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, October 15, 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 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: Recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the Santa Rosa Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
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 September 17, 2025, and September 29, 2025 (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
RECOMMENDATION: Receive the Minutes.
09.17.2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
09.29.2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
5 - 9
7.3: Accept the Expenditure Report for the Month of September 2025 (Prapti Aryal, Finance Director)
RECOMMENDATION: Accept the report.
Agenda Report - Expenditure Report September 2025 - Pdf 10 - 16
7.4: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing a Budget Adjustment to Move Funds from Public Works Repair and Maintenance Budgets to Vehicle Replacement Fund for the Purchase of a Flail Mower Attachment (Ashley Cotter, Public Works Administrative & Project Manager)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the resolution.
Agenda Report - Budget Adjustment - Large Equipment Purchase - Pdf 17 - 21
7.5: Adopt a Resolution Approving an Adjusted Salary Range to be Commensurate for the Community Development Director Job Classification (Jenny Yankovich, Assistant to the City Manager)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the resolution.
Agenda Report - CD Director Salary Range Adjustment - Pdf 22 - 25
8. PUBLIC HEARING
8.1: An Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code Sections 19.54.080(D) Development Exempt from Design Review and 19.40.110(D) Projections into the Public Right-Of-Way, and Finding the Ordinance Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Diane Levine, Associate Planner)
RECOMMENDATION: Introduce the Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code Sections 19.54.080(D) Development Exempt from Design Review and
19.40.110(D) Projections into the Public Right-Of-Way, and Finding the Ordinance Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Agenda Report - Amendments to Design Review - Pdf
26 - 35
9. REGULAR CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
(Matters requiring discussion and/or action by the City Council)
9.1: Provide Direction to The City's Representative to the Water Advisory Committee to Vote in Support of the Statement of Interest Related to the Proposed New Eel-Russian Facility and the Associated Water Diversion Agreement Undertaken by the Eel Russian Project Authority (Ashley Cotter, Public Works Administrative & Project Manager)
RECOMMENDATION: Provide Direction to The City's Representative to the Water Advisory Committee to Vote in Support of the Statement of Interest Related to the Proposed New Eel-Russian Facility and the Associated Water Diversion Agreement Undertaken by the Eel Russian Project Authority.
Agenda Report - Water Advisory Committee Statement of Interest - Pdf 36 - 40
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. Monique Saviez Burns, CPMC, Deputy City Clerk.
***********************************************************************************************************************************
Copies of all staff reports and documents subject to disclosure that relate to any item of business referred to on the agenda are usually available for public inspection the Wednesday before each regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall, located at No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma CA. Any documents subject to disclosure that are provided to all, or a majority of all, of the members of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda after the agenda has been distributed will be made available for inspection at the City Clerk’s office, No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma CA during regular business hours. If you challenge the action of the City Council in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described on the agenda or in written correspondence delivered to the City Clerk at or prior to the public hearing.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk (707) 933-2216. Notification 48 hours before the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
City of Sonoma's Commission and Committee Roster: 2024 Commission _ Committees Roster 12.19.2024 Appointments to Commission/Committees: The Council may establish and make appointments to a Council committee (made up of two Council Members) with respect to any item appearing on this agenda.
Closed Session: If action is taken during a Closed Session meeting that is required to be reported out at this meeting, the Council will return to Open Session and report out immediately. However, if the Council is unable to do so due to time constraints, it will report out at the immediately following Regular Council Meeting under "REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION".
Motion for Consideration: A Council Member voting with the majority on any item appearing on this agenda may move for reconsideration of that vote provided the motion is in conformance with the rules adopted by the Council governing such motions.
City Council:
Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
Ron Wellander, Vice Mayor
Sandra Lowe
John Gurney
Jack Ding
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OF THE SONOMA CITY COUNCIL
City Council Chambers
177 First Street West
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
6:00 PM Regular Meeting
Regular Meeting Minutes, September 17, 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 Gurney, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Janet Boyle, Lynne, Marie DeVincent, John Kyle, Ann Colichides, Josette Brose-Eichar, John Loe, and Caitlyn Cornwall provided public comments.
2. MEETING DEDICATIONS
Council Member Lowe dedicated the meeting to former Senator John Burton.
3. COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Vice Mayor Wellander attended the North Bay Watershed Association on September 12, 2025.
Council Member Lowe attended a Sonoma County Transit and Climate Authority (SCTCA) meeting.
Council Member Ding attended a Zero Waste Sonoma meeting.
Mayor Farrar-Rivas attended a Sonoma County’s Mayors and Councilmembers Association Board of Directors meeting on September 11, 2025.
4. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCMENTS
City Manager Guhin reported that the City-wide Tree Inventory efforts will begin on October 1, 2025.
In addition, he reported that the nomination period for the 2026 Treasure Artist is now open, with a deadline of October 31, 2025. He reminded the community that there is a Cemetery Clean Up Day scheduled for this upcoming Saturday at Valley Cemetery. City Manager Guhin also reminded the public that there are four elements to the General Plan which have been released and encourage the public’s comments and feedback.
5. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS
None.
6. PRESENTATIONS
Item 6.1: "Celebrate Sonoma" - Presentation of Certificate of Recognition in Honor of William "Bill" Lynch
Item 6.2: Proclamation Designating September 15 - October 15, 2025, as Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Sonoma
Item 6.3: Presentation of Current Pacific Gas & Electric Activities and Initiatives by Jason Taormino, Local Government Affairs, PG&E
7. CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Motion by Council Member Lowe, seconded by Council Member Lowe, to approve the Consent Calendar, as amended. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
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, September 17, 2025
Item 7.2: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with FastSigns Santa Rosa for Fabrication and Installation Services for the Utility Box Art Wrap Pilot Program and Approve Use of Public Art Fund (703) for Associated Costs
Action: Adopted as Resolution 54-2025.
Item 7.3: Designate Mayor Patricia Farrar-Rivas as the City of Sonoma Voting Delegate for the 2025 Cal Cities Annual Conference and Vice Mayor Ron Wellander as the Alternate (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
Action: Mayor Farrar-Rivas was designated as the City of Sonoma Voting Delegate for the 2025 Cal Cities Annual Conference and Vice May Wellander was designated as the Alternate.
Item 7.4: Adopt a Resolution Approving the Use of City Streets for the Sonoma Valley High School Home Coming Parade on October 3, 2025, and Permission to Up-Light City Hall from September 30, 2025, through October 6, 2025, with Green Flood Lights (Lisa Janson, Senior Management Analyst)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 55-2025.
Item 7.5: Accept the Expenditure Report for the Month of June 2025 Action: The expenditure report was accepted.
Item 7.6: Accept the Expenditure Report for the Month of August 2025 Action: The expenditure report was accepted.
