All violations of Code of Federal Regulations title 14, part 101 and title 14, part 107 will be reported to the FAA.

Agenda Item #7.4:

City of Sonoma
RESOLUTION # _______ - 2025

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA ADOPTING A

FILMING OPERATIONS PERMIT POLICY
WHEREAS, the City Council considered and adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 7.40, Permits for Commercial Photography, Filming, and Recording, of the Municipal Code to regulate commercial filming in the city; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to establish clear guidelines for the application, approval, and operation of filming activities in the City of Sonoma, and WHEREAS, the City Council finds this resolution is exempt from further environmental review under the general rule in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) that CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Sonoma that the Film Permit Policy & Procedures in the form attached hereto as “Exhibit A” to this resolution and incorporated by this reference is hereby adopted.

PASSED, RESOLVED, AND ADOPTED, at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Sonoma on this 6th day of August 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
__________________________________
Patricia Ferrar-Rivas, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.4:

EXHIBIT A
City of Sonoma Film Permit Policy & Procedures
Purpose
To establish clear guidelines for the application, approval, and operation of filming activities in Sonoma per SMC Chapter 7.40 Permits for Commercial Photography, Filming, and Recording.

Approval Process
A. Completed applications will be approved or denied within two business days.

B. The City Manager approves permits unless one or more of the following conditions apply:

1. Filming disrupts traffic, emergency services, or street maintenance.

2. Conflicts with other permitted events or city functions.

3. Poses risks to people, property, or public improvements.

4. Involves false or incomplete application information.

5. Violates any federal, state, or local law.

C. If issues can be resolved with conditions, the City Manager will impose conditions rather than deny the permit.

Application Requirements
A. Applications must be submitted at least 10 business days in advance and include:

1. Contact information for applicant and on-site person in charge.

2. Filming dates, crew/cast numbers, locations, with times.

3. Description of scenes (include stunts, animals, special effects, pyrotechnics, etc.).

4. Traffic control plan (street closures and intermittent traffic control limited to 5 minutes).

5. Description and parking plan with list of equipment and vehicle types.

6. Publicity plan showing when and where notices will be posted and delivered (at least 48 hours in advance).

7. A list of affected businesses and any businesses opposing the filming.

8. Proof of permission for filming on private property (may be submitted after application but must be on file before permit issuance).

9. Additional information if requested by the City Manager.

10. Accompanying materials:
a) Fees and deposits.
b) Liability insurance for the duration of the filming activity as prescribed by the city.

A. The applicant for a film permit must possess or obtain liability insurance to protect against loss from liability imposed by law for damages on account of bodily injury and property damage arising from the filming Agenda Item #7.4:

activity. Such insurance shall name on the policy or by endorsement as insureds the city of Sonoma, its officers, employees and agents.

Insurance coverage must be maintained for the duration of the filming activity.

B. Coverage shall be provided by a comprehensive general liability insurance policy in the amount prescribed by city. The insurance coverage afforded by the policy shall provide at a minimum the equivalent of insurance coverage provided by insurance service office (ISO) comprehensive general liability insurance coverage.
c) An executed indemnification agreement, on a form approved by the city attorney.

A. Prior to the issuance of the film permit, the permit applicant must sign an agreement to reimburse the city of Sonoma for any costs incurred to repair or replace city property which is damaged as the result of the filming activity.

B. The agreement shall also provide that the permittee shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the city, its officers, agents, or employees from all claims and liability of any kind whatsoever resulting from or arising out of the filming activity or issuance of the film permit.

C. The city shall not be responsible for filming on private property or any fee arrangements between the private party and the filming company. d) Proof of coordination with other public agencies (if applicable).

Operating Conditions
A. The City Manager may impose reasonable restrictions, including:

1. Requiring Police, Fire, or Public Works staff on-site (at applicant’s cost).

2. Posting of No Parking signs and traffic control.

3. Limits on noise (e.g., gunfire, explosions).

4. Filming hours.

5. Notice requirements to affected properties.

6. Temporary changes to public property must be fully reversible.

Permittee Responsibilities
A. Follow all permit terms—violations may result in revocation.

B. Restore all City property to its original condition after filming.

C. Keep a copy of the permit on-site during filming.

Agenda Item #7.4:

City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 06 Aug 2025
Department
Administration
Staff Contact
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item Title
Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Finalize and Execute Agreements with Richardson & Company LLP and Robert Smith, and Amendments with Keyser Marston Associates, Matrix Consulting Group, and W-Trans Inc
Summary
On June 18, 2025, the City Council Adopted Resolution #37-2025, including funding for multiple contract services. The following agreements / amendments are being presented for City Council consideration to enable the services to be accessed.

Richardson & Company LLP -
• Professional Services Agreement - Term: July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028 Richardson & Company LLP provides auditing services for the City’s financial statements. This agreement will include the audit of years ending June 30, 2024, June 30, 2025, and June 30, 2026. The total cost for these services is not to exceed $153,975.

Robert Smith -
• Professional Services Agreement with Draft Scope – Term: July 1, 2025 – June 30,2026 The City’s agreement for Code Enforcement services has expired. Under this new agreement, the consultant will receive, investigate and respond to registered complaints, establish deadlines for compliance, answer citizen inquiries, monitor compliance efforts, levy fines or penalties as necessary, leading complaint through any necessary hearing processes, setting up and maintenance of legally compliant complaint files and closing of complaints/files. Robert Smith also provides compliance services pertaining to short-term rentals. The attached scope is a draft and will be amended prior to execution to include these. Services are provided on an hourly basis, and the total cost of the agreement is not to exceed $60,000.

Keyser Marston Associates –
• Agreement Amendment – Time Extension Only – Term: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 On September 18, 2024, the City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement with Keyser Marston Associates to prepare feasibility study, in-lieu fee analysis, and context materials to assess Sonoma’s inclusionary housing ordinance; research and summarize the key features of existing programs designed to discourage second homes. Though significant progress has been made, there is a need to extend the agreement for one year. There are no additional funds being requested.

Agenda Item #7.5:

Matrix Consulting Group, Ltd. -
• Agreement Amendment – Time Extension Only – Term: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 On August 21, 2024, the City Council approved a one-year Professional Services Agreement with Matrix Consulting Group, Ltd. to update the Master Fee Schedule for all departments and prepare a full cost allocation plan to minimize the burden on taxpayers and the general fund for the provision of City services. They were also charged with assessing impact fees on new development to mitigate the fiscal impact on public facilities and services and cost associated with implementing the City’s General Plan and art and beautification efforts. Though significant progress has been made, there is a need to extend the agreement for one year. There are no additional funds being requested.

W-Trans Inc. -
• Agreement Amendment - Term July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 On September 4, 2024, the City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement with WTrans to develop a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Policy to implement SB 743 Transportation Impacts in the. Though significant progress has been made, there is a need to extend the agreement for one year. There are no additional funds being requested.

Recommended Council Action
Approve the contracts for services for FY25-26.

Alternative Actions
Council discretion.

Financial Impact
All contracts have been budgeted for during the 2025-2026 budget development and approved during the June 18th 2025 City Council meeting. No additional funding is needed at this time.

Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Resolution - Miscellaneous Agreements
PSA - Richardson & Co. LLP
DRAFT - PSA - Robert Smith
PSA Amendment 1 - Keyser Marston Associates
PSA Amendment 1 - Matrix Consulting Group Ltd
PSA Amendment 1 - W-Trans Inc
Agenda Item #7.5:

City of Sonoma
RESOLUTION # ______ - 2025

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

CITY MANAGER TO FINALIZE AND EXECUTE AGREEMENTS WITH RICHARDSON &

COMPANY LLP AND ROBERT SMITH, AND AMENDMENTS WITH KEYSER MARSTON

ASSOCIATES, MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP, AND W-TRANS INC
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Sonoma has reviewed the proposed final Operating Budget for FY25-26 and held a public meeting on May 22, 2025, prior to adoption of the final budget; and
WHEREAS, THE City Council approved the FY25-26 Operating Budget via Resolution 37-2025 on June 18, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has approved funding for FY25-26 in the approved budget that requires either a new agreement or agreement amendments with Richardson & Company LLP, Robert Smith, Keyser Marston Associates, Matrix Consulting Group, and W-Trans Inc for services to be offered starting July 1, 2025.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Sonoma that the City Manager is authorized to finalize and execute the agreements or agreement amendments as outlined in Exhibit A.

PASSED, RESOLVED, AND ADOPTED, at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Sonoma on this 6th day of August 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.5:

Attachment A

NEW AGREEMENTS AND/OR AGREEMENT AMENDMENTS

VENDOR/ORGANIZATION
FY25-26

AMOUNT ACTION

NEW AGREEMENTS
Richardson & Company LLP
Provides auditing services for the City’s financial statements $153,975 3-Year Agreement
Robert Smith
Code Enforcement and short-term rental compliance services $60,000 1-Year Agreement

AMENDMENTS
Keyser Marston Associates
Preparation of feasibility study, in-lieu fee analysis, and context materials to assess Sonoma’s inclusionary housing ordinance; research and summarize the key features of existing programs designed to discourage second homes No
Additional
Funding
1-Year
Extension
Matrix Consulting Group
Master Fee Schedule, Cost Allocation Analysis, and Nexus Study for Impact Fees.

No
Additional
Funding
1-Year
Extension
W-Trans Inc.

Development of VMT policy to implement SB743 Transportation impacts.

No
Additional
Funding
1-Year
Extension
Agenda Item #7.5:

Professional Services Agreement
(City of Sonoma / Richardson & Company LLP)
336531.3 Page 1 of 21
Approved for use: 1/1/2025

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT

FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES
(City of Sonoma / Richardson & Company LLP)

1. IDENTIFICATION
This PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into as of the last date indicated below by and between the City of Sonoma, a California municipal corporation (“City”), and Richardson & Company LLP, a California Limited Liability Partnership, (“Consultant”) (collectively, “parties”).

2. RECITALS

2.1 City has determined that it requires the following professional services from a consultant: Financial Statements Audits for FY 23/24, 24/25 & 25/26.

2.2 Consultant represents that it is fully qualified to perform such professional services by virtue of its experience and the training, education and expertise of its principals and employees. Consultant further represents that it is willing to accept responsibility for performing such services in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

2.3 City has relied upon the professional ability and training of Consultant as a material inducement to enter into this Agreement. Consultant shall perform in accordance with generally accepted professional practices and standards as well as the requirements of applicable federal, state and local laws, it being understood that acceptance of Consultant’s work by City shall not operate as a waiver or release. Consultant represents and warrants to City that (a) it has all licenses, permits, qualifications, insurance and approvals of whatever nature which are legally required for Consultant to practice its profession, and (b) it shall, at its sole cost, keep in effect or obtain at all times during the term of this Agreement any licenses, permits, insurance and approvals which are legally required for Consultant to practice its profession. Consultant shall indemnify and hold harmless the City from and against any and all claims or expenses caused or occasioned directly or indirectly by Consultant’s failure to so perform.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions herein contained, City and Consultant agree as follows:

Agenda Item #7.5:

Professional Services Agreement
(City of Sonoma / Richardson & Company LLP)
336531.3 Page 2 of 21
Approved for use: 1/1/2025

3. DEFINITIONS

3.1 “Agreement Administrator” for this project means Prapti Aryal, Finance Director. The Agreement Administrator shall be the principal point of contact at the City for this project. All services under this Agreement shall be performed at the request of the Agreement Administrator. The Agreement Administrator will establish the timetable for completion of services and any interim milestones. City reserves the right to change this designation upon written notice to Contractor.

3.2 “Approved Fee Schedule” means such compensation rates as are set forth in Consultant’s July 16, 2025, fee schedule to City attached hereto and fully incorporated herein by this reference. This fee schedule shall remain in effect for the duration of this Agreement unless modified in writing by mutual agreement of the parties.

3.3 “Commencement Date” means July 1, 2025.

3.4 “Consultant Project Administrator” means Ingrid Sheipline, CPA. The Consultant Project Administrator will be the principal point of contact for the Consultant.

3.5 “Maximum Amount” means the highest total compensation and costs payable to Consultant by City under this Agreement. The Maximum Amount under this Agreement is One Hundred Fifty-Three Thousand Nine Hundred and Seventy-Five Dollars ($153,975).

3.6 “Scope of Services” means such professional services as are set forth in Consultant’s July 16, 2025, proposal to City attached hereto as “Exhibit A” and fully incorporated herein by this reference.

3.7 “Termination Date” means June 30, 2028.

4. TERM
The term of this Agreement shall commence at 12:00 a.m. on the Commencement Date and shall terminate at 11:59 p.m. on the Termination Date unless extended in writing by mutual agreement of the parties or terminated earlier in accordance with Section 18 (“Termination”) below. Consultant may request extensions of time to perform the services required hereunder. Such extensions shall be effective if Agenda Item #7.5:

Professional Services Agreement
(City of Sonoma / Richardson & Company LLP)
336531.3 Page 3 of 21
Approved for use: 1/1/2025
authorized in advance by City in writing and incorporated in written amendments to this Agreement.

5. CONSULTANT’S SERVICES

5.1 Time is of the essence in Consultant’s performance of services under this Agreement.

5.2 Consultant shall perform the services identified in the Scope of Services.

City shall have the right to request, in writing, changes in the Scope of Services. Any such changes mutually agreed upon by the parties, and any corresponding increase or decrease in compensation, shall be incorporated by written amendment to this Agreement. In performing services under this Agreement, Consultant shall coordinate all contact with City through its Agreement Administrator. All changes and/or extra work shall be performed and paid for in accordance with the following:

5.2.1 Only the City Manager, Finance Director or City Council may authorize extra and/or changed work. Consultant expressly recognizes that other City personnel are without authorization to either order extra and/or changed work or waive contract requirements. Failure of Consultant to secure the Council’s, City Manager’s or Finance Director’s authorization for such extra and/or changed work shall constitute a waiver of any and all right to adjustment in the Maximum Amount due to such unauthorized work and Consultant thereafter shall be entitled to no
compensation whatsoever for performance of such work.

