Agenda — Sonoma City Council, January 26, 2026 (part 1 of 2)

City Council:

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

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

OF THE SONOMA CITY COUNCIL
City Council Chambers, 177 First Street West
Monday, January 26, 2026
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 Government Code Section 54953.8.3.

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 pursuant to Government Code Section 54953.8.3, 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.

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REGULAR MEETING

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

REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

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

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

2. MEETING DEDICATIONS

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

4. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

5. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS

6. PRESENTATIONS

6.1: Proclamation Proclaiming the Month of January 2026 as National Mentoring Month in the City of Sonoma

6.2: Presentation on Sonoma Police Department 2025 Statistics by Brandon Cutting, Chief of Police

6.3: Extreme Cold Weather Response Planning: Review of Activation Criteria & Emergency Warming Center Operations by Sarah Tracy, Senior Management Analyst/PIO)

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 the Minutes for the Regular Meetings of December 3, 2025, and December 17, 2025 (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
RECOMMENDATION: Receive the Minutes.

12.03.2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
5 - 9

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12.17.2025 Regular Meeting Minutes

7.3: Accept the Expenditure Report for the Month of December 2025 (Prapti Aryal, Finance Director)
RECOMMENDATION: Accept report
Agenda Report - Expenditure Report December 2025 - Pdf
10 - 20

7.4: Adopt an Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code to Implement Housing Element Program 15 and an Ordinance to Implement Housing Element Program 20 and Finding the Ordinances Exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the Ordinances.

Agenda Report - HE Implementation Ord Adoption - Pdf
21 - 52

7.5: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Demolition of the Front Entry Trellis and the Deck Framing at Fire Station #1 in the Amount of 34,650.00, and Authorizing the City Manager to Approve $3,465 (10%) in Contingency, and Adopt a Resolution Authorizing a Budget Amendment to Increase Expenditures from the Long Term Building Maintenance Fund (Fund 610) (Ashley Cotter, Public Works Admin & Project Manager)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the Resolution.

Agenda Report - Fire Station #1 Limited Demo Contract - Pdf 53 - 71

8. PUBLIC HEARING

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

9.1: Selection of the 2026 City of Sonoma Alcalde (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk) RECOMMENDATION: Receive and ratify the nomination of the 2026 Alcalde from Mayor Wellander.

Agenda Report - Alcalde Selection - Pdf
72 - 78

9.2: Mid-Year Budget Update Report for FY 2025-26 and a Resolution of the City Council Approving Mid-Year Budget Adjustments (Prapti Aryal, Finance Director)
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and File the FY 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Update and the Resolution Approving the Associated Mid-Year Budget Adjustments.

Agenda Report - 25/26 Mid Year Budget Report - Pdf
79 - 116

9.3: Update on 2025 Council Goals (David Guhin, City Manager) RECOMMENDATION: Receive update.

Agenda Report - 2025 Council Goals - Pdf
117 - 129

9.4: 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 (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
RECOMMENDATION: Give direction to Mayor Wellander or his designee regarding appointment.

Agenda Report - MCMASC Appointments - Pdf
130 - 141

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

REMAIN)
At 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.

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

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.

NOTE: Portions of this document may have been drafted with support from AI-based tools, consistent with City of Sonoma policy on use of artificial intelligence. All information represented in this document has been reviewed by City of Sonoma staff.

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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, December 3, 2025

6:00 PM Regular Meeting
Regular Meeting Minutes, December 3, 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: Mayor Farrar-Rivas, Vice Mayor Wellander, Council Member Gurney, and Council Member Ding
ABSENT: Council Member Lowe

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 with Council Member Lowe absent.

1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
None.

2. MEETING DEDICATIONS
None.

3. COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Vice Mayor Wellander attended the Annual Lighting of the Plaza on November 18, 2025, and participated in a Zero Waste Sonoma meeting on November 20, 2025. On Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, he attended the community Thanksgiving meal at the Veterans Building, and he concluded the month by attending the Annual Tractor Parade on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

Council Member Gurney noted that over 600 meals were served during the annual Thanksgiving Meal at the Veterans Building. Mr. Gurney also attended the Chamber of Commerce's Community Breakfast on December 3, 2025.

Council Member Ding attended a Zero Waste Sonoma meeting on November 20, 2025.

Mayor Farrar-Rivas attended the Annual Lighting of the Plaza on November 18, 2025, followed by a Sonoma Clean Power Citizens Advisory Commission meeting and a meeting with the Sonoma IndexTribune on November 21, 2025. She also attended the Annual Tractor Parade on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

4. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Manager Guhin thanked everyone for another successful Tractor Parade. He announced that the annual Santa on the Plaza event will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, followed that evening by Hula for the Holidays in the Amphitheater. On Saturday, December 6, 2025, the Sonoma Hometown Band Holiday Show will take place in the Amphitheater. He also shared that the nomination period for the 2026 Alcalde is now open and will close at 5:00 p.m. on January 7, 2026. In addition, the Sonoma Art Walk will be held on December 4, 2025. Mr. Guhin was pleased to announce that the City’s Cultural & Fine Arts Commission (CFAC) selected Ada Limón as the 2026 Treasure Artist. He concluded by giving a birthday shoutout to his stepdaughter, Diana.

5. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS
None.

6. PRESENTATIONS
None.

7. CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Motion by Vice Mayor Wellander, seconded by Council Member Gurney, to approve the consent calendar as presented. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote with Council Member Lowe absent.

Agenda Item #7.2:

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Regular Meeting Minutes, December 03, 2025
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 the Minutes from the Regular Meeting of November 19, 2025 (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
Action: The minutes were received.

8. PUBLIC HEARING
Item 8.1: Public Hearing to Adopt an Ordinance Repealing Chapter 14.10 of the Sonoma Municipal Code and Reenacting a New Chapter 14.10 Adopting New Administrative Provisions and Adopting by Reference Parts 1 through 12 of the 2025 California Building Standards Code and local Amendments (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director)
Action: Adopted as Ordinance 13-2025.

Public Hearing Open: 6:20 p.m.

Public Comments: None.

Public Hearing Closed: 6:21 p.m.

Motion by Council Member Ding, seconded by Vice Mayor Wellander, to Adopt an Ordinance Repealing Chapter 14.10 of the Sonoma Municipal Code and Reenacting a New Chapter 14.10 Adopting New Administrative Provisions and Adopting by Reference Parts 1 through 12 of the 2025 California Building Standards Code and local Amendments. Motion carried unanimously with Council Member Lowe absent.

9. REGULAR CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Item 9.1: Study Session to Discuss Options for Mobilehome Park Closures and Conversions Under the City of Sonoma Municipal Code and Recent Legislative Changes Under AB 2782 and SB 610 (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director) Action: Study Session was held.

City Attorney Ruderman stated for the record that Council Member Lowe is recusing herself from item

9.1 as she lives within 500 feet of a mobilehome park.

Public Comment: Ann Colichides, Bonnie Joy Kaslan, Lynn Marie de Vincent, Cailtin Cornwall, John Kyle, Gary Hermes, Kate Fabie, Ted Haas Lumiere, Carrie Ledy, Mary Sterns, Robert Demler, and Denny Derosos.

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

11. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Farrar-Rivas adjourned the meeting at 9:50 p.m.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing minutes were duly and regularly received at a regular meeting of the Sonoma City Council on the 26th of January 2026.
____________________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.2:

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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, December 17, 2025

6:00 PM Regular Meeting
Regular Meeting Minutes, December 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: Mayor Farrar-Rivas, Vice Mayor Wellander, Council Member Lowe, Council Member Gurney, and Council Member Ding

REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
There was no Closed Session held.

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

1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Stephanie Fine, Tome Graves, and Steve McCroskey provided public comments.

2. MEETING DEDICATIONS
Council Member Lowe dedicated the meeting to the remembrance of those affected by recent tragedies, including individuals observing Hanukkah, students at Brown University, and Rob and Michelle Reiner. Vice Mayor Wellander dedicated the meeting to the Sonoma Valley High School Football Team.

3. COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Vice Mayor Wellander, along with Mayor Farrar-Rivas and Council Member Ding, attended a ribboncutting ceremony for Sol Rei Wines on December 11, 2025. On December 17, 2025, he attended a Homeless Coalition Board Meeting.

On December 11, 2025, Council Member Gurney attended a Sonoma Tourism Improvement District meeting.

Mayor Farrar-Rivas attended the Sonoma County Democratic Christmas Party on December 7, 2025, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the cemetery at Sol Rei Wines on December 11, 2025. She also attended a Sonoma Clean Power meeting on December 14, 2025, as well as the Lighting of the Menorah held in the Plaza’s Amphitheater on December 17, 2025.

4. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Manager Guhin provided a weather update and discussed how it may impact upcoming City events. He noted that the Holiday Serenades, scheduled for Sunday, will be relocated to the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art due to weather conditions. He also shared that the nomination period for the 2026 Alcalde is now open and will close at 5:00 p.m. on January 7, 2026. In addition, Mr. Guhin informed the public that the annual City Council Goal Setting session will be held at the Sonoma Community Center on January 30, 2026. City Manager Guhin took time to acknowledge City staff for their contributions and efforts throughout the past year. He concluded by recapping upcoming dates, including a City Council meeting on Monday, January 26, 2026, the State of the Valley on January 29, 2026, and the Council Goal Setting session on January 30, 2026.

5. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS
City Attorney Ruderman provided an update regarding Senate Bill 827.

6. PRESENTATIONS
Item 6.1: Presentation to Receive an Update on the 2026 Transcendence Season Public Comment: Tom Graves

7. CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Motion by Council Member Lowe, seconded by Council Member Ding, to approve the consent calendar as presented, with items 7.7, 7.8, and 7.9 being pulled for separate discussion. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Agenda Item #7.2:

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Regular Meeting Minutes, December 17, 2025
Item 7.1: Waive further reading and Authorize Introduction and/or Adoption of Ordinances by Title Only. (Standard procedural action - no backup information provided) Item 7.2: Adopt a Resolution Approving the City of Sonoma’s Measure H Maintenance of Effort (MOE) baseline for FY 2021–22 and the MOE and personnel MOE calculations for the FY 2024–25 reporting year, and authorizing the City Manager to submit these values in, and approve, the First Amendment to Measure H Funding Agreement Between the County of Sonoma and the City of Sonoma (David Guhin, City Manager)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 67-2025.

Item 7.3: Accept the Expenditure Report for the Month of November 2025 (Prapti Aryal, Finance Director)
Action: The expenditure report was accepted.

Item 7.4: Adopt a Resolution to (a) Accept the City’s Annual Report and Findings Regarding Development Impact Fees as Required by the Mitigation Fee Act and the Quimby Act for Fiscal Year 2024-25; and (b) Approve the Reauthorization of the Intended Use of Retained Funds Collected for Improvements that Remain Unspent for More than Five Years (Prapti Aryal, Finance Director and Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 68-2025.

Item 7.5: Receive the 2026 Annual City Meeting Calendar (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk) Action: Adopted as Resolution 69-2025.

Item 7.6: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with Two Additional Consultant Companies to Provide Plan Check, and Building Inspection Services (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director) Action: Adopted as Resolution 70-2025.

Item 7.7: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with Page and Turnbull to Complete a Citywide Historic Resource Survey and Historic Context Statements (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 71-2025.

Public Comment: Robert Demler
Motion by Vice Mayor Wellander, seconded by Council Member Lowe, to Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with Page and Turnbull to Complete a Citywide Historic Resource Survey and Historic Context Statements. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Item 7.8: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with Architectural Resources Group to Prepare a Historic Landscape Survey Report for the Sonoma Plaza and Amending the FY2025-26 Adopted Budget (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 72-2025.

Public Comment: Robert Demler
Motion by Council Member Ding, seconded by Council Member Lowe, to Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with Architectural Resources Group to Prepare a Historic Landscape Survey Report for the Sonoma Plaza and Amending the FY2025-26 Adopted Budget. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Item 7.9: Receive Report on City Commissions and Committee Attendance (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
Action: The report was received.

Motion by Council Member Lowe, seconded by Council Member Ding, to Receive Report on City Commissions and Committee Attendance. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

8. PUBLIC HEARING
Item 8.1: Public Hearing to Introduce an Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code to Implement Housing Element Program 15 and an Ordinance to Implement Housing Element Program 20 and Finding the Ordinances Exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director) Action: The ordinances were introduced.

Public Hearing Open: 7:31 p.m.

Agenda Item #7.2:

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Regular Meeting Minutes, December 17, 2025
Public Comments: None.

Public Hearing Closed: 7:31 p.m.

Motion by Council Member Lowe, seconded by Council Member Ding to Introduce an Ordinance adopting amendments to Title 19 of the Sonoma Municipal Code to accommodate low barrier navigation centers, supportive housing, transitional housing, residential care facilities, qualified employee and agricultural employee housing, single room occupancy, and emergency shelters in compliance with state law. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion by Council Member Lowe, seconded by Council Member Ding, to Introduce an Ordinance adopting amendments to Title 19 of the Sonoma Municipal Code to allow developments by-right on nonvacant and vacant sites previously identified to accommodate the lower income regional housing needs allocation in compliance with state law. Motion carried unanimously.

9. REGULAR CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Item 9.1: A Resolution Approving the Conditions for Operations, Vendor Stall Fee Pricing and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute All Agreements for the Operation of Sonoma's Tuesday Night Market 2026 Season in Accordance With the Adopted Budget (Lisa Janson, Senior Management Analyst)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 73-2025.

Motion by Council Member Ding, seconded by Council Member Lowe, to Adopt a Resolution Approving the Conditions of Operations, Vendor Stall Fee Pricing and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute All Agreements for the Operation of Sonoma’s Tuesday Night Market 2026 Season in Accordance With the Adopted Budget. Motion carried unanimously.

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

11. COUNCIL REORGANIZATION
Item 11.1 City Council Reorganization

1. Recognition of Outgoing Mayor

2. Selection of Mayor and Vice Mayor for 2026
Council Member Lowe nominated Vice Mayor Wellander for the position of Mayor for 2026.

Council Member Gurney nominated Council Member Lowe for the position of Vice Mayor for 2026.

12. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Farrar-Rivas adjourned the meeting at 8:31 p.m.

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City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 26 Jan 2026
Department
Finance
Staff Contact
Prapti Aryal, Finance Director
Agenda Item Title
Accept the Expenditure Report for the Month of December 2025 Summary
The attached report shows disbursements for the month of December 2025.

General Fund Department 43101 (Community Activities) is at 57% of budget largely due to disbursements of 25 one-time discretionary grant requests and an annual payment to Sonoma Valley Health and Recreation Association, which were approved in the FY25-26 budget.

Fund 301 (Streets/Transportation/Drainage) is at 75% of budget as a result of a payment of $110,012 to Team Ghilotti for the West Spain Street Rehab CIP approved in the FY25-26 budget.

Fund 313 (Transportation Measure M) expended 100% of its budget of $200,000 to Team Ghilotti for work on the West Spain Street Rehab CIP as authorized by Resolution 57-2025.

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, December 2025
Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Disbursement Report - December 2025
Resolution 57-2025
Fund Glossary
Agenda Item #7.3:

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DISBURSEMENT REPORT DECEMBER 2025
Year to Date Monthly Year to Date Annual Percent of Fund Fund Revenue Expenditure Expenditure Budget Budget Balance General Fund 30000 12,828,428 29,443,090 44% 10,917,610 City Council 41001 10,865 59,331 151,184 39%
City Clerk 41002 37,712 254,823 468,828 54%
City Manager 41003 98,524 691,345 1,276,709 54%
Finance 41004 106,251 451,658 910,384 50%
City Attorney 41005 54,660 149,533 285,000 52%
Police 42101 62,403 2,943,657 7,780,097 38%
Fire 42201 597,178 4,500,230 8,122,755 55%
Public Works - Admin 43020 33,445 284,061 642,102 44%
Public Works - Streets 43022 136,151 787,500 1,501,533 52% Parks & Recreation 43023 116,633 891,665 1,863,471 48%
Planning 43030 234,490 800,550 2,032,251 39%
Building 43040 87,790 566,185 1,233,653 46%
Community Activities 43101 64,576 682,826 1,205,052 57% Successor Agency 43199 10,805 73,658 186,037 40%
Non-Departmental 43200 68,883 413,649 753,525 55%
Emergency Response 43201 6,395 39,087 117,745 33%
Public Information 43203 15,789 102,600 210,716 49%
Transfers 43999 - 821,728 1,120,000 73%
Total General Fund Expenditures 1,742,550 14,514,085 29,861,042 49% Other Funds
Public Education & Gov 202 9,689 - - - 0% (14,324)
Strong Motion 203 161 - - - 0% 6,940
Asset Forfeiture 211 317 - - - 0% 17,688
SLESF C.O.P.S Grant 217 8,179 - 120,000 120,000 100% 275,874 Bond Property 220 - - - - 0% (19,144)
Maysonnave Property 221 - - - - 0% (15,195)
Schell Drainage 234 3,852 - - - 0% 72,935
Abandoned Vehicle 240 - 1,058 5,386 15,000 36% (35,374) Streets/Transport/Drain 301 200,634 110,012 150,372 200,000 75% 81,319 Gas Tax 302 150,198 5,169 37,796 414,545 9% 958,658
SB-1Road Maint 303 108,269 40,831 40,831 204,200 20% 728,625 Parks & Facilities 304 628,491 - 31,699 625,000 5% 679,620 Fire Measure H 312 193,188 - - 708,000 0% 193,188
Transportation Measure M 313 59,706 200,000 200,000 200,000 100% 283,748 Parks-In-Lieu/Quimby Act 314 15,184 - - 225,000 0% 15,184 Parks Measure M 315 50,279 - - 84,999 0% 715,014
Prop 68 Parks 316 - - - - 0% (162,690)
Successor Agency 391 1,296,636 - 1,194,134 2,599,306 46% (17,461,612) CREBS 495 - - - - 0% -
2012 POB 498 23 - - - 0% (5,208)
Cemeteries 501 248,276 24,780 222,801 791,396 28% (2,164,245) Cemetery Replacement 502 - - - - 0% 288,613
Cemetery Endowment 504 20,380 - 47,000 47,000 100% 716,311 Water Utility 510 4,730,381 293,210 3,986,250 7,363,197 54% 10,327,820 Water CIP 512 722,000 - 5,172 655,000 1% 1,183,917
Water Equip Replacement 513 13,227 - - - 0% 739,485
EMS Equip Replacement 521 1,551 - - - 0% 86,201
Mgmt Information Srvcs 601 299,948 30,408 284,319 613,288 46% 405,147 Vehicle Replacement 603 680,711 - 267,183 671,985 40% 1,664,449 Insurance 604 925 - - - 0% 51,591
Building Maintenance 610 323,138 - 190,000 266,000 71% 3,718,973 Computer Loan 614 1,192 - - - 0% 66,239
Hardscape Maint 615 485 - - - 0% 26,909
Admin Hearings 620 149 - - - 0% 974
Grants Restricted 630 6,896 - - - 0% 38,442
Culture Fine Art 701 223 - - - 0% 12,549
Tree Trust 702 351 - - - 0% 19,764
Public Art 703 26,079 - 766 35,000 2% 96,170
Pool Scholarship 715 4,042 - 25,000 25,000 100% 183,902 Senior Housing 731 3,741 - 25,454 25,454 100% 194,817
Housing Trust 732 307,856 - 250,000 250,000 100% 2,614,452 IGT 796 44,209 - 1,098,397 1,585,968 69% 953,896
SVFRA Operations 798 13,629 - - - 0% 606,887
TOTAL 23,002,625 2,448,018 22,696,646 47,586,380 48%
Monthly disbursement detail reports can be found at www.sonomacity.org/financial-documents Agenda Item #7.3:

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Agenda Item #7.3:

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Agenda Item #7.3:

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Agenda Item #7.3:

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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.

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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 encompassing 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
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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
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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.

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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.

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City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 26 Jan 2026
Department
Community Development
Department
Staff Contact
Jennifer Gates, AICP
Community Development Director
Agenda Item Title
Adopt an Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code to Implement Housing Element Program 15 and an Ordinance to Implement Housing Element Program 20 and Finding the Ordinances Exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines
Summary
In March 2023, the City Council approved the City’s Housing Element which contains a number of implementation programs. Program 15 and Program 20 require ordinances to update the City's Development or Zoning Code (Title 19). The Planning Commission at a public hearing on November 20, 2025 (Link to Agenda, Staff Report and Video) reviewed the proposed ordinances and recommended approval with modifications. On December 17, 2025 the City Council (Link to Agenda, Staff Report and Video) introduced both ordinances with no modifications. The following staff report describes the updates required under state law incorporated in each Ordinance and the Planning Commission modifications.

Housing Element Program 15, provides that the City will amend its Zoning Code to accommodate low barrier navigation center, supportive housing, transitional housing, residential care facilities, qualified employee housing, single room occupancy, and emergency shelters consistent with state law. To fulfill this requirement, staff updated the City’s Zoning Code (Title 19) in multiple sections. The full language is provided in the draft CC Ordinance HE Program 15 (Attachment 1) and summarized below.

Low Barrier Navigation Centers
Government Code Section 65660 through 65668 define low barrier navigation centers and provide requirements including treating low barrier navigation centers as a by-right use in areas zoned for mixed-use and nonresidential zones permitting multifamily uses. The Sonoma Municipal Code (SMC) has been updated to provide a definition for a Low Barrier Navigation Center and identified the zones where allowed per state law. Staff also created standards for operation in a new SMC Section 19.50.034.

