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/83116103897 September 16, 2026
5:15 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on September 16, 2026, having been legally noticed on September 11, 2026. The meeting was held in person and virtually at the following link ttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/83116103897. Mayor Sher called the meeting to order at 5:18 p.m. Rol was taken with the following Councilmembers Present: Douglas F. Crane, Mari Rodin, Heather Criss, Juan V. Orozco, and Susan Sher. Staff Present: Sage Sangiacomo, City Manager; Darcy MAYOR SHER PRESIDING.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Rodin
3. AB 2449 NOTIFICATIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
There were no AB 2449 notifications or considerations.
4. PROCLAMATIONS/INTRODUCTIONS/PRESENTATIONS
a. Acknowledgements.
Presenter: Mayor Sher.
Mayor Sher recognized:
• September 15, 2026, as National Information Technology Professionals Day No public comment was received.
b. Receive Presentation of Exceptional Employee Recognition Awards.
Presenters: Sage Sangiacomo, City Manager; Shannon Riley, Deputy City Manager; Tom Corning, Police Chief; Dan Buffalo, Finance Director; and Daniel Davis, Senior IT Specialist; and Mayor Sher.
No public comment was received.
Exceptional Employee Recognition Awards were received by:
Maria Ceja, Department Analyst; City Manager's Office: Maria consistently goes above and beyond to support employees throughout the organization. No task is too far outside the scope of her regular duties. She willingly steps in and stays until the job is done. Whether supporting the City Manager with a presentation, delivering refreshments for an extended meeting, staying late for a Diversity and Equity Committee event, responding to an "urgent" citizen engagement request after hours, or an early-morning creamer run to ensure everyone is properly caffeinated before 8 a.m., Maria brings a positive, service-oriented attitude. Her role in coordinating and organizing the City's many all-employee events throughout the year is priceless, as she often handles countless details behind the scenes. Her responsiveness, teamwork, and willingness to help wherever needed
City Council Minutes for September 16, 2026, Continued:
exemplify the City's Core values.
Daniel Davis and James Brown, Sr. IT Specialists; Finance Department: In September 2025, the Ukiah Police Department transitioned from an outdated CAD/RMS system to Sun Ridge Solutions' RIMS platform. Daniel Davis and James Brown demonstrated exceptional dedication throughout this major undertaking, helping build and configure the supporting IT infrastructure, coordinate connectivity with the Department of Justice, troubleshoot complex issues, test the new environment, and prepare a training room with mock workstations. As the go-live date approached, they worked extended hours and remained readily available to Police staff, helping ensure a successful transition with minimal disruption. Their technical skill and collaboration, supported by the efforts of the entire City IT Department, were instrumental to the project's success and exemplity exceptional public service and teamwork.
Chris Pittman and Jessica Foell, Dispatchers; and Tiffany Breece, Supervising Dispatcher; Police Department: On Friday, August 7, 2026, at approximately 10:35 a.m., Dispatch Supervisor Tiffany Breece received a call from a citizen reporting that an aircraft had crashed on N. Main Street between E. Smith Street and Norton Street. This unusual and rapidly developing incident immediately placed significant demands on the Communications Center. Newly trained Dispatcher Jessi Foell quickly demonstrated exceptional composure and initiative by starting a call for service, coordinating the response of a Community Services Officer, and adding additional units as the situation developed. Over the next 10 minutes, Jessi, along with Supervisor Tiffany Breece and Dispatcher Chris Pittman, fielded more than 25 calls from concerned citizens while simultaneously managing the increased radio traffic associated with the incident. As reports of power outages began coming in from throughout the area, the team recognized the need for proactive public communication and promptly issued a Nixle alert advising the community of the outages and anticipated traffic delays.
Throughout the incident, Communications personnel also assisted with contacting multiple City departments and other agencies to facilitate communication and coordinate the City's response.
Although emergency situations vary, an aircraft crash is an extremely uncommon and high-pressure event, making this an exceptional training opportunity for a newly trained dispatcher. Jessi performed phenomenally under pressure, demonstrating sound judgment, initiative, and the ability to quickly adapt to an unprecedented situation. Equally important, Chris and Supervisor Tiffany provided outstanding support by handling as many incoming and outgoing calls as possible, allowing Jessi to remain focused on the demanding radio traffic and rapidly changing requests. The teamwork, professionalism, and calm response demonstrated by all three employees exemplify the high level of service and dedication expected from the Ukiah Police Department Communications Division and make them highly deserving of recognition through the Exceptional Employee Award.
Lori Martin, Billing and Customer Service Manager; Barbara Babcock and Gina Haufler, Customer Service Team Leaders; and the Utility Billing Team; Finance Department: The Utility Billing team demonstrated exceptional dedication and teamwork during the Milsoft C/S implementations for both the Ukiah Valley Water Authority (UVWA) and Ukiah Valley Sanitation District (UVSD). Led by Lori, Gina, and Barbara, the team took on significant additional responsibilities while continuing to maintain daily utility billing and customer service operations. Their work included extensive system testing, troubleshooting, data validation, process development, and coordination with Milsoft and agency partners. Throughout two complex implementations, the team adapted to new processes, resolved challenges, supported one another, and remained focused on minimizing impacts to customers. Their collective effort, flexibility, and commitment went well beyond normal duties and exemplified outstanding public service. The team was asked to rise up and meet a significant challenge, outside their regular duties and responsibilities, and delivered for our citizenry.