5.2.2 If the Consultant is of the opinion that any work s/he has been directed to perform is beyond the scope of this Agreement and constitutes extra work, s/he shall promptly notify the Agreement Administrator of this opinion. The City shall make a determination as to whether or not such work is, in fact, beyond the scope of this Agreement and constitutes extra work. In the event that the City determines that such work does constitute extra work, it shall provide extra compensation to the Consultant on a fair and equitable basis. A Supplemental Agreement providing for such compensation for extra work shall be negotiated between the City and the Consultant. Such Supplemental Agreement shall be Agenda Item #7.5:

Professional Services Agreement
(City of Sonoma / Richardson & Company LLP)
336531.3 Page 4 of 21
Approved for use: 1/1/2025
executed by the Consultant and be approved by the City in accordance with its purchasing policy.

5.2.3 In the event City determines that such work does not constitute extra work, Consultant shall not be paid extra compensation above that provided herein and if such determination is made by City staff, this determination may be appealed to the City Council as long as a written appeal is submitted to the City Manager within five (5) days after the staff’s determination is received by the Consultant. Any written appeal shall include a description of each and every ground upon which Consultant challenges the staff’s determination. The City Council’s decision shall be final.

5.3 In no event shall the total compensation and costs payable to Consultant under this Agreement exceed the Maximum Amount unless specifically approved in advance and in writing by City. Consultant shall notify the Agreement Administrator, in writing, when fees and expenses incurred under this Agreement have reached eighty percent (80%) of the Maximum Amount payable above. Consultant shall concurrently inform the Agreement Administrator, in writing, of Consultant’s estimate of total expenditures required to complete its current assignments before proceeding, when the remaining work on such assignments would exceed the Maximum Amount payable above.

5.4 Consultant shall perform all work to the highest standards of Consultant’s profession and in a manner reasonably satisfactory to City. Consultant shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, including the conflict-of-interest provisions of Government Code Section 1090 and the Political Reform Act (Government Code Section 81000 et seq.).

5.5 Consultant shall obtain and maintain in force a City business license for the term of this Agreement.

5.6 Consultant represents that it has no known relationships with third parties, City Council Members, or employees of City which would (i) present a conflict of interest with the rendering of services under this Agreement under Government Code Section 1090, the Political Reform Act (Government Code Section 81000 et seq.), or other applicable law, (ii) prevent Consultant from performing the terms of this Agreement, or Agenda Item #7.5:

Professional Services Agreement
(City of Sonoma / Richardson & Company LLP)
336531.3 Page 5 of 21
Approved for use: 1/1/2025
(iii) present a significant opportunity for the disclosure of confidential information.

5.7 During the term of this Agreement, Consultant shall not perform any work for another person or entity for whom Consultant was not working at the Commencement Date if both (i) such work would require Consultant to abstain from a decision under this Agreement pursuant to a conflict of interest statute and (ii) City has not consented in writing to Consultant’s performance of such work.

5.8 This Agreement is subject to Government Code section 84308, as amended by Senate Bill 1439 (2022), Senate Bill 1181 (2024), and Senate Bill 1243 (2024). Consultant shall disclose any contribution to an elected or appointed City official’s campaign or committee in an amount of more than five hundred dollars ($500) made within 12 months preceding the Commencement Date, by Consultant, its, her, or his agent, or another party affiliated with Consultant. Consultant shall provide a signed copy of the attached Campaign Contribution Disclosure Form, Exhibit C, to City prior to, or concurrent with, Consultant’s execution of this Agreement and no later than the Commencement Date.

5.9 Pursuant to Government Code section 1097.6, Consultant’s duties and services under this Agreement shall not include preparing or assisting the City with any portion of the City’s preparation of a request for proposals, request for qualifications, or any other solicitation regarding a subsequent or additional contract with the City. The City shall at all times retain responsibility for public contracting, including with respect to any subsequent phase of this project. Consultant’s participation in the planning, discussions, or drawing of project plans or specifications shall be limited to conceptual, preliminary, or initial plans or specifications.

Consultant shall cooperate with the City to ensure that all bidders for a subsequent contract on any subsequent phase of this project have access to the same information, including all conceptual, preliminary, or initial plans or specifications prepared by Consultant, if any, pursuant to this Agreement.

5.10 Consultant represents that it has, or will secure at its own expense, all personnel required to perform the services identified in the Scope of Services. All such services shall be performed by Consultant or under its supervision, and all personnel engaged in the work shall be qualified to Agenda Item #7.5:

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perform such services. The Consultant Project Administrator shall have direct responsibility for management of Consultant’s performance under this Agreement. No other person shall serve as Consultant Project Administrator without City’s prior written consent.

5.11 This Agreement covers professional services of a specific and unique nature. Except as otherwise provided herein, Consultant shall not assign or transfer its interest in this Agreement or subcontract any services to be performed without amending this Agreement.

5.12 Consultant shall be responsible to City for all services to be performed under this Agreement. All subconsultants shall be approved by the Agreement Administrator and their billing rates identified in the Approved Fee Schedule, Exhibit A. City shall pay Consultant for work performed by its subconsultants (including labor) only at Consultant’s actual cost plus an approved mark-up as set forth in the Approved Fee Schedule, Exhibit A. Consultant shall be liable and accountable for any and all payments, compensation, and federal and state taxes to all subconsultants performing services under this Agreement. City shall not be liable for any payment, compensation, or federal and state taxes for any subconsultants.

5.13 Consultant shall notify the Agreement Administrator, in writing, of any change in name, ownership or control of Consultant’s firm or of any subconsultant. Change of ownership or control of Consultant’s firm may require an amendment to the Agreement.

5.14 Prevailing Wage Notice.

5.14.1 This Agreement is subject to prevailing wage law, for all work performed under the Agreement for which the payment of
prevailing wages is required under the California Labor Code. In particular, Consultant acknowledges that prevailing wage determinations are available for the performance of inspection and survey work.

5.14.2 In the event Consultant will perform inspection services, City or authorized representatives of the City shall have the right to inspect the work of such services whenever such representatives may deem such inspection to be desirable or necessary. Inspections by the City do not in any way relieve or minimize the responsibility of Agenda Item #7.5:

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Consultant to conduct the inspections Consultant has expressly agreed to perform pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant shall be solely liable for said inspections performed by Consultant.

Consultant shall certify in writing to the City as to the completeness and acceptability of each inspection of improvement or
construction which Consultant agrees to inspect hereunder.

6. COMPENSATION

6.1 City agrees to compensate Consultant for the services provided under this Agreement and Consultant agrees to accept payment in accordance with the Approved Fee Schedule in full satisfaction for such services.

6.2 Consultant shall submit to City an invoice, on a monthly basis or less frequently, for services performed pursuant to this Agreement. Each invoice shall identify the Maximum Amount, the services rendered during the billing period, the amount due for the invoice, and the total amount previously invoiced. All labor charges shall be itemized by employee name and classification/position with the firm, the corresponding hourly rate, the hours worked, a description of each labor charge, and the total amount due for labor charges. Consultant shall include a copy of each subconsultant invoice for which reimbursement is sought in the invoice.

6.3 City shall not withhold applicable taxes or other payroll deductions from payments made to Consultant except as otherwise required by law.

Consultant shall be solely responsible for calculating, withholding, and paying all taxes.

6.4 The parties agree to meet and confer at mutually agreeable times to resolve any disputed amounts contained in an invoice submitted by Consultant.

7. OWNERSHIP OF WRITTEN PRODUCTS
All reports, documents or other written material, and all electronic files, including computer-aided design files, developed by Consultant in the performance of this Agreement (such written material and electronic files are collectively known as “written products”) shall be and remain the property of City without restriction or limitation upon its use or dissemination by City except as provided by law. Consultant may take and retain copies of such written products as desired, but no such written products shall be the subject of a copyright application by Consultant.

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8. RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES

8.1 Consultant is, and shall at all times remain as to City, a wholly independent contractor. Consultant shall have no power to incur any debt, obligation, or liability on behalf of City or otherwise to act on behalf of City as an agent. Consultant, its officers, employees and agents shall not have any power to bind or commit the City to any decision or course of action, and Consultant, its officers, employees and agents shall not represent to any person or party that it or they are acting as agents of the City or that it or they have the power to bind or commit the City. Neither City nor any of its agents shall have control over the conduct of Consultant or any of Consultant’s employees, except as set forth in this Agreement. Consultant shall not represent that it is, or that any of its agents or employees are, in any manner employees of City.

8.2 Under no circumstances shall Consultant look to the City as its employer.

Consultant shall not be entitled to any benefits. City makes no representation as to the effect of this independent contractor relationship on Consultant’s previously earned California Public Employees Retirement System (“CalPERS”) retirement benefits, if any, and Consultant specifically assumes the responsibility for making such a determination. Consultant shall be responsible for all reports and obligations including, but not limited to: social security taxes, income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, workers’ compensation, and other applicable federal and state taxes.

9. CONSULTANT PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR
In performing services under this Agreement, Consultant shall coordinate all contact with City through its Agreement Administrator. City reserves the right to change this designation upon written notice to Consultant. All services under this Agreement shall be performed at the request of the Agreement Administrator, who will establish the timetable for completion of services and any interim milestones.

10. INDEMNIFICATION

10.1 The parties agree that City, its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers should, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be protected from any and all loss, injury, damage, claim, lawsuit, cost, expense, attorneys’ fees, litigation costs, taxes, or any other cost arising out of or in any way related to the performance of this Agreement. Accordingly, the parties intend the Agenda Item #7.5:

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provisions of this indemnity provision to be interpreted and construed to provide the City with the fullest protection possible under the law.

Consultant acknowledges that City would not enter into this Agreement in the absence of Consultant’s commitment to indemnify and protect City as set forth herein.

10.2 To the fullest extent permitted by law, Consultant shall indemnify, hold harmless, and when the City requests with respect to a claim provide a deposit for the defense of, and defend (with counsel satisfactory to City) City, its officers, agents, employees and volunteers from and against any and all claims, losses, costs and expenses for any damage due to death or injury to any person, whether physical, emotional, consequential or otherwise, and injury to any property arising out of or in connection with Consultant’s alleged negligence, recklessness or willful misconduct or other wrongful acts, errors or omissions of Consultant or any of its officers, employees, servants, agents, or subconsultants, or anyone directly or indirectly employed by either Consultant or its subconsultants, in the performance of this Agreement or its failure to comply with any of its obligations contained in this Agreement, except such loss or damage which is caused by the sole active negligence or willful misconduct of the City. Such costs and expenses shall include reasonable attorneys’ fees due to counsel of City’s choice, expert fees and all other expenses of litigation.

Consultant shall not be entitled to any refund of attorneys’ fees, defense costs or expenses in the event that it is adjudicated to have been nonnegligent.

10.3 City shall have the right to offset against any compensation due Consultant under this Agreement any amount due City from Consultant as a result of Consultant’s failure to pay City promptly any indemnification arising under this Section 10 of this Agreement and any amount due City from Consultant arising from Consultant’s failure either to (i) pay taxes on amounts received pursuant to this Agreement or (ii) comply with applicable workers’ compensation laws.

10.4 The obligations of Consultant under this Section 10 of this Agreement are not limited by the provisions of any workers’ compensation or similar statute. Consultant expressly waives its statutory immunity under such statutes as to City, its officers, agents, employees and volunteers.

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10.5 Consultant agrees to obtain executed indemnity agreements with provisions identical to those set forth here in Section 10 of this Agreement from each and every subconsultant or any other person or entity involved by, for, with or on behalf of Consultant in the performance of this Agreement. If Consultant fails to obtain such indemnity obligations from others, Consultant agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend City, its officers, agents, employees and volunteers from and against any and all claims, losses, costs and expenses for any damage due to death or injury to any person and injury to any property resulting from any alleged intentional, reckless, negligent, or otherwise wrongful acts, errors or omissions of Consultant’s subconsultants or any other person or entity involved by, for, with or on behalf of Consultant in the performance of this Agreement. Such costs and expenses shall include reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by counsel of City’s choice.

10.6 City does not, and shall not, waive any rights that it may possess against Consultant because of the acceptance by City, or the deposit with City, of any insurance policy or certificate required pursuant to this Agreement.

This hold harmless and indemnification provision shall apply whether or not any insurance policies apply to a claim, demand, damage, liability, loss, cost or expense.

10.7 In the event that Consultant or any employee, agent, or subconsultant of Consultant providing services under this Agreement claims or is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or CalPERS to be eligible for enrollment in CalPERS as an employee of the City, Consultant shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless City for the payment of any employee and/or employer contributions for CalPERS benefits on behalf of Consultant or its employees, agents, or subconsultants, as well as for the payment of any penalties and interest on such contributions, which would otherwise be the responsibility of City.

10.8 Notwithstanding any federal, state, or local policy, rule, regulation, law or ordinance to the contrary, Consultant and any of its employees, agents, and subconsultants providing service under this Agreement shall not qualify for or become entitled to, and hereby agree to waive any claims to, any compensation, benefit, or any incident of employment by City, including but not limited to eligibility to enroll in CalPERS as an employee of City and entitlement to any contribution to be paid by City Agenda Item #7.5:

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for employer contribution and/or employee contributions for CalPERS benefits.

