City Hall, Council Chamber

100 Santa Rosa Avenue

Santa Rosa, CA 95404

City of Santa Rosa

City Council

Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

2:00 PM

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

Mayor Stapp called the meeting to order at approximately 2:30 p.m.

6 -

Present:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Council Member Eddie Alvarez, Council Member

Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Vice Mayor Jeff

Okrepkie, and Council Member Natalie Rogers

1 - Council Member Dianna MacDonald

Absent:

2. REMOTE PARTICIPATION UNDER AB 2449 (IF NEEDED)

3. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Duane De Witt spoke on Item 3.2 and recommended the

harassment prevention policy is upheld but with balance in the event

of a settlement on expensive claims, and Item 3.4 regarding the

original purchase of this building.

Mayor Stapp recessed the meeting to closed session at

approximately 2:36 p.m. to discuss Items 3.1 through 3.4 as

listed on the agenda with clarification that on Item 3.4 the

Agency Negotiator will be Jill Scott as announced by Teresa

Stricker, City Attorney.

3.1

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE

TO LITIGATION

Government Code § 54956.9, subdivision (d)(2) and (e)(1)): 3 potential

cases.

This item was received and filed.

3.2

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE

TO LITIGATION

Government Code § 54956.9, subdivision (d)(2) and (e)(2)): 2 potential

cases.

The City is in receipt of information concerning a confidential personnel

complaint concerning alleged violations of the City’s Harassment,

Discrimination, Retaliation Prohibition and Prevention Policy that might

result in litigation against the City and is known to potential plaintiffs.

This item was received and filed.

3.3

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION

(Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9)

Name of Case: David Pelayo, et al. v. Utility Partners of America, LLC,

et al.

Sonoma County Superior Court Case No. SCV-264530

This item was received and filed.

3.4

CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR

(Government Code Section 54956.8)

Property: 655 1st Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 APN 009-073-018

Agency Negotiators: Stephanie Valkovic, Real Property Negotiator

Negotiating Parties: KLF, LLC

Under Negotiations: Price and terms of payment

This item was received and filed.

Mayor Stapp adjourned closed session at approximately 4:25 p.m. and

reconvened to the regular session at approximately 4:31 p.m.

4. STUDY SESSION - NONE.

5. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ROLL CALL (IF NEEDED)

6 -

Present:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Council Member Eddie Alvarez, Council Member

Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Vice Mayor Jeff

Okrepkie, and Council Member Natalie Rogers

1 - Council Member Dianna MacDonald

Absent:

6. REPORT, IF ANY, ON STUDY AND CLOSED SESSIONS

City Attorney Stricker reported that with six affirmative votes and

Council Member MacDonald absent, Council authorized the City

Attorney to defend an appeal by UPA from a $660,000 judgement in

favor of the City, and to seek appellant review of the trial courts

order denying the City's motion for cost of proof of sanctions in the

case of Pelayo v. Utility Partners of America, LLC.

7. PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

7.1

PROCLAMATION - FAMILY COURT AWARENESS MONTH

Council Member Rogers read and presented the proclamation to

Emily Stiffler, Domestic Violence Survivor and Family Court Reform

Advocate.

Emily Stiffler provided a brief comment regarding the proclamation

and family court reform.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Renee Blair spoke in support of the proclamation, experiences with

the family court system, and Piqui's Law 2024.

Anonymous spoke in support of the proclamation and family court

reform.

Esaia Gonzalez spoke in support of the proclamation and family

court reform.

Joan Collins, victim advocate, spoke in support of the proclamation,

Piqui's Law, reunification camps, and family court reform.

Janice Karrman spoke on her involvement and problems with the

courts system.

8. STAFF BRIEFINGS - NONE.

9. CITY MANAGER’S/CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORTS

Maraskeshia Smith, City Manager, reported that the City Manager's

Office is hosting a citywide food drive across city offices November

13 through December 18 to support Redwood Empire Food Bank.

Collection barrels will be at City Hall, City Hall Annex, Finley Center,

Person Senior Center, Ridgway Swim Center and Municipal

Services Center South.

9.1

REPORT OF SETTLEMENTS AND ACTIVE LITIGATION

The City Attorney will report on all settlements authorized by Council in

closed session that were finalized in October 2025, which includes but

may not be limited to all settlements requiring the City to pay more than

$50,000. The City Attorney will also provide a summary of pending

litigation against the City.

