City of Sonoma 2025 Council Goals: Status Report Page 5 of 11 • Green links policies being incorporated into draft General Plan process. • Completed the Plaza Park Topographical Study.
• Hired a consultant to complete a Historic Landscape Survey of the Plaza Park. • Plaza Master Plan Request for Proposals launched on January 9, 2026. Final report will help guide future maintenance, landscaping, and service delivery methods. • Adopted a $25,000 budget for continued planning efforts. • Analysis of current cost recovery model and opportunities for funding and revenue generations will be included as part of the Plaza Master Plan process. • Released a Request for Proposals for a Facilities Condition Assessment on January 6, 2026.
This will provide facilities condition assessments on city owned facilities that will inform facilities capital projects for many years to come.
Cemeteries Operations, Revenue Sustainability & Planning • Installed new columbarium at both Mountain and Veterans’Cemeteries to increase available inventory.
• Nearly doubled cemetery revenue year over year, increasing from $86,000 to $168,000 between the first half of FY 24/25 and the first half FY 25/26. • More than doubled available inventory sold year over year, increasing from 22 to 49 between the first half of FY 24/25 and the first half of FY 25/26. • Completed three volunteer community cemetery clean-up days, plus one an additional dedicated workday conducted by St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Helped to build community awareness, support, and volunteer opportunities. • Installed groundwater monitoring test ports at Veterans’Cemetery to track water levels and inform future interment planning and feasibility.
• Initiated survey work for Mountain and Veterans Cemetery to evaluate and plan for future interment spacing.
• Reallocated staff resources to increase the frequency and consistency of cemetery maintenance.
• Serviced and maintained cemetery equipment to ensure safe operation and extend equipment lifespan.
• Continued comprehensive audit and cleanup of cemetery records to improve accuracy, organization, and long-term record integrity.
• Contacted all individuals and families on the interment waitlist to provide updates on available options and next steps.
• Advanced the Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and burial locator project, including ongoing data verification and cross-referencing with existing cemetery records.
Agenda Item #9.3:
City of Sonoma 2025 Council Goals: Status Report Page 6 of 11 Community Programs, Nonprofits & Cultural Services
• Streamlined Discretionary Use Funding Requests program – Over $71,000 in discretionary funding awarded to 25 local non-profit organizations whose projects benefit the Sonoma Valley community in FY 25/26.
• Allocated $50,000 to Sonoma Splash to support operational costs and subsidized swimming programs.
• Maintained funding and program support for core community partners as part of the Recreation and Community Services Program, including Sonoma Ecology Center, Boys & Girls Club, Sonoma Community Center, Vintage House Senior Center, and Field of Dreams. • Provided fee waivers to nonprofits that coordinate heritage community events at the Plaza, totaling more than $46,000.
• Subsidized rent at the Marcy House, Depot Park Museum, and Maysonnave House, supporting historical programming and preservation efforts. • Sustained fare-free transit (bus route 32) for Sonoma Valley residents through continued partnership with Sonoma County Transit.
• Refurbished benches and tables throughout the Plaza and Grinstead amphitheater through a generous redwood donation from Sonoma Raceway.
• Partnered with Sonoma Garden Club for dedicated care to the Plaza rose garden. Anticipate expanding collaborative efforts to horseshoe garden area in 2026.
Arts Programs, Projects and Partnerships
• Activated the Public Art Fund and funded the Utility Box Art Wrap Pilot Project. • Put out our first call for art for Utility Box Art Wrap Pilot Project (expected to announce artists and installation in early 2026).