8. PUBLIC HEARING
None.
9. REGULAR CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Item 9.1: Receive Update on West Spain Street Improvements and Approve a Resolution Adopting the Plans and Specifications for the West Spain Street Rehabilitation Project, CIP T-11; Project No. 2502, Accepting Bids, Awarding a Contract to Team Ghilotti, Inc. and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Construction Contract in the Amount of $447,141.10 , and Further Authorizing the City Manager to Approve $67,071.17 (15%) in Contingency and Adopt a Resolution Authorizing a Budget Amendment to Adopt an Updated Capital Improvement Program Budget for FY25-26 (Michael Berger, Public Works Director)
Action: Update was received. Adopted as Resolution 56-2025 and Resolution 57- 2025.
Public Comment: Carol Campbell, Chris Woodcock, Armando Zimmerman, and Sandy Zimmerman.
Motion by Council Member Lowe, seconded by Council Member Ding, to Adopt a Resolution Adopting the Plans and Specifications for the West Spain Street Rehabilitation Project, CIP T-11; Project No. 2502, Accepting Bids, Awarding a Contract to Team Ghilotti, Inc. and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Construction Contract in the Amount of $447,141.10, and Further Authorizing the City Manager to Approve $67,071.17 (15%) in Contingency. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Council Member Lowe, seconded by Council Member Ding, to Adopt a Resolution Authorizing a Budget Amendment to Adopt an Updated Capital Improvement Program Budget for FY25-26. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Farrar-Rivas called for a recess at 7:43 PM; Council reconvened at 7:48 PM.
Item 9.2: Discussion, Consideration, and Direction Regarding Whether to Direct Staff to Initiate a Process to Permit Additional Cannabis Businesses to Operate Within the City, Including Update of Fees, Application Guidelines and Procedures and to Issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) (David Guhin, City Manager and Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director)
Action: The City Council provided direction to indefinitely suspend the item until such time as it is brought back through a goal setting process.
Public Comment: Monica, Steve Lott, Jeffrey Vakassian, Josette Brose-Eichar, Perry Ellis Panigulia, Tess Covay, Tess Kofoid, Nick Caston, David Eichar, John Loe, and Gil Latimer.
Motion by Council Member Gurney, seconded by Council Member Lowe, to not issue an RFP at this time for any cannabis business types, providing Staff with guidance to indefinitely suspend the item until such time as it brought back through a Goal Setting Process. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 9.3: Adopt a Resolution Approving the City of Sonoma Responses to the Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury 2024-25 Reports Titled “Animal Services in Sonoma County:
Separate and Not Equal” and “Who Can Afford to Live in Sonoma County? A Tale of Two Cities”, Authorizing the Mayor to Sign the Required Response Forms and Any Other Required Actions (David Guhin, City Manager)
Agenda Item #7.2:
Regular Meeting Minutes, September 17, 2025
Action: Adopted as Resolution 58-2025.
Motion by Vice Mayor Wellander, seconded by Council Member Lowe, to Approve the Draft Responses and Authorize the Mayor to sign and submit the required forms by the statutory deadline of tomorrow to ensure compliance and demonstrate the City’s commitment to regional collaboration of both animal services and affordable housing. 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 8:45 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 15th of October 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
Monday, September 29, 2025
6:00 PM Regular Meeting
Regular Meeting Minutes, September 29, 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 Gurney, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
None.
2. MEETING DEDICATIONS
None.
3. COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Council Member Ding attended a Sonoma Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency meeting on August 28, 2025.
During the week of September 15, 2025, Mayor Farrar-Rivas attended a Sonoma Valley Unified School District’s Community Input meeting. She also visited New York last week to participate in the Mayor’s Climate Change meeting as part of New York City’s Climate Week. On September 27, 2025, Mayor Farrar-Rivas also attended the 2025 Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival where she participated in the blessing and stomping of the grapes.
Vice Mayor Wellander chose Robin Reiners as his direct appointment to the Cultural and Fine Arts Commission (CFAC). Mr. Wellander also attended a Homeless Coalition Board meeting. Vice Mayor Wellander also attended the Valley Cemetery Clean Up Day held on Saturday 20, 2025.
In addition, Council Member Ding announced that a delegation from Penglai, China, one of the City of Sonoma's Sister Cities, will visiting beginning October 16, 2025.
4. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCMENTS
City Manager Guhin echoed Vice Mayor Wellander’s gratitude towards those that helped with the Valley Cemetery Clean Up Day held on September 20, 2025. He shared the next will be held on October 25, 2025, at the Mountain Cemetery as well as November 8, 2025, for the Veteran’s Cemetery - both days starting at 8AM. He reported as part of the City’s Climate Strategies, a Citywide tree inventory will be conducted starting October 1, 2025. The City’s Master Tree List is available online for the public’s reference. Additionally, an Arbor Day event is being worked on by staff and more information will be shared when it comes available.
5. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS
City Attorney Ruderman provided updates from a Cal Cities Legal Advocacy Executive Committee meeting he had attended.
6. PRESENTATIONS
Item 6.1: Proclamation Designating the Month of October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Sonoma
Item 6.2: Recognition of Scandia Bakery on the Occasion of their 25 Year Anniversary Item 6.3: Zero Waste Sonoma Community Update Presented by Leslie Lukacs, Executive Director and a Proclamation in Support of North Bay Zero Waste Week - October 11- 18, 2025
Agenda Item #7.2:
Regular Meeting Minutes, September 29, 2025
7. CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Motion by Council Member Lowe, seconded by Council Member Ding, to approve the Consent Calendar, as amended. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
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: Receive Minutes from August 20, 2025, Regular Meeting (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
Action: Minutes were received.
8. PUBLIC HEARING
None.
9. REGULAR CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Item 9.1: Fiscal Year 2024-25 Year End Update (Prapti Aryal, Finance Director) Action: Presentation was received.
10. SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT (ONLY REQUIRED IF PUBLIC SPEAKERS REMAIN FROM ITEM 2.0) None.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Farrar-Rivas adjourned the meeting at 7:31 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 15th of October 2025.
____________________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.2:
City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 15 Oct 2025
Department
Finance
Staff Contact
Prapti Aryal, Finance Director
Agenda Item Title
Accept the Expenditure Report for the Month of September 2025 Summary
The attached report shows disbursements for the month of September 2025.
Funds 217 (SLESF COPS Grant), 504 (Cemetery Endowment) and 715 (Pool Scholarship) expended 100% of their respective budgets due to one-time transfer expenses approved in the FY2025-26 budget. No further expenditures are expected in these funds.
Fund 610 (Building Maintenance) is 71% of budget due to a one-time transfer expense approved in the FY2025-26 budget.
Fund 732 (Housing Trust) expended 100% of budget as a result of funding an affordable housing grant as authorized by Resolution 48-2025. No further expenditures are expected in this fund.