11. INSURANCE

11.1 During the term of this Agreement, Consultant shall carry, maintain, and keep in full force and effect insurance against claims for death or injuries to persons or damages to property that may arise from or in connection with Consultant’s performance of this Agreement.

11.2 Any available insurance proceeds broader than or in excess of the specified minimum Insurance coverage requirements or limits shall be available to City as an Additional Insured as provided below.

Furthermore, the requirements for coverage and limits shall be the greater of (1) the minimum coverage and limits specified in this Agreement, or (2) the broader coverage and maximum limits of coverage of any Insurance policy or proceeds available to the named Insured.

11.3 Insurance required under this Agreement shall be of the types set forth below, with minimum coverage as described:

11.3.1 Comprehensive General Liability Insurance written on a per occurrence basis with coverage limits of not less than Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence and Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000) general aggregate, including products and operations hazard, contractual insurance, broad form property damage, independent consultants, personal injury, underground hazard, and explosion and collapse hazard where applicable.

11.3.2 Automobile Liability Insurance for vehicles used in connection with the performance of this Agreement with minimum limits of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per claimant and One Million dollars ($1,000,000) per incident. Automobile liability insurance shall be evidenced by ISO Form Number CA 0001 covering Code 1 (any auto) or, if Consultant has no owned autos, Code 8 (hired) and 9 (non-owned).

11.3.3 Worker’s Compensation insurance if and as required by the laws of the State of California.

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11.3.4 Professional Errors and Omissions Insurance with coverage limits of not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence and Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) aggregate. In the event Consultant’s policy is a “claims made” policy only covering those claims made during the policy period, then Consultant agrees to maintain the professional liability insurance required hereunder and with respect to this project in effect for at least three (3) years after acceptance of the work. The retroactive date of the policy must be shown and must be before the Commencement Date of this Agreement. If coverage is canceled or non-renewed, and not replaced with another claims-made policy form with a retroactive date before the Commencement Date of this Agreement, the Consultant must purchase “extended reporting” coverage for a minimum of three (3) years after completion of work.

11.4 Consultant shall require each of its subconsultants to maintain insurance coverage that meets all of the requirements of this Agreement provided however, that the Agreement Administrator may waive the provision of Errors and Omissions Insurance by subconsultants in his or her sole discretion.

11.5 The policy or policies required by this Agreement shall be issued by an insurer admitted in the State of California and with a rating of at least A:VII in the latest edition of Best’s Insurance Guide.

11.6 Consultant agrees that if it does not keep the insurance coverages required by this Agreement in full force and effect, City may either (i) immediately terminate this Agreement; or (ii) take out the necessary insurance and pay the premium(s) thereon at Consultant’s expense.

11.7 At all times during the term of this Agreement, Consultant shall maintain on file with City’s Risk Manager a certificate or certificates of insurance showing that the required coverages are in effect and naming City and its officers, employees, agents and volunteers as Additional Insureds. Prior to commencement of work under this Agreement, Consultant shall file with City’s Risk Manager such certificate(s) and Forms CG 20 10 07 04 and CG 20 37 07 04 or the substantial equivalent showing City as an Additional Insured.

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11.8 Consultant shall provide proof that policies of insurance required by this Agreement expiring during the term of this Agreement have been renewed or replaced with other policies providing at least the same coverage. Such proof will be furnished at least two weeks prior to the expiration of the coverages.

11.9 The general liability and automobile policies of insurance required by this Agreement shall contain an endorsement naming City and its officers, employees, agents and volunteers as Additional Insureds. All of the policies required under this Agreement shall contain an endorsement providing that the policies cannot be canceled or reduced except on thirty days’ prior written notice to City. Consultant agrees to require its insurer to modify the certificates of insurance to delete any exculpatory wording stating that failure of the insurer to mail written notice of cancellation imposes no obligation, and to delete the word “endeavor” with regard to any notice provisions.

11.10 The insurance provided by Consultant shall be primary to any other coverage available to City. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by City and/or its officers, employees, agents or volunteers shall be in excess of Consultant’s insurance and shall not contribute with it.

11.11 All insurance coverage provided pursuant to this Agreement shall not prohibit Consultant, and Consultant’s employees, agents or subconsultants, from waiving the right of subrogation prior to a loss.

Consultant hereby waives all rights of subrogation against the City.

Consultant agrees to obtain any endorsement that may be necessary to affect this waiver of subrogation, but this provision applies regardless of whether or not the City has received a waiver of subrogation endorsement from the insurer. However, the Workers’ Compensation policy shall be endorsed with a waiver of subrogation in favor of the City for all work performed by the Consultant, its employees, agents and subconsultants.

11.12 Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the City. At the option of City, Consultant shall either reduce or eliminate the deductibles or self-insured retentions with respect to City, or Consultant shall procure a bond in the amount of the deductible or selfinsured retention to guarantee payment of losses and expenses.

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11.13 Procurement of insurance by Consultant shall not be construed as a limitation of Consultant’s liability or as full performance of Consultant’s duties to indemnify, hold harmless and defend under Section 10 of this Agreement.

11.14 Consultant may be self-insured under the terms of this Agreement only with express written approval from the City.

11.14.1All self-insured retentions (SIR) must be disclosed to the City for approval and shall not reduce the limits of liability.

11.14.2Policies containing any SIR provision shall provide or be endorsed to provide that the SIR may be satisfied by either the named Insured or the City.

11.15 City reserves the right to obtain a full certified copy of any Insurance policy and endorsements. Failure to exercise this right shall not constitute a waiver of the right to exercise later.

12. MUTUAL COOPERATION

12.1 City shall provide Consultant with all pertinent data, documents and other requested information as is reasonably available for the proper performance of Consultant’s services under this Agreement.

12.2 If any claim, action, or proceeding is brought against City relating to Consultant’s performance in connection with this Agreement, Consultant shall render any reasonable assistance that City may require in the defense of that claim, action, or proceeding.

13. CONFIDENTIALITY
All data, documents, discussion, or other information developed or received by Consultant or provided for performance of this Agreement are deemed confidential and shall not be disclosed by Consultant without prior written consent by City. City shall grant such consent if disclosure is legally required. Upon request, all City data shall be returned to City upon the termination or expiration of this Agreement.

14. RECORDS AND INSPECTIONS
Consultant shall maintain any and all ledgers, books of account, invoices, vouchers, canceled checks, and other records or documents evidencing or relating to Agenda Item #7.5:

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charges for services or expenditures and disbursements charged to City under this Agreement for a minimum of three (3) years, or for any longer period required by law, from the date of final payment to Consultant under this Agreement. All such documents shall be made available for inspection, audit, and/or copying at any time during regular business hours, upon oral or written request of City. City shall further have the right to make transcripts therefrom and to inspect all program data, documents, proceedings, and activities.

In addition, pursuant to Government Code Section 8546.7, if the amount of public funds expended under this Agreement exceeds ten thousand dollars, all such documents and this Agreement shall be subject to the examination and audit of the State Auditor, at the request of City or as part of any audit of City, for a period of three (3) years after final payment under the Agreement.

15. PERMITS AND APPROVALS
Consultant shall obtain, at its sole cost and expense, all permits and regulatory approvals necessary for Consultant’s performance of this Agreement. This includes, but shall not be limited to, professional licenses, encroachment permits and building and safety permits and inspections.

16. 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 Consultant’s and City’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 City:

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

Ingrid M. Sheipline, CPA
Managing Partner
Richardson & Company LLP
550 Howe Avenue, Suite 210
Sacramento, CA 95825
Telephone: (916) 564-8727
Email: [email protected]
Agenda Item #7.5:

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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]

17. SURVIVING COVENANTS
The parties agree that the covenants contained in Paragraph 8.2, Section 10, Paragraph 12.2, Section 13, and Section 14 of this Agreement shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.

18. TERMINATION

18.1 The City may, in its sole and unfettered discretion and without cause, terminate this Agreement at any time prior to completion by Consultant of the services required. Notice of Termination of this Agreement shall be given in writing to Consultant and shall be sufficient and complete when same is emailed to Consultant and simultaneously deposited in the United States mail postage prepaid and certified, addressed as set forth in Section 16 of this Agreement. The Agreement shall be terminated upon receipt of the Notice of Termination by Consultant. If City should terminate this Agreement, the Consultant shall be compensated for all work satisfactorily performed prior to time of receipt of termination notice, and shall be compensated for materials ordered by the Consultant or his/her employees, or services of others ordered by the Consultant or his/her employees prior to receipt of Notice of Termination whether or not such materials or final instruments of services of others have actually been delivered, provided that the Consultant or its employees are not able to cancel such orders for materials or services of others. Compensation for the Consultant in the event of termination by the City shall be determined by the Finance Director in accordance with the percentage of project completed. In the event that this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this Paragraph 18.1, Consultant shall not be entitled to any additional Agenda Item #7.5:

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compensation over that provided herein; nor shall Consultant be entitled to payment for any alleged damages or injuries (including lost opportunity damages) purportedly caused by the termination of this Agreement by the City pursuant hereto.

18.2 Consultant may terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days written notice to the City only for good cause. Consultant’s written notice of termination shall contain a full explanation of the facts and circumstances constituting good cause. In the event of termination, all notes, sketches, computations, drawings and specifications, or other data, whether complete or not, produced through the time of the City’s last payment shall be relinquished to the City. The City may, at its own expense, make copies or extract information from any such notes, sketches, computations, drawings, and specifications, or other data whether complete or not.

18.3 Should the Consultant fail to perform any of its obligations hereunder, within the time and in the manner provided or otherwise violate any of the terms of this Agreement, the City may terminate this Agreement by giving written notice of such termination, stating the reasons for such termination in such event. Consultant shall be compensated as above, provided, however, there shall be deducted from such amount the amount of damage if any, sustained by City by virtue of the Consultant’s breach of this Agreement.

18.4 In no event shall Consultant be entitled to receive more than the Maximum Amount that would be paid to Consultant for the full performance of the services required by this Agreement as provided in Paragraph 3.5 above and as otherwise provided in this Agreement.

19. GENERAL PROVISIONS

19.1 Consultant shall not delegate, transfer, subcontract or assign its duties or rights hereunder, either in whole or in part, without City’s prior written consent, and any attempt to do so shall be void and of no effect. City shall not be obligated or liable under this Agreement to any party other than Consultant.

19.2 In the performance of this Agreement, Consultant shall not discriminate against any employee, subconsultant, or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), creed, national origin, color, disability as defined by Agenda Item #7.5:

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law, disabled veteran status, Vietnam veteran status, religion, age (40 and above), medical condition (cancer-related), marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, or any other unlawful basis, including without limitation, the City’s Non-Discrimination Policy adopted as Resolution #25-2019.

Consultant shall take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment without regard to race, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), creed, national origin, color, disability as defined by law, disabled veteran status, Vietnam veteran status, religion, age (40 and above), medical condition (cancer-related), marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, or any other unlawful basis. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, the following: employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; or in terms, conditions or privileges of employment, and selection for training, Consultant agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.

19.3 Each party had an opportunity to consult with an attorney in reviewing and drafting this Agreement. Any uncertainty or ambiguity shall not be construed for or against any party based on attribution of drafting.

19.4 The captions appearing at the commencement of the Sections hereof, and in any paragraph thereof, are for convenience in reference to this Agreement. Should there be any conflict between such heading, and the Section or Paragraph thereof at the head of which it appears, the Section or Paragraph shall govern construction of this Agreement. Masculine or feminine pronouns shall be substituted for the neuter form and vice versa, and the plural shall be substituted for the singular and vice versa, in any place or places herein in which the context requires such substitution(s).

19.5 The waiver by City or Consultant of any breach of any term, covenant or condition herein contained shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any other term, covenant or condition or of any subsequent breach of the same or any other term, covenant or condition herein contained. No term, covenant or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been waived by City or Consultant unless in writing signed by one authorized to bind the party to be charged with the waiver.

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19.6 Consultant shall not be liable for any failure to perform if Consultant presents acceptable evidence, in City’s sole judgment, that such failure was due to causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of Consultant.

19.7 Each right, power and remedy provided for herein or now or hereafter existing at law, in equity, by statute, or otherwise shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other right, power, or remedy provided for herein or now or hereafter existing at law, in equity, by statute, or otherwise. The exercise, the commencement of the exercise, or the forbearance from the exercise by any party of any one or more of such rights, powers or remedies shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise by such party of any or all of such other rights, powers or remedies. If legal action shall be necessary to enforce any term, covenant or condition contained in this Agreement, the party prevailing in such action, whether or not reduced to judgment, shall be entitled to its reasonable court costs, including any accountants’ and attorneys’ fees expended in the action. The venue for any litigation shall be Sonoma County, California and Consultant hereby consents to jurisdiction in Sonoma County for purposes of resolving any dispute or enforcing any obligation arising under this Agreement.

19.8 If any term or provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall, to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, then such term or provision shall be amended to, and solely to the extent necessary to, cure such invalidity or unenforceability, and in its amended form shall be enforceable. In such event, the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such term or provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each term and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

19.9 This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

19.10 All documents referenced as exhibits in this Agreement are hereby incorporated into this Agreement. In the event of any material discrepancy between the provisions of this Agreement and those of any document incorporated herein by reference, the provisions of this Agenda Item #7.5:

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Agreement shall prevail. This instrument contains the entire Agreement between City and Consultant with respect to the transactions contemplated herein. No other prior oral or written agreements are binding upon the parties. Amendments hereto or deviations herefrom shall be effective and binding only if made in writing and executed on behalf of the City and Consultant.