• Created online resources for Public Art in Sonoma and launched an online Public Art Proposal form accessible to the public and are developing/refining a ‘toolbox’ for public art. • Received our first Public Art Proposal from the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art. • Transitioned the curation, installation and management of the City Council Chambers Art Exhibitions to the Sonoma Community Center. Exhibitions included the Earth Day Photo Contest Exhibit and a retrospective of work by 2025 Treasure Artist Margaret Hatcher. • Partnered with the Sonoma Community Center on the Earth Day Photo Contest, with plans to fully transition management of the annual contest in 2026. • Artistic elements incorporated into the upcoming Olsen Park renovation project. Anticipated collaboration between Parks, Recreation and Open Space and Cultural and Fine Arts Commission with upcoming park enhancement projects.
• Conducted site walks to identify locations for future temporary art installations by the Cultural and Fine Arts Commission ad-hoc committee.
Agenda Item #9.3:
City of Sonoma 2025 Council Goals: Status Report Page 7 of 11
3. Economic Development/Financial Stability
The City Council prioritized economic vitality and financial stability through enhanced revenue stewardship, strategic implementation of the voter-approved sales tax measure, support for local businesses, diversification of the local economy, pursuit of grant funding, and initiation of long-term planning for the Plaza and surrounding commercial areas.
Accomplishments:
Revenue Stewardship, Budgeting & Financial Systems
• Implemented OpenGov Budget & Planning platform to enhance focus on revenue stewardship and budget management.
• The FY 25/26 budget was the first City budget developed within the OpenGov portal, representing a significant improvement in the City’s budget development and financial management processes. This transition strengthened oversight of revenue assumptions and expenditure trends, improved alignment between Council priorities and budget allocations, and enhanced transparency and consistency across departments. • Completed the City’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project (AMI), which provided more accurate water meters for the City’s population, allowing them to monitor their use while also providing more accurate water bills and addressing any lost revenue from inaccurate, older water meters.
• Submitted five funding applications to Sonoma County Transit and Climate Authorities for transportation related projects – collectively applied for approximately $8 million dollars for projects (over a 5-year cycle).
Voter-Approved Revenue Measures & Implementation
• Implemented Measure T following voter approval in November 2024 by integrating revenues into the FY 25/26 budget and multi-year financial planning, with annual public reporting.
Measure T generated approximately $1.3 million in FY 24/25 and $850,000 in the first quarter of FY 25/26.
Local Business Support, Permitting & Downtown Activation • Approved new 15-minute drop off zones (green curbs) around the plaza. • Started ordinance to streamline sign approval process. • Creation of new promotional activities such as bi-annual retail Sidewalk Sale to assist local shops, “Sonoma Sips” campaign to attract new customers to wine experiences at a lower cost and continuation of the Shop Small Sonoma and Sonoma Sip & Shop to highlight the importance of supporting our locally owned businesses.
• Continued sponsorship of Sonoma Art Walk - First Thursdays, supporting our arts and business communities by bringing people downtown to the Plaza for a cultural experience. • Streamlined permitting processes for business licenses, sidewalk seating, temporary winter tenting, signage, etc. to help businesses can efficiently access the tools they need for growth while ensuring compliance with City codes.
Agenda Item #9.3:
City of Sonoma 2025 Council Goals: Status Report Page 8 of 11 • Working with Sonoma Raceway to plan promotional activities within the City of Sonoma leading up to their large race events (NASCAR and NHRA) to capture economic benefit from those existing programs.
• Presented “Go Sonoma” project amendment to develop a bike boulevard at Third Street West connecting the Fryer Creek Path and the Sonoma Bike Path, which will provide greater access to local businesses on the Plaza for visitors as well as providing an alternative bike route for employees working on the Plaza.
Business Diversification & Industry Cluster Development • In partnership with Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce, established new Industry Cluster meetings for businesses that are not directly linked to tourism including a Housing, Construction & Real Estate group, Health, Wellness and Senior Services and Tech/Entrepreneurship.
