Minutes - City Council

City Hall, Council Chamber

100 Santa Rosa Avenue

Santa Rosa, CA 95404

City of Santa Rosa

City Council

Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

2:00 PM

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

Mayor Stapp called the meeting to order at 2:02 p.m.

5 -

Present:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member

Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Dianna MacDonald, and Council

Member Natalie Rogers

2 - Council Member Eddie Alvarez, and Council Member Victoria Fleming

Absent:

2. REMOTE PARTICIPATION UNDER THE BROWN ACT (Gov. Code § 54953)

3. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS - NONE.

RECESS CLOSED SESSION(S) AND RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION IN THE

COUNCIL CHAMBER AND VIA ZOOM.

4. STUDY SESSION

4.1

TRANSIT-ORIENTED COMMUNITIES (TOC) POLICY

The Planning and Economic Development and Transportation and

Public Works Departments recommend that the Council hold a study

session to receive information and provide policy direction regarding

implementation of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's (MTC)

Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Policy. This item has no fiscal

impact on the current fiscal year budget.

Amy Nicholson, Supervising Planner, Christian Candelaria, City

Planner, Dan Hennessey, Director - Transportation and Public

Works, and Gabe Osburn, Director - Planning and Economic

Development, presented and answered questions from Council.

Council Member Fleming joined the meeting at 2:10 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Abby Arnold, Santa Rosa YIMBY, spoke in support of the item and

on parking maximums.

Duane De Witt spoke on the item.

Fred spoke in support of the ministerial ordinance.

This item was received and filed.

6 -

Present:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member

Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council

Member Dianna MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie Rogers

1 - Council Member Eddie Alvarez

Absent:

4.2

SANTA ROSA CITYBUS SHORT-RANGE TRANSIT PLAN UPDATE

The Transportation and Public Works Department recommends that the

Council hold a study session for staff to provide an overview of Santa

Rosa CityBus system performance and finances and engage the

Council in discussion about the goals of the Short Range Transit Plan

update, the proposed planning approach, and next steps in the process.

Council will take no action, but may discuss and provide direction to

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

Dan Hennessey, Director - Transportation and Public Works, Rachel

Ede, Deputy Director - City Bus, and Matt Wilcox, Transit Planner,

presented and answered questions from Council.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Fred Allebach spoke on public transit public policy challenges.

Gregory Fearon spoke on public transit subsidies.

Abby Arnold spoke in support of the item and reminded Council that

30% of the population do not drive.

Duane De Witt spoke on federal support opportunities.

This item was received and filed.

Mayor Stapp recessed the meeting at 4:49 p.m., reconvened at approximately

5:05 p.m., and moved to Item 14 on the agenda.

5. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ROLL CALL (IF NEEDED)

6 -

Present:

Absent:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member

Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council

Member Dianna MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie Rogers

1 - Council Member Eddie Alvarez

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

7. PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS - NONE.

8. STAFF BRIEFINGS - NONE.

14. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS

Duane De Witt spoke on stormwater management plan for

Roseland Creek and funding opportunities.

16. PUBLIC HEARINGS

16.1

PUBLIC HEARING - SANTA ROSA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL

WEED ABATEMENT PROGRAM REPORT

BACKGROUND: The City of Santa Rosa requires that residents comply

with Chapter 9.08 of the Santa Rosa City Code, to abate and maintain

their parcels throughout the declared fire season.

RECOMMENDATION: The Fire Department recommends that the

Council, by resolution, confirm the itemized report of the Fire

Department of the cost of weed and rubbish abatement as provided for

in Sections 9-08.020, 9-08.080, and 9-08.090 of the Santa Rosa City

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

Jared McDaniel, Assistant Fire Marshal, presented.

Mayor Stapp opened the public hearing at 5:15 p.m.

Duane De Witt spoke on the item and weed abatement concerns at

Roseland Community Park.

Mayor Stapp closed the public hearing at 5:18 p.m.

A motion was made by Council Member MacDonald, seconded by Vice

Mayor Okrepkie, to adopt the resolution as presented by staff.

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2026-085 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA CONFIRMING THE ITEMIZED

REPORT OF THE SANTA ROSA FIRE DEPARTMENT OF THE COST OF

REMOVING WEEDS AND/OR RUBBISH FROM, UPON, OR IN FRONT OF

CERTAIN LOTS OR PARCELS OF LAND WITHIN THE CITY OF SANTA

ROSA.

The motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member

Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council

Member Dianna MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie Rogers

1 - Council Member Eddie Alvarez

Absent:

15. REPORT ITEMS

15.1

REPORT - TRANSACTION AND USE TAX BALLOT MEASURE

BACKGROUND: In 2020, Santa Rosa voters approved a one-half cent

local transactions and use (sales) tax known as Measure Q. Revenue

generated by Measure Q, which expires in 2031, funds core municipal

services including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and other

City programs. Consistent with Council direction, this item includes the

actions necessary to place before Santa Rosa voters a measure that

would reauthorize the current one-half cent tax with a one cent tax. To

ensure long-term funding stability for these services beyond 2031, the

reauthorized one-cent tax would remain in effect until ended by voters.