Supportive and Transitional Housing
Government Code Section 65583(c)(3) states that supportive and transitional housing shall be considered a residential use of property and shall be subject only to those restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same types in the same zone. In addition, Government Code Section 65650 specifies when supportive housing is a use by right if certain criteria are met (Government Code Section 65651) and includes administrative office space.

To implement the State law and Housing Element Program 15, the draft Ordinance (Attachment 1) includes proposed amendments to the land use tables in SMC Section 19.10.050 to allow supportive and transitional housing throughout the City where other residential uses of the same type (single family or multifamily) are permitted or conditionally permitted. The draft Agenda Item #7.4:

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Ordinance also includes new definitions for supportive housing consistent with state law definitions in California Government Code Sections 65582(n) and 65650 and transitional housing in Government Code Section 65582(q), to be incorporated into Chapter 19.92 (Definitions) of the Sonoma Municipal Code.

Residential Care Facilities
The draft Ordinance amends the existing definition to clarify this type of facility is intended to serve as a residence for individuals in need of assistance with daily living activities, specifying that they are to be treated in the same manner as a residential use of the same type in the same zone (Health & Safety Code § 1569.85). A footnote was also added to clarify that the conditions of approval are to be objective as specifically stated in Housing Element Program

15. Employee Housing
Program 15 of the housing element identified that the City would amend the Zoning Code to accommodate agricultural worker housing and employee housing pursuant to the State Employee Housing Act (Section 17000 et seq. of the Health and Safety Code). The State Law states that employee housing for agricultural workers consisting of no more than 36 beds in a group quarters or 12 units or spaces designed for use by a single family or household is to be approved in the same manner as any other agricultural activity in the same zone and is considered an agricultural use. Employee housing as defined in the State Employee Housing Act is regulated by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. The Act also requires that any employee housing providing accommodations for six or fewer employees be treated as a single-family structure, with no conditional or special use permit or variance required.

The draft Ordinance (Attachment 1) proposes Agricultural Employee Housing be renamed to Employee Housing, and a new definition be provided in Section 19.92 (Definitions) of the Sonoma Municipal Code as defined in Section 17008 of the California Health and Safety Code.

To implement the provisions of the State Law, the draft Ordinance includes adding qualified employee housing for seven or more employees in the land use tables and lists in the same manner and in the same zones that agricultural uses are currently permitted. It also includes adding employee housing for six or fewer employees in the land use tables found in SMC Section 19.10.050 in the same manner and in the same zones that single family dwellings are currently permitted.

Additionally, the draft Ordinance proposes new requirements to implement employee housing in the City in SMC Section 19.50.075. These include:
 Criteria for housing for seven or more employees as an accessory use to agricultural use,
 Standards for temporary trailers,
 Require compliance with applicable State Laws,
 Obtain Permit from Department of Housing and Community Development,  Require Covenant on the Property identifying the requirements in conjunction with the use as a qualified employee housing, and
 Require the removal or obtain approval for use after the activity ceases.

Single Room Occupancy Housing
Single Room Occupancy Housing (SRO) is identified in Housing Element Program 15 as a specialized housing type to be accommodated. State law requires that the City accommodate this housing type, as they provide smaller, less expensive housing units to meet our regional housing needs for lower incomes but it does not provide other requirements as it does for other Agenda Item #7.4:

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special housing types. To implement the State law and Housing Element Program 15, the draft Ordinance (Attachment 1) includes amendments to the Zoning Code that include a new definition for single residential occupancy housing and adding the use in the land use tables and lists in the same manner and in the same zones that multiple family dwellings are currently permitted.

The draft Ordinance also provides regulations for single room occupancy housing units and facilities that would be applied in addition to the regulations of the underlying zoning districts where SRO development would be permitted in a new SMC Section 19.50.090. The regulations include:
 Unit size shall be limited to a minimum of 150 square feet and a maximum of 250 square feet (reduced by the Planning Commission from 500 square feet),  Bathroom, kitchen, laundry facility, common area, and parking requirements,  Facility management plan, including a requirement for an on-site manager if over ten units, and
 Units shall not be rented for less than 30 days.

The proposed amendment includes a provision that a single room occupancy housing unit, regardless of existence of a kitchen or kitchenette, shall NOT be considered a dwelling unit for purposes of density. Planning Commission recommended that density standards not apply and that the development standards of the zoning district and unit size determine the number of single residential occupancy housing units possible.

Emergency Shelters
To implement the Housing Element Program 15, the draft Ordinance (Attachment 1) includes an amendment to the land use table in the Municipal Code to allow emergency shelters with up to 30 beds, which was previously up to 15 beds, as a permitted use in the public zone. In addition, a provision was added to state that parking for emergency shelters shall comply with the requirements of off-street parking for residential or commercial uses within the same zone as required by Government Code Section 65583.

Housing Element Program 20 provides that the City will rezone to allow developments by right pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2(i) when 20 percent or more of the units are affordable to lower income households on sites identified in the Housing Element’s Appendix A to accommodate the lower income RHNA that were previously identified in past housing elements. (See proposed Zoning Code amendments in draft CC Ordinance HE Program 20, Attachment 2). To implement this Program, definitions were added to Chapter

19.92 that include “affordable rent”, “affordable sales price,” “area median income,” “by right review,” and “lower income household.” In addition, the land use table was amended to include a provision, as identified in Program 20, that by right approval for 20 percent or more units are being provided affordable applies to Site 11 (590 W Napa St, APN 127-221-033), Site 28 (477 W Napa St, APN 018-241-054), and Site 70 (69 Napa Rd and 45 Napa Rd, APNs 128-321-032 and 128-321-034).

Environmental Review:

City Planning Staff has determined that the adoption and implementation of the Ordinances are 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
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1. Adopt an Ordinance adopting amendments to Title 19 of the Sonoma Municipal Code to accommodate low barrier navigation centers, supportive housing, transitional housing, residential care facilities, qualified employee and agricultural employee housing, single room occupancy, and emergency shelters in compliance with state law

2. Adopt an Ordinance adopting amendments to Title 19 of the Sonoma Municipal Code to allow developments by-right on nonvacant and vacant sites previously identified to accommodate the lower income regional housing needs allocation in compliance with state law.

Alternative Actions
City council discretion.

Financial Impact
These ordinances are required by state law. Any additional costs to implement the ordinances will be covered by fees for application review.

Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
CC Ordinance HE Program 15
CC Ordinance HE Program 20
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City of Sonoma
ORDINANCE #_____ - 2026

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 19 (INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS AND

GUIDELINES) OF THE SONOMA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ACCOMMODATE LOW

BARRIER NAVIGATION CENTERS, SUPPORTIVE HOUSING, TRANSITIONAL

HOUSING, RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES, QUALIFIED EMPLOYEE AND

AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYEE HOUSING, SINGLE ROOM OCCUPANCY, AND

EMERGENCY SHELTERS IN COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 65583 requires that all jurisdictions remove constraints and accommodate qualified employee housing, supportive housing and transitional housing, emergency shelters, and single-room occupancy units in compliance with state law; and
WHEREAS, the Employee Housing Act (Health and Safety Code Section 17000 et. seq.) and the Employee Housing Regulations (California Code of Regulations Title 25 - Housing and Community Development) outline specific requirements for the construction of housing, maintenance of grounds, buildings, sleeping space and facilities, sanitation and heating; and WHEREAS, the 2023-2031 Housing Element approved by the City Council on January 31, 2023 contains Housing Element Program 15, which provides that the City will amend its Development Code to accommodate low barrier navigation centers, supportive housing, transitional housing, residential care facilities, qualified employee and agricultural employee housing, single room occupancy, and emergency shelters consistent with state law; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on November 20, 2025 for the purpose of considering amendments to Title 19 of the Sonoma Municipal Code to implement Housing Element Program 15 and considered public testimony and made a recommendation to the City Council to adopt the proposed amendments with modifications; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission adopted a resolution recommending approval of an ordinance making such amendments; and
WHEREAS, the City Council conducted a public hearing on December 17, 2025, for the purpose of considering amendments to Title 19 of the Sonoma Municipal Code to implement Housing Element Program 15; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has duly considered the totality of the record and all evidence submitted into the record, including public testimony and the evaluation and recommendations by staff, presented at such public hearing; and WHEREAS, public hearing notices were made at the time and in the manner required by law; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Ordinance was introduced by the Sonoma City Council on December 17, 2025.

NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA DOES Agenda Item #7.4:

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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.

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 process and therefore the amendments are consistent with the goals, policies, and actions of the General Plan. The proposed amendment implement Program 15 of the Housing Element of the General Plan and are therefore consistent with the goals, policies and actions thereof.

B. The proposed amendment would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the city;
The proposed amendments are required to be compliant with State Law and clarify standards and permit requirements to accommodate low barrier navigation centers, supportive housing, transitional housing, residential care facilities, qualified employee housing, single-room occupancy, and emergency shelters consistent with state law.

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

C. Comply with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as described in Section 4 below; and
The amendments fall under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3) General Rule.

The General Rule, also known as the “Common Sense Exemption” applies to projects in which it is clear and definitive that the project will not have any significant impacts on the environment.

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

The proposed amendments provide clarity and consistency throughout the zoning code with state law to implement the City of Sonoma Housing Element.

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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 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 _________, 2026 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
_________________________
Ron Wellander, Mayor
ATTEST:

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

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

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

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A. Qualified employee housing providing accommodations for six (6) or fewer employees, pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 17021.5(b).

B. Qualified employee housing providing accommodations for seven (7) or more employees and consisting of no more than thirty six (36) beds in group quarters or twelve (12) units or spaces designed for use by a single family or household, pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17021.6(b).

Employee housing is not included within the definition of a boarding house, rooming house, single room occupancy residence, hotel, dormitory, or other similar term that implies that the employee housing is a business run for profit or differs in any other way from a family dwelling.

Employee housing does not include housing that is provided by someone other than an agricultural employer or an agent thereof if such housing is offered and rented to nonagricultural employees on the same terms that it is offered to agricultural employees, none of the occupants of the housing are employed by the owner or property manager of the housing, none of the occupants of the housing have rent deducted from their wages, negotiation of the terms of occupancy of the housing is conducted between each occupant and the owner or manager of the property, the occupants of the housing are not required to live in the housing as a condition of employment, and the occupants of the housing are not referred to live in the housing by the employer of the occupants or the employer's agent, or an agricultural employer.
"Employee" as used in this definition does not include a person engaged in household domestic service or a person employed under circumstances in which his or her wages are incidental to professional training or training for a religious vocation and where the employer is exempt from taxation under the California Constitution. In addition to the requirements of this definition, employee housing shall comply with the requirements of the Employee Housing Act (Calif. Health & Safety Code, section 17000 et seq.).

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"Family" means an individual or group of two (2) or more persons living together in a dwelling unit, with common access to, and common use of all living, kitchen, and eating areas within the dwelling unit on a continuous non-transient basis. Each member of the family has access to all parts of the dwelling; interact with each other; share meals; and/or share household activities. If the dwelling unit is rented, all adult residents have chosen to jointly occupy the entire premises of the dwelling unit, under a single written lease with joint use and responsibility for the premises. Further, the makeup of the household occupying the rental is determined by the residents of the dwelling unit rather than the landlord, property manager, or agency. The term "family" shall not include institutional group living situations such as dormitories, fraternities, sororities, monasteries, convents, or similar group living arrangements whose association is temporary or of limited duration (i.e., school term, completion of a program, rehabilitation, etc.); nor does it include group living arrangements such as boarding houses, single-room occupancy residences, hotels, or motels. Indications that a household may not be operating as a "family" may include but are not limited to: members of the household have separate, private entrances; each member of the household has locks or deadbolts on their bedroom door; members of the household have separate food storage facilities; members have restricted access to certain portions of the dwelling; and/or lease a specific room or portion of the dwelling. “Low barrier navigation center” has the same meaning as Government Code Section 65660. They are a housing first facility that provides temporary housing, low-barrier, service-enriched shelter focused on moving people into permanent housing while case managers connect individuals experiencing homelessness to income, public benefits, health services, shelter, and housing.
“Residential care homes” has the same meaning as in California Health and Safety Code section 1502. means intermediate care They are facilities that serve as a residence for individuals in need of assistance with daily living activities providing and provides residential, social, habilitative, and personal care for children, the elderly, the developmentally disabled, and persons with limited ability for self-care, but where medical care is not a major element. Includes: children’s homes; transitional houses; orphanages; rehabilitation centers; self-help group homes. A residential care facility serving six or fewer clients (excluding members of the resident family or persons employed as facility staff) is considered a single family dwelling and shall be a selfcontained entity located and operated within a single parcel of record and shall not be operated or managed in conjunction with the same or similar use on any adjoining parcel. A residential care home is subject only to those restrictions that apply to other dwellings of the same type within the same zone. Convalescent homes and similar facilities providing medical care are included under the definition of “Medical services – Extended care.”
"Single room occupancy housing" means a facility providing six or more guest rooms or efficiency units in a "residential hotel" as defined by California Health and Safety Code Section 50519(b)(1), as may be amended from time to time, and shall be offered on a monthly basis or longer.
“Supportive housing” means permanent affordable housing with no limit on length of stay that is occupied by the target population as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 53260(d), and that is linked to on- or off-site services that assist the supportive Agenda Item #7.4:

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housing resident in retaining the housing, improving his or her health status, and maximizing his or her ability to live and, when possible, work in the community (Health and Safety Code Section 50675.14(b)). Supportive housing shall be subject to those restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone.

For example, such housing structured as single-family is permitted in the RL and RS residential zones, whereas supportive housing structured as multifamily is limited to the RM and RH residential zones and the Mixed Use zone.
"Supportive housing" means either:

A. Supportive housing occupied by the target population, as those terms are defined in California Government Code section 65582; or
B. Supportive housing occupied by the target population, as those terms are defined in California Government Code section 65650.

Supportive housing is a "dwelling" in the individual zone chapters. Supportive housing occupied by the target population (as defined in Calif. Gov. Code section 65582) is subject only to those restrictions that apply to other dwellings of the same type within the same zone. Supportive housing occupied by the target population (as defined in Calif. Gov. Code section 65650) is eligible for streamlined ministerial review, in zones where multifamily and mixed uses are permitted if the proposed housing development satisfies the requirements of California Government Code section 65651, subdivision (a). "Transitional housing" has the same meaning as in California Government Code section 65582. Transitional housing is a "dwelling" and is subject only to those restrictions that apply to other dwellings of the same type within the same zone. “Transitional housing” means buildings configured as rental housing developments, but operated under program requirements that call for the termination of assistance and recirculation of the assisted unit to another eligible program recipient at some predetermined future point in time, which shall be no less than six months (Health and Safety Code Section 50675.2(h)). The housing may take several forms such as group housing and multifamily units and may include supportive services to allow individuals to gain necessary life skills in support of independent living. Transitional housing shall be subject to those restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone. For example, such housing structured as single-family is permitted in the RL and RS residential zones, whereas transitional housing structured as multifamily is limited to the RM and RH residential zones and the Mixed Use zone.

SECTION TWO: Section 19.10.050 Allowable land uses and permit requirements Amended
Section 19.10.050 Allowable land uses and permit requirements of Chapter 19.10, of Title 19 of the Sonoma Municipal Code is hereby amended by adding the following to Table 2-1, Table 2-2, Table 2-3 and Table 2-4, including the corresponding footnotes, and shall be integrated into the existing Tables in alphabetical and chronological (footnotes) order, to read as follows (underline is used to denote new text being added):

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Table 2-1. Residential Uses and Permit Requirements
P Use permitted
UP Use permit required
L License required
Allowed Uses and Permit
Requirements for Residential
Districts (1)
Permit Required by
District (2)
– Use not allowed
Land Use (1) R-HS R-R R-L R-S R-M R-H R-O R-P Specific Use Regulations
RESIDENTIAL USES (2)
Employee Housing – Six or
Fewer Employees (5)
UP P P P – – – – SMC 19.50.075
Employee Housing - Seven
or More Employees (6)
P P UP – – – – – SMC 19.50.075
Residential Care Homes, Six
or Fewer Clients (7)
UP P P P P – – –
Residential Care Homes,
Seven or More Clients
– – – UP P/UPP/UP– –
Single Room Occupancy
Housing (8)
– – – UP UP UP P– – SMC 19.50.090
Supportive Housing (3) UP P P/UP P/UPP/UPP/UPP –
Transitional Housing (3) UP P P/UP P/UPP/UPP/UPP –
Notes:

3. Supportive and transitional housing shall be subject to those restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone. For example, such housing structured as singlefamily is permitted in the R-HS, R-R, R-L and R-S residential zones, whereas supportive and transitional housing structured as multifamily is limited to the R-S, R-M, and R-H and R-O residential zones and the mixed use zone.
…

5. Employee Housing of six or fewer shall be deemed a single-family residence and subject to all municipal codes, regulations and other standards generally applicable to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone.

6. Employee Housing of seven or more employees is permitted as an accessory use in conjunction with approved agricultural use per Section 19.50.075 and is subject to all municipal codes, regulations and other standards generally applicable to other agricultural activity in the same zone.

7. For Residential Care Homes requiring use permits, the conditions of approval shall be objective and shall not create barriers for housing for seniors, persons with disabilities, or other special needs populations.

8. Single room occupancy housing is subject to all municipal codes, regulations and other standards generally applicable to multiple-family residential buildings in the same zone and specific standards as set forth in Section 19.50.090.

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Table 2-2. Commercial Uses and Permit Requirements
P Use permitted
UP Use permit
required
L License required
– Use not allowed
Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for
Commercial Zoning Districts (1)
Permit Required by
District (2)
WTUPWine tasting use
permit
Land Use C CG Specific Use
Regulations
RESIDENTIAL USES (32)
Residential Care Homes, Seven or More Clients (9) UP UP Single-Room Occupancy Housing (10) UP – SMC 19.50.090
Supportive Housing (3) UP UP
Transitional Housing (3) UP UP

SERVICES
Low Barrier Navigation Center P P SMC 19.50.034

3. Supportive and transitional housing shall be subject to those restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone. Single family and duplexes are not permitted in the Commercial and Commercial Gateway Zones. For example, such housing structured as single-family is permitted in the R-HS, R-R, R-L and R-S residential zones, whereas supportive and transitional housing structured as multifamily is limited to the R-M and R-H residential zones and the mixed use zone.

9. For Residential Care Homes requiring use permits, the conditions of approval shall be objective and shall not create barriers for housing for seniors, persons with disabilities, or other special needs populations.

10. Single room occupancy housing is subject to all municipal codes, regulations and other standards generally applicable to multiple-family residential buildings in the same zone and specific standards as set forth in Section 19.50.090.

Table 2-3. Mixed Uses and Permit Requirements
P Use permitted
UP Use permit
required
L
License
required
– Use not allowed
Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for
Commercial Zoning Districts (1)
Permit Required by
District (2)
WTUPWine tasting
use permit
Land Use MX Specific Use
Regulations
RESIDENTIAL USES (4)
Single-Room Occupancy Housing (9) UP SMC 19.50.090
Supportive Housing, Four or Fewer Units (10) P
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Supportive Housing, Five or More Units (10) UP
Transitional Housing, Four or Fewer Units (10) P
Transitional Housing, Five or More Units (10) UP

SERVICES
Low Barrier Navigation Center P SMC 19.50.034

9. Single room occupancy housing is subject to all municipal codes, regulations and other standards generally applicable to multiple-family residential buildings in the same zone and specific standards as set forth in Section 19.50.090.

10. Supportive and transitional housing shall be subject to those restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone. Single family and duplexes are not permitted in the Mixed Use Zone.

Table 2-4. Special Purpose Uses and Permit Requirements P Use permitted
UP Use permit
required
L License required
Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Special
Purpose Zoning Districts
Permit Required by
District
– Use not allowed
Land Use (1) A Pk P W
Specific Use
Regulations
RESIDENTIAL USES (2)
Agricultural Employee Housing P – – –
Emergency Shelters, 15 30 or Fewer Beds – – P – SMC 19.50.033 Emergency Shelters, 16 31 or More Beds – – UP – SMC 19.50.033 Employee Housing – 6 or Fewer Employees (5) P – P SMC 19.50.075 Employee Housing - 7 or More Employees (6) P – P SMC 19.50.075

SECTION THREE: Section 19.50.033 Emergency shelters Amended Subsection 19.50.033(A) Site Development Standards of Section 19.55.033 Emergency shelters) of Chapter 19.50 Special Use Standards of Title 19 of the Sonoma Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows (strikeout is used to denote existing text being deleted; underline is used to denote new text being added):

19.50.033 Emergency shelters.

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A. Site Development Standards. In addition to any other applicable requirements of the development code and any other applicable statutes and regulations, all emergency shelter facilities shall be subject to the following development standards:

1. Client Intake and Waiting Area. Each emergency shelter facility shall provide an indoor client intake and waiting area.

2. Exterior Lighting. Exterior lighting shall be provided throughout the facility to ensure the safety of all persons on site. The placement, illumination, and shielding of such lighting shall be subject to the applicable provisions of the municipal code.

3. Proximity to Other Emergency Shelters. No emergency shelter facility shall be less than 300 feet from any other emergency shelter facility. In determining the distance between two emergency shelter facilities, the distance shall be measured from the property line of one facility to the nearest property line of another facility.