• Relaunching of “LocalFest” Business Expo to highlight and promote businesses that are new to the City of Sonoma and Sonoma Valley in the previous year. • Proactive outreach and coordination with City Staff, including new Parks & Recreation Director, Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce and other relevant entities to assist with the recruitment and implementation of potential community events that will attract new visitors to the region including a running race event, a crosscountry motorcycle ride, and others. • Working on the creation of new directory websites specifically for Sonoma Valley businesses in the Housing/Real Estate and Health & Wellness fields to ensure that residents can conveniently find local businesses to support rather than firms based outside of Sonoma Valley. Websites are currently in development with plans to launch in early 2026. • Worked with Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce to create a new networking event series specifically for non-hospitality businesses to ensure that local serving businesses and those that do not cater to visitors are able to work together, share resources and help build each other’s businesses grow.
Plaza Corridor Planning & Connectivity
• Plaza park Master Plan RFP released on January 9, 2026. While this project is specific to Plaza Park, the scope of work calls for connectivity opportunities to the surrounding parks and open space areas. Additionally, the upcoming Depot Park Capital Improvement Project will include opportunities for increased access, signage, and connectivity.
Agenda Item #9.3:
City of Sonoma 2025 Council Goals: Status Report Page 9 of 11
4. Unification/Annexation
The City Council reaffirmed its commitment to fostering stronger connections with Sonoma Valley’s unincorporated communities through inclusive governance, coordinated disaster preparedness, evaluation of shared service opportunities, and continued exploration of annexation, unification, and valley-wide infrastructure financing strategies.
Accomplishments:
Sonoma Valley Inclusion & Representation
• Continue to encourage participation and recognition of Valley residents in Student Creative Artist Awards, Treasure Artist, Alcalde, City Commissions. • Allocated Discretionary Use Funding to Valley organizations. • Support and participate in the Valley Community-Based Food Network (CBFN) to address food insecurity and strengthen a long-term social safety net for Sonoma Valley residents. • Fund a portion of Sonoma County Transit’s Fare Free program to ensure community members have access to transportation throughout the Sonoma Valley and surrounding areas.
Regional Emergency Preparedness & Resilience
• Continued regular communications with the City-led Community Partners Emergency Preparedness & Response Network and held two in person meetings that feature presentations and exercises.
• Participated in the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update including a joint meeting to receive public comment/input with the Sonoma Valley Fire District and Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management.
• Staff participates in weekly operational area briefings, monthly emergency shelter meetings, emergency coordinator forum meetings, etc.
• Sonoma Valley Library identified as location for regional emergency cooling center operation. • Participated in the County Department of Emergency Management Springs Evacuation Exercise.
• Partnered with County, Ecology Center, Sonoma Valley Fire District and other regional partners on prescribed burn in Montini in June – is part of a broader effort to strategically conduct prescribed and controlled burn operations to better protect Valley from catastrophic wildfire.
Shared Services & Homelessness Coordination
• Continue to make progress with regional approach to Homeless Services including emergency cooling and warming operations.
Valley-Wide Infrastructure Financing (EIFD)
• Working with the County and EIFD consultant on developing alternatives for evaluation by the City Council in 2026.
Agenda Item #9.3:
City of Sonoma 2025 Council Goals: Status Report Page 10 of 11
5. Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
The City Council directed continued implementation of adopted Climate Action Strategies, enhancement of green infrastructure and tree policies, prioritization of vulnerable populations, evaluation of dedicated climate coordination capacity, and ongoing focus on fire and flood resilience to ensure a sustainable and climate-ready Sonoma.
Accomplishments:
Climate Action Strategy Implementation & Public Engagement • ‘Climate Smart Sonoma’ public information effort in 4th quarter of 2025 featured the many ways the City of Sonoma and CAC are working to reach climate goals. • Obtained Charging Smart Silver designation for electric vehicle readiness. • Identified four Priority Conservation Areas in the City with the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to make City eligible for funding of projects within those areas.
• Adopted an updated Active Transportation Plan (ATP) to improve the bicycle and pedestrian network, with the goal of decreasing Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). • Continued design for Sonoma County Transit electric charger installation for buses at the City Corporation Yard.