City Attorney Stricker reported there were no settlements over

$50,000 which were previously authorized by Council in the Month of

October. The caseload remains constant with 32 litigation matters,

with trial dates assigned to approximately one-third of those matters.

No public comments were made.

This item was received and filed.

10. STATEMENTS OF ABSTENTION/RECUSAL BY COUNCIL MEMBERS

Council Member Bañuelos announced recusal on Item 16.4 in an

abundance of caution due to the proximity of her residence to the

project.

11. MAYOR'S/COUNCIL MEMBERS’ REPORTS

Council Member Okrepkie provided a brief report on participation in

the Tunnels to Towers run on November 8th in downtown Santa

Rosa, benefiting firefighters, police officers, veterans, and their

families.

Vice Mayor Alvarez reported on the groundbreaking at the Hub on

November 14th.

Council Member Fleming provided a brief report on attendance at

the grand opening of Fire Station 5, and upcoming attendance at an

MTC meeting.

Council Member Bañuelos attended the arrival of Santa to the Santa

Rosa Plaza.

Mayor Stapp provided a brief report on the Sonoma County Mayor's

and Council Members meeting where they discussed food

insecurity in Sonoma County communities, and on the THREADS

meeting on behavioral health and homelessness.

No public comments were made.

11.1 MAYOR'S/COUNCIL MEMBERS' SUBCOMMITTEE AND LIAISON

REPORTS (AND POSSIBLE COUNCIL DIRECTION TO BOARD

REPRESENTATIVE ON PENDING ISSUES, IF NEEDED)

11.1.1 Council Subcommittee Reports

Mayor Stapp provided a brief report a recent Long Term and

Financial Policy and Audit Subcommittee meeting.

11.1.2 Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Authorities (SCTCA)

11.1.3 Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) - Water Advisory Committee

11.1.4 Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)

11.1.5 Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District

Advisory Committee

11.1.6 Sonoma Clean Power Authority (SCPA)

11.1.7 Zero Waste Sonoma (formerly known as Sonoma County Waste

Management Agency (SCWMA))

11.1.8 Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA)

11.1.9 Sonoma County Homeless Coalition

11.1.10 Renewal Enterprise District (RED)

11.1.11 Public Safety Subcommittee

11.1.12 Other

12. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

No public comments were made.

12.1

November 4, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes.

Approved as submitted.

12.2

November 4, 2025, Special Meeting Minutes.

Approved as submitted.

13. CONSENT ITEMS

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Duane De Witt asked questions on Item 13.4 and provided

suggestions on 13.7.

Approval of the Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Vice Mayor Alvarez, seconded by Council Member

Rogers, to adopt Consent Items 13.1 through 13.8. The motion carried by

the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Council Member Eddie Alvarez, Council Member

Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Vice Mayor

Jeff Okrepkie, and Council Member Natalie Rogers

1 - Council Member Dianna MacDonald

Absent:

13.1

MOTION - INSTALLATION OF A FIRE MEMORIAL AT NAGASAWA

COMMUNITY PARK AT FOUNTAINGROVE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

THE COUNTY OF SONOMA

RECOMMENDATION: The City Manager’s Office recommends that the

Council, by motion, approve a Revocable License Agreement for the

installation of the Sonoma County Fire Memorial at Nagasawa

Community Park at Fountaingrove in partnership with the County of

Sonoma and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all

necessary agreements with the County to facilitate the project. This

item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.

This Consent - Motion was approved.

13.2

MOTION - APPROVAL OF SIXTH AMENDMENT TO BLANKET

PURCHASE ORDER 162712A WITH MES SERVICE COMPANY, LLC

RECOMMENDATION: The Fire and Finance Departments recommend

that the Council, by motion, approve the Sixth Amendment to Blanket

Purchase Order Number 162712A with MES Service Company, LLC,

San Diego, California, to increase compensation in the amount of

$116,116.38, for a total amount not to exceed $1,095,116.38, and

authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute the changes to the Blanket

Purchase Order. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.

