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TOWN OF WOODSIDE
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES April 8, 2025
Independence Hall, 2955 Woodside Road, Woodside 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Dombkowski called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Aburish (virtually by AB2302 Just Cause Exception), Brown, Goeld, Wall (virtually by AB2302 Just Cause Exception), and Mayor Dombkowski Staff Present:
Kevin Bryant, Town Manager
Jean Savaree, Town Attorney
Cindy Safe, Administrative Services Director
Sage Schaan, Planning Director
Yazdan Emrani, Town Engineer/Public Works Director
Julie Paping, Deputy Town Clerk
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Goeld led the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMUNICATIONS
There were no communications.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT
Mr. Bryant stated that the Sheriff's Office contract is up for renewal and the Sheriff's Office is interested in having a longer-term contract. Mr. Bryant is working with Mayor Dombkowski and Councilmember Aburish on negotiating the contract. The Town is now accepting credit card transactions and has seen an increase from less than 10% of transactions in January to about 30% of transactions in March being paid by credit card. Mr. Bryant stated that the caution tape around Town Hall is due to the installation of solar panels which should be completed in a couple weeks.
Councilmember Brown asked when there will be movement on the Town Center Plan. Mr. Bryant responded that the consultant is in the process of gathering data from staff and that he expects to be able to provide an update in a couple weeks.
Town Council Meeting Minutes April 8, 2025 Page 1
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APPOINTMENTS
Report and Recommendation from the Town Council Committees Appointments Subcommittee:
a. Emergency Preparedness Committee
Councilmember Wall stated that one application was received for the Emergency Preparedness Committee from Katherine Gregroy. Ms. Gregory is a physician who noted her ability to work well in emergency situations on her application. Councilmember Wall stated that the appointment committee is in support of this applicant.
The Public Comment Period opened and closed at 7:08 p.m.
Councilmember Goeld moved to appoint Katherine Gregory to the Emergency Preparedness Committee.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Brown and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Aburish, Brown, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Dombkowski NOES: None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Approval of Waiver of Full Reading of Ordinance, per Government Code Section 36934.
2. Register of Demands Against the Town of Woodside from March 1 through 31, 2025.
3. Approval of Minutes: Special Meetings of October 8, 2024, January 28, 2025, February 25, 2025, March 13, 2025, March 14, 2025, March 15, 2025, March 19, 2025, March 25, 2025, and Regular Meetings of October 8, 2024, December 10, 2024, January 14, 2025, January 28, 2025, February 11, 2025, and February 25, 2025.
4. 2024-25 February Monthly Investment Activity Report.
5. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Enter into an Agreement with Clientfirst Technology Consulting in an Amount Not to Exceed $60,000 to Assist with Second Year Maintenance of Community Development Software.
Resolution No. 2025 - 7738
6. Adoption and Second Reading of an Ordinance to amend provisions of Municipal Code Chapter 153 (Zoning) regarding the conversion of barns to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUS) and ADU height limitations. This Ordinance is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"), pursuant to Public Resource Code Section 21080.17 (CEQA is not applicable to local ordinances regulating the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units).
Town Council Meeting Minutes April 8, 2025 Page 2
Docusign Envelope ID: F6624258-FFEF-44C1-9031-372A721691CD Ordinance No. 2025 - 647
7. Resolution (1) Approving Plans and Specifications for the 2025 Road Rehabilitation Project; (2) Authorizing the Town Manager to Advertise for Bids and to Execute a Contract with the Lowest Responsive and Responsible Bidder, in an Amount not to Exceed $475,000 which includes a $25,000 Contingency.
Resolution No. 2025 - 7739
Mayor Dombkowski pulled Item 4 for discussion, Councilmember Goeld pulled Item 6 for discussion, and Councilmember Wall pulled Item 7 for discussion.
Councilmember Goeld moved approval of the Consent Calendar Items 1, 2, 3, and 5.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Brown and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Aburish, Brown, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Dombkowski NOES: None
Regarding Item 7, Councilmember Wall stated that she was a little surprised that Hillside Drive was not included. She asked for a summary of the issue on Hillside Drive and when it would be repaired.
Mr. Bryant stated that Hillside Drive was not included in the 2025 Road Rehabilitation Project because the costs will be greater, and it will be treated as a separate substantial project. Cracks were discovered in the road near 231 Hillside Drive during the winter. Engineers inspected the road and conducted subsurface analysis. In February, some pavement was lost during a storm.
Pavement repair was done and has held up. A geotech engineering firm is working on design, and a fix is to be determined. Road boring work will be done in the area the week of April 16, and surface repair work will be done as well. Mr. Bryant stated that staff will bring back to Council plans and specifications for a distinct project for Hillside Drive with the intention of having work completed before rains occur next Fall.
The Public Comment Period opened and closed at 7:14 p.m.
Councilmember Wall moved approval of Consent Calendar Item 7.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Brown and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Aburish, Brown, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Dombkowski NOES: None
Regarding Item 6, Councilmember Goeld stated that he pulled the item to give the public the opportunity to speak and his fellow councilmembers the opportunity to ask questions.