• Hired a part-time sustainability coordinator.
Urban Forestry, Conservation & Natural Systems
• Continued turf rebates for turf removal.
• Adopted new City Master Tree List incorporating trees from the UC Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County.
• Authorized a contract for an updated Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP), which is a water conservation planning document, which will be completed in 2026. • Authorized an agreement with Sonoma County Water Agency to participate in Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional (CII) Spatial Analysis for Water Conservation as a Way of Life regulations.
Fire, Flood & Hazard Mitigation
• Advanced a whole community approach to emergency management through the 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update.
• Concerted effort to make City website, online materials and public information inclusive and ADA accessible.
• Integrated wildfire and flooding hazards into the 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan update, with identified mitigation actions to reduce risk and improve community resilience. • Adopted the CalFire Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps.
• Continued vegetation management at various parks to reduce fire risk.
Agenda Item #9.3:
City of Sonoma 2025 Council Goals: Status Report Page 11 of 11 Conclusion
The City of Sonoma has made significant progress in achieving the 2025 Council Goals, and we are committed to building on these successes in the coming year. These accomplishments reflect our dedication to making Sonoma a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive community.
We will continue to work closely with our residents, businesses, and community partners in moving the City Council Goals forward to ensure that Sonoma remains a place where everyone can live, work, and enjoy the unique quality of life that our city offers.
The City Council will hold a goal setting process for 2026 on January 30, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Sonoma Community Center, Room #110 to further review and provide direction for changes, updates or modifications for the upcoming year.
Agenda Item #9.3:
City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 26 Jan 2026
Department
Administration
Staff Contact
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item Title
Letters of Interest Received and Direction to Mayor Wellander or His Designee Regarding Nominations for Appointees to Regional Commissions & Committees on Behalf of the Mayors' and Councilmembers' Association of Sonoma County
Summary
The City of Sonoma is a member of the Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association of Sonoma County (MCMASC). The MCMASC meets on the second Thursdays of the months of February, April, June, August, and October to connect and plan for the future on matters that affect the cities in Sonoma County. All Mayors and Council Members in the incorporated cities in Sonoma County make up the membership of the association. The Mayors of these cities serve as the Board of Directors and the Sonoma County City Selection Committee.
The Board of Directors will make an appointment to two regional boards at the next meeting on January 26, 2026, here in the City of Sonoma. Listed below are the appointments and individuals who have submitted letters of interest for consideration at the February meeting of the Mayors & Council Members Board.
Board of Directors
Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Aviation Commission - 2 Seats. 4-year term starting in February.
Letters Received:
David Hagele of Healdsburg
Tanya Potter of Windsor
Mark Stapp of Santa Rosa
Childcare Planning Council - 1 seat (to fill the expiring term of Mayor Stephen Zollman of Sebastopol). 3-year term starting in February.
Letters Received:
Karen Nau of Petaluma
Samantha Rodriguez of Rohnert Park
Stephen Zollman of Sebastopol
Recommended Council Action
Give direction to Mayor Wellander or his designee regarding appointment.
Agenda Item #9.4:
Alternative Actions
Council discretion.
Financial Impact
N/A
Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Charles M Schulz So Co Aviation Commission Letters
Childcare Planning Council Letters
Agenda Item #9.4:
January 9, 2026
2026 Chair City, City of Santa Rosa
Sonoma County Mayors’ and Councilmembers Association
100 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Attn: Ms. Lauren Berges, MCA Clerk
Re: Letter of Interest - Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Aviation Commission Honorable Mayors and Councilmembers,
Please accept this as my Letter of Interest and humble request for appointment to one of the open seats on the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Aviation Commission.
I have served Healdsburg as a Councilmember since 2016 and during that time, have had the privilege to serve on numerous local and regional boards and commissions, including serving as Chair of the Northern California Power Agency, The Great Redwood Trail Agency and the North Coast Railroad Authority.