19.11 Nonprofit service contractors which receive contracts from the City of $75,000 or more in a 12-month period, and for-profit service contractors who receive contracts from the City of $10,000 or more in a 12-month period, provided they have more than six employees, may be subject to the City’s Living Wage Ordinance. Sub-contractors with $50,000 or more in annual gross receipts may also be subject to the Living Wage Ordinance. Unless otherwise exempt in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance (Sonoma Municipal Code Chapter 2.70), this Agreement is subject to applicable provisions of the Living Wage Ordinance of the City as amended from time to time and available on the City’s website.

19.12 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.

19.13 This Agreement shall be binding on successors and assigns of the parties.

19.14 Except as expressly stated herein, there is no intended third-party beneficiary of any right or obligation assumed by the parties.

19.15 The recitals are incorporated by this reference.
[Signatures on following page]
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(City of Sonoma / Richardson & Company LLP)
336531.3 Page 21 of 21
Approved for use: 1/1/2025
TO EFFECTUATE THIS AGREEMENT, the parties have caused their duly authorized representatives to execute this Agreement as of the last date indicated below:
“City”
City of Sonoma
By:________________________________
David Guhin, City Manager
Date:______________________
“Consultant”
Richardson & Company LLP
By:________________________________
Ingrid Sheipline, CPA, Managing Partner
Date:______________________
Attest:

By:__________________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Date:________________________
By:________________________________
Signature
Printed:_____________________________
Title:_______________________________
Date:______________________

Approved as to form:

By:__________________________________
David J. Ruderman, City Attorney

Date:________________________
Agenda Item #7.5:

Professional Services Agreement
(City of Sonoma / Richardson & Company LLP)
336531.3 Page 22 of 1
Approved for use: 1/1/2025
“EXHIBIT A”
Scope of Work
and
Approved Fee Schedule
Agenda Item #7.5:

550 Howe Avenue, Suite 210
Sacramento, California 95825
Telephone: (916) 564-8727
FAX: (916) 564-8728
July 16, 2025
City of Sonoma
City Hall, No. 1 the Plaza
Sonoma, CA 95476
We are pleased to confirm our understanding of the services we are to provide for the City of Sonoma (City) for the years ended June 30, 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Audit Scope and Objectives
We will audit the financial statements of the governmental activities, business-type activities, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information, including the related disclosures which collectively comprise the City's basic financial statements as of and for the years ended June 30, 2024, 2025 and 2026. Accounting standards generally accepted in the United States of America provide for certain required supplementary information (RSI), such as management's discussion and analysis (MD&A), to supplement the City's basic financial statements. Such information, although not a part of the basic financial statements, is required by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board who considers it to be an essential part of financial reporting for placing the basic financial statements in an appropriate operational, economic, or historical context. As part of our engagement, we will apply certain limited procedures to the City's RSI in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. These limited procedures will consist of inquiries of management regarding the methods of preparing the information and comparing the information for consistency with management's responses to our inquiries, the basic financial statements, and other knowledge we obtained during our audit of the basic financial statements.

We will not express an opinion or provide any assurance on the information because the limited procedures do not provide us with sufficient evidence to express an opinion or provide any assurance. The following RSI is required by generally accepted accounting principles and will be subjected to certain limited procedures, but will not be audited:

1. Management's Discussion and Analysis

2. Budget to Actual Comparison of the General Fund and major special revenue funds

3. Schedule of Plan's Proportionate Share of Net Pension Liability

4. Schedule of Employer Contributions
We have also been engaged to report on supplementary information other than RSI that accompanies the City’s financial statements. We will subject the following supplementary information to the auditing procedures applied in our audit of the financial statements and certain Agenda Item #7.5:

City of Sonoma
July 16, 2025

additional procedures, including comparing and reconciling such information directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the financial statements or to the financial statements themselves, and other additional procedures in accordance with GAAS, and we will provide an opinion on it in relation to the financial statements as a whole:

1. Schedule of expenditures of federal awards, if applicable

2. Combining Balance Sheet – Nonmajor Governmental Funds

3. Combining Statement of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes In Fund Balances – Nonmajor Governmental Funds

4. Schedule of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in Fund Balance – Budget and Actual – Nonmajor Governmental Funds
The objectives of our audit are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinions about whether your financial statements are fairly presented, in all material respects, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and report on the fairness of the supplementary information referred to in the second paragraph when considered in relation to the financial statements as a whole. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS and Government Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.

Misstatements, including omissions, can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment of a reasonable user made based on the financial statements.

The objective also includes reporting on—
 Internal control over compliance related to the financial statements and compliance with the provisions of applicable laws, regulations, contracts, and award agreements, noncompliance with which could have a material effect on the financial statements in accordance with Government Auditing Standards.
 Internal control related to major programs and an opinion (or disclaimer of opinion) on compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and condition of federal awards that could have a direct and material effect on each major program in accordance with the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirement, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance).

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements and Single Audit We will conduct our audit in accordance with GAAS, the standards for financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States; the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996; and the provisions of the Uniform Guidance, and will include tests of your accounting records and other procedures we consider necessary to enable us to express such opinions. As part of an audit in accordance with GAAS and Government Agenda Item #7.5:

City of Sonoma
July 16, 2025

Auditing Standards, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.

We will evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management. We will also evaluate the overall presentation of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and determine whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. We will plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether from (1) errors, (2) fraudulent financial reporting, (3) misappropriation of assets, or (4) violations of laws or governmental regulations that are attributable to the City or to acts by management or employees acting on behalf of the City. Because the determination of waste and abuse is subjective, Government Auditing Standards do not expect auditors to perform specific procedures to detect waste or abuse in financial audits nor do they expect auditors to provide reasonable assurance of detecting waste or abuse.

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, combined with the inherent limitations of internal control, and because we will not perform a detailed examination of all transactions, there is an unavoidable risk that some material misstatements or noncompliance may not be detected by us, even though the audit is properly planned and performed in accordance with GAAS and Government Auditing Standards. In addition, an audit is not designed to detect immaterial misstatements or violations of laws or governmental regulations that do not have a direct and material effect on the financial statements or on major programs. However, we will inform the appropriate level of management of any material errors, fraudulent financial reporting, or misappropriation of assets that comes to our attention. We will also inform the appropriate level of management of any violations of laws or governmental regulations that come to our attention, unless clearly inconsequential. We will include such matters in the reports required for a Single Audit. Our responsibility as auditors is limited to the period covered by our audit and does not extend to any later periods for which we are not engaged as auditors.

We will also conclude, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the City’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.

Our procedures will include tests of documentary evidence supporting the transactions recorded in the accounts, tests of the physical existence of inventories, and direct confirmation of receivables and certain assets and liabilities by correspondence with selected individuals, funding sources, creditors, and financial institutions. We will also request written representations from your attorneys as part of the engagement.

We may, from time to time and depending on the circumstances, use third-party service providers in serving your account. We may share confidential information about you with these service providers but remain committed to maintaining the confidentiality and security of your information. Accordingly, we maintain internal policies, procedures, and safeguards to protect the confidentiality of your personal information. In addition, we will secure confidentiality agreements with all service providers to maintain the confidentiality of your information and we will take reasonable precautions to determine that they have appropriate procedures in place to prevent the unauthorized release of your confidential information to others. In the event that we Agenda Item #7.5:

City of Sonoma
July 16, 2025

are unable to secure an appropriate confidentiality agreement, you will be asked to provide your consent prior to the sharing of your confidential information with the third-party service provider. Furthermore, we will remain responsible for the work provided by any such third-party service providers.

Audit Procedures—Internal Control
We will obtain an understanding of the government and its environment, including internal control relevant to the audit, sufficient to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and to design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks and obtain evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinions. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentation, or the override of internal control. Tests of controls may be performed to test the effectiveness of certain controls that we consider relevant to preventing and detecting errors and fraud that are material to the financial statements and to preventing and detecting misstatements resulting from illegal acts and other noncompliance matters that have a direct and material effect on the financial statements. Our tests, if performed, will be less in scope than would be necessary to render an opinion on internal control and, accordingly, no opinion will be expressed in our report on internal control issued pursuant to Government Auditing Standards.

As required by the Uniform Guidance, we will perform tests of controls over compliance to evaluate the effectiveness of the design and operation of controls that we consider relevant to preventing or detecting material noncompliance with compliance requirements applicable to each major federal award program. However, our tests will be less in scope than would be necessary to render an opinion on those controls and, accordingly, no opinion will be expressed in our report on internal control issued pursuant to the Uniform Guidance.

An audit is not designed to provide assurance on internal control or to identify significant deficiencies or material weaknesses. Accordingly, we will express no such opinion. However, during the audit, we will communicate to management and those charged with governance internal control related matters that are required to be communicated under AICPA professional standards, Government Auditing Standards, and the Uniform Guidance.

Audit Procedures—Compliance
As part of obtaining reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, we will perform tests of the City’s compliance with provisions of applicable laws, regulations, contracts, and agreements, including grant agreements. However, the objective of those procedures will not be to provide an opinion on overall compliance, and we will not express such an opinion in our report on compliance issued pursuant to Government Auditing Standards.

The Uniform Guidance requires that we also plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the auditee has complied with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of federal awards applicable to major programs. Our procedures will consist of tests of transactions and other applicable procedures described in the OMB Agenda Item #7.5:

City of Sonoma
July 16, 2025

Compliance Supplement for the types of compliance requirements that could have a direct and material effect on each of the City’s major programs. For federal programs that are included in the Compliance Supplement, our compliance and internal control procedures will relate to the compliance requirements that the Compliance Supplement identifies as being subject to audit.

The purpose of these procedures will be to express an opinion on the City’s compliance with requirements applicable to each of its major programs in our report on compliance issued pursuant to the Uniform Guidance.

Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements and Single Audit Our audit will be conducted on the basis that you acknowledge and understand your responsibility for (1) designing, implementing, establishing, and maintaining effective internal controls relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, including internal controls over federal awards, and for evaluating and monitoring ongoing activities to help ensure that appropriate goals and objectives are met; (2) following laws and regulations; (3) ensuring that there is reasonable assurance that government programs are administered in compliance with compliance requirements; and (4) ensuring that management and financial information is reliable and properly reported. Management is also responsible for implementing systems designed to achieve compliance with applicable laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements. You are also responsible for the selection and application of accounting principles; for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements, schedule of expenditures of federal awards, and all accompanying information in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; and for compliance with applicable laws and regulations (including federal statutes), rules, and the provisions of contracts and grant agreements (including award agreements). Your responsibilities also include identifying significant contractor relationships in which the contractor has responsibility for program compliance and for the accuracy and completeness of that information.

You are also responsible for making drafts of financial statements, schedule of expenditures of federal awards, all financial records, and related information available to us and for the accuracy and completeness of that information (including information from outside of the general and subsidiary ledgers). You are also responsible for providing us with (1) access to all information of which you are aware that is relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements, such as records, documentation, identification of all related parties and all relatedparty relationships and transactions, and other matters; (2) access to personnel, accounts, books, records, supporting documentation, and other information as needed to perform an audit under the Uniform Guidance; (3) additional information that we may request for the purpose of the audit; and (4) unrestricted access to persons within the government from whom we determine it necessary to obtain audit evidence. At the conclusion of our audit, we will require certain written representations from you about the financial statements; schedule of expenditures of federal awards; federal award programs; compliance with laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements; and related matters.

Your responsibilities include adjusting the financial statements to correct material misstatements and confirming to us in the management representation letter that the effects of any uncorrected misstatements aggregated by us during the current engagement and pertaining to the latest period Agenda Item #7.5:

City of Sonoma
July 16, 2025

presented are immaterial, both individually and in the aggregate, to the financial statements of each opinion unit taken as a whole.

You are responsible for the design and implementation of programs and controls to prevent and detect fraud, and for informing us about all known or suspected fraud affecting the government involving (1) management, (2) employees who have significant roles in internal control, and (3) others where the fraud could have a material effect on the financial statements. Your responsibilities include informing us of your knowledge of any allegations of fraud or suspected fraud affecting the government received in communications from employees, former employees, grantors, regulators, or others. In addition, you are responsible for identifying and ensuring that the government complies with applicable laws, regulations, contracts, agreements, and grants.

You are also responsible for taking timely and appropriate steps to remedy fraud and noncompliance with provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements that we report. Additionally, as required by the Uniform Guidance, it is management’s responsibility to evaluate and monitor noncompliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of federal awards; take prompt action when instances of noncompliance are identified including noncompliance identified in audit findings; promptly follow up and take corrective action on reported audit findings; and prepare a summary schedule of prior audit findings and a separate corrective action plan.

You are responsible for identifying all federal awards received and understanding and complying with the compliance requirements and for the preparation of the schedule of expenditures of federal awards (including notes and noncash assistance received, and COVID-19-related concepts, such as lost revenues, if applicable) in conformity with the Uniform Guidance. You agree to include our report on the schedule of expenditures of federal awards in any document that contains, and indicates that we have reported on, the schedule of expenditures of federal awards. You also agree to make the audited financial statements readily available to intended users of the schedule of expenditures of federal awards no later than the date the schedule of expenditures of federal awards is issued with our report thereon. Your responsibilities include acknowledging to us in the written representation letter that (1) you are responsible for presentation of the schedule of expenditures of federal awards in accordance with the Uniform Guidance; (2) you believe the schedule of expenditures of federal awards, including its form and content, is stated fairly in accordance with the Uniform Guidance; (3) the methods of measurement or presentation have not changed from those used in the prior period (or, if they have changed, the reasons for such changes); and (4) you have disclosed to us any significant assumptions or interpretations underlying the measurement or presentation of the schedule of expenditures of federal awards.