4. Parking. Off-street parking requirements shall comply with Sonoma Municipal Code Chapter 19.48 Parking and Loading Standards. In accordance with Government Code Section 65583(a)(4) sufficient parking shall be provided to accommodate all staff working in the emergency shelter; provided, that the standards do not require more parking for emergency shelters than other residential or commercial uses within the same zone.
…
SECTION FOUR: Section 19.50.034 Low barrier navigation centers Added Section 19.50.034 (Low barrier navigation centers) of Chapter 19.50 Special Use Standards of Title 19 of the Sonoma Municipal Code is hereby added to read as follows:

19.50.034 Low Barrier Navigation Centers
A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to implement the provisions of Government Code Section 65660 et seq. relating to low barrier navigation centers.

B. Definitions. For purposes of this section, the terms listed below of the following meaning. “Low barrier” means best practices to reduce barriers to entry, and may include, but is not limited to:

1. The presence of partners or co-habitants if it is not a population-specific site (such as limited to survivors of domestic violence, crimes, women, or youth).

2. Allowing personal pets.

3. Allowing the storage of personal possessions.

4. Providing privacy, such as partitions around beds in a dormitory setting or in larger rooms containing more than two beds, or private rooms.
“Low-barrier navigation centers” has the meaning provided in Chapter 19.92 SMC (Definitions).
“Use by right” has the same meaning as defined in subdivision (i) of California Agenda Item #7.4:

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Government Code Section 65583.2. Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the California Public Resources Code shall not apply to actions taken by a public agency to lease, convey, or encumber land owned by a public agency, or to facilitate the lease, conveyance, or encumbrance of land owned by a public agency, or to provide financial assistance to, or otherwise approve, a low-barrier navigation center constructed or allowed by this section.

C. Applicability. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all low-barrier navigation center projects.

D. Allowed Zones. Low barrier navigation centers shall be allowed as a permitted use in areas zoned for mixed uses, and nonresidential zones that permit multifamily residential developments, provided they meet the requirements of this section SMC 19.50.034.

E. Permit Required. A building permit, certificate of occupancy, and/or zoning clearance review is required prior to establishment of any low-barrier navigation center project. The permit or zone clearance shall be a ministerial action without discretionary review or a hearing. If site development or new construction is proposed that meets the criteria of this Title 19 then a public hearing shall not be required unless a related permit or other entitlement requires a public hearing in accordance with the zoning regulations. The city shall notify a developer whether the developer's application is complete within thirty (30) days, pursuant to California Government Code Section 65943. Action shall be taken within sixty (60) days from the date an application has been deemed complete.

F. Development and Operational Standards. A low-barrier navigation center project is a use by-right in areas zoned for mixed-use and nonresidential zones permitting multifamily uses, if it meets the following requirements:

1. Connected Services: It offers services to connect people to permanent housing through a services plan that identifies services staffing.

2. Coordinated Entry System: It is linked to a coordinated entry system, so that staff in the interim facility or staff who co-locate in the facility may conduct assessments and provide services to connect people to permanent housing. "Coordinated entry system" means a centralized or coordinated assessment system developed pursuant to Section 576.400(d) or Section 578.7(a)(8), as applicable, of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as those sections read on January 1, 2020, and any related requirements, designed to coordinate program participant intake, assessment, and referrals.

3. Interagency Council on Homelessness Compliance: It complies with Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 8255) of Division 8 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

4. Homeless Management Information System: It has a system for entering information regarding client stays, client demographics, client income, and exit destination through the local Homeless Management Information System, as defined by Section 578.3 of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

SECTION FIVE: Section 19.50.075 Employee Housing Added
Section 19.50.075 Employee Housing of Chapter 19.50 Special Use Standards of Title 19 of the Sonoma Municipal Code is hereby added toread as follows.

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19.50.075 Employee Housing
A. Employee Housing Defined. The Employee Housing Act allows for flexibility in housing types for employee housing, including conventional and nonconventional structures, such as: living quarters, boardinghouse, tent, bunkhouse, mobile home, manufactured home, recreational vehicle and travel trailers. The laws and regulations governing these structures depends on the housing type; however, all qualified employee housing must comply with: the Employee Housing Act (Health and Safety Code Section 17000 et seq.) and the Employee Housing Regulations (Title 25—Housing and Community Development), which outline specific requirements for the construction of housing, maintenance of grounds, buildings, sleeping space and facilities, sanitation and heating; and the provisions of this section.

Employee housing providing accommodations for six or fewer employees, pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17021.5(b), shall be deemed a single-family dwelling and is allowed in residential zones subject to all municipal codes, regulations and other standards generally applicable to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone. Employee housing of seven or more employees is permitted as an accessory use in conjunction with approved agricultural use as described below.

B. Accessory Use. Qualified employee housing for seven or more employees is a permitted accessory use in conjunction with an approved permitted agricultural use provided that:

1. The number of living units or beds is reasonably related to the number of agricultural employees required for agricultural operations on the parcel on which the qualified employee housing is located, provided it does not consist of more than 36 beds in a group quarters or 12 units or spaces designed for use by a single family or household.

2. Qualified employee housing shall be occupied only by agricultural employees (and the members of the employee's household as permitted by HCD) engaged in agricultural labor and shall not be otherwise occupied or rented.

3. All temporary or permanent structures that contain qualified employee housing shall meet the setback, lot coverage, height, and other development standards applicable to the zone in which it is located.

4. Pre-manufactured or mobile home dwelling units intended as permanent housing shall be installed on a permanent foundation and shall provide permanent utility connections (potable water, sewer line, electricity, etc.) including permanent heating and cooling facilities.

5. Parking shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 19.48, unless the applicant provides substantial evidence demonstrating that the actual parking need is lower, subject to the approval of the Community Development Director.

6. Employee housing shall be reviewed and approved subject to the same requirements as other permitted agricultural uses within the same zone.

7. If an existing agriculture use does not have a required permit, a permit for both the agricultural use and qualified employee housing must be obtained.

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8. Qualified employee housing shall be removed or converted to another permitted use at such time as the agricultural activity to which it relates ceases operation for more than 12 consecutive months.

C. Standards for Temporary Trailers. A maximum of one (1) temporary trailer may be used to provide housing for seasonal or temporary agricultural employees or animal caretakers, and their families, on a limited term basis. The trailer must be located on the same lot where the agricultural employees or animal caretakers are employed that meets the following requirements:

1. A qualifying temporary trailer shall be permitted with a building permit and zoning clearance, which will serve as a ministerial limited term trailer permit, permitted for a maximum of one hundred eighty (180) consecutive calendar days or fewer in any twelve (12) month period pursuant to the following:
a. The permit application shall include a description of the number of seasonal or temporary agricultural employees or animal caretakers to occupy the temporary trailer, the area of cultivation and crops requiring these workers, and the time period for which seasonal or temporary agricultural employees or animal caretakers are required.
b. The permit application shall clearly identify the location of sewer connections, dump stations, or otherwise demonstrate adequate sewage disposal by, for example, including a plan or contract for regular service through registered or permitted septage pumping vehicles, or a combination thereof, which will serve the trailer.
c. In addition to meeting all ministerial and zoning clearance application requirements, the applicant shall submit an affidavit in a separate signed statement affirming that the temporary trailer will only be used to house seasonal or temporary agricultural employees or animal caretakers solely employed on the site for agricultural production or animal keeping.
d. After the issuance of a zoning clearance authorizing use of the temporary trailer as housing for seasonal or temporary agricultural employees or animal caretakers, all electrical and plumbing connections to the trailer(s) must be approved and inspected (and obtain a building permit, if required) by the Building Division prior to occupancy of the trailer.

2. The Community Development Director may extend a limited term trailer permit by an additional ninety (90) days, on a one-time basis, provided that the applicant submits documentation to justify the additional seasonal employment necessary for the agricultural activity.

3. General Requirements:
a. A maximum of one temporary trailer will be allowed on any lot. b. The temporary trailer must be a motor home, travel trailer, truck camper, recreational vehicle, or camping trailer, that is self-contained and habitable, and that is either self-propelled, truck-mounted, or permanently towable on roadways without a permit under the California Vehicle Code.
c. A temporary trailer used to house seasonal or temporary agricultural employees or animal caretakers shall be occupied for no more than one hundred eighty (180) consecutive calendar days in any twelve (12) month period, unless the permit is extended.

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d. The maximum size of a temporary trailer occupying a space on the lot shall be three hundred (300) square feet of living area. Living area does not include built-in equipment such as wardrobes, closets, cabinets, kitchen units or fixtures, or bath and toilet rooms.
e. The temporary trailer is "habitable" if it meets all the following criteria:
i. The temporary trailer must contain sleeping, cooking, bathing, and sanitary facilities;
ii. The temporary trailer must either contain an adequate source of potable water through an internal tank or be connected to a permanent source of potable water;
iii. Composting toilets are not allowed. The temporary trailer's wastewater must be disposed of by one of the following means:
(a) Through a connection to an existing sewer utility connection; or (b) Through the use of an incorporated wastewater tank that is located within or outside the vehicle, provided that such tank is regularly serviced, for the duration of the vehicle's use as temporary housing, by a wastewater disposal provider, or a septage pumping vehicle. The permittee shall provide proof of such regular wastewater disposal service, in the form of a contract or receipts, to the Planning Division or Building Division upon request.
iv. The temporary trailer must be connected to an approved electrical source.

Acceptable electrical connections include the use of an existing electrical source on the lot or a temporary power pole. Generators are not considered an approved electrical source; and
v. Heating and cooling facilities shall be in accordance with those associated with trailers, or equipment initially installed or designed for trailers. No temporary heating facilities will be allowed.
f. Utility conduits shall be installed underground in conformance with applicable state and local regulations.
g. When the temporary trailer is not in use, utilities shall be disconnected, and such housing shall be removed from the site or stored during the remainder of the year. The temporary trailer shall be removed from the site within five (5) days of the expiration of the permitted period. It may be stored on-site for the remaining days of the calendar year if screened from public view and stored in a rear yard. A temporary trailer stored on-site shall be covered when not in use. h. Site Design Criteria:
i. Building height and setbacks shall be as prescribed in the applicable zone, except where Title 25 of the California Administrative Code is more restrictive. ii. The temporary trailer shall be located a minimum of six feet (6') from any other structure on the lot.
iii. Roadways and vehicle pads shall not be permitted in areas of natural slope inclinations greater than fifteen percent (15%) or where grading would result in slope heights greater than ten feet and steeper than two to one (2:1).

D. Occupancy Restrictions for Agricultural Employee Housing:

1. Agricultural employee housing shall only be occupied by agricultural employees and members of their household (however, group living quarters shall only be occupied exclusively by agricultural employees).

2. The applicant shall demonstrate that the agricultural employee housing shall Agenda Item #7.4:

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only be used for agricultural employees (on a permanent or seasonal basis) who meet the employment criteria in subsection E. This requirement shall not apply to housing occupied by agricultural employees who subsequently retire or become disabled and continue to reside in the unit pursuant to subsection E3.

This requirement shall not apply to a surviving spouse or domestic partner who continues to reside in the unit pursuant to subsection E4.

3. A deed restriction in a form approved by the city that runs with the land shall be recorded with the county recorder, prior to the issuance of a building permit for construction for all agricultural employee housing except for temporary trailers, limiting the use of such housing to agricultural employee housing and setting forth the conditions and requirements applicable to such use. The property owner shall also be required to provide written disclosure of all such conditions and requirements before any sale, lease, or financing of the subject lot(s) and dwelling units. This use restriction shall not be amended, released, terminated, or removed from the property without the prior written consent of the city. In the event the agricultural employee housing use is terminated and/or structures are removed in accordance with this municipal code and other applicable law as confirmed in writing by the Community Development Director, the deed restriction that accompanies the development shall be released and removed from the property.

E. Employment Criteria for Agricultural Employees:

1. Agricultural employee dwelling units shall only be rented or provided under the terms of employment to agricultural employees who are employed on a full-time (minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week), full-time seasonal, or temporary basis by the property owner or lessee of the lot upon which the dwelling unit is located to work onsite or on other land in Sonoma County that is under the same ownership or lease. Agricultural employees may retain their employment status during periods of non-agricultural employment, as long as they meet the full-time requirement for at least nine (9) months of the calendar year.

2. Units in a agricultural employee housing complex shall only be rented or provided to persons who are principally employed within Sonoma County for activities directly associated with agriculture. This includes agricultural employees who work on a full-time, full-time seasonal, temporary or part-time basis.

3. A qualified agricultural employee who has been renting or occupying a agricultural employee dwelling unit, or a unit in a agricultural employee housing complex, and who subsequently retires or becomes disabled, may continue to reside in the unit along with members of their household.

4. After the death of a qualified agricultural employee who has been renting or occupying a agricultural employee dwelling unit, or a unit in a agricultural employee housing complex, their surviving spouse or domestic partner may continue to reside in the unit.

5. Temporary trailers shall only be rented or provided to agricultural employees who are employed on a full-time, full-time seasonal, or temporary basis by the property owner or lessee of the lot to work on the land upon which the Agenda Item #7.4:

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temporary trailer is located.

6. Proof of qualifying employment for occupants of agricultural employee housing shall be provided at the time of permit approval, which can be satisfied by providing a combination of at least two (2) of the following documents, as applicable:
a. Employee's income tax return;
b. Employee's pay receipts;
c. Employee's W-2 form;
d. Employer's DE-34 form;
e. Employer's ETA 790 form;
f. Employer's DLSE-NTE form;
g. A document signed by both the employer and the employee, which states that the occupant of the agricultural employee housing is employed in agriculture, and includes a description of the employee's job duties; or
h. Other proof approved in writing by the Community Development Director.

F. Annual Verification of Employment of Agricultural Employees:

1. The owner or lessee of the property, property management company, and/or designated agent of the owner or lessee, shall submit an annual employment verification declaration, and any applicable city-required verification fees as established by resolution of the city council, no later than May 15 of each year to the Community Development Director or designee to verify that all the dwelling units or sleeping quarters in the agricultural employee housing are occupied by persons who meet the employment criteria established above. For purposes of this section, permanent agricultural employee housing includes all agricultural employee housing except for temporary trailers. The completed verification declaration and supporting documentation shall require the property owner to meet all the following requirements:
a. Verify and provide evidence that any permanent agricultural employee housing was occupied by agricultural employees during the preceding calendar year;
b. Declare that any permanent agricultural worker housing will be occupied by agricultural employees during the current calendar year; and, c. Provide proof of qualifying employment for occupants of agricultural employee housing, upon request by the city, by using a combination of at least two of the documents as listed in subsection E6.

G. Enforcement:

1. The provisions of subsections E and F of this Chapter shall be referenced or set forth in deed restrictions and/or conditions of approval that shall be recorded in the subject property's chain of title. Violations of subsections E and F may be enforced through any other available legal means, including but not limited to Chapter 1.12 SMC (General penalty).

2. Within thirty (30) days after receiving approval for permanent or seasonal employee housing from the Community Development Department, and before issuance of any building permit(s), the applicant shall record with the county recorder, a deed restriction in a form approved by the city that runs with the land on which the agricultural employee housing is located declaring that:
a. The agricultural employee housing will continuously be maintained in Agenda Item #7.4:

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compliance with this Section 19.50.75 and all other applicable sections of this municipal code; and
b. If required for pre-manufactured housing and/or mobile home units used for agricultural employee housing, the property owner shall obtain the appropriate permit(s) from the City of Sonoma and/or California Department of Housing and Community Development.
c. The deed restriction shall not be amended, released, terminated, or removed from the property without the prior written consent of the city. In the event the agricultural employee housing use is terminated and/or structures are removed in accordance with this Chapter and other applicable law as confirmed in writing by the Community Development Director, the deed restriction that accompanies the development shall be released and removed from the property.

3. In addition to all other available enforcement and legal remedies, the city may require the removal of a housing unit and restoration of the site (including any affected agricultural soils) based on the unpermitted or unverified use of the agricultural employee housing units or based on other violations of this Title 19.

SECTION SIX: Section 19.50.090 Single room occupancy housing Added Section 19.50.090 Single Room Occupancy Housing of Chapter 19.50 Special Use Standards of Title 19 of the Sonoma Municipal Code is hereby added to read as follows:

19.50.090 Single room occupancy housing.

A. Purpose. The purpose of these provisions is to allow the development of reduced-size dwelling units, defined as single room occupancy (SRO) housing units, with limited parking requirements to provide additional options for affordable housing opportunities.

These SRO regulations are considered to be in addition to the regulations of the underlying zoning districts where SRO development is permitted.

B. General Provisions

1. Any single room occupancy facility shall conform to the standards of the zoning or specific plan district in which it is located. In case of districts where mixed uses are permitted, single room occupancy facilities shall be subject to the standards applying to non-residential development. Where any provision of this section conflicts with another provision of this title or any adopted specific plan, the more restrictive shall apply.

2. Density standards (i.e., lot area per dwelling unit) shall not apply to single room occupancy housing.

3. Tenancy shall not be less than thirty (30) days.

4. All units shall comply with the requirements of the current edition of the California Building Code.

5. The proposed conversion or retrofit of an existing structure into a single room occupancy facility shall conform to all applicable development standards unless a physical constraint or characteristic of the subject property makes such Agenda Item #7.4:

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conformance infeasible. The Community Development Director (or Planning Commission if a use permit is required) is authorized to modify, reduce, or waive one or more development standard(s) of this section if determined that strict adherence to the standard(s) is infeasible due to physical conditions or constraints of the subject property. The applicant shall bear the burden of proof that imposing the development standard(s) in question would make the project physically or financially infeasible.

6. All facilities and units shall not be subdivided or individually sold.

7. This section shall not be applicable to short-term rentals in the city and shall not be construed to permit or authorize short-term rental facilities in the city.

8. Other provisions or permit requirements of the municipal code may be applicable, including for properties located within local historic districts and/or designated as a local historic resource.

C. Standards.

1. Single Room Occupancy Housing Units. The following standards shall apply to single room occupancy units. In the event of conflict between these standards and the underlying zoning district regulations, the provisions of this section shall apply.
a. Unit Size. The minimum size of a unit shall be one hundred fifty (150) square feet and the maximum size shall be two hundred fifty (250) square feet.
b. Bathroom Facilities. An SRO unit is not required to but may contain partial or full bathroom facilities. A partial bathroom facility shall have at least a toilet and sink; a full bathroom facility shall have a toilet, sink, and bathtub, shower, or bathtub/shower combination. If a full bathroom facility is not provided, common bathroom facilities shall be provided in accordance with California Building Code for congregate residences with at least one full bathroom per every three units on a floor. The shared shower or bathtub facility shall be accessible from a common area or hallway. Each shared shower or bathtub facility shall be provided with an interior lockable door.
c. Closet. Each SRO shall have a separate closet.

2. Single Room Occupancy Housing Facility. In addition to the development standards in the underlying zoning district, the following standards shall apply to single room occupancy housing. In the event of conflict between these standards and the underlying zoning district regulations, the provisions of this section shall apply.
a. Common Area. Ten (10) square feet of interior common space per unit shall be provided, with at least two hundred (200) square feet in area of interior common space, and shall exclude shared bathrooms and Agenda Item #7.4:

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kitchens, maintenance areas, laundry facilities, storage areas, and hallways. All common areas shall comply with all applicable Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility and adaptability requirements. b. Kitchen. A full kitchen includes a sink, a refrigerator, and a stove, range top, or oven. Common kitchen facilities shall be provided within the project for every ten (10) units.
c. Laundry Facilities. Laundry facilities shall be provided in a separate room at the ratio of one washer and dryer for every ten (10) units. d. Cleaning Supply Room. A cleaning supply room or utility closet with a wash tub with hot and cold running water shall be provided on each floor of the SRO facility.
e. Trash. Refuse disposal service and receptacles shall be provided by the property owner. Garbage receptacles must be located on the lot or property in a manner that does not hinder access to any required offstreet parking spaces, driveways, or any means of emergency ingress or egress.
f. Mailboxes. A mailbox shall be provided for each unit in a commonly accessible location within the single room occupancy facility. g. Facility Management. An SRO facility with ten (10) or more units shall have an on-site manager and shall include a dwelling unit designated for the manager. An SRO facility with less than ten (10) units shall provide a management office on-site.
h. Facility Management Plan. A management plan shall be submitted with the development application for an SRO housing facility and shall be approved by the Community Development Director. The management plan shall contain management policies, maintenance plans, rental procedures and rates, information for residents to contact management twenty four (24) hours daily, residency and guest rules and procedures, security procedures, and staffing needs including job descriptions. i. Parking. Parking shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 19.48, unless the applicant provides substantial evidence demonstrating that the actual parking need is lower, subject to the approval of the Community Development Director. If rent or a separate charge is assessed for use of on-site parking spaces, the owner or management shall be required to rent or charge a separate fee for use of the space by an individual tenant (i.e., unbundled parking).
j. Accessibility. All SRO facilities shall comply with all applicable ADA accessibility and adaptability requirements.

Agenda Item #7.4:

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SECTION SEVEN: Section 19.48.040 Number of parking spaces required is Amended Section 19.48.040 Number of parking spaces required of Chapter 19.48, of Title 19 of the Sonoma Municipal Code is hereby amended by adding the following to Table 4.4 and shall be integrated in alphabetical order, to read as follows (underline is used to denote new text being added):

Land Use Type:

Residential Uses
Vehicle Spaces Required
Employee housing – seven or more
employees
1 space per unit or 1 space for
every 3 beds. If a unit is provided
for an on-site manager, one (1)
space for the resident manager.

Emergency Shelters and Low Barrier
Navigation Centers
Staff parking equal to the highest
number of staff working in the
emergency shelter at any time or
the number of parking spaces
required for other residential or
commercial uses within the same
zoning district, whichever is lower.