Myles Fisette, Purchasing Manager; Finance Department: Myles Fisette consistently goes above and beyond in his role as Purchasing Manager, helping departments solve complex problems and
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keeping major City projects moving forward. During the City's transition from Mitel to RingCentral, he played a vital role in coordinating purchasing, vendor requirements, departmental needs, ano numerous administrative details. Whenever challenges arose, he remained responsive and focuse on finding practical solutions. His initiative, collaboration, experience, and sound judgment were invaluable to the successful implementation of the new phone system. This project and many other important City initiatives would not have been as successful without his support. c. Proclamation Honoring David Rapport's 43 Years of Service to the City of Ukiah.
Presenter: Mayor Sher.
No public comment was received.
Proclamation was received by David Rapport.
RECESS 5:45 P.M. - 5:53 P.M.
5. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Deputy City Clerk, Araceli Sandoval, stated that all communications had been distributed.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. Approval of the Minutes for the September 2, 2026, Regular Meeting.
Motion/Second: Criss/Orozco to approve Minutes of September 2, 2026, a regular meeting, as submitted. Motion carried by the following roll call votes: AYES: Crane, Rodin, Criss, Orozco, and Sher. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION
Mayor Sher read the right to appeal.
CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Review and File Update to the Landfill Closure Financial Plan - Finance. b. Consideration of Adoption of Resolution for the Approval-of Amended and Restated Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (UVBGSA) Joint Powers Agreement and Technical Advisery Committee (TAC) Memorandum of Understanding for the UVBGSA... City Manager - Pulled from Agenda by Staff.
c. Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Section 1166 of the Ukiah City Code Regarding Design Review Board Meetings, Rules, and Records - City Clerk.
ORDINANCE NO. 1270
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH AMENDING DIVISION 1, CHAPTER 3, ARTICLE 4B, SECTION 1166 OF THE UKIAH CITY CODE, PERTAINING TO MEETINGS; RULES; RECORD FOR THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
d. Adoption of Resolution (2026-64) Amending the Appendix to the Conflict of Interest Code to Reflect a Current List of Economic Disclosure Filers - City Clerk. e. Adoption of Resolution Approving-an-Application for Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program Grant Funds for Development of a Wagenseller Neighborhood Park — Community Services - Pulled by public member Linda Sanders and placed as Agenda Item 14b.
City Council Minutes for September 16, 2026, Continued:
f. Authorization for City Manager to Negotiate and Execute Lease Agreement (2627-101) with Ukiah Unified School District for the Use of District Property for a Community Tree Nursery - Community Development.
g. Approval of Purchase (P.O. 49069) of Server Room Cooling System for the Remodel of 501 South State Street from Harold Wells Associates, Inc. in the Amount of $81,782.72, and Corresponding Budget Amendment - Community Development.
Aaron Yang, Urban Forest Manager, answered questions from Councilmember Crane regarding Agenda Item 8f.
Motion/Second: Crane/Rodin to approve Consent Calendar Items 8a, 8c-8d, and 8f-8g, as submitted. Motion carried by the following roll call votes: AYES: Crane, Rodin, Criss, Orozco, and Sher. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
9. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Public Comment: Annie Esposito - Flock cameras and Clementine (no surname given) - Flock cameras.
10. COUNCIL REPORTS
Presenter: Councilmembers Criss and Rodin, and Vice Mayor Orozco.
11. CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS
Presenters: Sage Sangiacomo, City Manager; and
• Courthouse Project Report - Shannon Riley, Deputy City Manager. • Groundwater Well Search Update - Jared Walker, Water Resources Director.
Councilmember Rodin gave an additional Council report.
12. PUBLIC HEARINGS (5:30 PM)
No public hearings were placed on the agenda.
13. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Adoption of a Resolution Approving Award of an Emergency Contract with Diamond D Construction, LLC in the Amount of $148,580 for Landslide Mitigation Work at the Pressure Zone 1 Water Storage Tank and Approval of Corresponding Budget Amendment.
Presenters: Jared Walker, Water Resources Director and Tim Eriksen, Public Works Director.
No public comment was received.
Motion/Second: Criss/Rodin to adopt resolution (2026-65) approving award of an emergency contract (2627-102) with Diamond D Construction, LLC in the amount of $148,580 for Landslide Mitigation Work at the Pressure Zone 1 water storage tank and approval of corresponding budget amendment. Motion carried by the following roll call votes: AYES: Rodin, Criss, Orozco, and Sher.
NOES: Crane. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
14. NEW BUSINESS
a. 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).
No reports were received.
City Council Minutes for September 16, 2026, Continued:
b. Adoption of Resolution Approving an Application for Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program Grant Funds for Development of a Wagenseller Neighborhood Park - from Consent Calendar Item 8e.
Presenter: Jake Burgess, Community Services Director.
Public Comment: Linda Sanders and John Lazaro.
Motion/Second: Rodin/Criss to adopt a Resolution (2026-66) approving an application (2627- 103ga) for Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program grant funds for development of a Wagenseller neighborhood park. Motion carried by the following roll call votes:
AYES: Crane, Rodin, Criss, Orozco, and Sher. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
THE CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION AT 7:44 P.M.
15. CLOSED SESSION
a. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation (Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4))
Initiation of litigation (1 case)
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: Vichy Springs Resort v. City of Ukiah, Et Al; Case No. SCUK-CVPT-2018-70200 d. 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 e. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation
(Government Code § 54956.9(1)(d))
City of Camden et al. v. 3 M Corporation (USDC South Carolina, Charleston Division) 2.23-cv- 03147, 03230
f. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation
(Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1))
Name of case: Kylle St. Pierre v. City of Ukiah, et al.; Case No. CV 26-07749 g. Conference with Real Property Negotiators
(Cal. Gov't Code Section 54956.8)
Property: APN Nos: 002-232-05 and 002-282-02
Negotiator: Sage Sangiacomo, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: Schafer
Under Negotiation: Price & Terms of Payment
No action reported; direction provided to Staff.
16. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Araceli Sandoval
Deputy City Clerk