You are also responsible for the preparation of the other supplementary information, which we have been engaged to report on, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. You agree to include our report on the supplementary information in any document that contains, and indicates that we have reported on, the supplementary information. You also agree to make the audited financial statements readily available to users of the supplementary information no later than the date the supplementary information is issued with our report thereon. Your responsibilities include acknowledging to us in the written representation letter that (1) you are responsible for presentation of the supplementary information in accordance with GAAP; (2) you believe the supplementary information, including its form and content, is fairly presented in accordance with GAAP; (3) the methods of measurement or presentation have not Agenda Item #7.5:

City of Sonoma
July 16, 2025

changed from those used in the prior period (or, if they have changed, the reasons for such changes); and (4) you have disclosed to us any significant assumptions or interpretations underlying the measurement or presentation of the supplementary information.

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a process for tracking the status of audit findings and recommendations. Management is also responsible for identifying and providing report copies of previous financial audits, attestation engagements, performance audits, or other studies related to the objectives discussed in the Audit Scope and Objectives section of this letter. This responsibility includes relaying to us corrective actions taken to address significant findings and recommendations resulting from those audits, attestation engagements, performance audits, or studies. You are also responsible for providing management’s views on our current findings, conclusions, and recommendations, as well as your planned corrective actions for the report, and for the timing and format for providing that information.

Audit Administration and Fees
We understand that your employees will prepare all cash, accounts receivable, and other confirmations we request and will locate any documents selected by us for testing.

The audit documentation for this engagement is the property of Richardson & Company, LLP and constitutes confidential information. However, subject to applicable laws and regulations, audit documentation and appropriate individuals will be made available upon request and in a timely manner to the oversight agency or its designee, a federal agency providing direct or indirect funding, or the U.S. Government Accountability Office for purposes of a quality review of the audit, to resolve audit findings, or to carry out oversight responsibilities. We will notify you of any such request. If requested, access to such audit documentation will be provided under the supervision of Richardson & Company, LLP personnel. Furthermore, upon request, we may provide copies of selected audit documentation to the aforementioned parties. These parties may intend, or decide, to distribute the copies or information contained therein to others, including other governmental agencies. All professional and administrative services and expenses relating to such access will be charged as an additional expense to the City.

The audit documentation for this engagement will be retained for a minimum of seven years after the report release date or for any additional period requested by the oversight agency or Passthrough Entity. If we are aware that a federal awarding agency, pass-through entity, or auditee is contesting an audit finding, we will contact the parties contesting the audit finding for guidance prior to destroying the audit documentation.

In the event we are requested or authorized by you or required by government regulation, subpoena, or other legal process to produce our workpapers or our personnel to respond to inquiries or serve as witnesses with respect to this or any engagement for you, you will, reimburse us for our professional time and expenses, as well as the fees and expenses of our counsel, incurred in responding to such a request. If such a request is made, and unless we are obligated by law or legal process to the contrary, we will inform you prior to providing such access. This paragraph shall not apply to legal and/or court actions arising from the wrongful conduct of our firm.

Agenda Item #7.5:

City of Sonoma
July 16, 2025

Our Firm, as well as all other accounting firms with a significant audit practice, participates in a “peer review” program, covering our audit and accounting practices. This program requires that once every three years we subject our quality assurance practices to an examination by another accounting firm. As part of the process, the other firm will review a sample of our work. It is possible that the work we perform for you may be selected by the other firm for their review. If it is, they are bound by professional standards to keep all information confidential. If you object to having the work we do for you reviewed by our peer reviewer, please notify us.

At the conclusion of the engagement, we will complete the appropriate sections of the Data Collection Form that summarizes our audit findings. It is management’s responsibility to electronically submit the reporting package (including financial statements, schedule of expenditures of federal awards, summary schedule of prior audit findings, auditor’s reports, and corrective action plan) along with the Data Collection Form to the federal audit clearinghouse.

We will coordinate with you the electronic submission and certification. The Data Collection Form and the reporting package must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor’s reports or nine months after the end of the audit period.

Professional Fees
Assuming no material changes in the scope of the City’s operations and management practices, our fee for audit services for the years ended June 30, 2024, 2025 and 2026 will be as follows:

Services 2024 2025 2026
City-Wide Audit, including component units 38,500 $ 39,700$ 41,000 $ Preparation of financial statements included included included Gann Limit included included included
Additional fee for calculating net pension liability
and related deferred inflows/outflows 1,400 1,450 1,500 Travel expenses - - -
Base audit fee 39,900 41,150 42,500
Preparation of State Controller's Report 4,500 4,800 4,650 Single Audit and related reports 5,300 5,675 5,500
Total Maximum Cost $ 49,700 51,300$ 52,975 $
The Single Audit fee above is for one major program. The fee for each additional major program will be $4,806, $4,700 and $4,850 in 2024. Our estimate assumes that the City will prepare all closing entries, including any accrual adjustments needed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that the beginning net fund balances agree to the prior year audit.

The fee estimate is also based on anticipated cooperation from your personnel and that unexpected circumstances will not be encountered during the audit. This fee estimate also assumes that the City will post all normal closing entries prior to the date the audit begins. If a significant number of audit adjustments are proposed or if the City loses key accounting personnel before the audit is complete, such changes could have a direct impact on the audit timetable and number of hours we incur. To the extent possible, we will utilize your existing schedules and workpapers in our audit process. In the event that the advance preparation package is not completed on time, there are changes in key accounting personnel, normal closing entries are not posted before our audit begins Agenda Item #7.5:

City of Sonoma
July 16, 2025

and the preparation or reconciliation of schedules is necessary, or if our current understanding and/or expectations are not met and additional time is necessary for, but not limited to, any of the other preceding reasons, we will charge a fee for the additional services based on our regular hourly rates in addition to the proposed fee. The fee assumes the audit will be performed remotely.

In the event that the scope of our audit has to be increased due to changes in accounting or auditing pronouncements and standards, laws or regulations, material weaknesses in the internal control environment or significant changes in operations, we will discuss the situation with you and arrive at a new fee arrangement.

Rates for Additional Professional Services
If it should be necessary for the City to request that we render any additional services to either supplement the services requested in the RFP or to perform additional work as a result of the specific recommendations included in any report issued on this engagement, then such additional work shall be performed only if the set forth in an addendum to the contract between the City and the firm. Any such additional work agreed between the City and the firm shall be performed at the following rates.

Partner $ 220
Senior Managers 190
Managers 180
Supervisors 150
Seniors 120
Staff 100
Administrative Staff 65
In the event of any dispute between the parties, the parties agree first to submit any such dispute to mediation before a retired judge or attorney with at least five years of experience as a mediator, with the costs of such mediation to be shared equally by the parties. If the mediation does not resolve the matter, and the dispute relates to unpaid fees only, then the parties agree to submit any dispute to binding, contract arbitration pursuant to the Commercial Rules to the American Arbitration Association.

Ingrid Sheipline is the engagement partner and is responsible for supervising the engagement and signing the reports or authorizing another individual to sign them.

Reporting
We will issue a written report upon completion of our audit. Our reports will be addressed to the Board of Directors of City. Circumstances may arise in which our report may differ from its expected form and content based on the results of our audit. Depending on the nature of these circumstances, it may be necessary for us to modify our opinion or add an emphasis-of-matter or other-matter paragraph to our auditor’s report, or if necessary, withdraw from this engagement.

If our opinions are other than unmodified, we will discuss the reasons with you in advance. If, for any reason, we are unable to complete the audit or are unable to form or have not formed an opinion, we may decline to express an opinion or withdraw from this engagement.

Agenda Item #7.5:

City of Sonoma
July 16, 2025

The Government Auditing Standards report on internal control over financial reporting and on compliance and other matters will state that (1) the purpose of the report is solely to describe the scope of testing of internal control and compliance and the results of that testing, and not to provide an opinion on the effectiveness of the City’s internal control or on compliance, and (2) the report is an integral part of an audit performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards in considering the City’s internal control and compliance. The Uniform Guidance report on internal control over compliance will state that the purpose of the report on internal control over compliance is solely to describe the scope of testing of internal control over compliance and the results of that testing based on the requirements of the Uniform Guidance.

Both reports will state that the report is not suitable for any other purpose. * * * * *
We appreciate the opportunity to provide our services to you and believe this letter accurately summarizes the significant terms of our engagement. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. If you agree with the terms of our engagement as described in this letter, please sign the enclosed copy and return it to us.

Very truly yours,

RICHARDSON & COMPANY, LLP
Ingrid M. Sheipline, CPA
Managing Partner
Response:

This letter correctly sets forth the understanding of City of Sonoma.

By: _____________________________________________
Title: ___________________________________________Date: _________________________ Agenda Item #7.5:

City of Sonoma
July 16, 2025

Agenda Item #7.5:

City of Sonoma
July 16, 2025

Agenda Item #7.5:

336531.3
“EXHIBIT B”
Campaign Contribution Disclosure Form
Agenda Item #7.5:

336531.3

CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION DISCLOSURE PROVISIONS
Cities are subject to the campaign disclosure provisions detailed in Government Code Section 84308.

Please carefully read the following information to determine if the provisions apply to you. If you determine that the
provisions are applicable, the Campaign Disclosure Form must be completed and returned to the City with your application. 1. No City councilmember or commissioner shall accept, solicit, or direct a contribution of more than $500 from any party,1 financially interested participant,2 or agent3 while a proceeding is pending or for 12 months subsequent to the date a final decision is rendered by the City. This prohibition commences when your application has been filed, or the
proceeding is otherwise initiated.

2. A party to a City proceeding shall disclose on the record of the proceeding any contribution of more than $500 made to any councilmember or commissioner by the party, or agent, during the preceding 12 months. No party to or participant in a City proceeding shall make a contribution of more than $500 to a councilmember or commissioner during the proceeding and for 12 months following the date a final decision is rendered by the City. No agent to a party or participant shall make a contribution in any amount to a councilmember of
commissioner during the proceeding and for 12 months
following the date a final decision is rendered by the City.

3. Prior to rendering a decision on a City proceeding, any councilmember or commissioner who received
contribution of more than $500 within the preceding 12
months from any party, or agent, to a proceeding shall
disclose that fact on the record of the proceeding, and shall be disqualified from participating in the proceeding. However, if any councilmember or commissioner receives a
contribution that otherwise would require disqualification, and returns the contribution within 30 days of making the decision, or knowing about the contribution and the
relevant proceeding, whichever comes last, that
councilmember or commissioner shall be permitted to
participate in the proceeding.
1 “Party” is defined as any person who files an application for, or is the subject of, a proceeding.
2 “Participant” is defined as any person who actively supports or opposes a particular decision in a proceeding.
3 “Agent” is defined as a person who represents a party in connection with a proceeding for compensation who appears before or otherwise communicates with the City for the purpose of influencing the proceeding. If an individual acting as an agent also is acting as an employee or member of a law, architectural, engineering, or consulting firm, or a similar entity or corporation, both the individual and the entity or corporation are agents.

When a closed corporation is a party to a proceeding, the majority shareholder is subject to these provisions.

To determine whether a campaign contribution of more than $500 has been made by you or your agent to a
councilmember or commissioner within the preceding
12 months, all contributions made by you or your agent
during that period must be aggregated.

Names of current City councilmembers and commissioners
are available on the City’s website. If you have questions about Government Code Section 84308, FPPC
regulations, or the Campaign Disclosure Form, please
contact the City Clerk.

CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION DISCLOSURE FORM
(a) Document:
□ License
□ Lease
□ Permit
□ Franchise
□ Other Contract
□ Other Entitlement
Name and address of any party, participant, or agent who has contributed more than $500 to any councilmember or
commissioner within the preceding 12 months:

1. ____________________________________

2. ____________________________________

3. ____________________________________
(b) Date and amount of contribution:

Date Amount $
Date Amount $
Date Amount $
(c) Name of councilmember or commissioner to whom
contribution was made:

1. ____________________________________

2. ____________________________________

3. ____________________________________
(d) I certify that the above information is provided to the best of my knowledge.

Printed Name
Signature
Date Phone
To be completed by City:

Document No: ______________________________
Agenda Item #7.5:

Professional Services Agreement
(City of Sonoma / Robert Smith)
336531.3 Page 1 of 21
Approved for use: 1/1/2025

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT

FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES
(City of Sonoma / Robert Smith)

1. IDENTIFICATION
This PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into as of the last date indicated below by and between the City of Sonoma, a California municipal corporation (“City”), and Robert Smith, a California individual/sole proprietor, (“Consultant”) (collectively, “parties”).

2. RECITALS

2.1 City has determined that it requires the following professional services from a consultant: Code Enforcement Services – See Exhibit A.

2.2 Consultant represents that it is fully qualified to perform such professional services by virtue of its experience and the training, education and expertise of its principals and employees. Consultant further represents that it is willing to accept responsibility for performing such services in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

2.3 City has relied upon the professional ability and training of Consultant as a material inducement to enter into this Agreement. Consultant shall perform in accordance with generally accepted professional practices and standards as well as the requirements of applicable federal, state and local laws, it being understood that acceptance of Consultant’s work by City shall not operate as a waiver or release. Consultant represents and warrants to City that (a) it has all licenses, permits, qualifications, insurance and approvals of whatever nature which are legally required for Consultant to practice its profession, and (b) it shall, at its sole cost, keep in effect or obtain at all times during the term of this Agreement any licenses, permits, insurance and approvals which are legally required for Consultant to practice its profession. Consultant shall indemnify and hold harmless the City from and against any and all claims or expenses caused or occasioned directly or indirectly by Consultant’s failure to so perform.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions herein contained, City and Consultant agree as follows:

Agenda Item #7.5:

Professional Services Agreement
(City of Sonoma / Robert Smith)
336531.3 Page 2 of 21
Approved for use: 1/1/2025

3. DEFINITIONS

3.1 “Agreement Administrator” for this project means Jennifer Gates, Community Development Director. The Agreement Administrator shall be the principal point of contact at the City for this project. All services under this Agreement shall be performed at the request of the Agreement Administrator. The Agreement Administrator will establish the timetable for completion of services and any interim milestones. City reserves the right to change this designation upon written notice to Contractor.