Town Council Meeting Minutes April 8, 2025 Page 3
Docusign Envelope ID: F6624258-FFEF-44C1-9031-372A721691CD The Public Comment Period opened and closed at 7:15 p.m.
Councilmember Goeld moved approval of Consent Calendar Item 6.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Brown and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Aburish, Brown, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Dombkowski NOES: None
Regarding Item 4, Mayor Dombkowski pulled the item to ask Town Council if there was agreement to agendize a discussion on making a supplemental contribution to shore-up pension and benefits liabilities. Mayor Dombkowski stated that the Town is about 80% funded but still about $5 Million short of its long-term obligations. Councilmember Brown stated that the supplemental contribution makes sense and added that they may want to task the new Town Manager with finding new revenue sources to help fund this kind of transfer of funding. Councilmember Goeld stated that he was in complete agreement with the Mayor. He stated that while the Town is in pretty good shape at 80% funded, it may be an opportune time to make a supplemental contribution as the Town is currently relatively cash rich. He also stated that long-term pension liabilities can sink municipalities. Councilmember Aburish stated that it sounds like a fiscally responsible thing to do. He stated that given the Town has the funds and the current shape of the market, it seems like a great time to do it. Councilmember Wall agreed and supported agendizing the discussion.
Mayor Dombkowski moved approval of Consent Calendar Item 4.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Brown and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Aburish, Brown, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Dombkowski NOES: None
PUBLIC HEARING
A. Resolution Approving an Update to the Fees and Charges Schedule.
Resolution No. 2025 - 7740
Terry Madsen, Town consultant with Clear Source Financial, presented the staff report.
Councilmember Brown asked if there was a fee for going beyond an appropriate amount of build time. Mr. Madsen noted there is no such fee. Councilmember Brown requested Town Council consider adding a substantial fee during the next Fee and Charges Schedule update for when someone continues to build beyond a three-year limit.
The Public Comment Period opened and closed at 7:27p.m.
Town Council Meeting Minutes April 8, 2025 Page 4
Docusign Envelope ID: F6624258-FFEF-44C1-9031-372A721691CD Councilmember Goeld thanked Mr. Madsen. He stated that he appreciated the full-tutorial Mr.
Madsen provided to Council when the Fees and Charges Schedule was updated two-years ago.
He noted that fees cannot go beyond inflation and must be justifiable. Councilmember Goeld stated that the inflationary steps were much easier to take and certainly less controversial to the public. Mayor Dombkowski stated that we are in an inflationary environment and must be functional as an entity. He added that converting deposits to straight fees was a great improvement for the Town, its customers, and the citizens.
Councilmember Goeld moved approval of Item A.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Brown and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Aburish, Brown, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Dombkowski NOES: None
NEW BUSINESS
B. Woodside Fire Protection District Presentation on Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map.
Fire Marshal Kim Giuliacci presented the staff report.
Councilmembers provided questions related to areas on the map without crosshatches or colors, the State Responsibility Area (SRA), the resources available to the Fire District, and the impact of the new maps.
Fire Marshal Giuliacci stated that the locations on the map without crosshatches or colors are not incorporated into any of the three zones as the hazard is lower. The crosshatches represent the SRA. Cal Fire has jurisdiction over the SRA. However, Woodside Fire Protection District would still respond to SRA locations in Woodside. Fire Marshal Giuliacci explained that mutual aid agreements exist under which the closest engine responds regardless of jurisdiction. When the Fire District responds to those areas, the State still has jurisdiction, and the Fire District will keep the State informed. The Fire District has access to additional State resources including aircraft, water tenders, and other large equipment. The aircraft is the fastest and largest deployments that could come to the Fire District's aid. Fire Marshal Giuliacci explained that the new fire maps essentially have no impact since the Town has already adopted Chapter 7a, which means that requirements historically reserved for "very high" areas are applied throughout the Town regardless of zone. She stated that the Fire District and Town are providing a higher level of protection for the community because of the Chapter 7 requirements.
The Public Comment Period opened at 7:40 p.m.
Richard Gonerko asked why fires spread so quickly when the Fire District has so many resources including aircraft.
Town Council Meeting Minutes April 8, 2025 Page 5
Docusign Envelope ID: F6624258-FFEF-44C1-9031-372A721691CD Fire Marshal Giuliacci stated that the Fire District's response is dependent on people reporting the fire. When fires are in remote areas, it may take some time before they are reported. And it is rarely the case that a road leads directly to a specific foothill or fire location, so the Fire District does not have the quickest access. Fire Marshal Giuliacci noted that when she says they have quick response from resources such as aircraft, she means an hour or more, not minutes. Fires can spread quickly for many reasons, including topography, wind, nearby structures, and humidity and there are a lot of different elements involved in understanding fire growth. Fire Marshal Giuliacci stated that the Fire District is trying to implement technology for early notifications so they can respond as quickly as possible. For example, there are N5 sensors deployed throughout the District and there have been 3 successful activations so far.
Councilmember Brown asked if the Fire District was using drones.
Fire Marshal Giuliacci stated that the Fire District has a drone program up and running. Some staff members have already been certified as drone pilots, and some staff members are currently going through training to become certified. The Fire District is exploring how drones can be deployed on scene.
The Public Comment Period closed at 7:46 p.m.
Councilmember Goeld asked for the status of the three-year home-hardening inspection project.
Fire Marshal Giuliacci stated that the project is still in its first year and a little over 1,000 inspections have been completed. She stated that the biggest challenge has been that people are not home at the time the inspections are conducted. Fire District staff leave door hangers but do not always receive call backs to reschedule, slowing down the process. Fire Marshal Giuliacci encouraged residents to sign up for the Fire District's e-newsletter on the District's website to stay informed.
Councilmember Brown stated that Fire Marshal Giuliacci will be presenting about fire prevention at a Wildfire Preparedness Workshop on May 22, 2025.
C. Approval of Employment Agreement for Jason Ledbetter to Serve as Town Manager.
Resolution No. 2025 - 7741
Town Attorney Jean Savaree presented the staff report and outlined the terms of the contract.
Councilmember Brown stated that a thorough search was conducted with great candidates. He stated that Mr. Ledbetter will be a terrific Town Manager in every respect.
The Public Comment Period opened and closed at 7:54 p.m.
Councilmember Goeld moved approval of Item A.
Town Council Meeting Minutes April 8, 2025 Page 6
Docusign Envelope ID: F6624258-FFEF-44C1-9031-372A721691CD Motion seconded by Councilmember Brown and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Aburish, Brown, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Dombkowski NOES: None
Jason Ledbetter joined the meeting via Zoom and thanked the Town Council, Town Attorney, and Town Manager. He gave a brief overview of his background noting that he grew up in Napa Valley and started his career as a wine-maker before moving into local government and achieving a Masters of Engineering from UC Riverside. He worked for Riverside County, Siskiyou County, and currently as the City Manager for the City of Yreka. Mr. Ledbetter stated that he was ecstatic to be joining the team in Woodside and honored to be taking the baton from Mr. Bryant. He stated that it is remarkable that the community has had two Town managers in the last 33 years. He hopes to provide stability for staff and looks forward to working on unfunded liability issues, financial planning, the Town Center Plan, and rolling out the Housing Element. Mr. Ledbetter noted that he will be in town the week of April 21 to meet with Town staff. Mr. Ledbetter reiterated that he is beyond ecstatic and cannot wait to join the team on May 15.
Mayor Dombkowski congratulated and welcomed Mr. Ledbetter on behalf of the community, Town Council, and staff. He stated that the Town has a lot of opportunities and challenges ahead and he is looking forward to Mr. Ledbetter's leadership. Mayor Dombkowski stated that Mr.
Ledbetter checks all of the boxes and will lead the Town in a proactive way.
REPORTS
D. Volunteer Committee Updates.
Mr. Bryant stated that the History Committee will hold the preservation awards ceremony on May 27* at the Woodside Community Museum prior to the start of the Town Council meeting. The 32nd May Day Fun Run is coming up and the Recreation Committee is currently taking reservations.
The Recreation Committee is hosting a Sound Immersion workshop on Friday, April 25 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. and a Myofascial and Yin Yoga workshop on Saturday, May 24 from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Information can be found on the Town website. In conjunction with May Day, the Environment and Open Space Committee is taking nominations for heritage tree awards and will announce the nominations during the May Day festivities.
Councilmember Goeld stated that Richard Mainz is stepping down as Chair of the Recreation Committee after having served as Chair for 25 years. The new Chair will be Rowan MacNiven.
With the Mayor's consent, Councilmember Goeld stated that there would be an honorary presentation demonstrating the Town's gratitude to Richard Mainz at an upcoming Town Council meeting.
E. Mayor and Councilmember Communications.
Councilmember Goeld thanked Mr. Bryant for his cooperation during the search for his Town Council Meeting Minutes April 8, 2025 Page 7
Docusign Envelope ID: F6624258-FFEF-44C1-9031-372A721691CD replacement. He stated that Mr. Bryant showed class and professionalism throughout the process.
Mayor Dombkowski thanked Councilmember Brown for putting on a Crimestoppers event with the Sheriff's Office a couple weeks ago. The event provided a great update on crime statistics in Woodside, and Mayor Dombkowski was impressed with how effective the license plate readers have been. Mayor Dombkowski stated that he hoped lots of folks had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of Fire Station 7. He added that the Fire District has purchased the property adjacent to the station, where it plans to add an administrative building and multi-story fire tower. Mayor Dombkowski noted that the May Day parade is coming up and the theme is "Giddy Up Woodside." Mayor Dombkowski asked his fellow councilmembers to let Mr. Bryant know if they would like to participate in the parade. He noted that they are no longer allowed to throw candy from moving vehicles for safety reasons. Lastly, Mayor Dombkowski stated that he heard from the Planning Commission Chair that the Planning Commission has only had 3 meetings this year and has the capacity and willingness to take on more.
COMMUNICATIONS
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Dombkowski adjourned the meeting at 8:06 p.m.
Clerk of the town of Woodside
APPROVED:
-Signed by:
Brian Vombkowski
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Mayor of the Town of Woodside
Town Council Meeting Minutes April 8, 2025 Page 8