The community development
director shall reduce the parking
requirements if the shelter/center
can demonstrate a lower need.

Group quarters (including boarding
houses, rooming houses, Single room
occupancy housing, and dormitories)
One-half space for each bed. If a
unit is provided for an on-site
manager, one (1) space for the
resident manager.

Agenda Item #7.4:

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City of Sonoma
ORDINANCE #_____ - 2026

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 19 (INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS AND

GUIDELINES) OF THE SONOMA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ALLOW DEVELOPMENTS

BY RIGHT ON NONVACANT AND VACANT SITES PREVIOUSLY IDENTIFIED TO

ACCOMMODATE THE LOWER INCOME REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS

ALLOCATION IN COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW
WHEREAS, the 2023-2031 Housing Element approved by the City Council on January 31, 2023 contains Housing Element Program 20, which provides that the City will rezone to allow developments by right under Government Code Section 65583.2(i) when 20 percent or more of the units are affordable to lower income households on sites identified in Appendix A to accommodate the lower income RHNA that were previously identified in past housing elements; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on November 20, 2025 for the purpose of considering amendments to Title 19 of the Sonoma Municipal Code to implement House Element Program 20 and considered public testimony and made a recommendation to the City Council to adopt the proposed amendments with modifications; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission adopted a resolution recommending approval of an ordinance making such amendments; and
WHEREAS, the City Council conducted a public hearing on December 17, 2025 for the purpose of considering amendments to Title 19 of the Sonoma Municipal Code to implement Housing Element Program 20; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has duly considered the totality of the record and all evidence submitted into the record, including public testimony and the evaluation and recommendations by staff, presented at such public hearing; and WHEREAS, public hearing notices were made at the time and in the manner required by law; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Ordinance was introduced by the Sonoma City Council on December 17, 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.

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SECTION 2. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS
The Sonoma Municipal Code is hereby amended as shown in Exhibit A.

A. The proposed amendment is consistent with the goal, policies, and actions of the General Plan;
The City of Sonoma Development Code carries out the policies and implementation measures of the General Plan and State Law. Consistency between Sections of the Development Code and State Law ensure accuracy of the Development Code review process and therefore the amendments are consistent with the goals, policies, and actions of the General Plan. The proposed amendment implements Program 20 of the Housing Element of the General Plan and are therefore consistent with the goals, policies and actions thereof.

B. The proposed amendment would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the city;
The proposed amendments are required to be compliant with State Law and the City’s Housing Element, which has been certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. The proposed amendments further development of housing affordable to lower income households on sites previously identified by past housing elements and therefore further the City’s housing policies and those of the region to advance the public interest, and contribute to public welfare and convenience.

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; and
The proposed amendments provide clarity and consistency throughout the Sonoma development code with state law to implement the City of Sonoma Housing Element.

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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 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).

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular Council Meeting of the City Council of the City of Sonoma held on the __ day of _________, 2026 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
_________________________
Ron Wellander, Mayor
ATTEST:

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

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

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

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

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EXHIBIT A
SECTION ONE: Chapter 19.92 Definitions Amended
Chapter 19.92, Definitions of Title 19 of the Sonoma Municipal Code is hereby amended by adding or amending the following definitions, and shall be integrated into the existing Section in alphabetical order, to read as follows (underline is used to denote new text being added):
“Affordable rent” means the maximum allowable rent for a unit affordable to lower income households, equal to one-twelfth (1/12th) of 30 percent of area median income adjusted for affordability level and assumed household size of one person in a studio affordable unit, two persons in a one-bedroom affordable unit, and one additional person for every additional bedroom; or as determined by the financing for the project, such as rents established for projects receiving tax credits.
“Affordable sales price” means the maximum purchase price that will be affordable to a lower income household. The purchase price shall be considered affordable only if it is based on a reasonable down payment, and monthly housing payments (including interest, principal, mortgage insurance, property taxes, homeowners insurance, homeowners association dues, property maintenance and repairs, and a reasonable allowance for utilities), all as determined by the city, that total no more than one-twelfth (1/12th) of 30 percent of area median income adjusted for affordability level and assumed household size of one person in a studio affordable unit, two persons in a one-bedroom affordable unit, and one additional person for every additional bedroom; or as determined by the financing for the project.
“Area median income” means the area median income applicable to Sonoma County, adjusted for household size, as published and periodically updated in the California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Section 6932.
“By right review” is as defined in Government Code Section 65583.2(i). By right review does not exempt the use from design review. By right review that includes design review approval is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. Review of these projects shall be limited to conformance with objective standards established by the general plan, development code, and design guidelines.
“Lower income household” means a household whose household income does not exceed the low income limits applicable to Sonoma County, adjusted for household size, as published and periodically updated in the California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Section 6932.

SECTION TWO: Section 19.10.050 Allowable land uses and permit requirements Amended
Section 19.10.050 Allowable land uses and permit requirements of Chapter 19.10, of Title 19 of the Sonoma Municipal Code is hereby amended by adding the following footnotes to Table 2-2 and Table 2-3, and shall be integrated into the existing Tables in chronological (footnotes) order, to read as follows (underline is used to denote new text being added):

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Table 2-2. Commercial Uses and Permit Requirements
P
Use
permitted
UP Use permit
required
L
License
required
–
Use not
allowed
Allowed Uses and Permit
Requirements for
Commercial Zoning
Districts (1)
Permit Required
by District (2)
WTUP Wine tasting
use permit
Land Use C CG Specific Use Regulations
RESIDENTIAL USES (32)
Multifamily Dwelling (Five or More Units)
(11)
UP UP

11. As required by Government Code Section 65583.2, residential development projects proposed to include at least 20 percent of the total number of housing units to be available to lower income households at an affordable rent or affordable sales price, and not including an application for a subdivision map, shall be subject only to by right review. This only applies to sites identified in Appendix A of the Housing Element to accommodate the lower income Regional Housing Needs Allocation that that were previously identified in past housing elements including Site 11 (APN 127-221-033), Site 28 (APN 018-241-054), and Site 70 (APNs 128-321-032 and 128-321-034).

Table 2-3. Mixed Uses and Permit Requirements
P
Use
permitted
UP
Use
permit
required
L
License
required
–
Use not
allowed
Allowed Uses and Permit
Requirements for Commercial
Zoning Districts (1)
Permit
Required by
District (2)
WTUP
Wine
tasting
use
permit
Land Use MX Specific Use
Regulations
RESIDENTIAL USES (4)
Multifamily Dwelling (Five or More Units) (11) UP

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application for a subdivision map, shall be subject only to by right review. This only applies to sites identified in Appendix A of the Housing Element to accommodate the lower income Regional Housing Needs Allocation that that were previously identified in past housing elements including Site 11 (APN 127-221-033), Site 28 (APN 018-241-054), and Site 70 (APNs 128-321-032 and 128-321-034).

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City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 26 Jan 2026
Department
Public Works
Staff Contact
Ashley Cotter, PW Admin & Project Manager
Agenda Item Title
Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Demolition of the Front Entry Trellis and the Deck Framing at Fire Station #1 in the Amount of 34,650.00, and Authorizing the City Manager to Approve $3,465 (10%) in Contingency, and Adopt a Resolution Authorizing a Budget Amendment to Increase Expenditures from the Long Term Building Maintenance Fund (Fund 610)
Summary
Fire Station #1 is the only fire station located within the City limits. The facility is owned and maintained by the City of Sonoma and is staffed by Sonoma Valley Fire District pursuant to the City’s ongoing agreement with the Fire District for fire services. This arrangement is similar to the City’s arrangement for police services, where the City maintains the facility and services are provided by Sonoma County through a contractual agreement.

Public Works staff was notified of significant dry rot at the front entry trellis and at the deck located above the ambulance bay. In response, Public Works engaged ZFA, Inc., the City’s oncall structural engineering consultant, to conduct a site visit and assess the extent of the damage. ZFA’s evaluation identified substantial deterioration and recommended removal of the affected areas. Due to the severity of the damage, full removal of the front entry trellis is recommended, limited to the wood framing members. Additionally, ZFA recommends full removal of the deck framing and the trellis framing supported by the deck, as these elements present a falling hazard and could potentially obstruct the ambulance bay door below.

These actions are necessary to address immediate safety concerns for both fire personnel and members of the public. The existing condition of the entry trellis and rear deck framing presents potential safety hazards that warrant prompt mitigation.

To address the long-term repairs, Public Works recently issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a comprehensive facilities condition assessment, which will help identify additional facility needs and inform a future Capital Improvement Project for more extensive improvements to Fire Station #1. Results from this study are anticipated in the spring in time to incorporate into the FY25/26 budget.

North Counties Drywall has submitted a proposal in the amount of $30,400 to complete the demolition work. An additional $4,250 is included for installation of a safety screen at the upper rear balcony door, resulting in a total contract amount of $34,650. Recent amendments to the Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act, effective January 1, 2025, allow public construction projects with a total cost of $75,000 or less to be awarded through a negotiated contract or purchase order.

This work was not included in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 adopted budget; however, sufficient funding is available within the Long-Term Building Maintenance Fund. Staff proposes increasing appropriations in the Construction/Materials category to execute this contract. The Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget included $30,000 for the Depot Museum truss repair project, which Agenda Item #7.5:

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has been successfully completed. Approximately $15,700 in unspent funds from that project are available and can be reallocated to support this work.

Recommended Council Action
Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Demolition of the Front Entry Trellis and the Deck Framing at Fire Station #1 in the Amount of 34,650.00, and Authorizing the City Manager to Approve $3,465 (10%) in Contingency, and Adopt a Resolution Authorizing a Budget Amendment to Increase Expenditures from the Long Term Building Maintenance Fund (Fund 610)
Alternative Actions
Council discretion.

Financial Impact
This will require additional expenditures from Fund 610 (Long Term Building Maintenance). The project expenditures are listed below:

Line Item Amount
North Counties Drywall Proposal for Demolition $30,400.00 North Counties Drywall Proposal for Safety Screen $4,250.00 Contingency (10% of Total Contract Price) $3,465.00
ZFA Structural Engineer's Report $1,500.00
Total Funding for Required $39,615.00
There is remaining funding in Fund 610 as a result of project costs for the Depot Museum Truss repair coming in much lower than anticipated. The remaining funding in Fund 610 Construction and Materials is $15,700.00, as construction is complete on the Depot Museum Truss repair, and no additional funding is needed for that project.

For this work to be done, additional expenditures will need to be encumbered, to reflect the following:

Remaining Funding in Fund 610 - Construction/Materials (credit) ($15,700.00) Total Funding Required for Project (as shown in table above) $39,615.00 Additional Funding to be Added to Fund 610 (Construction and Materials) $23,915.00 Revised Updated Budget for Additional Expenditures (after budget amendment) $53,915.00
This represents a $23,915.00 increase in expenditures for all elements of this project to be funded.

The Long Term Building Maintenance Fund (Fund 610) has sufficient funding to allow for this increase.

Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
x Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Agenda Item #7.5:

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422140.1

CITY OF SONOMA
RESOLUTION # _______ - 2026

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA AUTHORIZING

THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH NORTH COUNTIES DRYWALL, INC. FOR $34,650, APPROVE $3,465 IN CONTINGENCY, AND APPROVE A PROJECT BUDGET OF $39,615
WHEREAS, Fire Station #1 is located at 630 Second Street West, and is the only fire station located within the City; and
WHEREAS, Recently staff at Fire Station #1 alerted Public Works to significant dry rot at the front entry trellis and at the deck above the ambulance bay; and WHEREAS, the City worked with ZFA Structural Engineers a City on-call engineering contract and obtained a report from ZFA Structural Engineers recommending the removal of these structures from the building; and
WHEREAS, per Sonoma Municipal Code 3.04.080 and per the Updated Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (effective January 1, 2025), public projects costing $75,000 or less can be let by negotiated by contract, purchase order, or performed by City employees by force account; and
WHEREAS, the limited demolition work is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended, Public Resources Code section 21000 et seq. (“CEQA”) under Sections 15301 and 14302 of the CEQA Guidelines as it is the maintenance, repair or replacement of an existing facility.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Sonoma that the City Manager is authorized to execute a Construction Contract with North Counties Drywall, Inc. for $34,650, approve up to $3,465 in Contingency.

RESOLVED AND ADOPTED this ___________________, 2026 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
_________________________________
Ron Wellander, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.5:

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1 CONTRACT FOR MINOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS
This Contract for Minor Public Works Projects for Fire Station #1 Demolition of Entry Facia and Balcony by and between the City of Sonoma, a California municipal corporation (hereinafter "City") and North Counties Drywall, Inc. (hereinafter "Contractor") is effective on the Effective Date identified on the signature page.

1. In consideration of the City’s obligations set forth herein, the Contractor shall furnish the tools, equipment, labor and material necessary to perform as set forth in Exhibit B and complete in a good and workmanlike manner, specified by Exhibit B (the “Work”). The Contractor shall perform the Work in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (including Exhibit “B,” attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference), and at the compensation rates and charges set forth on Exhibit “A,” attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

This Contract is to establish Contractor rates and to set forth terms and conditions for the City in the time period specified.

2. The total sum of this Contract shall not exceed Thirty Four Thousand Six Hundred Fifty [$34,650.00] Dollars. The City however may or may not reach this limit, nor is obligated to do so. If directed by City to perform repair or installation work, the Contractor will be paid 100% of Work based on contract prices set forth herein upon completion of the Work. It is understood and agreed that in accordance with California Public Contract Code §22300, the Contractor will be allowed to substitute securities for money withheld by City to insure performance under this Contract. In accordance with Public Contract Code §20104.50, City shall promptly review payment requests and if not suitable for payment, City shall no later than seven (7) days after receipt return the same with an explanation as to why the payment request is not possible. City shall make progress payments within thirty (30) days after receipt of an undisputed and properly executed request. Failure to comply with the time requirements shall subject City to certain interest charges.

3. The following shall govern the responsibilities and indemnification by Contractor:

A. City and each of its officers, employees, and agents including, shall not be liable or accountable in any manner for loss or damage that may happen to any part of the Work; loss or damage to materials or other things used or employed in performing the Work; injury, sickness, disease, emotional injury, or death of any person; or damage to property resulting from any cause whatsoever except their sole negligence, willful misconduct or active negligence, attributable to performance or character of the Work, and Contractor releases all of the foregoing persons and entities from any and all such claims.

B. To the furthest extent permitted by law (including without limitation California Civil Code Section 2782), Contractor shall assume defense of, release, and indemnify and hold harmless, City and each of its officers, employees, and agents (excluding agents who are design professionals), from claims, suits, actions, losses and liability of every kind, nature and description, including but not limited to claims, etc., and fines of regulatory agencies or relating to claims, etc., for copyright and/or infringement patent, and attorney’s fees and Contractor’s fees, directly or indirectly, from any cause whatsoever, directly or indirectly, arising out of, connected with, or resulting from performance of the Work, failure to perform the Work, or condition of the Work which is caused in whole or in part by any act or omission of Contractor, Subcontractors, anyone directly or indirectly employed by any of them or anyone for whose acts any of them may be liable, regardless of whether it is caused in part by the negligence of City or by any person or entity required to be indemnified hereunder.

C. Approval or purchase of any insurance contracts or policies shall in no way relieve from liability nor limit the liability of Contractor, its Subcontractors of any tier, or the officers or agents of any of them.

D. To the furthest extent permitted by law (including, without limitation, Civil Code Section 2782), the indemnities, releases of liability and limitations of liability, claims, procedures, and limitations of remedy expressed throughout Contract Documents shall apply even in the event of breach of contract, negligence (active or passive), fault or strict liability of the party(ies) indemnified, released, or limited in liability, and shall survive the termination, rescission, breach, abandonment, or completion of the Work or the terms of the Contract Documents.

E. The Contractor’s obligation to defend and indemnify shall not be excused because of the Contractor’s inability to evaluate liability or because the Contractor evaluates liability and determines that the Contractor is not liable to the claimant. The Contractor will respond within 30 days to the tender of any claim for defense and indemnity by the City, unless this time has been extended by the City If the Contractor fails to Agenda Item #7.5:

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2 accept or reject a tender of defense and indemnity within 30 days, in addition to any other remedy authorized by law, so much of the money due the Contractor under and by virtue of the contract as shall reasonably be considered necessary by the City, may be retained by the City until disposition has been made of the claim or suit for damages or until the Contractor accepts or rejects the tender of defense, whichever occurs first.

F. The indemnities in the Contract Documents shall not apply to any indemnified party to the extent of its sole negligence or willful misconduct; nor shall they apply to City or other indemnified party to the extent of its active negligence.

4. This Contract shall not be assigned without the written approval of the City.

5. The Contractor shall have full care, custody and control of the project to completion and shall maintain the same in a safe and tidy condition. The Contractor shall at all times maintain proper facilities and provide safe access for inspection by City to all parts of the Work, and to the shops wherein the Work is in preparation. Where the specifications require Work to be specially tested or approved, it shall not be tested or covered up without timely notice to the City, or its representative, of its readiness for inspection, and without the approval thereof or consent thereto by the latter. Should any Work be covered up without such notice, approval or consent, it must, if required by the City, or its representative, be uncovered for examination at the Contractor's expense.

6. The Contractor shall assume sole and complete responsibility for job site conditions for the duration of the project including, but not limited to, the safety and health conditions on the Work site. This requirement shall apply continuously and shall not be limited to normal working hours. Contractor shall comply with all applicable provisions of law including the standards, rules, regulations and orders established by the California Division of Industrial Safety. Contractor shall furnish and use safety devices and safeguards and shall adopt and use practices, means, methods, operations, and processes which are reasonably adequate to render the Work site safe and healthful. Contractor shall take all steps necessary to ensure that any hazardous condition is corrected promptly either by the Contractor or by assigning such responsibility to the appropriate subcontractor and ensuring that the corrections are completed. The City, design engineer, construction manager and the officers, agents or employees, shall not have control over or charge of or responsibility for construction or safety means, methods, techniques, procedures, as these are solely the responsibility of Contractor.

7. Should the City at any time during the progress of the Work request any alterations, deviations, additions or omissions from said Contract, specifications or plans, it shall be at liberty to do so, and the same shall in no way affect or make void the Contract, but will be added to or deducted from the amount of said contract price, as the case may be, by fair and reasonable valuation. The value of any such extra work or change shall be determined in one or more of the following ways:

A. By estimate and acceptance of a lump sum.

B. By unit price named in the contract or subsequently agreed upon.

C. By cost and percentage or by cost and a fixed fee.

8. Contractor shall obtain insurance acceptable to the City in a company or companies acceptable to the City. The required documentation of such insurance shall be furnished to the City at the time Contractor returns the executed contract. The Contractor shall not commence Work nor shall allow its employees or agents or anyone to commence Work until all insurance and properly executed endorsements required hereunder have been submitted and approved. The Contractor shall take out and maintain at all times during the life of this Contract, the following policies of insurance with insurers (if other than the State Compensation Fund) with a current A.M. Best's rating of no less than A:VII, or its equivalent, against injury/death to persons or damage to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance hereunder by Contractor, its employees, agents and subcontractors:

A. Workers’ Compensation insurance as required by the State of California, with Statutory Limits, and Employer’s Liability Insurance with limit of no less than $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease.

B. Comprehensive or Commercial General Liability Insurance at least as broad as Insurance Services Office Commercial General Liability coverage (occurrence form CG 0001), in an amount of $2,000,000 per occurrence. If Work involves explosives, underground or collapse risks, XCU must be included. If a general aggregate limit is used, either the general Agenda Item #7.5:

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3 aggregate limit shall apply separately to this project or the general aggregate shall be twice the required occurrence limit.

C. Automobile Liability, with coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office form number CA 0001 0692, Code 1, (any auto), in an amount of $1,000,000 per accident. The amount of any deductible or self-insured retention over $100,000 shall be declared to and approved by the City. Said policy shall contain or be endorsed with the provision that coverage shall not be canceled nor materially reduced in coverage without 30 days prior written notice (10 days for non-payment of premium) to City by certified mail.

D. Contractors’ Pollution Legal Liability and/or Asbestos Legal Liability and/or Errors and Omissions (if project involves environmental hazards) with limits no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence or claim, and $2,000,000 policy aggregate. If the services involve lead-based paint or asbestos identification/remediation, the Contractors Pollution Liability policy shall not contain lead-based paint or asbestos exclusions. If the services involve mold identification/remediation, the Contractors Pollution Liability policy shall not contain a mold exclusion, and the definition of Pollution shall include microbial matter, including mold.

E. If applicable, Builders Risk (or course of construction), written on an all-risk form, for 100% completed value on the insurable part of the project. The Builders Risk policy shall provide for losses to be payable to City and Contractor as their interests may appear, and that in the event of payment for any loss under the coverage provided, the insurer shall not have rights of recovery against City and Contractor.

F. Prior to City's execution of Contract, Contractor shall provide properly executed Certificates of Insurance and Endorsements evidencing the insurance required herein, including the amount of any policy deductible or self-insured retention, on forms approved by City.

G. The Entity, its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers are to be covered as additional insureds on the CGL policy with respect to liability arising out of work or operations performed by or on behalf of the Contractor including materials, parts, or equipment furnished in connection with such work or operations and automobiles owned, leased, hired, or borrowed by or on behalf of the Contractor. General liability coverage can be provided in the form of an endorsement to the Contractor’s insurance at least as broad as one of the following ISO ongoing operations Forms: CG 20 10 or CG 20 26 or CG 20 33 (not allowed from subcontractors), or CG 20 38; and one of the following ISO completed operations Forms: CG 20 37, 2039 (not allowed from subcontractors), or CG 20 40 H. For any claims related to this contract, the Contractor’s insurance coverage shall be primary coverage at least as broad as ISO CG 20 01 04 13 as respects the City, its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City, its officers, officials, employees, or volunteers shall be excess of the Contractor’s insurance and shall not contribute with it.

I. Contractor shall provide immediate written notice if (1) any of the required insurance policies is terminated; (2) the limits of any of the required policies are reduced; (3) or the deductible or self-insured retention is increased. In the event of any cancellation or reduction in coverage or limits of any insurance, Contractor shall forthwith obtain and submit proof of substitute insurance.

J. Contractor hereby agrees to waive rights of subrogation which any insurer of Contractor may acquire from Contractor by virtue of the payment of any loss. Contractor agrees to obtain any endorsement that may be necessary to affect this waiver of subrogation, but this provision applies regardless of whether or not the Entity has received a waiver of subrogation endorsement from the insurer. However, the Workers’ Compensation policy shall be endorsed with a waiver of subrogation in favor of the Entity for all work performed by the Contractor, its employees, agents and subcontractors.

K. Self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the City. The City may require the Contractor to purchase coverage with a lower retention or provide proof of ability to pay Agenda Item #7.5:

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4 losses and related investigations, claim administration, and defense expenses within the retention. The policy language shall provide, or be endorsed to provide, that the self-insured retention may be satisfied by either the named insured or City.

L. Contractor shall require and verify that all subcontractors maintain insurance meeting all the requirements stated herein, and Contractor shall ensure that Entity is an additional insured on insurance required from subcontractors. For CGL coverage subcontractors shall provide coverage with a form at least as broad as CG 20 38 04 13.

M. Contractor shall furnish the City with original Certificates of Insurance including all required amendatory endorsements (or copies of the applicable policy language effecting coverage required by this clause) and a copy of the Declarations and Endorsement Page of the CGL policy listing all policy endorsements to City before work begins. However, failure to obtain the required documents prior to the work beginning shall not waive the Contractor’s obligation to provide them. The City reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, including endorsements required by these specifications, at any time.

N. City reserves the right to modify these requirements, including limits, based on the nature of the risk, prior experience, insurer, coverage, or other special circumstances.

If the contractor maintains broader coverage and/or higher limits than the minimums shown above for all policies, the Entity requires and shall be entitled to the broader coverage and/or higher limits maintained by the contractor.

Any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits of insurance and coverage shall be available to the Entity.

9. The term of this Agreement shall commence at 12:00 a.m. on January 26, 2026 (the “Commencement Date”) and shall expire at 11:59 p.m. on February 28, 2026 (the “Termination Date”) unless extended by written agreement of the parties or terminated earlier. Contractor may request extensions of time to perform the services required hereunder. Such extensions shall be effective if authorized in advance by City in writing and incorporated in written amendments to this agreement.

10. The Contract shall be construed and interpreted according to California law; any action to enforce the terms of this Contract or for the breach thereof shall be brought and tried in the County of Sonoma.

11. Should the Contractor fail to complete this Contract with the time fixed for completion, due allowance being made for unavoidable delays, it shall become liable to City in the amount of $1,000 in Liquidated Damages per calendar day for each day said Work remains incomplete beyond the time for completion. If it appears to the Contractor that it will not complete the Work in the time agreed, it shall make written application to City at least ten (10) calendar days prior to expiration of the time for completion, stating the reasons why and the amount of extension it believes should be granted. The City may then, with discretion, grant, or deny such extension. Any money due or to become due to Contractor may be retained to cover the liquidated damages, and should such money not be sufficient to cover such damages, the City shall have the right to recover the balance from Contractor or its Sureties.

12. Contractor warrants to City that all materials and equipment furnished under this Contract will be new unless otherwise specified and that all Work will be of good quality free from faults and defects and in conformance with the contract documents. Neither final payment nor use or occupancy of the Work performed by the Contractor shall constitute an acceptance of Work not done in accordance with the Contract or relieve Contractor of liability in respect to any express warranties or responsibilities for faulty material or workmanship.

Contractor shall remedy any defects in the Work and pay for any damage resulting therefrom which shall appear within the period of one (1) year from the date of final payment by the City for the Work. City will give notice of observed defects with reasonable promptness.

13. By execution of this Contract, Contractor warrants that it has carefully examined the site of the Work contemplated and any plans and specifications and contract documents pertaining to the Work and has satisfied itself of all local conditions affecting the Work and delivery of materials; City specifically disclaims any Agenda Item #7.5:

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5 warranties for information provided to Contractor. It is the obligation of Contractor to notify City of any and all ambiguities, conflicts, etc., in and among such plans, specifications and/or documents.

14. Contractor shall give its personal attention to the fulfillment of the Contract and shall keep the Work under its control at all times. No subcontractor will be recognized as such, and all persons engaged in the Work will be considered as employees of Contractor, and it will be held responsible for the Work which shall be subject to the provisions of the Contract and specifications, if any.

15. Whenever, in the opinion of the City, the Contractor is neglecting the Work or is not prosecuting the same with diligence or is not fulfilling the provisions of the Contract and specifications, the Work, wholly or in part, may be suspended by written order of the City. If the Contractor, within five (5) days after the date of receipt of such a written order, does not agree to provide the required remedies for such deficiencies, the City may declare this Contract terminated and itself proceed to complete the Work herein specified or engage others to do the same.

The cost of such Work and necessary materials shall be charged against the Contractor and be deducted from next or subsequent estimate payment for same. If payments to Contractor are not sufficient to cover the charges, the balance may be recovered from the Contractor or its Sureties. If City declares the Contract terminated pursuant to this paragraph and the amount of any such charges is less than the amount which would have been due to Contractor upon completion of the Work by it, the difference shall be paid it by City; should the amount of said charges exceed the latter, the difference shall be paid by Contractor to City.

16. In the event City declares this Contract terminated pursuant to the previous paragraph, Contractor shall discontinue Work, and City reserves the further right to take possession of and use any materials or equipment of any nature whatsoever belonging to or used by the Contractor on the Work. All expenses charged under this paragraph shall be deducted and paid by City out of any monies due Contractor under the Contract, and in such accounting City shall not be held to obtain the lowest figure for completing the Contract, but all sums actually paid therefore shall be charged to the Contractor.

17. Contractor shall procure all permits and licenses, including, but not limited to, a City of Sonoma business license, pay all charges and fees and give all notices necessary and incident to the lawful prosecution of the Work and comply with all conditions of any permit, license or authorization allowed. Contractor shall ensure that each subcontractor has all required permits and licenses (including, but not limited to, a City of Sonoma business license), given all required notices and complies with all conditions of any permit, license or authority.

18. Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 7103.5, Contractor assigns to City all rights, title and interest in and to all causes of action it may have under Section 4 of the Clayton Act or under the Cartwright Act arising from purchases of goods, services or materials for this Contract. This assignment shall be made and effective at final payment without further acknowledgment by the parties.

19. Contractor shall not be entitled to the payment of any additional compensation for any act, or failure to act, by the City, including failure or refusal to issue a change order, or for the happening of any event, thing, occurrence, or other cause, unless he/she shall have given the City due written notice of potential claim.

The written notice of potential claim shall set forth the reasons for which the Contractor believes additional compensation will or may be due, the nature of the costs involved, and insofar as possible, the amount of the potential claim. The said notice as above required must have been given to the City prior to the time that the Contractor shall have performed the Work giving rise to the potential claim for additional compensation if based on an act, or failure to act, by the City, or in all other cases within fifteen (15) days after the happening of the event, thing, occurrence, or other cause giving rise to the potential claim.

20. In the event the Work requires Contractor to dig trenches or other excavations deeper than four (4) feet below the surface, Contractor shall promptly, and before the following conditions are disturbed, notify the public entity, in writing, of any:

A. Material that the Contractor believes may be material that is hazardous waste, as defined in §25117 of the Health & Safety Code, that is required to be removed to a Class I, Class II, or Class III disposal site in accordance with provisions of existing law.

B. Subsurface or latent physical conditions at the site differing from those indicated.

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6 C. Unknown physical conditions at the site of any unusual nature, different materially from those ordinarily encountered and generally recognized as inherent in Work of the character provided for in this Contract.

D. City shall promptly investigate the conditions, and if it finds that the conditions do materially so differ, or do involve hazardous waste, and cause a decrease or increase in Contractor's cost of, or the time required for, performance of any part of the Work shall issue a change order under the procedures described in this Contract.

In the event that a dispute arises between City and Contractor, whether the conditions materially differ or involve hazardous waste, or cause a decrease or increase in Contractor's cost of, or time required for, performance of any part of the Work, Contractor shall not be excused from any scheduled completion date provided for by the contract but shall proceed with all Work to be performed under this Contract. Contractor shall retain any and all rights provided either by contract or by law which pertain to the resolution of disputes and protests between the contracting parties.

21. Contractor shall comply with all applicable provisions of federal, state and local law including, but not limited to, the following requirements of the California Labor Code:

A. City has obtained from the Director of the State Department of Industrial Relations the general prevailing rate of wages and employer payments for health and welfare, vacation, pension and similar purposes in the county in which said work is to be performed for each craft and type of workman or mechanic needed to execute this Contract. These prevailing rates are on file in the City's office and will be made available to any interested party upon request. The Contractor shall post a copy of said prevailing rates at the job site.

Pursuant to Sections 1770, et seq., the Contractor and all subcontractors under him shall pay not less than the prevailing wage rate. The Contractor shall forfeit to the City, as a penalty, Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for each laborer, workman, or mechanic employed for each calendar day or portion thereof, such laborer, workman or mechanic employed for each calendar day or portion thereof, such laborer, workman, or mechanic who is paid less than the prevailing wage rate for any Work done under this Contract by him, or by any subcontractor under him.

B. Pursuant to Sections 1810, et seq., eight (8) hours of labor shall constitute a legal day's work upon all Work done hereunder, and it is expressly stipulated that no workman employed at any time by the Contractor, or by any subcontractor or subcontractors under this Contract, upon the Work or upon any part of the Work contemplated by this Contract, shall be required or permitted to work thereon more than eight (8) hours in any one calendar day and forty (40) hours in any one calendar week, except as provided in Section 1815; all the provisions whereof are deemed to be incorporated herein, and it is further expressly stipulated that for each and every violation of said last named stipulation, said Contractor shall forfeit, as a penalty to the City, Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) for each workman employed in the execution of this Contract, or by any subcontractor under this Contract, for each calendar day during which said workman is required to labor more than either (8) hours in violation of the provisions of said sections of the Labor Code.

C. Contractor shall comply with Section 1776 relating to certified copies of payroll records including the maintenance of these records and their certification and availability for inspection.

D. Contractor agrees to comply with Sections 1777.5, 1777.6 and 1777.7 regarding employment of apprentices. The responsibility for compliance with these provisions if fixed with the prime contractor for all occupations.

E. In the event the Work involves the excavation of any trench(es) five (5) feet or more in depth, Contractor shall submit a detailed plan showing the design of shoring, bracing, sloping or other provisions to be made for worker protection from the hazard of caving ground during the excavation of such trench(es) in accordance with Section 6705.

F. Pursuant to requirements under the California Labor Code, Contractor hereby acknowledges its affirmative obligations related to the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) compliance and enforcement efforts with respect to prevailing wage requirements on public works projects. No contractor or subcontractor may be listed on a bid proposal for a public works project unless registered with the DIR pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5 [with limited exceptions from this requirement for bid purposes only under Labor Code section 1771.1 (a)]. Contractors and Subcontractors may register with the DIR at Agenda Item #7.5:

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7 https://efiling.dir.ca.gov/PWCR/ActionServlet?action=displayPWCRegistrationForm. No contractor or subcontractor may be awarded a contract for public work on a public works project unless registered with DIR pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5.

This construction of the improvements under this Agreement is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the DIR.

22. In the event that any scope of work requested by the City to the Contractor may exceed a total amount of $25,000.00, Contractor must then obtain the following bonds: a Performance Bond in the amount of 100% of the estimated contract task price and a Payment “Labor and Materials” Bond in the amount of 100% of the estimated contract task price, which shall be duly executed by Contractor as Principal and an admitted surety company as Surety prior to City's execution of this Contract. In conjunction with submittal of the bonds, the Contractor shall furnish the original, or a certified copy, of the unrevoked appurtenant Power of Attorney or other instrument authorizing the person who executed the bonds to do so and a certificate from the Clerk of Sonoma County that the certificate of authority of the surety has not been surrendered, revoked, canceled, annulled or suspended.

23. Contractor shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), creed, national origin, color, disability as defined by law, disabled veteran status, Vietnam veteran status, religion, age (40 and above), medical condition (cancer-related), marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, or any other unlawful basis. Employment actions to which this provision applies shall include, but not be limited to, the following: employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; or in terms, conditions or privileges of employment, and selection for training. Contractor agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.

24. This contract is further subject to the provisions of Article 1.5 (commencing at Section 20104) of Division 2, Part 3 of the California Public Contract Code regarding the resolution of public works claims of less than $375,000. Article 1.5 mandates certain procedures for the filing of claims and supporting documentation by the contractor, for the response to such claims by the contracting public City, for a mandatory meet and confer conference upon the request of the contractor, for mandatory nonbinding mediation in the event litigation is commenced, and for mandatory judicial arbitration upon the failure to resolve the dispute through mediation. This contract hereby incorporates the provisions of Article 1.5 as though fully set forth herein.

25. This Agreement is subject to Government Code Section 84308, as amended by SB 1439.

Contractor shall disclose any contribution in an amount of more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) made within the preceding 12 months by the party or the party’s agent. Contractor shall provide a signed copy of the attached Campaign Contribution Disclosure Form to the City prior to, or concurrent with, the Contractor’s execution of this Agreement.

26. Under no circumstances shall Contractor or its employees look to the City as an employer.

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

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

Agenda Item #7.5:

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8 28. Contractor shall maintain all ledgers, books of account, invoices, vouchers, canceled checks, and other records or documents evidencing or relating to charges for services or expenditures and disbursements charged to City under this Agreement for a minimum of three (3) years, or for any longer period required by law, from the date of final payment to Contractor under this Agreement. All such documents shall be made available for inspection, audit, and/or copying at any time during regular business hours, upon oral or written request of City. In addition, pursuant to Government Code Section 8546.7, if the amount of public funds expended under this Agreement exceeds ten thousand dollars, all such documents and this Agreement shall be subject to the examination and audit of the State Auditor, at the request of City or as part of any audit of City, for a period of three (3) years after final payment under the Agreement.

29. Compliance with Laws.

A. General. Contractor shall use the standard of care in its profession to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations. Contractor represents and warrants to City that it has all licenses, permits, qualifications, insurance, and approvals of whatsoever nature which are legally required for Contractor to practice its profession. Contractor represents and warrants to City that Contractor shall, at its sole cost and expense, keep in effect or obtain at all times during the term of this Agreement any licenses, permits, insurance, and approvals which are legally required for Contractor to practice its profession.

City is not responsible or liable for Contractor’s failure to comply with any or all of the requirements contained in this paragraph or in this Agreement.

B. Workers’ Compensation. Contractor certifies that it is aware of the provisions of the California Labor Code which require every employee to be insured against liability for workers’ compensation or to undertake self-insurance in accordance with the provisions of that Code, and Contractor certifies that it will comply with such provisions before commencing performance of this Agreement and at all times in the performance of the Agreement.

C. Injury and Illness Prevention Program. Contractor certifies that it is aware of and has complied with the provisions of California Labor Code Section 6401.7, which requires every employer to adopt a written injury and illness prevention program.

D. City’s Living Wage Ordinance. Unless otherwise exempt in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance, this contract is subject to the applicable provisions of the Living Wage Ordinance (LWO) of the City as amended from time to time and can be found at https://www.sonomacity.org/living-wage-law/ and is incorporated by reference into and made a part of this Agreement. (1) The Contractor assures payment of a minimum wage rate to employees as defined in the LWO and as may be adjusted each July 1 and provision of benefits as defined in the LWO. (2) The Contractor, whether an employer, as defined in the LWO, or any other person employing individuals, shall not discharge, reduce in compensation, or otherwise discriminate against any employee for complaining to the City with regard to the employer’s compliance or anticipated compliance with the LWO.
(3) Any Subcontract entered into by the Contractor relating to this Agreement shall be subject to the provisions of the LWO.
(4) The Contractor shall, immediately upon execution of Contract, provide notification to all affected employees of the wage required to be paid pursuant to the LWO. (5) The Contractor shall provide, upon demand by City, documents and information verifying compliance with the requirements of the LWO.
(6) The City shall have the authority, under appropriate circumstances, to terminate this contract and otherwise pursue legal remedies that may be available if the City determines that the subject Contractor has violated provisions of the LWO.

Agenda Item #7.5:

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9 E. Business Licenses. Except as otherwise allowed by City in its sole discretion, Contractor and all subcontractors shall have acquired, at Contractor’s expense, a business license from the City in accordance with Chapter 5.04 of the Sonoma Municipal Code, prior to City’s issuance of an authorization to proceed with the Services. Such license(s) shall be kept valid throughout the term of this Agreement. City may withhold compensation from Contractor until such time as Contractor complies with this section.

F. City Not Responsible. The City is not responsible or liable for Contractor’s failure to comply with any and all of said requirements.

G. Completion of the Work shall be in conformance with applicable provisions of the City of Sonoma Standard Plans and State of California Department of Transportation Standard Specifications 2018.

SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE
Agenda Item #7.5:

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10 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Contract to be executed the day and year first above written.

North Counties Drywall, Inc. City of Sonoma
By: _______________________________ By: _______________________________ Name: David Guhin
President or CEO City Manager
Date: ________________________ Date:__________________________ Agenda Item #7.5:

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P.O. Box 260, Sonoma, CA 95476
Ph: (707) 996-0198 Fax: (707) 996-0199 License # 630523 DIR #1000005163 Website: http://ncdinc.net
Project: SVFD Firehouse Station 1 exterior demo
Price: $30,400 Add for safety screen at upper door: $4,250 Description: Remove and dispose of the entry facia and balcony. Seal surfaces exposed by demo with henry’s sealant. This bid includes all necessary lifts and cranes to perform the work.

Excluding: patching surfaces back to new, removal of concrete or gypcreat, removal of electrical wires, conduit, panels.

Proposal Clarifications Plans

1. NCD is a union shop.

2. This proposal is expressly conditioned upon the mutual agreement of contract documents between NCD and the General Contractor and will be attached to or otherwise incorporated into any subcontract agreement resulting from the proposal.

3. Any changes NCD is directed to perform must be issued as a billable change order to NCD within 30 days of NCD submittal. Contractor accepts full financial responsibility for damages arising from Contractor’s failure to notify NCD within 5 business days upon any halt of work lasting longer than seven (7) days, a Cessation of Work, a filing of Notice of Completion, or any other legally binding acceptance of work including, but not limited to, owner move in.

4. General Contractor agrees to pay all reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred by NCD to collect any monies due under this proposal.

5. We assume no responsibility for any variance between plans, specifications, actual field and job site conditions or requirements of local codes. Any financial requirements to amend work will be the sole responsibility of others, including the General Contractor.

6. A project schedule and any changes to it will be mutually agreed upon by the contractor and NCD.

Contractor accepts full financial responsibility for damages caused by interruptions to operation defined as any unapproved alteration to the schedule including, but not limited to, out-of-sequence work and delay.

Date: 1/20/2026
Agenda Item #7.5:

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7. If hollow metal door frames, windows and or storefronts are not in place at the time of our operations there will be an added cost to be passed on to the General Contractor to perform out-ofsequence work.

8. Areas/units need to be 100% ready for cover up prior to the start of production drywall installation.

NCD will not start taping/finishing in areas where installation of gypsum board is not complete.

9. Environmental conditions as required by the Gypsum Association or contract documents must be maintained, during and after installation of gypsum board, by the General Contractor.

10. General Contractor is responsible for protecting all finished walls and ceiling from trade damage until building is turned over to owner.

11. NCD will install glass mat gyp for pre-rock prior to bldg. roof completion. No MEP can be installed until priority walls are pre-rocked.

12. Note: If electrical plugs and switches are installed out of sequence prior to drywall installation and finish there will be added cost.

13. GC to provide dumpsters for NCD use.

14. Proposal excludes the following: Bond fees; engineering; shop drawings; patching for other trades; demo; x-ray concrete; grinding/prep of concrete ceilings; Pollution liability insurance; furnishing exterior scaffold; any primer and/or sealer for drywall under Specification ASTM C-840 or GA-216; all exterior assemblies and exterior gypsum sheathing; finishing of tile backer board; stainless steel screws; light safety slack wires; non-gaugedmetals; fire track; firestop track seal; smoke and acoustic track seal; fireproofing; mineral fiber blanket/safeing fire rated putty pads; acoustical and fire caulking for all MEP penetration; acoustic accessories; sound isolation clips and putty pad; acoustical and thermal batt insulation; acoustical spray sealants; corner guards; grouting door frames; access panels/doors; molding and caps; isolation strips; wood backing or blocking; metal backing on wood walls; wood furring; layout for all penetrations and backing; temporary water, power, heat, lights or ventilation; all cement plaster and plaster veneer finishes; all bituthen products and/or waterproofing materials; vapor barrier; all exclusions to be provided and/or complete by others.

This pricing is subject to increase if not accepted within 30 days.

If you have any questions regarding this proposal, please contact Richie Merlo at: (707) 996-0198 Agenda Item #7.5:

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Error! Unknown document property name.

WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I am aware of the provisions of Section 3700 of the California Labor Code which require every employer to be insured against liability for workers’ compensation or to undertake self-insurance in accordance with the provisions of that code, and I will comply with such provisions before commencing the performance of the work of this contract. If any class of employees engaged in work under this contract at the site of the Project is not protected under any Worker’s Compensation law, Contractor shall provide and shall cause each subcontractor to provide adequate insurance for the protection of employees not otherwise protected.

Contractor shall indemnify and hold harmless City for any damage resulting from failure of either Contractor or any subcontractor to take out or maintain such insurance.

Date:________________________ _____________________________________ Signature
_____________________________________
Printed Name
_____________________________________
Title
Agenda Item #7.5:

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CAMPAIGNCONTRIBUTIONDISCLOSUREPROVISIONS
Cities are subject to the campaign disclosure provisions detailed in Government Code Section 84308.

Please carefully read the following information to
determine if the provisions apply to you. If you determine that the provisions are applicable, the Campaign Disclosure Form must be completed and returnedtothe Citywithyourapplication.

1. No City councilmember or commissioner shall accept, solicit, or direct a contribution of more than $500 from any party,1 financially interested participant,2 or agent3 while a proceeding is pending or for 12 months subsequent to the date a final decision is rendered by the City. This prohibition commences when your application has been filed, or the proceeding is otherwise initiated.

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

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

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

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

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

1. ____________________________________

2. ____________________________________

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

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

1. ____________________________________

2. ____________________________________

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

Printed Name
Signature
Date Phone
To be completed by City:

Document No:
______________________________
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City of Sonoma
RESOLUTION # _______ - 2026

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 ADOPTED BUDGET
WHEREAS, the 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; and
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 26th day of January 2026, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
__________________________________
Ron Wellander, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.5:

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Batch ID#:

Entered By:

Date:

Request Date: 1/21/2026 Fiscal Year: 2025-26
Requesting Department: Public Works
Adjustment Description: Additional Expenditures for Fund 610 for Fire Station #1 Demolition Work Requestor: Ashley Cotter, PW Admin/Project Manager
Department Head Approval: Mike Berger, Director of Public Works Date: 1/21/2026 Finance Review: Prapti Aryal, Director of Finance Date: 1/21/2026 City Manager Approval (if required)*: David Guhin, City Manager Date: 1/22/2026 Net Adjustment:

Justification:

City Clerk Signature (if required)**: Date:

Budget Adjustment Form
Account Description of Adjustment Increase / (Decrease) Finance Department Use Only
Total Revenue Adjustments:

Account Description of Adjustment
610-00201-703-70703
Additional Expenditure Required for Fire Station #1 Limited Demolition Project
Total Expenditure Adjustments: 23,915.00
23,915.00
* 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. -
Increase / (Decrease)
$23,915.00
23,915.00

TOTAL DEBIT
Public Works is requesting additional expenditures for Fund 610 (Construction and Materials) - the FY25-26 approved budget had $30,000, of which $15,700 is remaining. The total cost for this project is $39,615, an additional $23,915 is required for this project to be fully funded.
-

TOTAL CREDIT
Agenda Item #7.5:

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City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 26 Jan 2026
Department
City Council
Staff Contact
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item Title
Selection of the 2026 City of Sonoma Alcalde
Summary
History of the Alcalde from the Alcalde Selection Policy Alcaldes in California came about through the rise of the pueblo system and the establishment of town councils (called ayuntamientos). The councils were headed by mayors (called alcaldes), and together they provided a semblance of government, hearing a wide range of issues from land disputes to criminal matters. The annually elected alcalde was not only the chief local law practitioner but also judge, justice of the peace (if no one else filled that function), notary public, recorder, escrow agent in land transactions, boss of the town Council, and was probably the town's most useful citizen. He often had to rule on disputes over cattle, horses, branding irons, hides, horse race wagers, bankruptcy, adoption, promissory notes, barrels of wine, and vacant lands. Alcaldes were the recorders of mortgages, wills, and conveyances and also had to deal with criminal activity, including murder.

The Alcalde's position and importance did not end with Mexican Rule. In his speech following the raising of the American Flag over Monterey on July 7, 1846, Commodore John Sloat restated the importance of Alcaldes and invited them to continue to execute their duties. The function of alcaldes did not legally change until after the state Constitution was adopted, and duties previously performed by one person were separated into several positions. Today the Spanish word “alcalde” literally means Mayor.

In 1975, the City of Sonoma decided to once again find "the town's most useful citizen" and bestow upon them the title Honorary Alcalde. August Pinelli, the first to be honored, began his year January 1, 1976. The Council has voted for an “honorary Alcalde” every year since. The honoree is given a silver-headed cane as a symbol of the honor and appears in parades and at grand openings. The honoree is also recognized with a reception hosted by the City with help from the past Alcaldes where their contributions are celebrated. 2026 Alcalde Selection
Pursuant to the Alcalde Selection Policy (attached), the Nominating Committee met on January 13, 2026, to review nominations received in response to the required marketing and outreach.

The nominating committee was comprised of Mayor Wellander, current Alcaldessa Kathy Witkowicki, past Alcalde Wayne Schake, past Alcalde Bill Lynch, and City Manager David Guhin.

As stated in the City Council's adopted policy, Alcalde nominees shall have accomplished several of the following:
 Participated in a broad spectrum of voluntary community service to Sonoma Valley Agenda Item #9.1:

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 Served in a leadership role in at least one non-profit organization  Spearheaded at least one community-serving project without compensation  Be well-known for consistent behind-the-scenes good deeds  Does not seek public accolades or recognition for work done; and,  Adheres to a high standard of moral and ethical values.

Other Criteria:
 Nominee must reside in the City of Sonoma or Sonoma Valley.  Nominees may be either an individual or a couple.

As always, many nominations were received recommending deserving community members.

The committee members reviewed nominations submitted. In accordance with the Alcalde Selection Policy, which was updated in November 2018, the nominating committee put forward candidates for the Mayor’s consideration. Mayor Wellander will announce the name of his nominee for the 2026 Alcalde or Alcaldessa at the January 26, 2026, regular Council meeting and the City Council will be asked to ratify the nomination.

Recommended Council Action
Receive and ratify the nomination of the 2026 Alcalde from Mayor Wellander.

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
Alcalde Selection Policy
Agenda Item #9.1:

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ALCALDE SELECTION PROCESS, ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
City Council Approved 11/5/2018
Each year, the City Council of the City of Sonoma selects a citizen of the year who is called the honorary Alcalde. This policy outlines the selection, criteria, and role of the honored person.

ORIGIN OF ALCALDES
Alcaldes in California came about through the rise of the pueblo system and the establishment of town councils (called ayuntamientos). The councils were headed by mayors (called alcaldes), and together they provided a semblance of government, hearing a wide range of issues from land disputes to criminal matters.

The annually elected alcalde was not only the chief local law practitioner, but judge, justice of the peace (if no one else filled that function), notary public, recorder, escrow agent in land transactions, boss of the town Council, and was probably the town's most useful citizen. He often had to rule on disputes over cattle, horses, branding irons, hides, horse race wagers, bankruptcy, adoption, promissory notes, barrels of wine, and vacant lands.

Alcaldes were the recorders of mortgages, wills, and conveyances, and also had to deal with criminal activity including murder.

The Alcalde's position and importance did not end with Mexican Rule. In his speech following the raising of the American Flag over Monterey on July 7, 1846, Commodore John Sloat restated the importance of alcaldes and invited them to continue to execute their duties. The function of alcaldes did not legally change until after the state Constitution was adopted, and duties previously performed by one person were separated into several positions. Today the Spanish word “alcalde” literally means Mayor.

The honoree is given a silver-headed cane as a symbol of the honor and appears in parades and at grand openings. The honoree is also recognized with a reception hosted by the City with help from the past Alcaldes where their contributions are celebrated.

Agenda Item #9.1:

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CRITERIA FOR SELECTION
The Nominee shall have accomplished several of the following:
 Participated in a broad spectrum of voluntary community service to Sonoma Valley;  Served in a leadership role in at least one non-profit organization;  Spearheaded at least one community-serving project without compensation;  Be well-known for consistent behind-the-scenes good deeds;  Does not seek public accolades or recognition for work done; and,  Adheres to a high standard of moral and ethical values.

Other Criteria:
 Nominee must reside in the City of Sonoma or Sonoma Valley.  Nominees may be either an individual or a couple.

SELECTION PROCESS

1. Nomination Period & Outreach – In late October or early November, a press release will be sent to newspapers announcing the nomination period for Honorary Alcalde of the City of Sonoma. A summary of the criteria shall also be published with a submission deadline no later than mid-December and preferably December 1. City staff will also promote the Alcalde nomination process through other marketing and social media outlets and distribution to the Non-Profit Executive Director Roundtable and other Sonoma groups.

2. Nomination Protocols -- Persons submitting a nomination will do so in a letter or email format, addressing as many of the criteria as possible, and sending the nomination to the City Manager. In order to demonstrate broad support for the nominee, it is recommended that in addition to the nomination letter that a minimum of three letters of recommendation be submitted.

3. Nomination and Ratification Process -- Early in January, the City Manager will convene a Nominating Committee. Historically, this committee has been comprised of the three most immediate past alcaldes available, the Mayor, and the City Manager.

No more than five days before the meeting, the nominee’s names and nomination packets will be released to the committee members only for discussion at the meeting. In the instance that a nominee has been recommended previously, the Nominating Committee will be supplied the prior nomination packets going back two years. This Committee will review the nominations and will select three candidates for consideration.

The Mayor will then make the final nomination and the Council will vote to ratify at the first available Council meeting following the committee nominations, but in no case later than the first meeting in February.

Agenda Item #9.1:

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Role and Responsibilities
The Alcalde agrees to follow the City’s Code of Ethics as a guideline.

The City shall provide a congratulatory welcome letter/email with an overview of the role and responsibilities for the Alcalde after the formal appointment by the City Council which will include a calendar the key events for Alcalde participation.

The Alcalde shall have the following opportunities for participation during their term.  Participates in the Alcalde reception where they are honored;  Participates in other public events, as requested and as interested/available, such as:
o Rides in one of the lead positions in Sonoma’s 4th of July Parade and attends the ceremony after the parade;
o Invitation and introduction at the City Party;
o Invitation and introduction at the Vintage Festival’s “Blessing of the Grapes” with other Alcaldes;
o Invitation to participate in the Vintage Festival parade; o Invitation and introduction at the Memorial Day Ceremony; and o Other events as invited by the Mayor or City staff.

Agenda Item #9.1:

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Exhibit A – List of Past Alcaldes
Name Alcalde Year
August Pinelli 1976
Henri Maysonnaave 1977
Jerry Casson 1978
Bob Lynch 1979
Dan Ruggles 1980
Paul & Adele Harrison 1981
Gail Fehrensen 1982
Chet Sharek 1983
Evelyn Berger 1984
Alan & Sandy Piotter 1985
Nell Lane 1986
Jim Metzger 1987
Helen Shainsky 1988
Jerry Tuller 1989
Ernest & Loyce Power 1990
Jo Baker 1991
Lee Booker 1992
Jim Vanderbilt 1993
Nancy Parmelee 1994
George Watson 1995
Bob & Carolyn Stone 1996
L. C. “Pete” Peterson 1997
Peggy McAleese 1998
Helen Fernandez 1999
Howie Ehret 2000
Robert Cannard, Sr. 2001
Mitch Mulas 2002
Ellie Baker 2003
Sue Holman & Susan Weeks 2004
June Sheppard 2005
Al & Kathy Mazza 2006
Phyllis Carter 2007
Sy Lenz 2008
Elizabeth Kemp 2009
Niels Chew 2010
Mary Evelyn Arnold 2011
Whitney Evans 2012
Les & Judy Vadasz 2013
Suzanne Brangham 2014
Marcie Waldron 2015
Patrick Garcia 2016
Ted & Pat Eliot 2017
Marcelo Defreitas 2018
Karen Collins 2019
Simon & Kimbely Blattner 2020 & 2021
Agenda Item #9.1:

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Name Alcalde Year
Steve Page 2022
Bill Lynch 2023
Wayne Schake 2024
Kathy Witkowicki 2025

Agenda Item #9.1:

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City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 26 Jan 2026
Department
Administration
Staff Contact
David Guhin, City Manager
Prapti Aryal, Finance Director
Agenda Item Title
Receive and File the Mid-Year Budget Update Report for FY 2025-26 and Adopt a Resolution of the City Council Approving Mid-Year Budget Adjustments Summary
This Mid-Year Budget Update provides an overview of General Fund, Enterprise Fund, and Internal Service Fund revenues and expenditures, highlighting key financial trends, proposed mid-year budget adjustments (Attachment 2), and updated forecasts for the remainder of the fiscal year.

General Fund Overview
 Forecasted Revenues: $29.6 million, modestly exceeding the amended budget of $29.4 million, driven primarily by higher-than-anticipated Property Tax, Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), Business License Tax, Franchise Tax, Fees and Charges for Services, and interest earnings. These gains are partially offset by lower-than-budgeted EMS ambulance billing revenues.
 Forecasted Expenditures: $29.5 million, approximately $0.4 million below the amended budget of $29.9 million.
 Operating Result: The General Fund is projected to close FY 2025-26 with a positive operating balance of approximately $0.1 million, providing limited support for reserves while maintaining fiscal stability.

Major Revenue Trends
 Property Tax: Forecasted to exceed budget by approximately $0.4 million, reflecting continued growth in assessed values and supplemental assessments.  Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): Forecasted at approximately $6.7 million, exceeding budget assumptions and reflecting sustained strength in lodging activity.  Sales Tax (General, Public Safety, Measure V, and Measure T): Combined sales tax revenues are forecasted to remain generally consistent with budget, with Measure T performing above assumptions. Apparent Measure V variance reflects CDTFA reporting methodology rather than underperformance.
 EMS Revenue: Forecasted below budget due to reimbursement limitations, payer-mix shifts, and billing and collection timing, despite continued service demand.  Interest Revenue: Forecasted to exceed budget, reflecting higher cash balances and favorable investment yields.

Key Expenditure Trends
 Personnel Costs: Forecasted below budget due to vacancies and hiring timing across multiple departments.
 Operating Costs: Forecasted slightly above budget, primarily due to increased utility costs and inflationary pressures.

Agenda Item #9.2:

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 Public Safety and Contractual Costs: Sheriff, SVFRA, and CalPERS UAL costs are forecasted to remain on budget, while professional services are modestly above budget but offset by savings in other categories.

The City’s financial position for FY 2025-26 remains stable, with revenues modestly exceeding expenditures and a small year-end surplus projected. The recommended mid-year budget adjustments, detailed in Attachment 2, align appropriations with current operational needs and updated financial forecasts. While near-term performance is favorable, the City continues to face long-term structural pressures related to pension obligations, public safety contracts, and revenue volatility. Staff will continue to closely monitor revenue and expenditure trends and maintain a cautious, proactive approach to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability.

Recommended Council Action
Receive and File the FY 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Update and Approve the Associated MidYear Budget Adjustments.

Alternative Actions
Council discretion.

Financial Impact
The FY 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Adjustments are one-time in nature and are funded by available General Fund reserves for General Fund expenditures and by the Water Fund for Water-related expenditures, as detailed in Attachment 2. Approval of these adjustments does not create new ongoing obligations and remains consistent with the City’s adopted Fiscal Policy and reserve requirement.

Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments

ATCH1 - Budget Update Report Fiscal Year 2025-26 Final

ATCH2 - Mid-Year Budget Adjustment Fiscal Year 2025-26 with liability claims

ATCH3 - Resolution for Mid-Year Budget Adjustment Fiscal Year 2025-26

ATCH7 - Mid-Year Budget Adjustment Request Form CIP CD-7

ATCH8 - Mid-Year Budget Adjustment Request Form Liability Claims

ATCH1 - Budget Update Report Fiscal Year 2025-26 Final (1)

ATCH2 - Mid-Year Budget Adjustment Fiscal Year 2025-26 with liability claims (2)

ATCH4 - Mid-Year Budget Adjustment Request Form FY 2025-26- Finance

ATCH5- Mid-Year Budget Adjustment Request Form_Recreation Software

ATCH6 - Mid-Year Budget Adjustment Request Form_Recreation Instructor Payments Agenda Item #9.2:

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Mid-Year Financial Report
As of December 31, 2025
Introduction
This Mid-Year-End Financial Report provides an analysis of the City’s General Fund and Proprietary Fund revenues and expenditures for the fiscal year 2025-26 as of December 31, 2025.

Management’s Overview
The City’s annual budget for fiscal years 2025-26 was adopted by the City Council on June 18, 2025, covering all City funds, including a capital budget aligned with the five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The purpose of the mid-year financial report is to provide regular updates to the Council regarding revenue and expenditure trends to ensure the City Council has a strong understanding of the City’s current financial condition. The numbers in this report are based on the unaudited FY 2025-26 revenues and expenditures. A discussion of the significant budget items is presented below.

FY 2025-26 General Fund Budget
The FY 2025-26 General Fund budget, adopted in June 2025, initially projected revenues of $28.8 million and expenditures of $28.6 million, resulting in a $0.2 million surplus. The limited revenue growth was largely attributable to the inclusion of Measure T, which was approved by voters in November 2024, while other ongoing General Fund revenue sources remained relatively flat. In contrast, the expenditures budget increased by 5.6 percent, driven primarily by rising personnel costs, contractual obligations, and inflationary pressures impacting core municipal services.

During the fiscal year, the General Fund expenditure budget was amended by $1.3 million to address approved funding adjustments. This included $0.6 million for one-time requests and $0.7 million for FY 2024-25 operational carryforwards, both of which were presented and approved at the time of budget adoption. In addition, $9.5 thousand was reallocated from Repair and Maintenance to fund the purchase of a flail mower in accordance with Resolution No. 59-2025, and $45.0 thousand was appropriated from reserves to fund the Plaza Historic Landscape Survey pursuant to Resolution No. 72-2025. As a result of these actions, the total amended General Fund expenditure budget for FY 2025-26 is $29.9 million.

The General Fund supports essential City services, including Administration, Community Development, Public Safety (Fire and Police), Public Works, and Community Activities. The primary sources of General Fund revenue are Property Tax, Sales Tax (General, Measure V and Measure T), and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), which together account for 71.3% of total General Fund revenue. Other notable revenue sources include Emergency Medical Services (EMS) revenue, Fees & Charges for Services, Franchise Tax, and Business License Agenda Item #9.2:

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Tax.

Although the five-year General Fund forecast anticipates modest revenue growth under current assumptions, the City’s long-term fiscal sustainability remains highly sensitive to changes in key cost drivers. Even small deviations in expenditure growth rates can result in an ongoing structural deficit if revenues do not keep pace. Significant and continuing pressures include increasing CalPERS Unfunded Accrued Liability (UAL) payments, volatility and softening trends in sales tax revenues, rising operating and maintenance costs, and escalating contractual obligations for Police and Fire services. These factors, many of which are largely outside the City’s direct control, underscore the importance of proactive fiscal planning, ongoing monitoring of revenues and expenditures, and the implementation of longterm structural balance strategies to maintain service levels and financial stability.

Forecasted actual General Fund expenditures for FY 2025-26 are now projected to total $29.5 million. Salary and wages and Employee Benefits are expected to come below budget, reflecting approximately $0.4 million in salary and benefits savings. In contrast, professional services and property services expenditures are anticipated to exceed the adopted budget; however, staff are actively evaluating opportunities to defer non-essential projects to future fiscal periods. Additionally, Supplies, Operations and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) billing costs are projected to be lower than initially budgeted.

As a result of these expenditure trends, the General Fund reserves are projected to increase by approximately $0.1 million, slightly lower than the reserve level assumed at the time of budget adoption.

General Fund Summary
Description FY 25-26 Amended
Budget
FY 25-26 YTD Actual (As of
12/31/2025)
FY 2025-26 YearEnd Projection
Property Tax 5,855,181 3,233,233 6,278,717
Sales and Use Taxes 3,740,497 1,309,913 3,929,739
Measure V Sales Tax 2,631,500 18,337 18,337
Sales Tax - Public Saf 165,103 70,622 169,492
Fees 763,380 363,343 799,357
Transient Occupancy T 5,980,000 2,774,028 6,657,666
Franchise Fee 675,240 164,835 730,263
Business License Tax 501,967 195,918 545,204
Real Property Transfer 167,301 75,531 181,274
License & Permits 293,217 124,167 284,924
Measure T 2,631,500 1,677,497 5,032,490
Fines and Forfeitures 59,000 10,856 25,514
Interest & Rents 144,074 61,455 147,493
State Grants 69,000 - 69,000
Charges For Services 407,850 109,421 413,929
EMS 3,500,000 1,013,827 2,433,184
Miscellaneous 8,000 4,288 8,577
Transfers 828,280 828,281 828,280
Transfer from Reserves 610,000 610,000 610,000
Other Revenues 37,000 1,300 37,000
Interest Revenue 375,000 165,734 397,760
Total Revenue $29,443,090 $12,812,586 $29,598,200
Commented [PA1]: Need to update the table with Cost
Recovery projected balance
Agenda Item #9.2:

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Major Revenues
General Fund Revenue
The amended General Fund revenue for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 is now estimated at $29.4 million, reflecting a $0.6 million increase over the adopted budget. This increase is attributable $-
$1.0
$2.0
$3.0
$4.0
$5.0
$6.0
$7.0
$8.0
$9.0
$10.0
Transient Occupancy
Tax (TOT)
Property Tax Sales Tax EMS - Ambulance Billing Fees & Charges for Services Franchise Tax
Business License Tax Other Revenues Millions
FY 2025-26 Revenue Overview
FY 25-26 Amended Budget FY 25-26 Actuals (as of Dec 2025) FY 25-26 Year-End Forecast Expenditure Category FY 2025-26
Amended Budget
FY 2025-26 Actual (as of

12.31.2025)
FY 2025-26
Forecasted
Actual
Salary & Wages 4,483,288 2,008,304 4,284,699
Employee Benefits 1,545,097 701,398 1,352,276
PERS UAL 2,042,531 2,042,531 2,042,531
Professional Services 2,567,368 879,162 2,590,580
Sheriff Contract 6,575,565 2,074,717 6,575,565
SVFD Contract 6,735,536 3,367,768 6,735,536
Cost Recovery 275,000 102,491 276,984
EMS Billing Contract 135,000 52,059 124,942
Property Services 1,258,389 907,209 1,308,778
Operations 1,328,952 586,869 1,327,414
Homeless Services 275,000 139,584 275,000
Supplies 346,625 118,544 322,564
Software & Equipment 7,434 436 7,434
Internal Service & Capital Project 1,151,371 626,686 1,151,371 Transfers 1,120,000 821,728 1,120,000
Transfer to County - - - Debt Service 13,886 5,786 13,886 Total Expenditure $29,861,042 $14,435,272 $29,509,561
Surplus (Deficit) $88,640
Agenda Item #9.2:

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pg. 4
to approved transfers from reserves to fund one-time projects included at budget adoption, as well as the reserve funding authorized for the Plaza Historic Landscape Survey.