3.2 “Approved Fee Schedule” means such compensation rates as are set forth in Exhibit B attached hereto and fully incorporated herein by this reference. This fee schedule shall remain in effect for the duration of this Agreement unless modified in writing by mutual agreement of the parties.

3.3 “Commencement Date” means July 1, 2025.

3.4 “Consultant Project Administrator” means Robert A. Smith. The Consultant Project Administrator will be the principal point of contact for the Consultant.

3.5 “Maximum Amount” means the highest total compensation and costs payable to Consultant by City under this Agreement. The Maximum Amount under this Agreement is Sixty Thousand Dollars ($60,000).

3.6 “Scope of Services” means such professional services as are set forth in “Exhibit A” and fully incorporated herein by this reference.

3.7 “Termination Date” means June 30, 2026.

4. TERM
The term of this Agreement shall commence at 12:00 a.m. on the Commencement Date and shall terminate at 11:59 p.m. on the Termination Date unless extended in writing by mutual agreement of the parties or terminated earlier in accordance with Section 18 (“Termination”) below. Consultant may request extensions of time to perform the services required hereunder. Such extensions shall be effective if authorized in advance by City in writing and incorporated in written amendments to this Agreement.

5. CONSULTANT’S SERVICES
Agenda Item #7.5:

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5.1 Time is of the essence in Consultant’s performance of services under this Agreement.

5.2 Consultant shall perform the services identified in the Scope of Services.

City shall have the right to request, in writing, changes in the Scope of Services. Any such changes mutually agreed upon by the parties, and any corresponding increase or decrease in compensation, shall be incorporated by written amendment to this Agreement. In performing services under this Agreement, Consultant shall coordinate all contact with City through its Agreement Administrator. All changes and/or extra work shall be performed and paid for in accordance with the following:

5.2.1 Only the City Manager or City Council may authorize extra and/or changed work. Consultant expressly recognizes that other City personnel are without authorization to either order extra and/or changed work or waive contract requirements. Failure of Consultant to secure the Council’s or City Manager authorization for such extra and/or changed work shall constitute a waiver of any and all right to adjustment in the Maximum Amount due to such unauthorized work and Consultant thereafter shall be entitled to no compensation whatsoever for performance of such work.

5.2.2 If the Consultant is of the opinion that any work s/he has been directed to perform is beyond the scope of this Agreement and constitutes extra work, s/he shall promptly notify the Agreement Administrator of this opinion. The City shall make a determination as to whether or not such work is, in fact, beyond the scope of this Agreement and constitutes extra work. In the event that the City determines that such work does constitute extra work, it shall provide extra compensation to the Consultant on a fair and equitable basis. A Supplemental Agreement providing for such compensation for extra work shall be negotiated between the City and the Consultant. Such Supplemental Agreement shall be executed by the Consultant and be approved by the City in accordance with its purchasing policy.

5.2.3 In the event City determines that such work does not constitute extra work, Consultant shall not be paid extra compensation above that provided herein and if such determination is made by City staff, this determination may be appealed to the City Council as Agenda Item #7.5:

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long as a written appeal is submitted to the City Manager within five (5) days after the staff’s determination is received by the Consultant. Any written appeal shall include a description of each and every ground upon which Consultant challenges the staff’s determination. The City Council’s decision shall be final.

5.3 In no event shall the total compensation and costs payable to Consultant under this Agreement exceed the Maximum Amount unless specifically approved in advance and in writing by City. Consultant shall notify the Agreement Administrator, in writing, when fees and expenses incurred under this Agreement have reached eighty percent (80%) of the Maximum Amount payable above. Consultant shall concurrently inform the Agreement Administrator, in writing, of Consultant’s estimate of total expenditures required to complete its current assignments before proceeding, when the remaining work on such assignments would exceed the Maximum Amount payable above.

5.4 Consultant shall perform all work to the highest standards of Consultant’s profession and in a manner reasonably satisfactory to City. Consultant shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, including the conflict-of-interest provisions of Government Code Section 1090 and the Political Reform Act (Government Code Section 81000 et seq.).

5.5 Consultant shall obtain and maintain in force a City business license for the term of this Agreement.

5.6 Consultant represents that it has no known relationships with third parties, City Council Members, or employees of City which would (i) present a conflict of interest with the rendering of services under this Agreement under Government Code Section 1090, the Political Reform Act (Government Code Section 81000 et seq.), or other applicable law, (ii) prevent Consultant from performing the terms of this Agreement, or (iii) present a significant opportunity for the disclosure of confidential information.

5.7 During the term of this Agreement, Consultant shall not perform any work for another person or entity for whom Consultant was not working at the Commencement Date if both (i) such work would require Consultant to abstain from a decision under this Agreement pursuant to a Agenda Item #7.5:

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conflict of interest statute and (ii) City has not consented in writing to Consultant’s performance of such work.

5.8 This Agreement is subject to Government Code section 84308, as amended by Senate Bill 1439 (2022), Senate Bill 1181 (2024), and Senate Bill 1243 (2024). Consultant shall disclose any contribution to an elected or appointed City official’s campaign or committee in an amount of more than five hundred dollars ($500) made within 12 months preceding the Commencement Date, by Consultant, its, her, or his agent, or another party affiliated with Consultant. Consultant shall provide a signed copy of the attached Campaign Contribution Disclosure Form, Exhibit C, to City prior to, or concurrent with, Consultant’s execution of this Agreement and no later than the Commencement Date.

5.9 Pursuant to Government Code section 1097.6, Consultant’s duties and services under this Agreement shall not include preparing or assisting the City with any portion of the City’s preparation of a request for proposals, request for qualifications, or any other solicitation regarding a subsequent or additional contract with the City. The City shall at all times retain responsibility for public contracting, including with respect to any subsequent phase of this project. Consultant’s participation in the planning, discussions, or drawing of project plans or specifications shall be limited to conceptual, preliminary, or initial plans or specifications.

Consultant shall cooperate with the City to ensure that all bidders for a subsequent contract on any subsequent phase of this project have access to the same information, including all conceptual, preliminary, or initial plans or specifications prepared by Consultant, if any, pursuant to this Agreement.

5.10 Consultant represents that it has, or will secure at its own expense, all personnel required to perform the services identified in the Scope of Services. All such services shall be performed by Consultant or under its supervision, and all personnel engaged in the work shall be qualified to perform such services. The Consultant Project Administrator shall have direct responsibility for management of Consultant’s performance under this Agreement. No other person shall serve as Consultant Project Administrator without City’s prior written consent.

5.11 This Agreement covers professional services of a specific and unique nature. Except as otherwise provided herein, Consultant shall not assign Agenda Item #7.5:

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or transfer its interest in this Agreement or subcontract any services to be performed without amending this Agreement.

5.12 Consultant shall be responsible to City for all services to be performed under this Agreement. All subconsultants shall be approved by the Agreement Administrator and their billing rates identified in the Approved Fee Schedule, Exhibit A. City shall pay Consultant for work performed by its subconsultants (including labor) only at Consultant’s actual cost plus an approved mark-up as set forth in the Approved Fee Schedule, Exhibit A. Consultant shall be liable and accountable for any and all payments, compensation, and federal and state taxes to all subconsultants performing services under this Agreement. City shall not be liable for any payment, compensation, or federal and state taxes for any subconsultants.

5.13 Consultant shall notify the Agreement Administrator, in writing, of any change in name, ownership or control of Consultant’s firm or of any subconsultant. Change of ownership or control of Consultant’s firm may require an amendment to the Agreement.

5.14 Prevailing Wage Notice.

5.14.1 This Agreement is subject to prevailing wage law, for all work performed under the Agreement for which the payment of
prevailing wages is required under the California Labor Code. In particular, Consultant acknowledges that prevailing wage determinations are available for the performance of inspection and survey work.

5.14.2 In the event Consultant will perform inspection services, City or authorized representatives of the City shall have the right to inspect the work of such services whenever such representatives may deem such inspection to be desirable or necessary. Inspections by the City do not in any way relieve or minimize the responsibility of Consultant to conduct the inspections Consultant has expressly agreed to perform pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant shall be solely liable for said inspections performed by Consultant.

Consultant shall certify in writing to the City as to the completeness and acceptability of each inspection of improvement or
construction which Consultant agrees to inspect hereunder.

Agenda Item #7.5:

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6. COMPENSATION

6.1 City agrees to compensate Consultant for the services provided under this Agreement and Consultant agrees to accept payment in accordance with the Approved Fee Schedule in full satisfaction for such services.

6.2 Consultant shall submit to City an invoice, on a monthly basis or less frequently, for services performed pursuant to this Agreement. Each invoice shall identify the Maximum Amount, the services rendered during the billing period, the amount due for the invoice, and the total amount previously invoiced. All labor charges shall be itemized by employee name and classification/position with the firm, the corresponding hourly rate, the hours worked, a description of each labor charge, and the total amount due for labor charges. Consultant shall include a copy of each subconsultant invoice for which reimbursement is sought in the invoice.

6.3 City shall not withhold applicable taxes or other payroll deductions from payments made to Consultant except as otherwise required by law.

Consultant shall be solely responsible for calculating, withholding, and paying all taxes.

6.4 The parties agree to meet and confer at mutually agreeable times to resolve any disputed amounts contained in an invoice submitted by Consultant.

7. OWNERSHIP OF WRITTEN PRODUCTS
All reports, documents or other written material, and all electronic files, including computer-aided design files, developed by Consultant in the performance of this Agreement (such written material and electronic files are collectively known as “written products”) shall be and remain the property of City without restriction or limitation upon its use or dissemination by City except as provided by law. Consultant may take and retain copies of such written products as desired, but no such written products shall be the subject of a copyright application by Consultant.

8. RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES

8.1 Consultant is, and shall at all times remain as to City, a wholly independent contractor. Consultant shall have no power to incur any debt, obligation, or liability on behalf of City or otherwise to act on behalf of City as an agent. Consultant, its officers, employees and agents shall not Agenda Item #7.5:

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have any power to bind or commit the City to any decision or course of action, and Consultant, its officers, employees and agents shall not represent to any person or party that it or they are acting as agents of the City or that it or they have the power to bind or commit the City. Neither City nor any of its agents shall have control over the conduct of Consultant or any of Consultant’s employees, except as set forth in this Agreement. Consultant shall not represent that it is, or that any of its agents or employees are, in any manner employees of City.

8.2 Under no circumstances shall Consultant look to the City as its employer.

Consultant shall not be entitled to any benefits. City makes no representation as to the effect of this independent contractor relationship on Consultant’s previously earned California Public Employees Retirement System (“CalPERS”) retirement benefits, if any, and Consultant specifically assumes the responsibility for making such a determination. Consultant shall be responsible for all reports and obligations including, but not limited to: social security taxes, income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, workers’ compensation, and other applicable federal and state taxes.

9. CONSULTANT PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR
In performing services under this Agreement, Consultant shall coordinate all contact with City through its Agreement Administrator. City reserves the right to change this designation upon written notice to Consultant. All services under this Agreement shall be performed at the request of the Agreement Administrator, who will establish the timetable for completion of services and any interim milestones.

10. INDEMNIFICATION

10.1 The parties agree that City, its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers should, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be protected from any and all loss, injury, damage, claim, lawsuit, cost, expense, attorneys’ fees, litigation costs, taxes, or any other cost arising out of or in any way related to the performance of this Agreement. Accordingly, the parties intend the provisions of this indemnity provision to be interpreted and construed to provide the City with the fullest protection possible under the law.

Consultant acknowledges that City would not enter into this Agreement in the absence of Consultant’s commitment to indemnify and protect City as set forth herein.

Agenda Item #7.5:

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10.2 To the fullest extent permitted by law, Consultant shall indemnify, hold harmless, and when the City requests with respect to a claim provide a deposit for the defense of, and defend (with counsel satisfactory to City) City, its officers, agents, employees and volunteers from and against any and all claims, losses, costs and expenses for any damage due to death or injury to any person, whether physical, emotional, consequential or otherwise, and injury to any property arising out of or in connection with Consultant’s alleged negligence, recklessness or willful misconduct or other wrongful acts, errors or omissions of Consultant or any of its officers, employees, servants, agents, or subconsultants, or anyone directly or indirectly employed by either Consultant or its subconsultants, in the performance of this Agreement or its failure to comply with any of its obligations contained in this Agreement, except such loss or damage which is caused by the sole active negligence or willful misconduct of the City. Such costs and expenses shall include reasonable attorneys’ fees due to counsel of City’s choice, expert fees and all other expenses of litigation.

Consultant shall not be entitled to any refund of attorneys’ fees, defense costs or expenses in the event that it is adjudicated to have been nonnegligent.

10.3 City shall have the right to offset against any compensation due Consultant under this Agreement any amount due City from Consultant as a result of Consultant’s failure to pay City promptly any indemnification arising under this Section 10 of this Agreement and any amount due City from Consultant arising from Consultant’s failure either to (i) pay taxes on amounts received pursuant to this Agreement or (ii) comply with applicable workers’ compensation laws.

10.4 The obligations of Consultant under this Section 10 of this Agreement are not limited by the provisions of any workers’ compensation or similar statute. Consultant expressly waives its statutory immunity under such statutes as to City, its officers, agents, employees and volunteers.