A detailed list of disbursements is available at the web site indicated at the bottom of the report.
Recommended Council Action
Accept report
Alternative Actions
Council discretion
Financial Impact
Monthly Payables Report, September 2025
Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Disbursement Report September 2025
Fund Glossary
Agenda Item #7.3:
DISBURSEMENT REPORT SEPTEMBER 2025
Year to Date Monthly Year to Date Annual Percent of Fund Fund Revenue Expenditure Expenditure Budget Budget Balance General Fund 30000 3,718,658 29,398,090 13% 11,770,391
City Council 41001 12,710 28,445 151,184 19%
City Clerk 41002 27,617 157,556 468,828 34%
City Manager 41003 59,003 408,062 1,276,709 32%
Finance 41004 51,802 240,222 853,284 28%
City Attorney 41005 - 18,506 285,000 6%
Police 42101 477,167 1,088,102 7,780,097 14%
Fire 42201 599,981 2,669,622 8,122,755 33%
Public Works - Admin 43020 37,377 181,479 642,102 28%
Public Works - Streets 43022 99,288 461,619 1,506,235 31% Parks & Recreation 43023 122,089 537,172 1,868,173 29%
Planning 43030 69,073 341,599 1,409,629 24%
Building 43040 63,951 361,801 1,233,653 29%
Community Activities 43101 154,603 455,474 1,205,052 38% Successor Agency 43199 7,138 43,948 186,037 24%
Non-Departmental 43200 64,271 178,689 753,525 24%
Emergency Response 43201 6,386 19,623 117,745 17%
Public Information 43203 11,509 64,453 210,716 31%
Transfers 43999 660,000 660,000 1,120,000 59%
Total General Fund Expenditures 2,523,966 7,916,373 29,190,724 27% Other Funds
Public Education & Gov 202 86 - - - 0% (14,425)
Strong Motion 203 59 - - - 0% 6,837
Asset Forfeiture 211 123 - - - 0% 17,494
SLESF C.O.P.S Grant 217 3,261 120,000 120,000 120,000 100% 270,956 Bond Property 220 - - - - 0% (19,144)
Maysonnave Property 221 - - - - 0% (15,195)
Schell Drainage 234 1,481 - - - 0% 70,563
Abandoned Vehicle 240 - 1,340 2,470 15,000 16% (35,057) Streets/Transport/Drain 301 199,814 20,231 32,815 200,000 16% 241,243 Gas Tax 302 60,545 3,706 24,702 314,545 8% 882,099
SB-1Road Maint 303 27,879 - - 100,000 0% 689,067
Parks & Facilities 304 626,479 - (1,782) 625,000 0% 690,440 Fire Measure H 312 - - - 708,000 0% 188,295
Transportation Measure M 313 1,918 - - - 0% 425,960
Parks-In-Lieu/Quimby Act 314 5,705 - - 225,000 0% 305,011 Parks Measure M 315 4,332 - 14,657 84,999 17% 639,754
Prop 68 Parks 316 - - - - 0% (162,690)
Successor Agency 391 24,840 - 60,869 2,599,306 2% (20,677,009) CREBS 495 - - - - 0% -
2012 POB 498 9 - - - 0% (5,222)
Cemeteries 501 175,590 24,263 129,662 791,396 16% (2,144,244) Cemetery Replacement 502 - - - - 0% 288,613
Cemetery Endowment 504 10,400 47,000 47,000 47,000 100% 706,331 Water Utility 510 2,659,481 1,887,047 2,780,270 7,356,586 38% 9,343,956 Water CIP 512 670,556 - - 655,000 0% 855,967
Water Equip Replacement 513 5,084 - - - 0% 731,343
EMS Equip Replacement 521 605 - - - 0% 85,254
Mgmt Information Srvcs 601 149,068 24,190 133,569 593,738 22% 404,917 Vehicle Replacement 603 527,254 - 84,375 657,878 13% 1,510,993 Insurance 604 359 - - - 0% 51,025
Building Maintenance 610 154,286 190,000 190,000 266,000 71% 3,550,121 Computer Loan 614 460 - - - 0% 65,507
Hardscape Maint 615 187 - - - 0% 26,611
Admin Hearings 620 45 - - - 0% 870
Grants Restricted 630 2,257 - - - 0% 33,802
Culture Fine Art 701 84 - - - 0% 12,410
Tree Trust 702 133 - - - 0% 19,545
Public Art 703 25,478 - - 35,000 0% 96,334
Pool Scholarship 715 1,526 25,000 25,000 25,000 100% 181,386 Senior Housing 731 1,160 - 25,454 25,454 100% 192,237
Housing Trust 732 17,986 250,000 250,000 250,000 100% 2,636,152 IGT 796 22,711 154,695 491,755 1,565,968 31% 1,539,041
SVFRA Operations 798 9,281 - - - 0% 602,539
TOTAL 9,109,181 5,271,438 12,327,189 46,451,594 27%
Monthly disbursement detail reports can be found at www.sonomacity.org/financial-documents Agenda Item #7.3:
City of Sonoma
CITY OF SONOMA
FUND DESCRIPTIONS
General Fund (Fund 100): The general operating fund of the City is used to account for all financial resources except those that require accounting in another fund.
Public Education & Government (Fund 202): Special revenue fund accumulates fees from telecommunication operators to support public, educational and government telecommunications, including broadcasting public meetings. Costs associated with acquiring equipment, renovating and constructing PEG-related facilities and broadcasting are paid from this fund.
Strong Motion (Fund 203): Accounts for State of California "strong motion" fees paid by building permit applicants. Funds are paid regularly to State Department of Conservation.
Asset Forfeiture (Fund 211): Accounts for funds received from seizure and forfeiture of assets that represent the proceeds of, or were used to facilitate, crime. Funds are expended according to legal restrictions.
SLESF (Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund)/COPS (Citizen Option for Public Safety) (Fund 217): Supplemental law enforcement funding is distributed by the State to the County which passes through the funding to local agencies. These funds have traditionally been used to support the costs of the Community Service Officer staff in the Police Department.
Bond Property (Fund 220): The Bond Property, a six acre parcel located at 19990 Seventh Street, was bequeathed to the city in 1977 by Pauline Bond, for the purpose of “creating and maintaining a public park” and is now home to the Sonoma Garden Center. The parcel is leased to the Sonoma Ecology Center who maintains the property and administers public programs at the site. Not Currently Active Fund Maysonnave Property (Fund 221): The Maysonnave Property, consisting of two parcels of land totaling
1.44 acres located at 291 and 289 First Street East, was bequeathed to the city in 1990 by Henri Maysonave for the purpose of “creating and maintaining a public park”. The parcel at 291 First Street East is leased to the League for Historic Preservation who maintains the property and administers public programs at the site while the parcel identified as 289 First Street East is leased to the Valley of the Moon Petanque Club, which maintains the property and administers public programs at that site. Not Currently Active Fund
Schell Drainage (Fund 234): Accounts for funds used for tracking of mitigation fees for specific projects.