Year-end General Fund revenue forecasts for FY 2025-26 are favorable, with Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), Property Tax, Fees and Charges for Services, Franchise Tax, and Business License Tax all expected to exceed amended budget levels. Sales Tax revenues are projected to remain generally in line with budget assumptions. These positive trends are partially offset by lower-than-budgeted Emergency Medical Services (EMS) ambulance billing revenues. Overall, the General Fund revenue outlook remains stable, providing limited flexibility to address expenditure pressures while maintaining focus on long-term fiscal sustainability
Transient Occupancy Tax
The Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), commonly referred to as a hotel tax, is a tax imposed on guests staying at hotels, inns, and other short-term lodging facilities for 30 days or less.

The tax is applied to the total lodging bill and is remitted by all approved lodging operators within the City of Sonoma. As a general tax, TOT revenue is deposited into the City’s General Fund, supporting essential municipal services.

TOT revenue from Sonoma’s lodging community accounts for more than twenty two percent of the City’s General Fund revenue, playing a crucial role in funding police protection, fire and paramedic services, emergency preparedness, street and traffic maintenance, recreation services, parks and open space upkeep, City building maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and general municipal services that benefit both residents and visitors.

For overnight stays through October 2025, the City has received $2,774,028, representing

46.4% of the $5,980,000 budgeted revenue. The year-end TOT revenue forecast stands at $6.7 million, which is 111.3% of the forecast amount.

Property Tax
Property tax payments are received from the County in two primary installments: the first in December and the second in April, with a final "clean-up" payment in June. As of December 2025, the City has received payments through the first installment period. Current projections indicate that Property Tax revenues will exceed budgeted levels by $0.4 million, primarily due to increased assessed property values and steady growth in the local real estate market. This positive variance reflects the City's ongoing economic development and the robust health of its property sector.

Sales Tax, Measure V and Measure T
Sales tax revenues are received approximately two months in arrears and have been collected through October 2025. Based on year-to-date performance and current trends, overall sales tax revenues are projected to remain relatively flat through the remainder of the fiscal year.

Sales tax revenues for FY 2025-26 are projected to total $9.15 million, which is generally consistent with the amended budget of $9.17 million, resulting in a net variance of ($18.5 thousand). Core Sales Tax revenues are projected to exceed budget by approximately $189 thousand, and the Public Safety Sales Tax is projected to finish modestly above budget by Agenda Item #9.2:

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approximately $4 thousand.

Measure T revenues are projected to exceed budget assumptions by approximately $2.4 million. Conversely, Measure V revenues are projected significantly below budget; however, this variance is primarily attributable to reporting methodology rather than actual underperformance. The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) deposits Measure V and Measure T revenues together as a combined distribution and does not separately identify the two measures in its deposit reports. As a result, allocations between Measure V and Measure T for year-end projections are based on internal estimates, which explains the apparent variance in Measure V revenue.

Overall, combined sales tax revenues remain stable and consistent with budget assumptions.

Revenue Category FY 25-26
Amended Budget
FY 2025-26 Year-End
Projection Difference
Sales Tax 3,740,497 3,929,739 189,242
Sales Tax - Public Safety 165,103 169,492 4,389
Measure V Local Sales Tax 2,631,500 18,337 (2,613,163)
Measure T 2,631,500 5,032,490 2,400,990
TOTAL $9,168,600 $9,150,059 ($18,541)
EMS Revenue
The Fire Department provides Advanced Life Support (ALS) emergency medical services through dual-role firefighting personnel who are trained as paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). All staffed fire engines and ambulances are ALS-equipped and include at least one paramedic per unit. Under the Sonoma Valley Fire District agreement, the City receives 100 percent of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) ambulance billing revenue.

For FY 2025-26, EMS revenue is forecasted below budget, reflecting broader healthcare and economic conditions rather than a decline in service demand. Ongoing shifts in payer mix toward Medicare, Medi-Cal, and uninsured patients, combined with reimbursement limitations and billing and collection timing, have reduced average revenue per transport. While the Intergovernmental Transfer (IGT) program continues to offset a portion of Medi-Cal write-offs, EMS revenue remains sensitive to external reimbursement and economic factors. Staff will continue to monitor EMS billing performance and reimbursement trends to support long-term financial sustainability.

Other Revenues
Business License Tax revenues are forecasted to exceed the FY 2025-26 amended budget.

Effective January 2025, the City transitioned Business License administration to HdL, which is expected to result in an approximate 10 percent annual increase in revenue due to enhanced discovery, compliance, and enforcement efforts. Based on year-end forecasts, Business License Tax revenue is estimated to exceed the budget by approximately $43,000, reflecting early results from the Discovery Compliance program.

Fees and Charges for Services revenues are forecasted to slightly exceed budget by approximately $42.0 thousand, with year-end revenues estimated at $1.2 million. This favorable variance reflects stronger-than-anticipated activity levels across multiple service categories.

Agenda Item #9.2:

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Franchise Tax revenues are forecasted to exceed the FY 2025-26 budget by approximately

8.1 percent, with estimated year-end revenues of $0.7 million, driven by higher usage and improved collections.

Other Revenues, which include Transfers, Transfers from Reserves, Other Revenues, Miscellaneous, State Grants, Licenses and Permits, Real Property Transfer Tax, Interest and Rents, and Fines and Forfeitures, are forecasted to total approximately $2.6 million for FY 2025-26, remaining generally consistent with budget assumptions.

Interest Revenue is forecasted to slightly go above the FY 2025-26 budget, with year-end revenues estimated at approximately $0.40 million. Higher-than-anticipated interest earnings reflect elevated cash balances and favorable investment yields in the current interest rate environment. In late 2024, the City began efforts to modernize its investment strategy by exploring partnerships with professional investment advisors to enhance portfolio management and ensure prudent stewardship of public funds. This strategic approach has contributed to improved investment performance, with similar interest revenue trends observed across other City funds.

General Fund Expenditures
As of December 31, 2025, most departments are operating within their approved budgets.

The table below outlines each department’s expenditure budget, and year to date actual as of December 31, 2025.

Expenditure by Department FY 2025-26 Amended
Budget
FY 2025-26 YTD
Actual (as of

12.31.2025)
FY 2025-26
Forecasted Actual
City Council (41001) 151,184 67,681 150,797
City Clerk (41002) 468,828 254,823 471,612
City Manager (41003) 1,276,709 691,345 1,277,493
Finance (41004) 910,384 364,494 834,997
City Attorney (41005) 285,000 149,533 326,333
Police (42101) 7,780,097 2,943,657 7,778,046
Fire (42201) 8,122,755 4,500,230 8,136,393
Public Works Admin (43020) 642,102 284,008 661,498
Public Works Street (43022) 1,501,533 787,553 1,512,914 Public Works Parks (43023) 1,863,471 891,665 1,763,193
Planning (43030) 2,032,251 800,550 1,957,279
Building (43040) 1,233,653 566,185 1,005,477
Community Activities (43101) 1,205,052 682,826 1,214,045 Successor Agency (43199) 186,037 73,658 185,633
Non-Departmental (43200) 753,525 413,649 784,275
Emergency Response (43201) 117,745 39,087 118,117
Public Information and
Engagement (43202)
210,716 102,600 211,460
Subtotal General Fund 28,741,042 13,613,544 28,389,561
Transfers Out (43999) 1,120,000 $821,728 1,120,000
Total General Fund $29,861,042 $14,435,272 $29,509,561
The FY 2025-26 amended General Fund budget totals $29.9 million, with forecasted yearend expenditures estimated at $29.5 million, resulting in an overall favorable variance of Commented [PA2]: Will update the table.

Agenda Item #9.2:

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approximately $0.4 million. This variance is primarily driven by salary and benefit savings in departments such as Finance, Building, Public Works Parks, and Planning, largely attributable to staffing and expenditure timing. These savings partially offset higher-thanbudgeted costs in select areas, including City Attorney services, Fire operations, and Public Works Administration. Overall, General Fund expenditure is projected to remain within available appropriations, providing limited near-term flexibility, while continued monitoring is warranted given ongoing inflationary and contractual cost pressures The table below provides a breakdown of expenditures by account type and the forecast for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

Expenditure Category FY 2025-26 Amended
Budget
FY 2025-26 Actual (as of

12.31.2025)
FY 2025-26
Forecasted
Actual
Personnel Costs 6,028,385 2,709,703 5,636,975
PERS UAL 2,042,531 2,042,531 2,042,531
Professional Services 2,567,368 879,162 2,590,580
Sheriff Contract 6,575,565 2,074,717 6,575,565
SVFRA Contract 6,735,536 3,367,768 6,735,536
Operating Costs 4,777,771 2,533,877 4,794,488
Transfers 1,120,000 821,728 1,120,000
Debt Service 13,886 5,786 13,886

TOTAL OPERATING

EXPENDITURES
$29,861,042 $14,435,272 $29,509,561
Total General Fund operating expenditures for FY 2025-26 are forecasted at $29.5 million, approximately $0.4 million below the amended budget of $29.9 million. The favorable variance is primarily driven by personnel cost savings resulting from vacancies and hiring timing, which have partially offset modest increases in operating costs and professional services.

Major contractual obligations, including the Sheriff and SVFRA contracts, CalPERS UAL, transfers, and debt service, are projected to remain on budget. Overall, expenditure performance remains stable and within available resources, providing limited near-term flexibility while continued monitoring is warranted given ongoing inflationary and contractual cost pressures.

General Fund Excess (Deficiency) of Revenue Over Expense Based on FY 2025-26 year-end forecasted revenues of $29,598,200 and expenditures of $29,509,561, the General Fund is projected to close the fiscal year with a positive operating surplus of approximately $88,600. This modest surplus provides limited capacity to support reserves and address near-term fiscal pressures, while continued attention to long-term structural sustainability remains necessary.

General Fund Reserves
In accordance with the City’s Fiscal Policy, the City maintains an Operating Reserve of 17% of General Fund Budgeted Expenditure, and an Emergency Reserve of $1.5 million. The table below summarizes the projected General Fund Reserves for FY 2025-26.

Commented [PA3]: Will update the table once we
finalize the numbers.

Commented [PA4]: Will Update the table.

Agenda Item #9.2:

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GENERAL FUND RESERVE SUMMARY FY 2024-25
(Unaudited)
FY 2025-26 (Year-End
Forecast)
Beginning General Fund Reserve $15,956,888 $16,488,805
Net Income (Loss) 531,917 88,639
Ending Total General Fund Reserve $16,488,805 $16,577,444

Assigned/Restricted/Nonspendable General Fund
Reserve Balance 455,633 459,618
(Formally Imposed by Resolution or Other Actions) - -
Committed for Operating Reserve (17% of General
Fund Budgeted Expenditures) 4,610,163 4,866,373
Committed for Emergency Reserve 1,500,000 1,500,000
Total
Committed/Assigned/Restricted/Nonspendable
General Fund Reserve Balance
6,565,796 6,825,991
Total Unrestricted/Undesignated General Fund
Reserve Balance $9,923,009 $9,751,453
Proprietary Funds
In addition to the General Fund, the Mid-Year Financial Report also provides a snapshot of the City’s Proprietary Funds. Proprietary funds are those funds in which the City charges a fee to customers to recover the cost of providing the service. These funds are made up of Enterprise Funds and Internal Service Funds. Both types of funds are presented separately below, along with summary information for each of the individual funds within each category.

Enterprise Funds
Enterprise Funds are those funds that provide goods or services to the public for a fee that makes the entity self-supporting. Sonoma’s Enterprise Funds include Cemetery- Operating, Cemetery- Endowment and Water Utility- Operating. A listing of these funds and summary of the activity from July 2025 through December 2025 is depicted below.

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Cemetery - Operating Fund
The Cemetery Program is funded by the Cemetery Enterprise Fund. There are three cemeteries: Mountain, Valley, and Veteran’s Memorial, encompassing over 15 usable acres.

Operations and maintenance responsibilities include burial and inurnment preparation and coordination, cemetery improvements, tree hazard assessment and abatement, grounds maintenance, mausoleum maintenance, road maintenance, and vandalism abatement. A summary of the Cemetery Fund activity for FY 2025-26 year to date is provided below:

Year-to-date actual revenues exceed expenses by approximately $25,000; however, the ending fund balance is projected to remain negative at approximately ($2.2) million.

Cemetery - Endowment Fund
Description
FY 2025-26
Adopted
Budget
FY 2025-26
Amended
Budget
FY 2025-26
YTD Actual
(as of
12/31/2025)
%
Licenses & Permits 140,000 140,000 89,229
Charges For Services - - -
Transfers 92,367 92,367 92,367
Other Revenues 120,000 120,000 66,680
Interest Revenue - - -
Total Revenue $352,367 $352,367 $248,276 70%
Salary & Wages 220,254 220,254 85,926
Employee Benefits 65,498 65,498 23,361
PERS UAL 29,627 29,627 29,627
Professional Services 60,000 60,000 7,701
Property Services 42,382 42,382 33,034
Operations 63,800 63,800 28,171
Supplies 13,500 13,500 3,064
Internal Service & Capital Project 257,335 257,335 11,917 Transfers - - -
Depreciation 39,000 39,000 -
Total Expense $791,396 $791,396 $222,801 28%
Excess/(Deficiency) of Revenue over
Expense $(439,029) $(439,029) $25,475
Beginning Fund Balance
$(2,189,720)

$(2,189,720)

$(2,189,720)
Ending Fund Balance
$(2,628,749)

$(2,628,749)

$(2,164,245)
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The Cemetery Endowment Fund was created to record the income received from Cemetery sales that is designated as endowment care. The table below summarizes the actual revenue and expenses for FY 2025-26 as of 12/31/2025.

Description
FY 2025-26
Adopted
Budget
FY 2025-26
Amended
Budget
FY 2025-26
YTD Actual (as
of 12/31/2025)
%
Licenses & Permits - - -
Charges For Services - - -
Transfers - - -
Other Revenues 47,000 47,000 20,004
Interest Revenue 700 700 376
Total Revenue 47,700 47,700 20,380 43%
Transfers 47,000 47,000 47,000
Total Expense 47,000 47,000 47,000 100%
Excess/(Deficiency) of Revenue over
Expense 700 700 (26,620)
Beginning Fund Balance 742,931 742,931 742,931
Ending Fund Balance 743,631 743,631 716,311
Water Utility – Operating
The Water Fund provides high-quality, reliable water for consumption, irrigation, and fire protection in Sonoma. The City's water sources include the Sonoma County Water Agency Aqueduct and City-owned groundwater wells. The program operates and maintains essential infrastructure, including 3 active tanks with a 5.5-million-gallon capacity, 7 production wells, 2 pump stations, 56 miles of water main, 513 fire hydrants, and approximately 4,500 service connections. Key operational activities include ensuring compliance with EPA drinking water standards, managing water levels and pressures, preventing contamination through backflow prevention, repairing leaks, and promoting conservation.

The table below summarizes actual revenues and expenditures for FY 2025-26 as of December 31, 2025. Total revenues collected to date represent approximately 64 percent of the budgeted amount, while actual expenditures are lower, totaling approximately 54 percent of the budgeted amount.

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Description
FY 2025-26
Adopted
Budget
FY 2025-26
Amended
Budget
FY 2025-26 YTD
Actual (as of
12/31/2025)
%
License & Permits 3,000 3,000 1,219
State Grants - - -
Charges For Services 59,500 59,500 33,485
Miscellaneous 5,000 5,000 541
Transfers - - -
Transfer from Reserves - - -
Water Sales and Services 7,110,825 7,110,825 4,515,566
Other Revenues - - -
Interest Revenue 230,000 230,000 179,570
Total Revenue 7,408,325 7,408,325 4,730,381 64%
Salary & Wages 882,022 882,022 375,598
Employee Benefits 333,624 333,624 139,711
PERS UAL 126,449 126,449 126,449
Professional Services 369,175 380,488 63,447
Property Services 207,808 207,808 139,078
Operations 265,197 260,495 166,992
Supplies 220,610 220,610 55,967
Water Purchases 2,766,096 2,766,096 1,323,838
Software & Equipment 15,420 15,420 -
Internal Service & Capital Project 168,463 168,463 107,481 Transfers 1,383,647 1,383,647 1,383,648
Debt Service 118,075 118,075 104,040
Depreciation 500,000 500,000 -
Total Expense 7,356,586 7,363,197 3,986,250 54%
Excess/(Deficiency) of Revenue
over Expense 51,739 45,128 744,131
Beginning Fund Balance 9,583,689 9,583,689 9,583,689
Ending Fund Balance 9,635,428 9,628,817 10,327,820
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Internal Service Funds
Internal Service Funds are used to account for the financing of goods and services provided by one department to other departments of the city. Sonoma’s Internal Service Funds include Management Information Services (MIS), Vehicle Replacement Fund and Long-Term Building Maintenance.

The table below shows the year-to-date revenue and expenses for the FY 2025-26 as of December 31, 2025, along with the ending fund balance for the Internal Service Funds.

Description
FY 2025-26
Adopted
Budget
FY 2025-26
Amended
Budget
FY 2025-26 Actual
(As of 12/31/2025) %
Mgmt. Information Service (MIS)
Beginning Fund Balance $389,518
Total Revenue 593,644 593,644 298,942 50%
Total Expense 593,738 613,288 284,319 46%
Fund Balance Addition/(Reduction) $14,623
Ending Fund Balance (As of 12/31/2025) $404,141
Vehicle Replacement
Beginning Fund Balance $1,250,922
Total Revenue 576,095 843,278 677,852 80%
Total Expense 390,695 671,985 267,183 40%
Fund Balance Addition/(Reduction) $410,669
Ending Fund Balance (As of 12/31/2025) $1,661,590
L/T Bldg. Maintenance
Beginning Fund Balance $3,585,835
Total Revenue 609,125 609,125 323,138 53%
Total Expense 266,000 266,000 190,000 71%
Fund Balance Addition/(Reduction) $3,718,973
Ending Fund Balance (As of 12/31/2025) $3,422,835.51
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FY 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Adjustment Requests
Purpose
This attachment summarizes the proposed FY 2025-26 mid-year budget adjustments requested by departments to correct technical budgeting issues, implement operational improvements, and address deferred capital needs. All proposed adjustments are funded by available General Fund reserves and are one-time in nature, consistent with the City’s adopted fiscal policies and the FY 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Update.

Summary of Mid-Year Budget Adjustments
The proposed mid-year budget adjustments include:
 One technical correction to align interfund transfers approved at budget adoption.  Two Parks and Recreation program and technology enhancements to improve service delivery and accessibility.
 One capital improvement project funding adjustment to advance a critical storm drain infrastructure assessment.
 One City Clerk budget adjustment to fund required liability claim costs incurred during the fiscal year
All requests are one-time in nature for FY 2025-26 and are funded through General Fund reserve, as reflected in the Mid-Year Budget Update.

Detailed Budget Adjustment Requests

1. Finance Department – Interfund Transfer Alignment (LTBM)  Amount:
o $9,834.25 (General Fund – transfer out)
o $28,778.61 (Water Fund 510 – transfer out)
 Funding Source:
o General Fund Reserve
o Water Fund
 Type: New appropriation (technical correction)
 Purpose: During budget adoption, the interdepartmental transfer out between General Fund departments and the Water Fund for Long-Term Building Maintenance (Fund 610) was inadvertently budgeted at an amount lower than intended. This adjustment corrects the transfer out to align with the corresponding transfer in that was approved at the time of budget adoption.
 Impact if Not Approved: The transfer-in revenue budget for Fund 610 would not reconcile with the transfer-out expenditure budget, resulting in a budget imbalance and inaccurate financial reporting.

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2. Parks and Recreation – Recreation Management Software  Amount: $11,000 (one-time, FY 2025-26)
 Funding Source: General Fund reserves
 Type: New one-time appropriation
 Purpose: Implementation of a recreation management software platform to support program registration, promotion, facility and park rentals, and coordination with recreation program providers. The platform includes an ADA-compliant online interface and represents a standard technology solution used by many Parks and Recreation agencies.

Any ongoing subscription costs (estimated at $7,000 annually) will be evaluated during the FY 2026-27 budget process.
 Impact if Not Approved: The City would continue to lack a streamlined, ADA-compliant system for recreation programs and facility reservations and would need to pursue an interim solution.

3. Parks and Recreation – Recreation Programming (Instructor Payments)  Amount: $10,000
 Funding Source: General Fund reserves
 Type: New one-time appropriation
 Purpose: Funding to pilot Parks and Recreation summer camp programming beginning summer 2026. The appropriation covers third-party instructor payments and is expected to be partially offset by program revenue, with an estimated revenue split of 70 percent to instructors and 30 percent retained by the City.
 Impact if Not Approved: Recreation offerings would remain unchanged, service gaps would continue, and the City would lack direct representation in Parks and Recreation programming until at least July.

4. Public Works – CIP CD-7 Storm drain Condition Assessment  Amount: $100,000
 Funding Source: General Fund reserves
 Type: Capital project adjustment / new appropriation
 Purpose: Additional funding to advance the Storm Drain Condition Assessment (CIP CD7). Funding for this project was reduced during FY 2025-26 budget development and deferred for mid-year consideration. The project currently has $50,000 carried forward from FY 2024-25, which is insufficient to complete a comprehensive condition assessment.
 Impact if Not Approved: Deferral would require a larger funding request in FY 2026-27 and increases the risk that storm drain deficiencies are identified only during emergencies, resulting in higher costs and reactive repairs.

5. City Clerk – Liability Claims Costs
 Amount:
o $10,000 (General Fund)
o $5,000 (Water Fund)
 Funding Source:
o General Fund Reserve
o Water Fund (for water-related claim costs)
 Type: New Ongoing Request
 Purpose: This request provides budget authority to pay liability claim costs incurred during the fiscal year. While these costs have not been separately budgeted in prior years, the Agenda Item #9.2:

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City is required to pay applicable insurance premiums and related claim costs as they occur. This adjustment ensures timely payment and accurate budgeting for FY 2025-26.  Impact if Not Approved: Failure to approve this request would result in insufficient budget authority to cover required liability claim costs for the current fiscal year, increasing the risk of delayed payments and inaccurate financial reporting.

Fiscal Impact
All mid-year budget adjustment requests are funded by available General Fund reserves and the Water Fund, as reflected in the FY 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Update. The use of reserves for these one-time adjustments is consistent with the City’s adopted Fiscal Policy and does not adversely affect the City’s ability to meet reserve targets or maintain long-term structural balance.

Recommended Action
Approve the FY 2025-26 mid-year budget adjustments, as detailed in the resolution and Attachments, funded by General Fund reserves, to align appropriations with approved actions, and operational needs.

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City of Sonoma
RESOLUTION #______ - 2026
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA APPROVING MIDYEAR BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Sonoma adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget on June 18, 2025, establishing the financial framework for City operations, capital projects, and service delivery; and
WHEREAS, a mid-year budget review has been conducted as part of the City’s ongoing financial oversight to evaluate actual revenues and expenditures as of December 31, 2025, and to ensure appropriations remain aligned with operational needs, Council priorities, and the City’s adopted fiscal policies; and
WHEREAS, departments have submitted mid-year budget adjustment requests to correct technical budgeting issues, implement operational improvements, and address deferred capital and programmatic needs; and
WHEREAS, the proposed mid-year budget adjustments include one-time appropriations funded by available General Fund reserves for General Fund related expenditures and by Water Fund reserves for Water Fund related expenses, as detailed in Attachment 2; and WHEREAS, the proposed adjustments do not create new ongoing obligations and are consistent with the City’s adopted Fiscal Policy, reserve requirements, and the FY 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Update;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of City of Sonoma as follows:
• The FY 2025-26 mid-year budget adjustments, as detailed in the Mid-Year Budget Update and Attachments 4,5, 6, 7 and 8, are hereby approved.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Sonoma on this 15th day of January 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
______________________________
Ron Wellander, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
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Mid-year Budget Adjustment Request Form
Request Date: 12/22/2025 Fiscal Year: FY25-26
Requesting Department: Public Works
Requestor: Ashley Cotter
Department Director Approval Mike Berger Date: 12/22/2025 City Manager Approval David Guhin Date: 1/12/2026
Type of request (Select One) New Appropriation (increase to existing budget) Reallocation (move existing budget within department)
New One-Time Request
New Ongoing Request
Capital Project Adjustment
Revenue Adjustment
Other:

Account (Enter the account string) 301-50000-703-70703
Total Requested Amount $100,000
Description of the Request (Clear explanation of what is being requested. Include item names, services, contracts, quantities, etc.) Additional funding required for CIP CD-7; Stormdrain Condition Assessment. CIP requests were cut during FY25-26 Budget Development, Set to be re-evaluated for mid year budget adjustments. This project currently has $50,000 in funding from FY24-25 but that is insufficient for a condition assessment.

Impact if not Approved:

Finance Department Use Only Reviewed and Approved
Additional Information Needed
Not Recommended
Notes:

If funding can't be allocated during mid year, a larger funding request will be submitted for FY26-27. The risk of not accruing enough funding ($200,000 estimated) to conduct this is that problem areas will surface and the City will have to act on an emergency basis to rectify.

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Mid-year Budget Adjustment Request Form
Request Date: Fiscal Year: 2025-26
Requesting Department: City Clerk
Requestor: Rebekah Barr
Department Director Approval Rebekah Barr Date: 1/5/2026 City Manager Approval David Guhin Date: 1/12/2026
Type of request (Select One) New Appropriation (increase to existing budget) Reallocation (move existing budget within department)
New One-Time Request
New Ongoing Request
Capital Project Adjustment
Revenue Adjustment
Other:

Account (Enter the account string) 100-43200-780-70780 and 510-62001-780-70780 Total Requested Amount $10,000.00 for GF and $5,000 for Water Description of the Request (Clear explanation of what is being requested. Include item names, services, contracts, quantities, etc.) This request is needed to pay liability claim costs incurred during the fiscal year. While these costs have not been separately budgeted in prior years, the City is required to pay the applicable premiums and related claim costs as they occur. This adjustment ensures timely payment and accurate budgeting for the current fiscal year.

Impact if not Approved: Failure to approve this request would result in insufficient budget authority to cover required liability claim costs for the current fiscal year, increasing the risk of delayed payments and inaccurate financial reporting.

Finance Department Use Only Reviewed and Approved
Additional Information Needed
Not Recommended
Notes:
1/5/2026
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Tax.

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to approved transfers from reserves to fund one-time projects included at budget adoption, as well as the reserve funding authorized for the Plaza Historic Landscape Survey.

For overnight stays through October 2025, the City has received $2,774,028, representing

46.4% of the $5,980,000 budgeted revenue. The year-end TOT revenue forecast stands at $6.7 million, which is 111.3% of the forecast amount.

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approximately $4 thousand.

Overall, combined sales tax revenues remain stable and consistent with budget assumptions.

Other Revenues
Business License Tax revenues are forecasted to exceed the FY 2025-26 amended budget.

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Franchise Tax revenues are forecasted to exceed the FY 2025-26 budget by approximately

8.1 percent, with estimated year-end revenues of $0.7 million, driven by higher usage and improved collections.

General Fund Expenditures
As of December 31, 2025, most departments are operating within their approved budgets.

The table below outlines each department’s expenditure budget, and year to date actual as of December 31, 2025.

Expenditure by Department FY 2025-26 Amended
Budget
FY 2025-26 YTD
Actual (as of

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Expenditure Category FY 2025-26 Amended
Budget
FY 2025-26 Actual (as of

TOTAL OPERATING

Commented [PA3]: Will update the table once we
finalize the numbers.

Commented [PA4]: Will Update the table.

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Year-to-date actual revenues exceed expenses by approximately $25,000; however, the ending fund balance is projected to remain negative at approximately ($2.2) million.

$(2,189,720)

$(2,189,720)
Ending Fund Balance
$(2,628,749)

$(2,628,749)

$(2,164,245)
Agenda Item #9.2:

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The table below shows the year-to-date revenue and expenses for the FY 2025-26 as of December 31, 2025, along with the ending fund balance for the Internal Service Funds.

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Detailed Budget Adjustment Requests

Agenda Item #9.2:

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Agenda Item #9.2:

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Mid-year Budget Adjustment Request Form
Request Date: Fiscal Year: 2025-26
Requesting Department: Finance
Requestor: Prapti Aryal
Department Director Approval Prapti Aryal Date: 1/5/2026 City Manager Approval David Guhin Date: 1/12/2026
Type of request (Select One) New Appropriation (increase to existing budget) Reallocation (move existing budget within department)
New One-Time Request
New Ongoing Request
Capital Project Adjustment
Revenue Adjustment
Other:

Account (Enter the account string) 100-XXXX-750-70750 and 510-62001-750-70750 Total Requested Amount
Description of the Request (Clear explanation of what is being requested. Include item names, services, contracts, quantities, etc.) During budget adoption, the interdepartmental transfer out between the General Fund departments and the Water Fund for Long-Term Building Maintenance (LTBM) was inadvertently budgeted at an amount lower than intended. This budget adjustment corrects the transfer out to align with the corresponding transfer in that was approved at the time of budget adoption.

Impact if not Approved:

Finance Department Use Only Reviewed and Approved
Additional Information Needed
Not Recommended
Notes:
1/5/2026
$9,834.25 for GF and $28,778.61 for Water fund 510
If this budget adjustment is not approved, the transfer-in revenue budget for Fund 610 (Long-Term Building Maintenance) will not reconcile with the corresponding transfer-out expenditure budget, resulting in a budget imbalance and inaccurate financial reporting.

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Mid-year Budget Adjustment Request Form
Request Date: Fiscal Year: 2025-26
Requesting Department: Parks and Recreation
Requestor: Dave Jahns
Department Director Approval Dave Jahns Date: 1/8/2026
City Manager Approval David Guhin Date: 1/12/2026
Type of request (Select One) New Appropriation (increase to existing budget) Reallocation (move existing budget within department)
New One-Time Request
New Ongoing Request
Capital Project Adjustment
Revenue Adjustment
Other:

Account (Enter the account string) 100-43101-404-60407
Total Requested Amount
Description of the Request (Clear explanation of what is being requested. Include item names, services, contracts, quantities, etc.) Recreation Management Software - New platform to schedule, promote, receive recreation program offerings and manage facility and park rentals.

Can be utilized by and in collaboration with existing recreation program providers. Includes format to ensure online user ADA compliance $11,000 for year one (Includes start-Up Costs). $7,000 annually beginning in year 2. Common technology solution for most, if not all, Parks and Recreation agencies.

Impact if not Approved:

Finance Department Use Only Reviewed and Approved
Additional Information Needed
Not Recommended
Notes:
$11,000
1/8/2026
No streamlined method to accept recreation program, facility, and park reservations. Would need to find secondary solution
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Mid-year Budget Adjustment Request Form
Request Date: Fiscal Year: 25-26
Requesting Department: Parks and Recreation
Requestor: Dave Jahns
Department Director Approval Dave Jahns Date: 1/8/2026
City Manager Approval David Guhin Date: 1/12/2026
Type of request (Select One) New Appropriation (increase to existing budget) Reallocation (move existing budget within department)
New One-Time Request
New Ongoing Request
Capital Project Adjustment
Revenue Adjustment
Other:

Account (Enter the account string) 100-43101-404-60407
Total Requested Amount
Description of the Request (Clear explanation of what is being requested. Include item names, services, contracts, quantities, etc.) Recreation Programming - Instrutor Payments. Parks and Recreation to pilot summer camp offerings starting summer of 2026. Expense covers cost of third party instructors will come with accompanying revenue. (Ex: Instructor receives 70% of total revenue. City retains 30%). Estimate based off recreation programs offered during current fiscal year.

Impact if not Approved:

Finance Department Use Only Reviewed and Approved
Additional Information Needed
Not Recommended
Notes:
$10,000
1/8/2026
Recreation offerings continue as is, perceived service gap(s) continues. City will not have representation in Parks and Recreation programs, at least until July.

Agenda Item #9.2:

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City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 26 Jan 2026
Department
Administration
Staff Contact
David Guhin, City Manager
Agenda Item Title
Update on 2025 Council Goals
Summary
The City Council held a workshop on January 30, 2025, to formulate the City Council Goals for 2025. This annual goal-setting practice ensures that policy priorities—many of which require funding—are aligned with the City’s budget and work program. On March 5, 2025, the City Council formally ratified the 2025 Council Goals.

This report provides the City Council and the public with an update on progress made toward achieving the City of Sonoma’s 2025 Council Goals. These goals continue to guide the City’s work toward enhancing community well-being, promoting sustainability, strengthening economic and fiscal stability, and ensuring Sonoma remains a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient community. This update will also serve as a foundation for the City Council’s 2026 goal-setting process, scheduled to occur on January 30, 2026.

During 2025, the City advanced work across all five Council Goal areas through policy implementation, organizational improvements, capital and infrastructure investments, and expanded regional and community partnerships. Key accomplishments by goal area are summarized below.
2025 Council Goals – Summary of Accomplishments

1. Housing
The City advanced Housing Element implementation through adoption of ordinances to streamline development review, implement State housing laws, and allow housing by right on identified sites. Affordable housing preservation and production efforts included support for the acquisition of expiring affordable units, advancement of new housing projects with affordable components, and updates to mobilehome protection policies. Homelessness response efforts were strengthened through emergency shelter activation, expanded nonprofit partnerships, increased funding support, and ongoing participation in regional coordination, with positive trends showing more individuals exiting homelessness than entering during 2025.

2. Parks and Recreation / Community Services
The City established a dedicated Parks and Recreation Department, hired a department director, and reorganized staff and programs to improve service delivery. Significant progress was made in pedestrian safety, active transportation, park planning, Plaza stewardship, urban forestry planning, and cemetery operations, including notable revenue and inventory increases.

The City also expanded support for nonprofit organizations, community programs, arts initiatives, and cultural services, strengthening community partnerships and enhancing public spaces throughout the City.

3. Economic Development / Financial Stability
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The City strengthened fiscal stewardship through implementation of the OpenGov budgeting platform, improved financial systems, and completion of key infrastructure projects such as advanced water metering. Measure T was successfully implemented following voter approval, providing ongoing revenue to support City services. Economic development efforts focused on supporting local businesses, streamlining permitting, activating downtown and Plaza-area activities, diversifying the local economy through industry clusters, and initiating long-term planning for the Plaza corridor and surrounding commercial areas.

4. Unification / Annexation
The City continued to foster stronger connections with unincorporated Sonoma Valley communities through inclusive governance practices, discretionary funding support, and participation in regional food security and transit initiatives. Regional emergency preparedness and resilience efforts were advanced through joint planning, exercises, and coordinated communication with County and Valley partners. The City also continued evaluation of shared services opportunities and progress toward potential valley-wide infrastructure financing strategies, including exploration of an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD).

5. Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
The City advanced implementation of adopted Climate Action Strategies through public engagement efforts, sustainable transportation planning, urban forestry initiatives, and water conservation planning. Key accomplishments included hiring of a part-time sustainability coordinator, completion of the Citywide Tree Inventory and Urban Canopy Assessment, adoption of updated transportation and tree policies, continued turf rebate programs, and progress on climate-ready infrastructure. Fire and flood resilience efforts were integrated into broader hazard mitigation planning, with continued focus on risk reduction, accessibility, and protection of vulnerable populations.

Overall, the accomplishments outlined in this report demonstrate meaningful progress toward the City Council’s 2025 Goals and provide a strong foundation for the upcoming 2026 goalsetting process, during which the Council will review priorities, refine focus areas, and provide direction for the year ahead.

Recommended Council Action
Receive update.

Alternative Actions
Council discretion.

Financial Impact
There is no financial impact.

Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
2025 City Council Goals Status Update
Agenda Item #9.3:

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Office of the City Manager
The City of Sonoma

M E M O R A N D U M
City of Sonoma 2025 Council Goals: Status Report
Staff is pleased to provide a report on the progress and accomplishments related to the City of Sonoma’s Council Goals for 2025. These goals reflect our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all residents, promoting sustainable growth, and ensuring that Sonoma remains a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient community.

Contents

1. Housing .............................................................................................................................................. 2

2. Parks and Recreation/Community Services.......................................................................................... 4

3. Economic Development/Financial Stability .......................................................................................... 7

4. Unification/Annexation ........................................................................................................................ 9

5. Climate Mitigation and Adaptation ..................................................................................................... 10 Conclusion........................................................................................................................................... 11 Agenda Item #9.3:

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City of Sonoma 2025 Council Goals: Status Report Page 2 of 11

1. Housing
The City Council reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Housing Element, streamlining development processes, prioritizing affordable, workforce, and senior housing solutions, strengthening renter protections, and advancing regional and state housing advocacy to address housing needs across the Sonoma Valley.

Accomplishments:

Regulatory Streamlining
• Adopted Ordinances to streamline development process by modifying the design review authority to Planning Commission, creating a minor design review process and increasing exemptions.
• Adopted Ordinance to implement SB 9 Two Unit Residential Development and Urban Lot Splits in accordance with State Law.

Affordable Housing Production & Preservation
• Introduced Ordinance to implement Housing Element Program 15 to accommodate low barrier navigation centers, supportive housing, transitional housing, residential care facilities, qualified employee and agricultural employee housing, single room occupancy, and emergency shelters in compliance with state law.
• Introduced Ordinance to implement Housing Element Program 20 to allow developments byright on nonvacant and vacant sites previously identified to accommodate the lower income regional housing needs allocation in compliance with state law. • Assisted Burbank Housing is the purchase of 18 expiring affordable units to continue their affordability by allocating $250,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. • Initiated an update Mobilehome Park Closures and Conversions Ordinance in the Municipal Code to address concerns from mobilehome owners and residents including recent legislative changes.
• Advanced new housing development projects through the Planning Commission including approval of a 50-unit housing development with 13 affordable units and study sessions for two additional projects totaling 171 units and 17 affordable housing units. Three affordable units were sold to qualified households.
• Started a Pre-Reviewed ADU (PRADU) Plans Program in collaboration with other Sonoma County jurisdictions allowing designers to submit ADU plans for pre-approval for compliance with the CA Building Code, and property owners to utilize these plans to reduce plan check timelines and construction costs.

Regional Partnerships, Funding & Policy Advocacy
• Planning a 2026 Sonoma Valley Housing Summit in partnership with District 1 Supervisor’s Office.

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City of Sonoma 2025 Council Goals: Status Report Page 3 of 11 Homelessness Response & Emergency Shelter Operations
• Activated the Emergency Warming Center at the City’s Emergency Homeless Shelter Feb 4th – 11th in alignment with the City’s adopted activation thresholds due to freezing temperatures. • Participated in the regular Sonoma Valley By-Name-List (BNL) meetings to collaborate with partners, share updates, and coordinate services.
• New partnerships with Catholic Charities and Sonoma Family Meal expanded local services, strengthened service delivery and data collection through the Housing Action Sonoma Home & Safe Village and SOS Unity Kitchen.
• More individuals exited homelessness than became newly homeless throughout each quarter of 2025, reflecting positive progress in inflow versus outflow trends. • Expanded funding to local nonprofit partners supporting the unsheltered population, including an additional $75,000 in one time funding in FY 25/26.

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City of Sonoma 2025 Council Goals: Status Report Page 4 of 11

2. Parks and Recreation/Community Services
The City Council emphasized enhancing parks, recreation, and community services through the creation of a dedicated Parks and Recreation Department, improved pedestrian safety and accessibility, expanded tree canopy and green links, sustainable cemetery operations, strengthened nonprofit partnerships, and thoughtful stewardship of the Plaza and public spaces.

Accomplishments:

Department Formation & Organizational Realignment
• Hired a Parks and Recreation Director.
• Created a new department and reorganized staffing structure by bringing parks maintenance, cemetery management, public art administrations, special event coordination, recreation programming, and community partnerships under one umbrella. • Developed and reorganized Parks & Recreation Department webpages (Parks, Recreation & Community Services - City of Sonoma) to reflect the new department’s organizational structure and goals.
• Progress in the development of a park on the west side of town. Preliminary discussions held with park planning consultant, with community outreach anticipated to begin in Q1 of 2026.

Pedestrian Safety, Accessibility & Active Transportation • Launched the online Traffic Safety Hazard Reporting Form which has allowed residents to share concerns about speeding, cut-through traffic, or other safety issues in their neighborhood. This resulted in a significant increase in reports which are then evaluated through the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program.
• West Spain Street Bike Boulevard was completed.
• Implemented the Plaza midblock crossings which have greatly improved pedestrian crossing and pedestrian safety for all at the Plaza.
• Improved safety and accessibility on the Sonoma Overlook Trail upper loop trail in partnership with the Sonoma Overlook Trail Stewards, including targeted tread and step improvements to address steep sections.

Urban Forestry, Tree Canopy & Green Infrastructure
• City-wide tree inventory and urban tree canopy study conducted. Joint commission meeting with Climate Action Commission, Planning Commission, and Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission was held in January 2026.
• Data from canopy study will be used to guide staff in tree planting opportunities and site selection to offset tree removals.

Parks Planning, Plaza Stewardship & Capital Projects
• Continued design of Olsen Park Playground Update, the plans currently include a multitude of new plantings to address shade and increase the urban tree canopy.

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Sonoma City CouncilJanuary 26, 2026

Sonoma City Council
January 26, 2026