This Consent - Motion was approved

13.3

MOTION - APPROVAL OF FIRST AMENDMENT TO BLANKET

PURCHASE ORDER 170786 WITH FIRST ALARM

RECOMMENDATION: The Finance Department recommends that the

Council, by motion, approve the First Amendment to Blanket Purchase

Order (BPO) Number 170786 with First Alarm, Aptos, California to

extend the term one year and increase compensation in the amount of

$67,697.48, for a total BPO amount not to exceed $166,697.48 and

authorize the Purchasing Agent to make non-substantive changes to the

BPO, and execute the First Amendment. This item has no impact on

current fiscal year budget.

This Consent - Motion was approved.

13.4

MOTION - CITY OF SANTA ROSA AND OAKMONT VILLAGE

ASSOCIATION THIRD AMENDMENT FOR CITYBUS ROUTE 16

RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works

Department recommends that the Council, by motion, approve the Third

Amendment to General Services Agreement Number F002635 with

Oakmont Village Association, Santa Rosa, CA for the provision of

deviated fixed-route bus service for the Oakmont community in the

amount of $106,062 for a total contract not to exceed $464,432, and

authorize the City Manager to make non-substantive changes to the

Amendment, subject to approval by the City Attorney, and execute the

Amendment. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget

This Consent - Motion was approved.

13.5

RESOLUTION - APPROVAL OF ADDITION OF NON STOP TOWING,

INC. TO THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA’S TOW VENDOR FRANCHISEE

LIST FOR POLICE GENERATED TOW OPERATIONS

RECOMMENDATION: The Santa Rosa Police Department

recommends that the Council, by resolution:1) approve the Franchise

Agreement for vehicle tow services between the City of Santa Rosa,

acting by and through the Santa Rosa Police Department and Non Stop

Towing, Inc., Petaluma, California; and 2) authorize the City Manager,

or designee, to make non-substantive changes to the Agreement,

subject to approval by the City Attorney, and execute the Agreement.

This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.

This Consent - Resolution was adopted.

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-182 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA TO APPROVE THE ADDITION OF

NON STOP TOWING, INC., TO THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA'S TOW VENDOR

FRANCHISEE LIST FOR POLICE GENERATED TOW OPERATIONS

13.6

ORDINANCE ADOPTION SECOND READING - ORDINANCE OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AMENDING TITLES 18,

19, 20, AND 21 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO IMPLEMENT THE

GENERAL PLAN 2050 AND ADD MISSING MIDDLE HOUSING

REGULATIONS - FILE NUMBER PLN25-0393

RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Commission and the Planning and

Economic Development Department recommend that the Council

approve the second reading and adopt an ordinance to amend

Municipal Code Titles 18, 19, 20, and 21 to implement the General Plan

2025. This ordinance, introduced at the November 4, 2025, Regular

Meeting, passed by a 6-0-1-0 vote (Alvarez absent).

This Consent - Ordinance was adopted on second reading.

ORDINANCE NO. ORD-2025-014 ENTITLED: ORDINANCE OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AMENDING TITLES

18, 19, 20, AND 21 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO IMPLEMENT THE

GENERAL PLAN 2050 AND ADD MISSING MIDDLE HOUSING

REGULATIONS - FILE NUMBER PLN25-0393

13.7

ORDINANCE ADOPTION SECOND READING - ORDINANCE OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA REZONING 2,089

PROPERTIES TO IMPLEMENT THE EXISTING GENERAL PLAN

LAND USE DESIGNATION - FILE NUMBER PLN25-0393

RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Commission and Planning and

Economic Development Department recommend that the Council

approve the second reading and adopt an ordinance to rezone 2,089

properties to implement the existing General Plan land use designation.

This ordinance, introduced at the November 4, 2025, Regular Meeting,

passed by a 6-0-1-0 vote (Alvarez absent).

This Consent - Ordinance was adopted on second reading.

ORDINANCE NO. ORD-2025-015 ENTITLED: ORDINANCE OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA REZONING 2,089

PROPERTIES TO IMPLEMENT THE EXISTING GENERAL PLAN LAND USE

DESIGNATION - FILE NUMBER PLN25-0393

13.8

ORDINANCE ADOPTION SECOND READING - ORDINANCE OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA REZONING 1,843

PROPERTIES TO ADD THE MISSING MIDDLE HOUSING

COMBINING DISTRICT - FILE NUMBER PLN25-0393

RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Commission and the Planning and

Economic Development Department recommend that the Council

approve the second reading and adopt an ordinance to rezone 1,843

properties to add the Missing Middle Housing Combining District. This

ordinance, introduced at the November 4, 2025, Regular Meeting,

passed by a 6-0-1-0 vote (Alvarez absent).

This Consent - Ordinance was adopted on second reading.

ORDINANCE NO. ORD-2025-016 ENTITLED: ORDINANCE OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA REZONING 1,843 PROPERTIES

TO ADD THE MISSING MIDDLE HOUSING COMBINING DISTRICT - FILE

NUMBER PLN25-0393

14. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS

Janice Karrman spoke on hard copies of agenda attachments and

the volume of pages of this meeting's agenda packet.

Duane De Witt spoke on the Veteran's Day celebration on

November 11 at City Hall and suggested that Roseland Creek

Community Park should be renamed Pomo Park and Preserve.

Alan Cook spoke regarding a positive experience with the Santa

Rosa Fire Department transport services to the public, and

concerns about the Police Department not reporting to Council on

Aging regarding patient status.

Chris Guenther, Bikeable Santa Rosa, thanked Council regarding

the recent pavement maintain and striping on West College and

Dutton Avenues, increasing efforts on bicycle safety across the city,

and the Police Department's efforts on increased communication on

enforcement and education on bicycle and pedestrian safety issues.

Mayor Stapp moved to Item 16.1.

16. PUBLIC HEARINGS

16.1

PUBLIC HEARING - 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE AND WILDLAND-URBAN

INTERFACE CODE ADOPTION WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS

BACKGROUND: Every three years the State of California updates the

California Code of Regulations, Title 24 (CCR-T24) including the

California Fire Code and the new California Wildland-Urban Interface

Code. Such model codes with State amendments and California specific

codes go into effect in every City and County in the State of California

180 days after publication. The new California codes were published on

July 1, 2025 and will take effect on January 1, 2026. The Fire

Department is requesting adoption of the 2025 California Fire Code and

the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code with local

amendments and administrative changes.

RECOMMENDATION: The Fire Department recommends that the

Council: 1) adopt an ordinance by reference the 2025 edition of the

California Fire Code as adopted and amended by the State of

California, and further amended based on local condition, repeal

existing sections not applicable to new codes and modify Chapter 18-44

of the Santa Rosa City Code to reflect the new model code; 2) adopt an

ordinance by reference the 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface

code, as adopted and amended by the State of California, and further

amended based on local condition, added as Chapter 18-46 to the

Santa Rosa City Code to reflect the new model code. This item has no

impact on current fiscal year budget. Ordinance entitled: ORDINANCE

OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA REPEALING

CHAPTER 18-44 OF THE EXISTING SANTA ROSA CITY CODE AND

ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 18-44 ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, WITH

LOCAL AMENDMENTS, THE 2022 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA

FIRE CODE and Ordinance entitled: ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL

OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 18-46

ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS, THE

2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE

CODE.

Mike Johnson, Assistant Fire Marshal, presented and answered

questions from Council.

Mayor Stapp opened the public hearing at 5:17 p.m. and hearing no

public comments closed the public hearing at 5:17 p.m.

A motion was made by Council Member Okrepkie, seconded by Vice Mayor

Alvarez, to adopt 1) ordinance by reference the 2025 edition of the

California Fire Code as adopted and amended by the State of California,

and further amended based on local condition, repeal existing sections not

applicable to new codes and modify Chapter 18-44 of the Santa Rosa City

Code to reflect the new model code; and 2) adopt an ordinance by

reference the 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface code, as adopted

and amended by the State of California, and further amended based on

local condition, added as Chapter 18-46 to the Santa Rosa City Code to

reflect the new model code.

ORDINANCE NO. ORD-2025-017 ENTITLED: ORDINANCE OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA REPEALING CHAPTER 18-44 OF

THE EXISTING SANTA ROSA CITY CODE AND ADDING A NEW CHAPTER

18-44 ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS, THE

2022 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

ORDINANCE NO. ORD-2025-018 ENTITLED: ORDINANCE OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 18-46

ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS, THE 2025

EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

The motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Council Member Eddie Alvarez, Council Member

Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Vice Mayor

Jeff Okrepkie, and Council Member Natalie Rogers

1 - Council Member Dianna MacDonald

Absent:

16.2

PUBLIC HEARING - ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION - ORDINANCE

ENTITLED: ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

SANTA ROSA PREZONING THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2299

BRUSH CREEK ROAD TO THE RURAL RESIDENTIAL (RR-20)

ZONING DISTRICT, ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBER 182-030-031 -

FILE NUMBER ANX24-001

BACKGROUND: The applicant proposes to prezone the parcel located

at 2299 Brush Creek Road for annexation. The purpose of the

annexation is to connect to City sewer and water services for the future

construction of an accessory dwelling unit. The parcel is currently

developed with a single-family dwelling. The parcel is proposed to be

rezoned to the RR-20 (Rural Residential) zoning district, consistent with

the General Plan land use designation of very low-density residential.

RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Commission and Planning and

Economic Development Department recommend that the Council

introduce an ordinance to prezone the property located at 2299 Brush

Creek Road to the RR-20 (Rural Residential) zoning district, consistent

with the Very Low Density Residential General Plan land use

designation. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.

Sachnoor Bisla, City Planner, presented and answered questions

from Council.

Mayor Stapp opened the public hearing at 5:23 p.m.

Mark Kirby stated that he does not want to be annexed into the City

and expressed parking concerns if ADU's are allowed.

Mayor Stapp closed the public hearing at 5:26 p.m.

A motion was made by Council Member Fleming, seconded by Council

Member Okrepkie, to introduce on first reading as presented by staff:

ORDINANCE ENTITLED: ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

SANTA ROSA PREZONING THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2299 BRUSH

CREEK ROAD TO THE RURAL RESIDENTIAL (RR-20) ZONING DISTRICT,

ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NUMBER 182-030-031 - FILE NUMBER ANX24-001

The motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Council Member Eddie Alvarez, Council Member

Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Vice Mayor

Jeff Okrepkie, and Council Member Natalie Rogers

1 - Council Member Dianna MacDonald

Absent:

**16.3

PUBLIC HEARING - APPEAL OF CITY ENGINEER’S DENIAL OF

VARIANCE ENGV25-018: RELIEF FROM PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT

REQUIREMENTS

BACKGROUND: The appellant has submitted a Variance application for

relief from public improvement requirements, including the construction

of roadway pavement, curb and gutter, sidewalk, and a driveway apron

as well as the undergrounding of overhead distribution lines. The

application, submitted on June 19, 2025, was partially denied by the

City Engineer on August 12, 2025, allowing overhead lines to remain,

but requiring the construction of roadway pavement, curb and gutter,

sidewalk, and a driveway apron. On August 25, 2025, the appellant

submitted the subject appeal application, appealing the City Engineer’s

decision.

RECOMMENDATION: The Planning and Economic Development

Department recommends that the Council, by resolution, deny the

appeal and uphold the City Engineer’s determination to deny a variance

for relief from public improvement requirements for the Pham Assisted

Living project. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.

Council Member MacDonald joined the meeting at 5:31 p.m.

via Zoom and stated participation under the AB 2449 "Just

Cause" provisions due to a contagious illness, stated

participation with both audio and video turned on throughout

the meeting, and that no one over the age of 18 is present at

the remote location.

Cleve Gurney, Deputy Director - Planning and Economic

Development, and Dan Hennessey, Director - Transportation and

Public Works, presented and answered questions from Council.

Mayor Stapp opened the public hearing at 5:39 p.m.

Omar Lopez spoke in support of the item.

Ex Parte Disclosures:

Council Member MacDonald disclosed the exchange of emails with

appellant regarding the project and appeal process, and that there

were no site visits.

Greg Jennings, BC Engineering - on behalf of appellant, presented

three points related to the appeal.

Kim Pham, Owner - appellant, spoke in support of upholding the

appeal, approving the variance, and importance of the 15-bed senior

care home for the community.

Peter Stanley, architect, spoke in support of the item.

Staff and appellant representative(s) answered questions from

Council.

Mayor Stapp closed the public hearing at 6:02 p.m.

A motion was made by Council Member Rogers, seconded by Council

Member Fleming, to adopt a resolution to deny the appeal and uphold the

City Engineer’s determination to deny a variance for relief from public

improvement requirements for the Pham Assisted Living project as

presented by staff:

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-183 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA DENYING AN APPEAL AND

UPHOLDING THE DECISION OF THE CITY ENGINEER TO DENY A

VARIANCE FOR RELIEF FROM PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS

FOR A 15-BED ASSISTED LIVING CARE FACILITY - LOCATED AT 635

BENJAMINS ROAD -FILE NUMBER ENGV25-018

The motion carried by the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Council Member Eddie Alvarez, Council Member

Victoria Fleming, Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, and Council Member

Natalie Rogers

2 -

No:

Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, and Council Member Dianna

MacDonald

16.4

PUBLIC HEARING - A RESOLUTION OF NECESSITY FOR THE

ACQUISITION BY EMINENT DOMAIN OF EASEMENT INTERESTS IN

PORTIONS OF REAL PROPERTY COMMONLY KNOWN AS 408

DUNCAN STREET, APN 010-495-010

BACKGROUND: Acquisition, by eminent domain, of an easement

interest (4,533 square feet) and a temporary construction easement

interest (1,620 square feet) in portions of real property (collectively, the

“Subject Property”) commonly known as 408 Duncan Street will allow

the City to construct a bicycle and pedestrian ADA compliant access

pathway from the West side of North Dutton Avenue to the multi-use

path along Santa Rosa Creek, which is a critical link in the off-street trail

network.

RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works

Department recommends that the Council conduct a public hearing and

adopt a Resolution of Necessity, by a two-thirds vote, declaring the

necessity of acquisition, by eminent domain, of an easement interest

(4,533 square feet) and a temporary construction easement interest

(1,620 square feet) in portions of real property, described as Assessor

Parcel No. 010-495-010, for the Santa Rosa Creek Trail Access at N.

Dutton Ave (West Side) Project (“Project’) in Santa Rosa, California.

This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.

Council Member Bañuelos left the dais at 6:13 p.m.

Mayor Stapp called and announced at 6:16 p.m. Item 16.4 - a

Public Hearing for a resolution of necessity for the acquisition

by eminent domain of easement interests in portions of real

property commonly know as 408 Duncan Street, APN

010-495-010.

Autumn Luna, Chief Assistant City Attorney, summarized the nature

and scope of the hearing as identified in the staff report.

Dina Manis, City Clerk, noted for the record that a proof of mailing

notice for the Notice of Hearing was served on October 24, 2025

through the United States Mail, First Class, to the affected property

owner. The notice of hearing invited the owner to appear and be

heard on the matters described in the staff report and resolution.

Jill Scott, Real Property Manager, and Greg Mariscal, Supervising

Engineer, presented and answered questions from Council.

City Clerk Manis announced that at the time of the hearing there

were no written objections received by the clerks office.

Mayor Stapp opened the public hearing at 6:27 p.m.

Janice Karrman spoke on the item.

Mayor Stapp closed the public hearing at 6:29 p.m.

A motion was made by Council Member Okrepkie, seconded by Council

Member Rogers, to adopt a resolution of necessity as presented by staff:

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-184 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA ADOPTING A RESOLUTION OF

NECESSITY FOR THE ACQUISITION BY EMINENT DOMAIN OF EASEMENT

INTERESTS IN PORTIONS OF REAL PROPERTY, COMMONLY KNOWN AS

408 DUNCAN STREET AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS

ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBER 010-495-010, FOR THE SANTA ROSA

CREEK TRAIL ACCESS AT N. DUTTON AVE (WEST SIDE) PROJECT

The motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Council Member Eddie Alvarez, Council Member

Victoria Fleming, Council Member Dianna MacDonald, Vice Mayor

Jeff Okrepkie, and Council Member Natalie Rogers

1 - Council Member Caroline Bañuelos

Recused:

18. COUNCIL REORGANIZATION

18.1

ELECTION OF VICE MAYOR

The City Attorney and City Clerk recommend that the Council elect a

Vice Mayor in accordance with Section 15 of the Santa Rosa City

Charter and Section XII of the City Council Manual of Procedures and

Protocols. The Vice Mayor will serve for a term of one year. This item

has no impact on current fiscal year budget.

Council Member Banuelos returned to the dais at 6:31 p.m.

City Attorney Stricker presented and answered questions from

Council.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Janice Karrman spoke in support of Council Member Okrepkie for

Vice Mayor.

Vice Mayor Alvarez nominated Council Member Okrepkie for

Vice Mayor, and was seconded by Council Member

MacDonald.

Council Member Okrepkie accepted the nomination.

As there were no other nominations made, Mayor Stapp

declared Council Member Okrepkie elected as Vice Mayor by

unanimous consent.

Mayor Stapp acknowledged the meaningful service of Council

Member Alvarez during his terms as Vice Mayor.

Council Member Alvarez provided comments on his terms as Vice

Mayor.

Council Member MacDonald left the meeting at approximately

6:45 p.m.

15. REPORT ITEMS

15.1

REPORT - APPROVAL OF RATE INCREASE OF 3.7% FOR

RESIDENTS OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA WHO UTILIZE

RECOLOGY SANTA ROSA (RECOLOGY SONOMA MARIN)

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026

BACKGROUND: The City of Santa Rosa grants Recology Sonoma

Marin (Recology) an exclusive franchise agreement for the collection

and hauling of solid waste, including the three main streams of

recycling, landfill, and organic waste. The City awarded this agreement

to Recology Sonoma Marin in November of 2017 through a competitive

process. Any rate increase for Santa Rosa Recology customers is

subject to City oversight. Staff requested a detailed rate review to

ensure Recology is appropriately compensated, but also to ensure

Santa Rosa’s residents’ refuse rates are competitive.

RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works

Department recommends that the Council, by motion, approve a 3.7%

rate increase for City of Santa Rosa customers of Recology Sonoma

Marin effective January 1, 2026. This item has no impact on current

fiscal year budget.

Dan Hennessey, Director - Transportation and Public Works,

presented and answered questions from Council.

No public comments were made.

A motion was made by Council Member Bañuelos, seconded by Council

Member Rogers, to approve a 3.7% rate increase for City of Santa Rosa

customers of Recology Sonoma Marin effective January 1, 2026 as

presented by staff.

The motion carried by the following vote:

Yes: 6 - Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member

Eddie Alvarez, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council

Member Victoria Fleming, and Council Member Natalie Rogers

No: 0

Absent: 1 - Council Member Dianna MacDonald

15.2

REPORT - FLEET ELECTRIFICATION MASTER PLAN

BACKGROUND: The Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation (ACF) was

adopted by the California Air Resources Board and became effective

October 1, 2023. The ACF requires State and Local Government

Agency fleets, like the City of Santa Rosa’s, to reduce emissions by

replacing their medium- and heavy-duty internal combustion engines

with Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) by 2040. The Draft Fleet

Electrification Master Plan provides a roadmap for Santa Rosa to

successfully meet state regulatory requirements and achieve

sustainability goals in existing city plans. The Board of Public Utilities,

Santa Rosa Water and Transportation and Public Works staff are

recommending that the Council receive a briefing on the Master Plan,

provide potential feedback, and accept the final report and proposed

recommendations.

RECOMMENDATION: The Board of Public Utilities, Santa Rosa Water,

and the Transportation and Public Works Department recommend that

the Council, by motion, review and accept the Final Draft Fleet

Electrification Master Plan. This item has no impact on current fiscal

year budget.

Peter Martin, Deputy Director - Santa Rosa Water, and Brent

Johnson, Clean Transportation Lead with NV5, presented and

answered questions from Council.

Janice Karrman spoke on the item and expressed concerns about

pollutants from generators powering charging stations and security.

A motion was made by Council Member Fleming, seconded by Council

Member Alvarez, to review and accept the Final Draft Fleet Electrification

Master Plan.

The motion carried by the following vote:

Yes: 6 - Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member

Eddie Alvarez, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council

Member Victoria Fleming, and Council Member Natalie Rogers

No: 0

Absent: 1 - Council Member Dianna MacDonald

17. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - NONE.

19. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS

No public comments were made.

20. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONTINUED CLOSED SESSION ITEMS, RECESS TO

CLOSED SESSION IN THE MAYOR’S CONFERENCE ROOM, RECONVENE TO

OPEN SESSION, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS [IF NEEDED]

21. ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING

Mayor Stapp adjourned the meeting at 7:19 p.m. The next regularly

scheduled meeting will be held on December 2, 2025, at a time to

be set by the Mayor.

22. UPCOMING MEETINGS

22.1

UPCOMING MEETINGS LIST

Approved on:

_______________________________

Dina Manis

City Clerk