Not Currently Active Fund
Abandoned Vehicle (Fund 240): Accounts for funds received from the Sonoma County Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (SCAVA) program and must be expended in compliance with legal restrictions.
Streets/Transport/Drain (Fund 301): This Capital Improvement Fund represents a transfer of funds from the General Fund to support improvements to the City's streets, sidewalks, bikeways, and storm drainage system.
Agenda Item #7.3:
City of Sonoma
Gas Tax (Fund 302): The State of California imposes per-gallon excise taxes and sales taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel, and registration taxes on motor vehicles with allocations dedicated to transportation purposes. Gas taxes can be used for any street or road purpose; however, it is best practice to focus on maintenance and rehabilitation costs only.
SB-1 Road Maintenance (Fund 303): The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB1) increased pergallon excise taxes and sales taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel, and vehicle registration taxes, stabilized price-based fuel tax rates and provided for inflationary adjustments to rates in future years. Funds may be used for road maintenance and rehabilitation, safety projects, “complete street” components, and traffic control devices.
Parks & Facilities (Fund 304): This Capital Improvement Fund represents a transfer of funds from the General Fund to support improvements to the City's 17 parks encompass nearly 40 acres, nine play structures, two public restrooms, Class I bike trails, hiking trails, a duck pond, and a rose garden. Park needs that exceed the capacity of City and contract workers are included in this fund.
Fire Measure H (Fund 312): Sonoma County measure uses a ½ cent countywide sales tax to improve fire services.
Transportation Measure M (Fund 313): The Traffic Relief Act for Sonoma County (Measure M) provides for a ¼ cent sales tax that is apportioned to local jurisdictions to maintain their streets, as well as other County-wide street, highway, transit, and safe bicycle and pedestrian routes.
Parks-In-Lieu/Quimby Act (Fund 314): The 1975 Quimby Act (California Government Code §66477) authorized the City to pass ordinances requiring developers set aside land, donate conservation easements, or pay fees, which can only be used for new and rehabilitating existing parks and recreational facilities and cannot be used for the operation and maintenance of park facilities The City currently has a parkland dedication (exaction) requirement as a condition of approval for Tentative Subdivision Maps or Tentative Parcel Maps.
Parks Measure M (Fund 315): Sonoma County Parks Improvement, Water Quality and Fire Safety Measure (Measure M) is a one-eighth cent sales tax that supports Sonoma County’s regional and city parks Prop 68 Parks (Fund 316): Known as the California Clean Water and Safe Parks Act, Proposition 68 allocates funds to construct and rehabilitate parks, implement water improvements for safe drinking water, increase recycling and flood protection, and encourage climate change adaptation projects.
Successor Agency (Fund 391): The City of Sonoma has elected to serve as the Successor Agency to the Sonoma Redevelopment Agency, which was dissolved by the State through the Redevelopment Dissolution Act in 2012. The City as Successor Agency receives pass through revenue when property taxes are remitted to the City by the County via RPTTF (Redevelopment Property Tax Trust Fund). The City then makes authorized payments from Successor Agency for expenses, such as debt service costs, contract services for contracts issued before the dissolution of the development agency, and other expenses, including legal services.
CREBS (Clean Renewable Energy Bonds) (Fund 495): Bonds to pay for solar projects at the Police Station and Corporation Yard. Not Currently Active Fund
Agenda Item #7.3:
City of Sonoma
2012 POB (Pension Obligation Bond) (Fund 498): Bond issued to refund the City’s side fund loan obligations to the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). Not Currently Active Fund Cemeteries (Fund 501): Accounts for funding to support the City’s three cemeteries’ operations and maintenance, including burial and inurnment preparation and coordination, cemetery improvements, tree hazard assessment and abatement, grounds maintenance, mausoleum maintenance, road maintenance, and vandalism abatement.
Cemetery Replacement (Fund 502): Not Currently Active Fund Cemetery Endowment (Fund 504): The Cemetery Endowment Fund was created to record the income received from Cemetery sales that is designated as endowment care. The City’s Municipal Code defines endowment care as the general maintenance of the City’s three cemeteries that is necessitated by natural growth and ordinary wear.
Water Utility (Fund 510): This enterprise fund is responsible for the delivery of high quality, dependable water service for a variety of needs including consumption, irrigation, and fire protection. It operates and maintains 3 active City-owned tanks with a combined storage capacity of 5.5 million gallons, 7 production wells and appurtenant treatment facilities, 2 pump stations with a combined 140 horsepower maximum output, 56 miles of active water main ranging from 8” to 14” in diameter, 513 fire hydrants, and approximately 4,500 active service connections
Water Construction in Progress (CIP) (Fund 512): This Capital Improvement Fund represents a transfer of funds from the Water Utility Fund to support improvements to the City's drinking water infrastructure.
Projects include replacing aging water mains and appurtenances (e.g. tees, crosses, couplers, saddles, valves), neighborhood-scale water service replacement projects, renewing tank coatings and corrosion control systems, replacing well or pump station equipment, replacing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and equipment, improvements to well and pump station buildings (e.g. replacing roofs or electrical systems).
Water Equipment Replacement (Fund 513): Accounts for costs to replace water equipment. Not Currently Active Fund
EMS Equipment Replacement (Fund 521): Accounts for costs to replace EMS equipment.
Management Information Services (Fund 601): The fund provides a mechanism for funding the operational costs, maintenance, and planned replacement of installed computer systems, equipment, software, telephone systems and other critical electronic office equipment through annual transfers from other City departments and funds.
Vehicle Replacement (Fund 603): Accounts for costs to replace vehicles based on a depreciation schedule.
Costs are distributed among user departments and transferred as approved in the annual budget process.
Insurance (Fund 604): Account from which liability, property, earthquake, vehicle, and other insurance premiums are paid. Funding is transferred from other City departments and funds on a pro rata share.
Not Currently Active Fund
Agenda Item #7.3:
City of Sonoma
Building Maintenance (Fund 610): The fund allows the City to set aside funding received through annual transfers made by other City departments and funds for future replacement or repair of certain items in City owned and maintained facilities.
Computer Loan (Fund 614): Created by the City Council in 2000 and funded by an initial transfer of $50,000 from the Employee Benefit Fund, this fund provides low interest loans to employees for the purchase of computers for both personal and professional use. Loans must be repaid through payroll deductions within two years.
Hardscape Maintenance (Fund 615): Accounts for the City's hardscape maintenance reserve programs.