10.5 Consultant agrees to obtain executed indemnity agreements with provisions identical to those set forth here in Section 10 of this Agreement from each and every subconsultant or any other person or entity involved by, for, with or on behalf of Consultant in the performance of this Agreement. If Consultant fails to obtain such indemnity obligations from others, Consultant agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend City, its officers, agents, employees and volunteers from and against any and all Agenda Item #7.5:

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claims, losses, costs and expenses for any damage due to death or injury to any person and injury to any property resulting from any alleged intentional, reckless, negligent, or otherwise wrongful acts, errors or omissions of Consultant’s subconsultants or any other person or entity involved by, for, with or on behalf of Consultant in the performance of this Agreement. Such costs and expenses shall include reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by counsel of City’s choice.

10.6 City does not, and shall not, waive any rights that it may possess against Consultant because of the acceptance by City, or the deposit with City, of any insurance policy or certificate required pursuant to this Agreement.

This hold harmless and indemnification provision shall apply whether or not any insurance policies apply to a claim, demand, damage, liability, loss, cost or expense.

10.7 In the event that Consultant or any employee, agent, or subconsultant of Consultant providing services under this Agreement claims or is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or CalPERS to be eligible for enrollment in CalPERS as an employee of the City, Consultant shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless City for the payment of any employee and/or employer contributions for CalPERS benefits on behalf of Consultant or its employees, agents, or subconsultants, as well as for the payment of any penalties and interest on such contributions, which would otherwise be the responsibility of City.

10.8 Notwithstanding any federal, state, or local policy, rule, regulation, law or ordinance to the contrary, Consultant and any of its employees, agents, and subconsultants providing service under this Agreement shall not qualify for or become entitled to, and hereby agree to waive any claims to, any compensation, benefit, or any incident of employment by City, including but not limited to eligibility to enroll in CalPERS as an employee of City and entitlement to any contribution to be paid by City for employer contribution and/or employee contributions for CalPERS benefits.

11. INSURANCE

11.1 During the term of this Agreement, Consultant shall carry, maintain, and keep in full force and effect insurance against claims for death or injuries Agenda Item #7.5:

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to persons or damages to property that may arise from or in connection with Consultant’s performance of this Agreement.

11.2 Any available insurance proceeds broader than or in excess of the specified minimum Insurance coverage requirements or limits shall be available to City as an Additional Insured as provided below.

Furthermore, the requirements for coverage and limits shall be the greater of (1) the minimum coverage and limits specified in this Agreement, or (2) the broader coverage and maximum limits of coverage of any Insurance policy or proceeds available to the named Insured.

11.3 Insurance required under this Agreement shall be of the types set forth below, with minimum coverage as described:

11.3.1 Comprehensive General Liability Insurance written on a per occurrence basis with coverage limits of not less than Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence and Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000) general aggregate, including products and operations hazard, contractual insurance, broad form property damage, independent consultants, personal injury, underground hazard, and explosion and collapse hazard where applicable.

11.3.2 Automobile Liability Insurance for vehicles used in connection with the performance of this Agreement with minimum limits of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) per claimant and Two Million dollars ($2,000,000) per incident. Automobile liability insurance shall be evidenced by ISO Form Number CA 0001 covering Code 1 (any auto) or, if Consultant has no owned autos, Code 8 (hired) and 9 (non-owned).

11.3.3 Worker’s Compensation insurance if and as required by the laws of the State of California.

11.3.4 Professional Errors and Omissions Insurance with coverage limits of not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence and Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) aggregate. In the event Consultant’s policy is a “claims made” policy only covering those claims made during the policy period, then Consultant agrees to maintain the professional liability insurance required hereunder and with respect to this project in effect for at least three (3) years after acceptance of the work. The retroactive date of the policy must Agenda Item #7.5:

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be shown and must be before the Commencement Date of this Agreement. If coverage is canceled or non-renewed, and not replaced with another claims-made policy form with a retroactive date before the Commencement Date of this Agreement, the Consultant must purchase “extended reporting” coverage for a minimum of three (3) years after completion of work.

11.4 Consultant shall require each of its subconsultants to maintain insurance coverage that meets all of the requirements of this Agreement provided however, that the Agreement Administrator may waive the provision of Errors and Omissions Insurance by subconsultants in his or her sole discretion.

11.5 The policy or policies required by this Agreement shall be issued by an insurer admitted in the State of California and with a rating of at least A:VII in the latest edition of Best’s Insurance Guide.

11.6 Consultant agrees that if it does not keep the insurance coverages required by this Agreement in full force and effect, City may either (i) immediately terminate this Agreement; or (ii) take out the necessary insurance and pay the premium(s) thereon at Consultant’s expense.

11.7 At all times during the term of this Agreement, Consultant shall maintain on file with City’s Risk Manager a certificate or certificates of insurance showing that the required coverages are in effect and naming City and its officers, employees, agents and volunteers as Additional Insureds. Prior to commencement of work under this Agreement, Consultant shall file with City’s Risk Manager such certificate(s) and Forms CG 20 10 07 04 and CG 20 37 07 04 or the substantial equivalent showing City as an Additional Insured.

11.8 Consultant shall provide proof that policies of insurance required by this Agreement expiring during the term of this Agreement have been renewed or replaced with other policies providing at least the same coverage. Such proof will be furnished at least two weeks prior to the expiration of the coverages.

11.9 The general liability and automobile policies of insurance required by this Agreement shall contain an endorsement naming City and its officers, employees, agents and volunteers as Additional Insureds. All of the policies required under this Agreement shall contain an endorsement Agenda Item #7.5:

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providing that the policies cannot be canceled or reduced except on thirty days’ prior written notice to City. Consultant agrees to require its insurer to modify the certificates of insurance to delete any exculpatory wording stating that failure of the insurer to mail written notice of cancellation imposes no obligation, and to delete the word “endeavor” with regard to any notice provisions.

11.10 The insurance provided by Consultant shall be primary to any other coverage available to City. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by City and/or its officers, employees, agents or volunteers shall be in excess of Consultant’s insurance and shall not contribute with it.

11.11 All insurance coverage provided pursuant to this Agreement shall not prohibit Consultant, and Consultant’s employees, agents or subconsultants, from waiving the right of subrogation prior to a loss.

Consultant hereby waives all rights of subrogation against the City.

Consultant agrees to obtain any endorsement that may be necessary to affect this waiver of subrogation, but this provision applies regardless of whether or not the City has received a waiver of subrogation endorsement from the insurer. However, the Workers’ Compensation policy shall be endorsed with a waiver of subrogation in favor of the City for all work performed by the Consultant, its employees, agents and subconsultants.

11.12 Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the City. At the option of City, Consultant shall either reduce or eliminate the deductibles or self-insured retentions with respect to City, or Consultant shall procure a bond in the amount of the deductible or selfinsured retention to guarantee payment of losses and expenses.

11.13 Procurement of insurance by Consultant shall not be construed as a limitation of Consultant’s liability or as full performance of Consultant’s duties to indemnify, hold harmless and defend under Section 10 of this Agreement.

11.14 Consultant may be self-insured under the terms of this Agreement only with express written approval from the City.

11.14.1All self-insured retentions (SIR) must be disclosed to the City for approval and shall not reduce the limits of liability.

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11.14.2Policies containing any SIR provision shall provide or be endorsed to provide that the SIR may be satisfied by either the named Insured or the City.

11.15 City reserves the right to obtain a full certified copy of any Insurance policy and endorsements. Failure to exercise this right shall not constitute a waiver of the right to exercise later.

12. MUTUAL COOPERATION

12.1 City shall provide Consultant with all pertinent data, documents and other requested information as is reasonably available for the proper performance of Consultant’s services under this Agreement.

12.2 If any claim, action, or proceeding is brought against City relating to Consultant’s performance in connection with this Agreement, Consultant shall render any reasonable assistance that City may require in the defense of that claim, action, or proceeding.

13. CONFIDENTIALITY
All data, documents, discussion, or other information developed or received by Consultant or provided for performance of this Agreement are deemed confidential and shall not be disclosed by Consultant without prior written consent by City. City shall grant such consent if disclosure is legally required. Upon request, all City data shall be returned to City upon the termination or expiration of this Agreement.

14. RECORDS AND INSPECTIONS
Consultant shall maintain any and all ledgers, books of account, invoices, vouchers, canceled checks, and other records or documents evidencing or relating to charges for services or expenditures and disbursements charged to City under this Agreement for a minimum of three (3) years, or for any longer period required by law, from the date of final payment to Consultant under this Agreement. All such documents shall be made available for inspection, audit, and/or copying at any time during regular business hours, upon oral or written request of City. City shall further have the right to make transcripts therefrom and to inspect all program data, documents, proceedings, and activities.

In addition, pursuant to Government Code Section 8546.7, if the amount of public funds expended under this Agreement exceeds ten thousand dollars, all such Agenda Item #7.5:

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documents and this Agreement shall be subject to the examination and audit of the State Auditor, at the request of City or as part of any audit of City, for a period of three (3) years after final payment under the Agreement.

15. PERMITS AND APPROVALS
Consultant shall obtain, at its sole cost and expense, all permits and regulatory approvals necessary for Consultant’s performance of this Agreement. This includes, but shall not be limited to, professional licenses, encroachment permits and building and safety permits and inspections.

16. 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 Consultant’s and City’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 City:

Jennifer Gates
City of Sonoma
Community Development
No. 1 The Plaza
Sonoma, CA 95476
Telephone: (707) 938-3681
Email: [email protected]
If to Consultant:

Robert Smith
PO Box 1463
Sonoma CA 95476
Telephone: 707-934-7344
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
Agenda Item #7.5:

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Facsimile: (707) 509-7295
Email: [email protected]

17. SURVIVING COVENANTS
The parties agree that the covenants contained in Paragraph 8.2, Section 10, Paragraph 12.2, Section 13, and Section 14 of this Agreement shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.

18. TERMINATION

18.1 The City may, in its sole and unfettered discretion and without cause, terminate this Agreement at any time prior to completion by Consultant of the services required. Notice of Termination of this Agreement shall be given in writing to Consultant and shall be sufficient and complete when same is emailed to Consultant and simultaneously deposited in the United States mail postage prepaid and certified, addressed as set forth in Section 16 of this Agreement. The Agreement shall be terminated upon receipt of the Notice of Termination by Consultant. If City should terminate this Agreement, the Consultant shall be compensated for all work satisfactorily performed prior to time of receipt of termination notice, and shall be compensated for materials ordered by the Consultant or his/her employees, or services of others ordered by the Consultant or his/her employees prior to receipt of Notice of Termination whether or not such materials or final instruments of services of others have actually been delivered, provided that the Consultant or its employees are not able to cancel such orders for materials or services of others. Compensation for the Consultant in the event of termination by the City shall be determined by the City Community Development Director in accordance with the percentage of project completed. In the event that this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this Paragraph 18.1, Consultant shall not be entitled to any additional compensation over that provided herein; nor shall Consultant be entitled to payment for any alleged damages or injuries (including lost opportunity damages) purportedly caused by the termination of this Agreement by the City pursuant hereto.

18.2 Consultant may terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days written notice to the City only for good cause. Consultant’s written notice of termination shall contain a full explanation of the facts and circumstances constituting good cause. In the event of termination, all notes, sketches, Agenda Item #7.5:

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computations, drawings and specifications, or other data, whether complete or not, produced through the time of the City’s last payment shall be relinquished to the City. The City may, at its own expense, make copies or extract information from any such notes, sketches, computations, drawings, and specifications, or other data whether complete or not.

18.3 Should the Consultant fail to perform any of its obligations hereunder, within the time and in the manner provided or otherwise violate any of the terms of this Agreement, the City may terminate this Agreement by giving written notice of such termination, stating the reasons for such termination in such event. Consultant shall be compensated as above, provided, however, there shall be deducted from such amount the amount of damage if any, sustained by City by virtue of the Consultant’s breach of this Agreement.

18.4 In no event shall Consultant be entitled to receive more than the Maximum Amount that would be paid to Consultant for the full performance of the services required by this Agreement as provided in Paragraph 3.5 above and as otherwise provided in this Agreement.

19. GENERAL PROVISIONS

19.1 Consultant shall not delegate, transfer, subcontract or assign its duties or rights hereunder, either in whole or in part, without City’s prior written consent, and any attempt to do so shall be void and of no effect. City shall not be obligated or liable under this Agreement to any party other than Consultant.

19.2 In the performance of this Agreement, Consultant shall not discriminate against any employee, subconsultant, or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), creed, national origin, color, disability as defined by law, disabled veteran status, Vietnam veteran status, religion, age (40 and above), medical condition (cancer-related), marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, or any other unlawful basis, including without limitation, the City’s Non-Discrimination Policy adopted as Resolution #25-2019.

Consultant shall take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment without regard to race, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), creed, national origin, color, disability as defined by law, Agenda Item #7.5:

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disabled veteran status, Vietnam veteran status, religion, age (40 and above), medical condition (cancer-related), marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, or any other unlawful basis. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, the following: employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; or in terms, conditions or privileges of employment, and selection for training, Consultant agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.

19.3 Each party had an opportunity to consult with an attorney in reviewing and drafting this Agreement. Any uncertainty or ambiguity shall not be construed for or against any party based on attribution of drafting.

19.4 The captions appearing at the commencement of the Sections hereof, and in any paragraph thereof, are for convenience in reference to this Agreement. Should there be any conflict between such heading, and the Section or Paragraph thereof at the head of which it appears, the Section or Paragraph shall govern construction of this Agreement. Masculine or feminine pronouns shall be substituted for the neuter form and vice versa, and the plural shall be substituted for the singular and vice versa, in any place or places herein in which the context requires such substitution(s).

