RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-139 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA APPROVING THE SECOND
AMENDMENT TO GRANT AGREEMENT FOR THE HOME INVESTMENT
PARTNERSHIP - AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN PROGRAM WITH CATHOLIC
CHARITIES OF THE DIOCESE OF SANTA ROSA DBA CATHOLIC
CHARITIES OF NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,719,539
FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2024 TO JUNE 30, 2026.
The motion carried by the following vote:
7 -
Yes:
Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez, Council Member
Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council
Member Dianna MacDonald, Council Member Jeff Okrepkie, and
Council Member Natalie Rogers
16.1**
PUBLIC HEARING - APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION DENIAL
OF THE ELM TREE STATION PROJECT
BACKGROUND: On December 17, 2021, Conditional Use Permit and
Design Review applications for the Elm Tree Station project (Project)
were submitted. The Project includes the construction of a gas station
with six gas pumps and four electric charging stations, and a
3,448-square-foot general retail space with an 806-square-foot,
one-bedroom apartment above located at 874 N Wright Road. The
Project also includes the construction of an additional 432-square-foot
general retail use and park-like amenities, including patio/trellis area,
benches and picnic area, and a bike path that would traverse the
eastern and southern boundaries of the project site from the Joe
Rodota Trail to North Wright Road. On September 13, 2022, the City
Council adopted Ordinance No. ORD-2022-10, which amended the
Zoning Code to prohibit new gas station land uses. The ordinance
included an exemption for any existing applications deemed complete
for processing on or before the effective date of the ordinance. Because
the Project was deemed complete on December 17, 2021 it is exempt
from the ordinance prohibiting new gas stations. While City staff had
recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit, on April 10,
2025, the Planning Commission unanimously denied the application. On
April 21, 2025, pursuant to City Code Chapter 15-24, the applicant
appealed the decision of the Planning Commission. City staff’s position
on the findings for granting approval have not changed; as such, the
action before the Council includes two options: 1) accept the Appeal
and approve the Conditional Use Permit, or 2) Deny the Appeal and
uphold the Planning Commission’s denial.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Planning and
Economic Development Department that the Council consider the