Not Currently Active Fund
Administrative Hearings (Fund 620): Accounts for all activities of the City's Administrative Hearings as charged to departments. Not Currently Active Fund
Grants Restricted (Fund 630): The purpose of the fund is to separately track grant monies that are received and spent for capital improvement projects.
Culture Fine Art (Fund 701): Accounts for assets held to be used for cultural fine art programs. Not Currently Active Fund
Tree Trust (Fund 702): Accounts for assets held to be used for planting and replacement of trees. Not Currently Active Fund
Public Art (Fund 703): Accounts for assets held to be used for public art displays. Not Currently Active Fund
Pool Scholarship (Fund 715): In 2014, the City entered an agreement with Sonoma Valley Health and Recreation Association to support the construction of a swimming pool within the Sonoma Valley. The City’s financial commitment is for a total of $250,000 to be paid in 10 annual installments of $25,000 for the value of free and reduced-fee services to be provided to Sonoma Valley residents Senior Housing (Fund 731): Sonoma Creek Senior Housing is a thirty-four unit rental apartment complex for very low income senior citizens located on Oregon Street and administered by the Board of Directors of the Sonoma Community Housing Corporation (SCHC), a non-profit housing corporation created by the City’s Community Development Agency (CDA). The Board of the SCHC is comprised of two City Councilmembers, the City Manager, a staff member designated by the City Manager and a public member. The operation of the apartment complex is contracted out to Hank Fisher Properties, a rental management firm, with the resident managers being employed by the firm. All accounting and finance for the complex is handled through the rental management contract. Rental income is used to repay the indebtedness issued for the purchase of the complex and to cover annual maintenance and other operational costs. Not Currently Active Fund
Housing Trust (Fund 732): The fund accumulates and distributes funding in accordance with the City Council’s Affordable Housing Plan. The main source of funding is from General Fund transfers of one percent of the Transient Occupancy Tax.
Agenda Item #7.3:
City of Sonoma
IGT (Intergovernmental Transfer) (Fund 796): State of California program that provides an opportunity to receive federal matching funds to support health services for Medi-Cal Managed Care beneficiaries served by the Fire Department.
SVFRA (Sonoma Valley Fire Rescue Association) Operations (Fund 798): Accounts for operational activities in which revenues and expenses are split between the City and SVFD.
Agenda Item #7.3:
City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 15 Oct 2025
Department
Public Works
Staff Contact
Ashley Cotter, PW Admin & Project Manager
Agenda Item Title
Adopt a Resolution Authorizing a Budget Adjustment to move funds from Public Works Repair and Maintenance Budgets to Vehicle Replacement Fund for the Purchase of a Flail Mower Attachment
Summary
Public Works and the Parks and Recreation Department would like to purchase a flail mower attachment (quote attached) for vegetation management activities. This purchase would benefit the Water, Streets, and Parks Departments as they all have plans for vegetation management within their respective departments. This purchase has been approved by the Public Works Director, Parks and Recreation Director, and the City Manager.
While staff did not budget for this purchase in the Vehicle Replacement Fund, this has been budgeted in the repair and maintenance budget for Parks, Streets, and Water. The total cost of this attachment is $14,106.51 and was budgeted in FY2025-26 to be split evenly among each department. Doing so, however, reduced the costs in each department below the threshold of $5,000 to capitalize this asset purchase pursuant to the City's capitalization policy. In order to correctly record this purchase as a capital asset, staff have recommended that Public Works process a budget amendment to move the funding from their respective department budgets to the Vehicle Replacement Fund line item for equipment purchases. After this budget amendment has been approved, this purchase will be paid out of the Vehicle Replacement Fund for the full value of the asset.
Recommended Council Action
Adopt the resolution authorizing a Budget Adjustment to move funds from Public Works Repair and Maintenance Budgets to VRF Equipment Accounts for the Purchase of a Flail Mower Attachment
Alternative Actions
Council discretion.
Financial Impact
The funding is currently available to purchase the flail mower attachment; however, it is not in the correct account in order to accurately capture the value of the fixed asset being purchased.
In order to accurately account for this, the funding that is currently in the general fund operations budgets will be moved to the Vehicle Replacement Fund. After this, the equipment will be paid for out the VRF.
Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report Approved/Certified
Agenda Item #7.4:
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Resolution Budget Amendment with Exhibit A
Quote - Flail Mower Attachment
Agenda Item #7.4:
City of Sonoma
RESOLUTION # _______ - 2025
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 ADOPTED BUDGET
WHEREAS, on June 18, 2025, the City Council of the City of Sonoma adopted Resolution 37-2025 adopting the budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and WHEREAS, the changes in anticipated revenues and/or expenditures of the City of Sonoma necessitates amendments to the appropriations for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and WHEREAS, the budgeted expenditures do not exceed anticipated revenue and available fund balance; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget amendment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Sonoma that the budget amendment for Fiscal Year 2025-26 as contained in Exhibit A to this resolution are hereby adopted.
PASSED, RESOLVED, AND ADOPTED, at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Sonoma on this 15th day of October 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
__________________________________
Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.4:
Batch ID#:
Entered By:
Date:
Request Date: 10/15/2025 Fiscal Year: 2025-26
Requesting Department: Public Works
Adjustment Description: Adjustment for Purchse of Flail Mower Attachment Requestor: Ashley Cotter, PW Admin/Project Manager
Department Head Approval: Mike Berger, Director of Public Works Date: 10/8/2025 Finance Review: Prapti Aryal, Fiannce Director Date: 10/9/2025 City Manager Approval (if required)*: David Guhin, City Manager Date: 10/9/2025 Net Adjustment:
Justification:
City Clerk Signature (if required)**: Date:
Budget Adjustment Form
Account Description of Adjustment Increase / (Decrease) Finance Department Use Only
603-64510-604-70604 14,106.51
Consolidating existing funding from Parks, Streets, and Water for purchase of flail mower attachment
Total Revenue Adjustments:
Account Description of Adjustment
100-43022-404-60404
Funding from Streets Department for Purchase of Flail Mower Attachment
100-43023-404-60404
Funding from Parks Department for Purchase of Flail Mower Attachment
510-62001-404-60404
Funding from Water Department for Purchase of Flail Mower Attachment (4,702.17)
Total Expenditure Adjustments: (14,106.51)
-
* City Manager Approval required for transfers between departments within the same fund, any changes to salary/benefit budgets, or matching increases to revenue and expense budgets.