The Aviation Commission is focused on airport operational policy, safety, noise and community issues, capital planning, along with broader aviation matters affecting Sonoma County. With a decade of experience as an elected official advocating on behalf of our residents at the State and Federal level and professional background in commercial real estate, I will bring a valuable perspective and voice to the Aviation Commission on behalf of the community members we all represent.
I appreciate your consideration of my request for appointment to the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Aviation Commission. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at (707) 578- 7800.
Thank you,
David Hagele,
Councilmember
City of Healdsburg
CITY OF HEALDSBURG
401 Grove Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448-4723
Phone: (707) 431-3317
Fax: (707) 431-3321
Visit us at www.healdsburg.gov
Agenda Item #9.4:
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Agenda Item #9.4:
December 8, 2025
2026 Chair City, City of Santa Rosa
Sonoma County Mayors & Councilmembers’Association
100 Santa Rosa Avenue
Santa Rosa CA 95404
Attn: Lauren Berges, MCA Clerk ([email protected])
RE: Letter of Interest for Childcare Planning Council
Dear Ms. Berges:
Please accept my request for your support for my appointment to the Sonoma County Childcare Planning Council. I believe my four decades of experience as an Early Childcare Education Master Teacher in Petaluma uniquely qualifies me to serve on this important County committee. Over the years, I have witnessed—and helped implement—many positive changes in the field of childcare, consistently advocating for high-quality education for our youngest learners.
My career has allowed me to work within the full spectrum of childcare environments, including home-based childcare, City-run programs, non-profit organizations, and for-profit programs. I earned my Early Childhood Education Certificate from Santa Rosa Junior College and the State of California Office of Education in 1985, following many years as a licensed Sonoma County Childcare Home Provider. These experiences have provided me with a deep and well-rounded understanding of the needs, challenges, and opportunities within the childcare landscape.
I would appreciate the opportunity to contribute my knowledge and experience to future planning and decision-making in childcare across Sonoma County. Thank you for your consideration and for the opportunity to submit my name as a prospective member of this committee. I respectfully ask for your support. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 707-529-2487 or [email protected] . Sincerely, Karen Nau Petaluma City Council Member
District 3
Agenda Item #9.4:
Agenda Item #9.4:
Agenda Item #9.4:
January 2, 2026
2026 Chair City, City of Santa Rosa
Sonoma County Mayors’ and Councilmembers’
Association
100 Santa Rosa Avenue,
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
ATTN: Lauren Berges, MCA Clerk
Dear Chair, Vice Chair and Fellow Electeds:
Happy new year to all and I am excited to be submitting my letter of interest to continue serving as our Association’s appointee to our county’s Child Care Planning Council.
In May of 2025, I was honored to have completed my seventh year on this Council that serves the needs of our youngest and their families. I was appointed previously by a prior board of supervisor. During my time as the Association’s appointee, I was elected to fill a partial term as co-chair and then was recently re-elected as chair elect. I was able to assist with bringing in Dr. Amy Carter to present about SCOE to the full body and then to bring in Liz DePrimo, the wonderful Child Care Planning Council coordinator, and Joanna Paun, a Petaluma School Board Member and our county’s McKinney Vento coordinator, to talk about the alarmingly high and rapidly increasing numbers of our homeless and foster care youth to the Board members.
It would be an ongoing honor to continue representing our Association on the Child Care Planning Care Planning Council and continue to share the Council’s work with the Association to continue to see how we can advance the Council’s mission.
Agenda Item #9.4:
Representing and advocating for our youth has been an ongoing passion all of my life and the Council’s work is deeply meaningful to me.
As always, If you have questions, please reach out. Thank you very much for you that you continue to do and for your consideration.
All Best,
signed
Stephen Zollman
Sebastopol Council Member
[email protected]
cell 415-218-9835
Agenda Item #9.4: