City Hall, Council Chamber  
100 Santa Rosa Avenue  
Santa Rosa, CA 95404  
City of Santa Rosa  
City Council  
Regular Meeting Minutes - Final  
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  
Proclamation  
Attachments:  
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.  
Litigation Report  
Attachments:  
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.  
Draft Minutes  
Attachments:  
Approved as submitted.  
12.2  
November 4, 2025, Special Meeting Minutes.  
Draft Minutes  
Attachments:  
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.  
Staff Report  
Attachments:  
Attachment 1 - Sonoma County Fire Memorial Plan  
Attachment 2 - Fire Memorial Community Engagement Framework  
Attachment 3 - Revocable License Agreement  
Attachment 4 - Park Diagram  
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.  
Staff Report  
Attachments:  
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.  
Staff Report  
Attachments:  
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  
Staff Report  
Attachments:  
Attachment 1 - Third Amendment  
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.  
Staff Report  
Attachments:  
Resolution  
Exhibit A - Tow Vendor List  
Exhibit B - Franchise Agreement for Vehicle Tow Services  
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).  
Ordinance  
Attachments:  
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).  
Ordinance  
Attachments:  
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).  
Ordinance - Redlines from 11-4-2025 Meeting  
Ordinance Final  
Attachments:  
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.  
Staff Report  
Attachments:  
Ordinance 1 - Fire Code  
Ordinance 2 - WUI  
Ordinance 2 - WUI (Redline Changes)  
Ordinance 2 - WUI (Final)  
Public Hearing Notice  
Presentation  
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.  
Staff Report  
Attachments:  
Attachment 1 - Disclosure Form  
Attachment 2 - Location Map  
Attachment 3 - Neighborhood Context Map  
Attachment 4 - Annexation Map  
Attachment 5 - Assessor's Parcel Map  
Attachment 6 - Public Comments  
Attachment 7 - Planning Commission Resolution, August 14, 2025  
Ordinance  
Presentation  
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.  
Staff Report  
Attachments:  
Attachment 1 - Variance Application  
Attachment 2 - Staff Recommendation to City Engineer  
Attachment 3 - Variance Partial Denial by City Engineer  
Attachment 4 - Public Improvement Exhibit  
Attachment 5 - Appeal  
Draft Resolution of Approval  
Draft Resolution of Denial  
Public Hearing Notice  
Presentation  
Late Correspondence (Uploaded 11-19-2025)  
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.  
Staff Report  
Resolution  
Exhibit A  
Attachments:  
Presentation  
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.  
Staff Report  
Attachments:  
Attachment 1 - CC Manual of Procedures and Protocols  
Presentation  
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.  
Staff Report  
Attachments:  
Attachment 1 - Rate Increase Request  
Attachment 2 - Refuse Rate Summary-2026  
Presentation  
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.  
Staff Report  
Attachments:  
Attachment 1 – Final Draft Fleet Electrification Master Plan with Appendices  
Presentation  
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  
Upcoming Meetings List  
Attachments:  
Approved on December 2, 2025:  
/s/ Dina Manis, City Clerk