** City Clerk Signature indicates that the requested Budget Adjustment was approved by Council. 14,106.51
Increase / (Decrease)
(4,702.17)
(4,702.17)
TOTAL DEBIT
Public Works and Parks would like to purchase a flail mower attachment for vegetation management operations within the Streets, Parks, and Water Departments. These items were budgeted through each department's repair and maintenance budget; however, this will not accurately capture the fixed asset. In order to do that, the funding will be transferred to the Vehicle Replacement Fund, and after the transfer, the equipment will be paid for out of this fund. -
TOTAL CREDIT
Agenda Item #7.4:
Product Quotation
Quotation Number: MH1369915
Quote Sent Date: Aug 22, 2025
Expiration Date: Sep 21, 2025
Your Bobcat Contact
Red Huddleston
Phone: 7073030273
Email: [email protected]
Your Customer Contact
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Deliver to
Bobcat of Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa, CA
3675 SANTA ROSA AVE
Bobcat Dealer
Bobcat of Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa, CA
3675 SANTA ROSA AVE
Bill to
Bobcat of Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa, CA
3675 SANTA ROSA AVE
Item Name Item Number Quantity Unit Price Price Each Total 30" Flail Mower 7225484 1 10,421.64 10,421.64 10,421.64 X-Change Mounting Cap (E32,
E35, E42, E45, E48, E50, E55,
E63)
7238337 1 1,242.39 1,242.39 1,242.39
Flail Mower hoses (All Std Arm
excavators) (E32 LA and E35 LA)
and (E32, E35, E42, E45 and E48
ext arm) (All R2
E42/E48/E50/E60 arm
configurations)
7245468 1 335.73 335.73 335.73
Case Drain E32 & E35 7245617 1 522.38 522.38 522.38
36 Month/1500 Hour Full
Extended Warranty
9997015 1 400.00 400.00 400.00
Total for 30" Flail Mower 12,922.14
Quote Subtotal 12,922.14
Labor/Install Case Drain 390.00
Protect Plus Warranty Discount -400.00
Sales Total before Taxes 12,912.14
Taxes 1,194.37
Quote Total - USD 14,106.51
Agenda Item #7.4:
City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 15 Oct 2025
Department
Administration
Staff Contact
Jenny Yankovich, Assistant to the City Manager
Agenda Item Title
Adopt a Resolution Approving an Adjusted Salary Range to be Commensurate for the Community Development Director Job Classification
Summary
On March 1, 2023, the City Council approved a resolution establishing the Community Development Director position that consolidated responsibility for the City's Building, Planning, Housing and Code Enforcement services and carries oversight of numerous statutory and legal authorities the City is required to have and maintain. At that time, the City Council approved a monthly salary range of $13,506-$16,417 for the Community Development Director position which was based largely on the previous Planning and Building Director duties at the time.
Since its creation, the Community Development Director position has grown to encompass significant additional responsibilities beyond the original scope. This includes oversight of the City's development services, climate action and sustainability initiatives, economic development efforts and priorities, and cross-departmental coordination on complex, highprofile development projects. Given this scope and expectations for the position, the current salary range is not commensurate with the level of responsibility. Benchmarking against comparable jurisdictions and review of the City's internal executive management team salary structure indicates that an adjustment is warranted. Staff proposes an approximate 3% adjustment to the Community Development Director position monthly salary from $14,615.77- $17,765.55 to $15,058-$18,303.
Staff recommends a 3% adjustment to the Community Development Director salary range, increasing it to $15,058-$18,303 per month. This monthly salary adjustment of monthly $443- $538 will be reflected in the 2025/26 mid-year budget process.
Recommended Council Action
Adopt the resolution authorizing an adjustment in monthly salary range of $15,058-$18,303 for the existing job classification of Community Development Director.
Alternative Actions
Council discretion.
Financial Impact
The proposed Community Development Director salary adjustment reflects an approximate 3% monthly salary increase ($443 - $538).
Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report Approved/Certified
Agenda Item #7.5:
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
CD Director Salary Adjustment Resolution
CD Director Salary Adjustment Exhibit A
Agenda Item #7.5:
City of Sonoma
RESOLUTION #_____-2025
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA APPROVING AN ADJUSTED
SALARY RANGE TO BE COMMENSURATE FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR IN THE FY 25/26 BUDGET
WHEREAS, on March 1, 2023, the City Council of the City of Sonoma approved the creation of a new job classification of Community Development Director to increase organizational efficiency by combining high-level departmental oversight functions for the City’s Building Department and Planning Departments; and
WHEREAS, the approved salary range for the Community Development Director position was based largely on the previous Planning and Building Director duties at the time; and WHEREAS, since its creation, the Community Development Director position has grown to encompass significant additional responsibilities beyond the original scope including oversight of the City’s development services, climate action and sustainability initiatives, economic development efforts and cross-departmental coordination on complex and high-profile development projects; and WHEREAS, given this scope and expectations for the positions the current salary range is not commensurate with the level of responsibility for the Community Development Director position; and WHEREAS, benchmarking against comparable jurisdictions and review of the City’s internal executive management team salary structure indicates that an approximate 3% salary adjustment is warranted; and WHEREAS, the salary adjustment of $433-$538 per month was not included in the FY2025/26 budget.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Sonoma hereby approves an adjusted salary range for the Community Development Director position of $15,058 - $18,303 per month to be added to the FY 2025/26 City of Sonoma Salary Schedule as shown in Exhibit A and will be reflected in the FY 2025/26 mid-year budget process.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Sonoma at its regular meeting held on October 15, 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
_______________________________
Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.5:
Annual
EXHIBIT A - SALARY SCHEDULE A B C D E
Community Development Director 180,700 189,735 199 209,183 219,642 Monthly
A B C D E
15,058 15,811 16,602 17,432 18,303
Agenda Item #7.5:
City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 15 Oct 2025
Department
Community Development
Department
Staff Contact
Diane Levine, Associate Planner
Agenda Item Title
An Ordinance amending Sonoma Municipal Code Sections 19.54.080(D) Development Exempt from Design Review and 19.40.110(D) Projections into the Public Right-Of-Way, and finding the Ordinance exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) Summary
In July 2025, staff brought forward a discussion on how awnings are reviewed during the design review process and potential beneficial amendments on how they are regulated. The Planning Commission then directed staff to return with proposed changes for discussion and consideration. On August 19, 2025, staff presented the proposed changes along with cleanup items (non-substantive). At that meeting, staff were directed to reduce subjectivity and provide visual examples that demonstrate the proposed amendments.
On September 18, 2025, Staff presented the requested changes (See Exhibit A, attached) to the Planning Commission including removal of subjective language in SMC Section
19.54.080(D), Development Exempt from Design Review, and amended SMC Section
19.40.110(D), Projections into the Public Right-of-Way regarding the height and placement of awnings, marquees, and canopies. Visual representations of awnings within the city that are consistent with the proposed exemption are attached (See Awning Examples). The Planning Commission recommended the City Council adopt the Ordinance for the proposed amendments with a minor correction of architectural language used to describe the placement of awnings above windows.