19.5 The waiver by City or Consultant of any breach of any term, covenant or condition herein contained shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any other term, covenant or condition or of any subsequent breach of the same or any other term, covenant or condition herein contained. No term, covenant or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been waived by City or Consultant unless in writing signed by one authorized to bind the party to be charged with the waiver.

19.6 Consultant shall not be liable for any failure to perform if Consultant presents acceptable evidence, in City’s sole judgment, that such failure was due to causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of Consultant.

19.7 Each right, power and remedy provided for herein or now or hereafter existing at law, in equity, by statute, or otherwise shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other right, power, or remedy provided for herein or now or hereafter existing at law, in equity, by statute, or Agenda Item #7.5:

Professional Services Agreement
(City of Sonoma / Robert Smith)
336531.3 Page 19 of 21
Approved for use: 1/1/2025
otherwise. The exercise, the commencement of the exercise, or the forbearance from the exercise by any party of any one or more of such rights, powers or remedies shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise by such party of any or all of such other rights, powers or remedies. If legal action shall be necessary to enforce any term, covenant or condition contained in this Agreement, the party prevailing in such action, whether or not reduced to judgment, shall be entitled to its reasonable court costs, including any accountants’ and attorneys’ fees expended in the action. The venue for any litigation shall be Sonoma County, California and Consultant hereby consents to jurisdiction in Sonoma County for purposes of resolving any dispute or enforcing any obligation arising under this Agreement.

19.8 If any term or provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall, to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, then such term or provision shall be amended to, and solely to the extent necessary to, cure such invalidity or unenforceability, and in its amended form shall be enforceable. In such event, the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such term or provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each term and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

19.9 This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

19.10 All documents referenced as exhibits in this Agreement are hereby incorporated into this Agreement. In the event of any material discrepancy between the provisions of this Agreement and those of any document incorporated herein by reference, the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail. This instrument contains the entire Agreement between City and Consultant with respect to the transactions contemplated herein. No other prior oral or written agreements are binding upon the parties. Amendments hereto or deviations herefrom shall be effective and binding only if made in writing and executed on behalf of the City and Consultant.

19.11 Nonprofit service contractors which receive contracts from the City of $75,000 or more in a 12-month period, and for-profit service contractors Agenda Item #7.5:

Professional Services Agreement
(City of Sonoma / Robert Smith)
336531.3 Page 20 of 21
Approved for use: 1/1/2025
who receive contracts from the City of $10,000 or more in a 12-month period, provided they have more than six employees, may be subject to the City’s Living Wage Ordinance. Sub-contractors with $50,000 or more in annual gross receipts may also be subject to the Living Wage Ordinance. Unless otherwise exempt in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance (Sonoma Municipal Code Chapter 2.70), this Agreement is subject to applicable provisions of the Living Wage Ordinance of the City as amended from time to time and available on the City’s website.

19.12 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.

19.13 This Agreement shall be binding on successors and assigns of the parties.

19.14 Except as expressly stated herein, there is no intended third-party beneficiary of any right or obligation assumed by the parties.

19.15 The recitals are incorporated by this reference.
[Signatures on following page]
Agenda Item #7.5:

Professional Services Agreement
(City of Sonoma / Robert Smith)
336531.3 Page 21 of 21
Approved for use: 1/1/2025
TO EFFECTUATE THIS AGREEMENT, the parties have caused their duly authorized representatives to execute this Agreement as of the last date indicated below:
“City”
City of Sonoma
By:________________________________
David Guhin, City Manager
Date:______________________
“Consultant”
Robert Smith
By:________________________________
Robert Smith
Title:_______________________________
Date:______________________
Attest:

By:__________________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Date:________________________
By:________________________________
Signature
Printed:_____________________________
Title:_______________________________
Date:______________________

Approved as to form:

By:__________________________________
David J. Ruderman, City Attorney

Date:________________________
Agenda Item #7.5:

Professional Services Agreement
(City of Sonoma / Robert Smith)
336531.3 Page 22 of 1
Approved for use: 1/1/2025
“EXHIBIT A”
Scope of Work
Agenda Item #7.5:

336531.3

SCOPE OF WORK
Receive, investigate and respond to registered complaints, establishing deadlines for compliance, answer citizen inquiries, monitoring compliance efforts, levying fines or penalties as necessary, leading complaint through any necessary hearing processes, set up and maintenance of legally compliant complaint files and closing of complaints/files.

Agenda Item #7.5:

336531.3
“EXHIBIT B”
Approved Fee Schedule

STAFFING HOURS/WEEK CITY COMPENSATION
2 Attorney/Supervisor 5-10 Hours Administrative & Public Safety Support $190 hourly
Ongoing throughout
fiscal year
Agenda Item #7.5:

336531.3
“EXHIBIT C”
Campaign Contribution Disclosure Form
Agenda Item #7.5:

336531.3

CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION DISCLOSURE PROVISIONS
Cities are subject to the campaign disclosure provisions detailed in Government Code Section 84308.

Please carefully read the following information to determine if the provisions apply to you. If you determine that the
provisions are applicable, the Campaign Disclosure Form must be completed and returned to the City with your application. 1. No City councilmember or commissioner shall accept, solicit, or direct a contribution of more than $500 from any party,1 financially interested participant,2 or agent3 while a proceeding is pending or for 12 months subsequent to the date a final decision is rendered by the City. This prohibition commences when your application has been filed, or the
proceeding is otherwise initiated.

2. A party to a City proceeding shall disclose on the record of the proceeding any contribution of more than $500 made to any councilmember or commissioner by the party, or agent, during the preceding 12 months. No party to or participant in a City proceeding shall make a contribution of more than $500 to a councilmember or commissioner during the proceeding and for 12 months following the date a final decision is rendered by the City. No agent to a party or participant shall make a contribution in any amount to a councilmember of
commissioner during the proceeding and for 12 months
following the date a final decision is rendered by the City.

3. Prior to rendering a decision on a City proceeding, any councilmember or commissioner who received
contribution of more than $500 within the preceding 12
months from any party, or agent, to a proceeding shall
disclose that fact on the record of the proceeding, and shall be disqualified from participating in the proceeding. However, if any councilmember or commissioner receives a
contribution that otherwise would require disqualification, and returns the contribution within 30 days of making the decision, or knowing about the contribution and the
relevant proceeding, whichever comes last, that
councilmember or commissioner shall be permitted to
participate in the proceeding.
1 “Party” is defined as any person who files an application for, or is the subject of, a proceeding.
2 “Participant” is defined as any person who actively supports or opposes a particular decision in a proceeding.
3 “Agent” is defined as a person who represents a party in connection with a proceeding for compensation who appears before or otherwise communicates with the City for the purpose of influencing the proceeding. If an individual acting as an agent also is acting as an employee or member of a law, architectural, engineering, or consulting firm, or a similar entity or corporation, both the individual and the entity or corporation are agents.

When a closed corporation is a party to a proceeding, the majority shareholder is subject to these provisions.

To determine whether a campaign contribution of more than $500 has been made by you or your agent to a
councilmember or commissioner within the preceding
12 months, all contributions made by you or your agent
during that period must be aggregated.

Names of current City councilmembers and commissioners
are available on the City’s website. If you have questions about Government Code Section 84308, FPPC
regulations, or the Campaign Disclosure Form, please
contact the City Clerk.

CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION DISCLOSURE FORM
(a) Document:
□ License
□ Lease
□ Permit
□ Franchise
□ Other Contract
□ Other Entitlement
Name and address of any party, participant, or agent who has contributed more than $500 to any councilmember or
commissioner within the preceding 12 months:

1. ____________________________________

2. ____________________________________

3. ____________________________________
(b) Date and amount of contribution:

Date Amount $
Date Amount $
Date Amount $
(c) Name of councilmember or commissioner to whom
contribution was made:

1. ____________________________________

2. ____________________________________

3. ____________________________________
(d) I certify that the above information is provided to the best of my knowledge.

Printed Name
Signature
Date Phone
To be completed by City:

Document No: ______________________________
Agenda Item #7.5:

336531.3
Agenda Item #7.5:

381983.1 Initials: (City) _______ (Consultant) _______
AMENDMENT No. 1 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
(City of Sonoma and Keyser Marston Associates)
This Amendment No. 1 (“Amendment”) to Professional Services Agreement (“Agreement”) is made on this 1st day of July, 2025 at Sonoma, California, by and between the City of Sonoma, a municipal corporation, No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma, CA 95476 (“City”) and Keyser Marston Associates, Inc., 2130 Center Street, Suite 301, Berkeley, CA 94704 (“Consultant”).

This Amendment modifies the original Agreement between the City and the Consultant dated November 12, 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, 2026.

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 [$______.__].

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
Agenda Item #7.5:

Professional Services Agreement
City of Sonoma / Keyser Marston Associates, Inc.
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: _______________
“Consultant”
Keyser Marston Associates, Inc
By:______________________________
David Doezema, Senior Principal
Date: __________________
By:______________________________
Debbie Kern, Vice President
Date: __________________
Agenda Item #7.5:

381983.1 Initials: (City) _______ (Consultant) _______
AMENDMENT No. 1 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
(City of Sonoma and Matrix Consulting Group Ltd)
This Amendment No. 1(“Amendment”) to Professional Services Agreement (“Agreement”) is made on this 1st day of July 2025 at Sonoma, California, by and between the City of Sonoma, a municipal corporation, No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma, CA 95476 (“City”) and Matrix Consulting Group, Ltd (“Consultant”).

This Amendment modifies the original Agreement between the City and the Consultant dated August 21, 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, 2026.

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 [$______.__].

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
Agenda Item #7.5:

Professional Services Agreement
City of Sonoma / Matrix Consulting Group, Ltd
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, MMC, City Clerk
Date: _______________
Approved as to form:

By: ______________________________
David J. Ruderman, City Attorney
Date: _______________
“Consultant”
Matrix Consulting Group, Ltd
By:______________________________
Richard Brady, President
Date: __________________
By:______________________________
Courtney Ramos, Senior Vice
President
Date: __________________
Agenda Item #7.5:

381983.1 Initials: (City) _______ (Consultant) _______
AMENDMENT No. 1 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
(City of Sonoma and W-Trans)
This Amendment No. 1 (“Amendment”) to Professional Services Agreement (“Agreement”) is made on this 1st day of July, 2025 at Sonoma, California, by and between the City of Sonoma, a municipal corporation, No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma, CA 95476 (“City”) and W-Trans, 490 Mendocino Avenue, Suite 201, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 (“Consultant”).

This Amendment modifies the original Agreement between the City and the Consultant dated September 4, 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, 2026.

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 [$______.__].

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
Agenda Item #7.5:

Professional Services Agreement
City of Sonoma / W-Trans
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: _______________
“Consultant”
W-Trans
By:______________________________
Dalene J. Whitlock, Vice President
Date: __________________
By:______________________________
Allison Moser, Secretary
Date: __________________
Agenda Item #7.5:

City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 06 Aug 2025
Department
Administration
Staff Contact
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item Title
Adopt a Resolution Cancelling the Regular Meeting Scheduled for September 3, 2025 Summary
Per Sonoma Municipal Code Section 2.01.010, the City Council is required to establish the date and time of each Regular Council meeting by resolution each year. The City of Sonoma City Council adopted its 2025 Meeting Calendar on December 18, 2024.

Due to the proximity to the Labor Day holiday, a request has been made to cancel the Regular Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 3, 2025. If any items arise that require immediate attention, a special meeting can be scheduled.

Recommended Council Action
Adopt the Resolution.

Alternative Actions
Council discretion.

Financial Impact
None
Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Resolution - Meeting Cancellation
Agenda Item #7.6:

City of Sonoma
RESOLUTION # _______ - 2025

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA CANCELLING THE REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 3, 2025
WHEREAS, Section 2.01.010 of the Sonoma Municipal Code requires the City Council to establish, by resolution, the date and time of regular Council meetings; and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted its 2025 Meeting Calendar on December 18, 2025; and WHEREAS, it is desired to cancel the Regular Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Sonoma that the Regular Meeting of September 3, 2025, is cancelled.

PASSED, RESOLVED, AND ADOPTED, at Regular meeting of the City of Sonoma City Council on this 6th day of August 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
______________________________
Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.6:

City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 06 Aug 2025
Department
Fire
Staff Contact
Steve Akre, Fire Chief
Agenda Item Title
Adopt a Resolution Approving a Budget Amendment and Authorizing the City Manager to Purchase a Previously Approved and Budgeted 2024 Ford E450 Type III Ambulance Summary
On September 4, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution #67-2024 authorizing the purchase of a 2024 Ford E450 Ambulance from Republic EVS. Due to a delay in receiving the chassis from Ford, the ambulance was not completed in the 24/25 fiscal year. Out of $296,058.16 previously approved $28,875.06 was used for the purchase of portable radios requested by SVFD for use in the ambulance. The remainder balance was not carried over into the FY 2025- 26 budget. This request is for a budget amendment for $267,183.10 to fund the remaining amount that was previously approved by the City Council.

The previous resolution stated:
“This vendor provided the build that will remain consistent with the make and model of previous units. This unit will run 4 years as front line and then be placed into backup status. As with past ambulances, funding for this unit has been placed in the Vehicle Replacement Fund through annual contributions. The total cost of the vehicle including radios is $296,058.16” Recommended Council Action
Adopt the resolution approving the budget amendment.

Alternative Actions
Council discretion.

Financial Impact
The total cost to the City is $296,058.16 out of which $28,875.06 has been used in FY 2024-25 for the purchase of portable radios. The remainder amount of $267,183.10 will be transferred from Fund 796 IGT fund to Fund 603 Vehicle Replacement fund. This transfer will not impact the City’s General Fund balance.

Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Agenda Item #7.7: