CITY OF UKIAH
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Regular Meeting
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS
300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, CA 95482
Virtual Meeting Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86926523277 March 18, 2026
5:15 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on March 18, 2026, having been legally noticed on Sangiacomo, City Manager; David Rapport, City Attorney; and Kristine Lawler, City Clerk.
MAYOR SHER PRESIDING.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice Mayor Orozco.
AB 2449 NOTIFICATIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
PROCLAMATIONS/INTRODUCTIONS/PRESENTATIONS
a. Presentation on the 2025/26 Ukiah On Ice Season.
Presenters: Daniel Spence, Community Services Supervisor and Jake Burgess, Community Services Director.
A PowerPoint was given.
Council Consensus to hear Agenda Item 4d out of order.
d. Receive Presentation of Exceptional Employee Recognition Awards.
Presenters: Jason Chapman, Police Captain; Max Oswald, Police Lieutenant; Marla Swan, Police Communications/Records Manager; Jake Burgess, Community Services Director; Daniel Spence, Community Services Supervisor; and Mayor Sher.
No public comment was received.
Exceptional Employee Recognition Awards were received by:
Anthony DeLapo, Christian Ballestrazze, Trey O'Neill, and Jacob Newcomb; Police Officers, Police Department: On Monday, February 2, 2026, at approximately 7:28 p.m., Officers DeLapo, Ballestrazze, O'Neill, and Newcomb responded to a subject brandishing a large knife and acting erratically in the 500 block of N. State Street. When the officers arrived, they were met with a shirtless subject who was extremely hostile, cutting himself and threatening officers with a large knife.
Numerous negotiation techniques and mental health crisis workers were utilized with negative results. The subject eventually began walking directly towards an assisting Mendocino County Sheriff Sergeant while holding the knife. Multiple less lethal devices were utilized to prevent the
City Council Minutes for March 18, 2026, Continued:
subject from harming officers or the public, ultimately resulting in the incapacitation and arrest of the subject. This could have easily become a deadly threat confrontation and was mitigated by the actions of these highly trained officers.
Josie Castanon and Joanna Delgado; Records Clerks, Police Department: Josie and Joanna were nothing short of extraordinary during the Police Department's transition from CentralSquare Records Management System (RMS) to the new RIMS RMS. When cases opened within 24 hours of go-live failed to migrate, they tackled the setback head-on, manually re-entering every report and narrative with precision and determination - a months-long effort. At the same time, they flawlessly managed their daily duties, completed year-end purging and records reorganization, and patiently guided officers and sergeants through the new system. Their resilience, positivity, and unwavering commitment ensured a seamless transition and showcased just how invaluable they are to their Department.
Cassandra Borgna; Senior Recreation Coordinator, Community Services Department:
Cassandra Borgna is recognized for her extraordinary mentorship of more than 150 part-time employees, whom she supervises for the City of Ukiah. Beyond her formal duties, she often spends evenings and weekends helping young Staff write resumes, refine cover letters, complete applications, and prepare for interviews. During normal workdays, not only is she building their professional skills and confidence, but she has also spent countless hours serving as a vital bridge to further their careers and pursuit of higher education. Many former employees have gone on to become teachers, nurses, business leaders, and other professionals. Her dedication to staff development reflects the highest ideals of public service and actively cultivates future leaders in the community.
b. Proclamation Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the City of Ukiah.
Presenter: Mayor Sher.
Staff Comment: Marianne Aranda, Recreation Supervisor.
Proclamation was received by Mayor Sher.
c. Presentation on the 2025-2026 Volunteer Program.
Presenters: Marianne Aranda, Recreation Supervisor and Ed Donovan, Volunteer Coordinator No public comment was received.
A PowerPoint was given.
5. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
All communications received were distributed.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. Approval of the Minutes for the March 4, 2026, Special Meeting. b. Approval of the Minutes for the March 4, 2026, Regular Meeting.
Motion/Second: Orozco/Rodin to approve the Special and Regular Meeting minutes of March 4, 2026, as submitted. Motion carried by the following roll call votes: AYES: Rodin, Orozco, and Sher.
NOES: None. ABSENT: Crane and Criss. ABSTAIN: None.
RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION
Mayor Sher read the right to appeal.
City Council Minutes for March 18, 2026, Continued:
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Report of Disbursements for the Month of February 2026 - Finance. b. Adoption of an Ordinance Adding a New Chapter 9 to Division 2 of the Ukiah City Code to Regulate Sidewalk Vending on Public Property and in the Public Right-of-Way - Community Development.
ORDINANCE NO. 1266
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 9 TO DIVISION 2 OF THE CITY CODE TO REGULATE SIDEWALK VENDING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY AND IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY.
c. Adoption of Resolution (2026-11) Authorizing the Submittal of an Application (2526-193ga) to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for $530,000 in Funding Under Round 4 of the Prohousing Incentive Program; and if Selected, Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Standard Agreement (2526-193gb), Any Amendments Thereto, and Any Related Documents Necessary to Participate in the Prohousing Incentive Program, as well as Authorization of the Corresponding Budget Amendments - Community Development. d. Adoption of Resolution (2026-12) Authorizing Submittal of an Application (2526-194ga) to the Standard Agreement (2526-194gb), Any Amendments Thereto, and Any Related Documents Necessary to Participate in the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, as well as Authorization of the Corresponding Budget Amendments - Community Development. e. Approval of Lease Agreement (2526-195) with Option to Purchase between the City of Ukiah and the Willow County Water District for the Property Located at 151 Laws Avenue, APN 003- 420-47; Authorization for the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute the Agreement and Any Related Documents Necessary to Implement the Lease-Purchase Transaction; and Approve Corresponding Budget Amendment - Finance.
f. Award Purchase (P.O. 48983) of Toyota Model 9FBZ80U Electric Pneumatic Lift Truck to Atlas Toyota Material Handling in the Amount of $211,769.72, with $183,500 to be Reimbursed through the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Fund, and Approve Corresponding Budget Amendment - Electric Utility.
Motion/Second: Rodin/Orozco to approve Consent Calendar Items 8a-8f, as submitted. Motion carried by the following roll call votes: AYES: Rodin, Orozco, and Sher. NOES: None. ABSENT:
Crane and Criss. ABSTAIN: None.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Public Comment: Eileen Mitro (on behalf of the League of Women Voters) - Save Act.
10. COUNCIL REPORTS
Presenter: Mayor Sher.
11. CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS
• No Closed Session and Special Meeting - Sage Sangiacomo, City Manager.
12. PUBLIC HEARINGS (5:30 PM)
No public hearing items were placed on the agenda.
City Council Minutes for March 18, 2026, Continued:
13. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Receive and Approve Submittal of the 2025 Annual Progress Reports to the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation.
Presenter: Jesse Davis, Chief Planning Manager
No public comment was received.
Motion/Second: Rodin/Orozco to receive and approve submittal of the 2025 Annual Progress Reports to the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation. Motion carried by the following roll call votes: AYES: Rodin, Orozco, and Sher. NOES: None. ABSENT: Crane and Criss. ABSTAIN: None. b. Re-Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Zero Tax Share Agreement Between the City of Ukiah and the County of Mendocino for the Ukiah Corporation Yard Annexation (1 Carousel Lane), Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) File No. A-2025-06.
This item was pulled by Staff and will be placed on a future agenda.
14. NEW BUSINESS
a. Adoption of Updates to General Plan Land Use, Zoning, and Downtown Zoning Code Maps Consistent with Goals and Policies of the 2040 General Plan.
Presenter: Jesse Davis, Chief Planning Manager.
No public comment was received.
Motion/Second: Rodin/Orozco to adopt updates to the City of Ukiah's official Zoning Map, General Plan Land Use Map, and Downtown Zoning Code Map to reflect previously approved annexations, rezones, and General Plan amendments, to standardize a shared visual format for clarity and consistency, and to implement policies and goals of the 2040 General Plan. Motion carried by the following roll call votes: AYES: Rodin, Orozco, and Sher. NOES: None. ABSENT: Crane and Criss.
ABSTAIN: None.
b. Introduction of an Ordinance by Title Only Amending Section 1166 of the Ukiah City Code Pertaining to the Design Review Board Regular Meetings.
Presenters: Kristine Lawler, City Clerk and Craig Schlatter, Community Development Director.
No public comment was received.
Council Directive for Staff to discuss the scope and meeting frequency of the Design Review Board with the Design Review Board at one of the Board's next regular meetings; and to gather input from Planning Commission on the scope and/or frequency of the Design Review Board c. Receive Updates on City Council Committee and Ad Hoc Assignments and, if Necessary, Consider Modifications to Assignments and/or the Creation/Elimination of Ad hoc(s).
Presenter:
No reports were received.
City Council Minutes for March 18, 2026, Continued:
Motion/Second: Sher/Rodin to disband the Orr Creek Bridge and Trench Cut Policy Development Ad Hoc. Motion carried by the following roll call votes: AYES: Rodin, Orozco, and Sher. NOES:
None. ABSENT: Crane and Criss. ABSTAIN: None.
15. CLOSED SESSION
a. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation (Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4))
Initiation of litigation (2 cases)
b. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation (Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2))
Significant exposure to litigation (1 case)
c. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation
(Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1))Name of case: Nui Rising Moon Trust v. City of Ukiah, et al.; Case No. 3:25-cv-08320
d. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation
(Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1))
Name of case: Vichy Springs Resort v. City of Ukiah, Et Al; Case No. SCUK-CVPT-2018- 70200
e. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation
(Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1))
Name of case: Vichy Springs Resort, Inc v. City of Ukiah, et al.; Case No. 24-cv-07106-JSC f. Conference with Real Property Negotiators
(Cal. Gov't Code Section 54956.8)
Property: APN Nos: 001-020-78-00, 001-030-01, 001-090-01 Negotiator: Maya Simerson, Senior Management Analyst, City Manager's Office Negotiating Parties: Tayman Park Golf Group
Under Negotiation: Price & Terms of Agreement
g. Conference with Labor Negotiator (54957.6)
Agency Designated Representative: Sage Sangiacomo, City Manager Employee Organizations: All bargaining units
Unrepresented Employee: Police Chief
h. Public Employment (City Attorney)
(Cal. Gov. Code § 54957(b)(1))
No Closed Session was held.
16. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m.
Kristme hauler
Kristine Lawler, CMC
City Clerk
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