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
Introduce the Ordinance amending Sonoma Municipal Code Sections 19.54.080(D), Development Exempt from Design Review and 19.40.110(D), Projections into the Public Right-Of-Way and find the amendments exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA).
Alternative Actions
At council discretion.
Financial Impact
Agenda Item #8.1:
There are no financial implications to this action.
Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Draft Ordinance Design Review Update
Exhibit A
Awning Examples
Agenda Item #8.1:
City of Sonoma
ORDINANCE #_____ - 2025
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA AMENDING SONOMA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 19.54.080(D) DEVELOPMENT EXEMPT FROM DESIGN REVIEW AND SECTION 19.40.110(D) PROJECTIONS INTO THE
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
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 September 18, 2025 and recommended City Council approval with one modification; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Ordinance was introduced by the Sonoma City Council on October 15, 2025.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. RECITALS
The recitals above are each incorporated by reference and adopted as findings by the City Council.
SECTION 2. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS
The Sonoma Municipal Code 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 #8.1:
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 requirements for awnings, marquees, and canopies. Therefore the proposed amendment would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the city.
C. Comply with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as described in Section 4 below; and
The amendments fall under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (B)(3) General Rule. The General Rule, also known as the “Common Sense Exemption” applies to projects in which it is clear and definitive that the project will not have any significant impacts on the environments.
D. The proposed amendment is internally consistent with other applicable provisions of this development code.
The purpose of the amendments is to streamline the design review process to reduce the applicability to only listed or eligible historic resources or properties located in the historic overlay and provide clarity for staff, applicants, and residents.
SECTION 4. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
This ordinance has been assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria contained in 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 #8.1:
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 __ day of _________, 2025 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
_________________________
Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
ATTEST:
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #8.1:
State of California )
County of Sonoma )
City of Sonoma )
I, Rebekah Barr, City Clerk of the City of Sonoma, do hereby certify that the foregoing ordinance was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council of the City of Sonoma, Sonoma County, California, at a meeting thereof, held on _____________, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #8.1:
Exhibit A
The following sections of the Sonoma Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
A. Section 19.54.080(D) (Design Review) of Chapter 19.54 (Planning Permit Approval or Disapproval) is amended as follows (strikeout is used to denote existing text being deleted; underline is used to denote new text being added):
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 buildings and structures.
a. Structures that are listed or determined eligible for listing on the local historical register – paint colors shall be consistent or compatible 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. Awnings, marquees, and canopies compatible with the overall design of the main structure that do not obscure the architectural or character-defining features of the Agenda Item #8.1:
subject building and consistent with the applicable standards of SMC Section
19.40.110(D) Projections into the Public Right-of-Way.
a. For structures that are listed or determined eligible for listing on the local historical register or located within the historic overlay, awnings, marquees, and canopies shall not exceed the width of the storefront opening or associated commercial window opening.
8. 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.
9. 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 design, is located on the same footprint, and does not increase the gross floor area of the previously existing structure.
B. Section 19.40.110(D) (Setback regulations and exceptions) of Chapter 19.40 (General Property Development and Use Standards) is amended as follows (strikeout is used to denote existing text being deleted; underline is used to denote new text being added):
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, Marquees, and Canopies. Subject to the approval of the 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. All portions of any permitted awning, canopy, or marquee shall be not less than eight feet above the finished grade, excluding any valance that shall not be less than seven feet above the finished grade. The horizontal projection may extend to a point not closer than three feet from the curb. No portion of any awning shall be higher than the window header level of the lowest story (if any) exclusive of the ground story and mezzanine, or extend above the bottom of a projecting upper-story window bay, or cover any belt cornice or horizontal molding, provided that no such awning shall in any case exceed a height of 16 feet from the ground level or the roofline of the building to which it is attached, whichever is lower. Where external piers or columns define individual storefront bays, an awning may not cover such piers or columns. Supporting posts or columns shall not be permitted under this provision.
Agenda Item #8.1:
Recommended Placement of Awning and Marquee Examples in Sonoma Agenda Item #8.1:
Agenda Item #8.1:
City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 15 Oct 2025
Department
Public Works
Staff Contact
Michael Berger, Public Works Director
Agenda Item Title
Provide Direction to The City's Representative to the Water Advisory Committee to Vote in Support of the Statement of Interest Related to the Proposed New Eel-Russian Facility and the Associated Water Diversion Agreement Undertaken by the Eel Russian Project Authority Summary
The City of Sonoma purchases most of its water from Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA or Sonoma Water) under a restructured agreement between Sonoma County Water Agency and the following agencies (referred to as water contractors within the agreement): Cities of Cotati, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Sonoma, Town of Windsor, Forestville Water District, North Marin Water District, and Valley of the Moon Water District. This agreement was executed in 2006, with the purpose of providing a water supply for each of the water contractors. This agreement also created the Water Advisory Committee (WAC). This is an advisory committee to represent contractor interest to the SCWA Board of Directors and is comprised of elected officials from each of the eight prime contractors that purchase water from SCWA.
Sonoma Water's supply is sourced from the Russian River system, which relies on water stored in both Lake Sonoma and Lake Mendocino. Historically, inflows to Lake Mendocino have been supplemented by diversions from the Eel River through the Potter Valley Project (PVP), a hydroelectric project formerly owned by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E).
In 2019, PG&E announced its intent to surrender the federal license for the Potter Valley Project, initiating a new process for decommissioning the facilities. Since then, regional partners have worked collaboratively to develop a long-term, sustainable solution to maintain water supply reliability for the Russian River watershed while improving conditions in the Eel River. This effort has evolved into the formation of the Eel-Russian Project Authority (ERPA) and planning for a proposed New Eel-Russian Facility (NERF) that would continue limited water diversions from the Eel River to the Russian River.
To guide Sonoma Water's participation in these ongoing efforts, the WAC and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) have prepared an updated Statement of Interests (SOI). The updated SOI replaces the prior version adopted in 2019 and reflects the significant evolution of project planning since that time, including PG&E's application for license surrender, the formation of ERPA, and development of the proposed NERF.
The updated SOI (Attachment 1) outlines key principals and expectations of the Water Contractors as Sonoma Water participates in the ERPA and Water Diversion Agreement (WDA). It emphasizes:
The need to maintain reliable and sustainable water supplies for all communities served by Sonoma Water.
The importance of equitable cost-sharing and ensuring financial contributions are proportionate to benefits received.
Agenda Item #9.1:
Transparency and collaboration in ERPA's evaluation of long-term water supply and environmental solutions.
Protection of existing agreements, specifically maintaining the 2006 Restructured Agreement through its current term (2040).
Recognition of the City's and other contractor's ongoing financial and regulatory commitments to the Russian River restoration and Biological Opinion Compliance.
At their meeting on October 6, 2025, the TAC voted unanimously to recommend that the updated SOI be brought before the WAC consideration and action at its November 3, 2025 meeting.
Adoption of the SOI by the WAC will help guide Sonoma Water's participation in ERPA and related agreements as regional planning efforts move forward as well as ensuring the interests of the City and other contractors are clearly represented.
Recommended Council Action
Provide Direction to The City's Representative to the Water Advisory Committee to Vote in Support of the Statement of Interest Related to the Proposed New Eel-Russian Facility and the Associated Water Diversion Agreement Undertaken by the Eel Russian Project Authority.
Alternative Actions
Council discretion.
Financial Impact
There is no direct fiscal impact from this action. Over the long term, decisions arising from the updated Statement of Interest, including those related to the Potter Valley Project Relicensing and other regional water planning efforts, could influence the wholesale water rates that the Sonoma County Water Agency charges to the City. The intent of the WAC’s Resolution is to ensure that all water contractors, including the City, have an opportunity to review, understand, and provide input on these potential impacts.
Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Statement of Interest (SOI)
Alignment with Council Goals:
Agenda Item #9.1:
Water Advisory Committee to Sonoma County Water Agency
Statement of Interests related to the proposed New Eel-Russian Facility and the Associated Water Diversion Agreement undertaken by the Eel Russian Project Authority
The Water Advisory Committee (WAC) and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) represent the municipal water suppliers (Water Contractors) located in central and southern Sonoma County and Marin County that receive wholesale water supply from Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water), which receives its water from the Russian River System. The WAC and TAC support and request Sonoma Water continue to identify and implement water supply resiliency solutions in response to the planned Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license surrender and decommissioning of Pacific Gas & Electric’s (PG&E) Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project (PVP). The WAC has adopted the following Statement of Interests to guide Sonoma Water’s participation in the Eel-Russian Project Authority (ERPA):
1. Recognize that Russian River water supply is significantly different north and south of the Russian River confluence with Dry Creek (Confluence). Water supplies north of the Confluence are almost entirely reliant on the PVP diversion, runoff, and Lake Mendocino storage, while supplies south of the Confluence principally rely on Lake Sonoma storage.
2. Recognize the continued diversion of water from the PVP and planned through the proposed New Eel-Russian Facility (NERF) into the Russian River watershed supports overall water supply reliability, fisheries, and operations of Lake Mendocino, as well as, particularly during dry periods, providing water volume to supplement releases from Lake Sonoma thereby preserving storage.
3. Recognize that with the surrender of the PVP license, Sonoma Water will need to modify its water rights to no longer rely on cumulative inflow into Lake Pillsbury to determine the type of hydrologic year. Support Sonoma Water in modifying its Russian River water rights to align with water supply sources and by reflective of how the Russian River system operates.
4. As outlined in the Water Diversion Agreement, support ERPA in evaluating all possible alternatives to a continued diversion from the Eel River to the Russian River. The analysis should be transparent, include representation from the Water Contractors, identify cost effective, resilient, and environmentally beneficial solutions to ensure the reliability of the fisheries, recreation and water supply for agriculture, domestic and municipal purposes.
5. Ensure any outcomes or recommendations by the ERPA Board maintain water supply reliability of the Russian River, support the significant investments made by Sonoma Water and the Water Contractors in Russian River ecosystem and fishery restoration initiatives, and costs are allocated based on benefit received.
6. Provide ongoing opportunities for meaningful input and representation in any forum that evaluates water supply resiliency solutions for the Russian River.
October 6, 2025 TAC Meeting
Agenda Item 11
ATTACHMENT 1
Agenda Item #9.1:
7. Ensure any decisions regarding the PVP and NERF are consistent with the 2006 Restructured Agreement for Water Supply between Sonoma Water and the Water Contractors (Restructured Agreement) including, but not limited to, Section 2.4, Potter Valley Project. Request Sonoma Water, as a member of ERPA, advocate for decisions consistent with the Restructured Agreement.
8. Support the actions stipulated in Section 2.4 of the Restructured Agreement and do not support reopening the Restructured Agreement prior to the current term date of 2040.
9. Recognize that the parties to the Water Diversion Agreement (WDA) represent multiple interests and include California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), California Trout, ERPA, County of Humboldt, Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission (IWPC), Round Valley Indian Tribes (RVIT), County of Sonoma, Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water), and Trout Unlimited (Parties).
10. Recognize that the Water Contractors are not a party to the WDA and therefore any obligations under the WDA do not bind the Water Contractors.
11. Recognize that the Water Contractors have significant, state-mandated obligations to continuously provide safe and reliable water supplies for the communities that they serve.
12. Recognize that certain water rights currently used by PG&E for PVP will be ultimately transferred to the RVIT (Project Water Rights) and the use of those Project Water Rights for NERF diversions will come at a significant cost (Lease Payments) both annually and in total for the duration of the Initial and Renewal Terms of the WDA.
13. Recognize that in addition to the significant costs associated with Lease Payments, the Parties (except CDFW) to the WDA have committed to raise $50 million during the Initial Term and have an aspirational goal of $100 million during the Renewal Term for the restoration of the Eel River as well as $100 million to enhance water supply reliability in the Russian River. These amounts are significant, and the source of the funding is unknown.
14. Recognize that the combination of capital costs, operations & maintenance costs, future decommissioning costs, and the lease and restoration payments paid by ERPA will have a profound effect on the overall cost of the diverted water. It is critical that Sonoma Water, and ERPA, recognize the multiple beneficiaries and proportionality of their demand when devising a revenue plan. The Contractors would not support a revenue scheme that has a disproportionate financial effect on a beneficiary, or group of beneficiaries and support a fair distribution, based on benefits received, amongst all the various Russian River water users (recreation, environment, agriculture, residential, municipal and industrial) who will benefit from the NERF.
15. Recognize that the California Constitution places limits on the amounts that may be charged by Sonoma Water to the Water Contractors, and on the amounts that each Water Contractor is authorized to include in its retail water Agenda Item #9.1:
rates. Accordingly, any costs to the Water Contractors related to the continued diversion of water through the planned NERF must be proportionate to the benefit received by each Water Contractor.
16.Ask Sonoma Water and ERPA to request that the State Water Board enforce limits on water use, especially in the upper Russian River (north of the Dry Creek confluence), in order to maintain the benefits of any future Eel River Diversions.
17. Recognize that since 2006, the Water Contractors (and thereby the residents and businesses of those cities and districts in Sonoma and Marin Counties) have, through their water purchases from Sonoma Water, collectively contributed approximately $50.6 Million to the restoration of the Russian River watersheds, and compliance with the Biological Opinion, both of which have benefits well beyond that of municipal water supply and that these contributions will continue accruing significantly throughout the full duration of the 2006 Restructured Agreement.
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