If approved by the Council, the proposed ordinance will be submitted to

the voters at the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election. If

approved by a majority of voters, the tax would become effective in

accordance with applicable provisions of state law.

Following a July 14, 2026 Revenue Enhancement Study Session,

Council directed staff to return with the actions necessary to place

before Santa Rosa voters a measure that would reauthorize the existing

Measure Q half-cent tax at a one-cent rate, at a term until ended by the

voters. If the measure fails, the current one-half cent tax would remain in

place until expiration.

RECOMMENDATION: The City Manager’s Office and the Finance

Department recommend the City Council (1) introduce an ordinance

amending Chapter 3.30 of the Santa Rosa City Code to replace the

City’s existing, voter-approved one-half cent transactions and use

(sales) tax with a one cent tax, until ended by voters, and (2) adopt a

resolution ordering the submission of the ballot measure to qualified

electors of the City of Santa Rosa at the November 3, 2026, General

Municipal Election and directing related actions.

Scott Wagner, Chief Financial Officer, and Misti Wood,

Communication and Intergovernmental Relations Officer, presented

and answered questions from Council.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Abby Arnold, Santa Rosa YIMBY, spoke in support of the tax

measure.

Bob Gamble, Citizens Budget Advisory Committee, spoke in

support of the tax measure.

Marc Beauchamp, Operating Engineers Local 3 and the North Bay

Labor Council, spoke in support of the tax measure.

Sara Roberts, Teamsters 856, spoke in support of the tax measure.

Duane De Witt spoke in opposition of the tax measure.

Stephan Dal Porto, Fire Fighters Local 1401, spoke in support of

the tax measure.

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

Member MacDonald, to introduce on first reading ordinance entitled:

ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AMENDING TITLE 3,

CHAPTER 3-30 OF THE SANTA ROSA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADJUST AND

EXTEND THE CITY'S 2020 TRANSACTIONS AND USE (GENERAL) TAX.

The motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member

Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council

Member Dianna MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie Rogers

1 - Council Member Eddie Alvarez

Absent:

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

Member MacDonald, to adopt

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2026-086 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA CALLING A MUNICIPAL

ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 3, 2026, TO SUBMIT A MEASURE TO THE

REGISTERED VOTERS OF THE CITY ON THE REAUTHORIZATION OF A

GENERAL (SALES) TAX AND REQUESTING A CONSOLIDATION OF SUCH

ELECTION WITH OTHER ELECTIONS BEING HELD ON THE SAME DATE

as amended by staff.

The motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member

Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council

Member Dianna MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie Rogers

1 - Council Member Eddie Alvarez

Absent:

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

Jason Nutt, Interim City Manager, reported on the July 30

Neighborhood Block Blast, Fall/Winter Activity Guide registration,

and updates to the Bennett Valley Pavement Preventive

Maintenance and Fulton Road Sewer Main Replacement projects.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Duane De Witt spoke on pavement activity.

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 June 2026, 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.

Ashle Crocker, City Attorney, reported on Johnson v. City of Santa

Rosa, a federal civil rights case arising from a 2022 arrest.

Following trial, the jury found partial liability against one officer and

awarded the plaintiff $10,000 in general damages, with no punitive

damages. The court subsequently awarded approximately $113,000

in attorney fees and costs. The active litigation caseload totaled 34

matters as of July 7, 2026, including five cases on appeal following

rulings in the City's favor.

10. STATEMENTS OF ABSTENTION/RECUSAL BY COUNCIL MEMBERS

No statements of abstention or recusal were made.

11. MAYOR'S/COUNCIL MEMBERS’ REPORTS

Council Member MacDonald provided a brief report on recent

community events attended.

Vice Mayor Okrepkie reported on recent attendance at Cal Cities

North Bay meeting.

Mayor stapp reported on at recent Sonoma County Mayor and

Council Member's meeting and other community events attended.

Council Member Rogers provided a brief report on recent events

attended and ride alongs with Santa Rosa Police Department and

the Parks team.

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

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))

Mayor Stapp provided a brief report.

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

11.2 BOARD, COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

11.2.1

APPOINTMENT TO FILL A VACANCY ON THE DESIGN REVIEW

AND PRESERVATION BOARD

The City Clerk’s Office recommends the Council review an

application and consider an appointment, by motion, to the Design

Review and Preservation Board to fill a vacancy for the position of

archeologist, architectural historian, or historian with a term ending

December 31, 2028. This item has no impact on the current fiscal

year budget.

No public comments were made.

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

Member Rogers, to appoint Vincenzo Signoretti to the archeologist,

architectural historian, or historian position on the Design Review and

Preservation Board.

The motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member

Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council

Member Dianna MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie

Rogers

1 - Council Member Eddie Alvarez

Absent:

12. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

12.1

July 14, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes.

No public comments were made.

Approved as submitted.

13. CONSENT ITEMS

At the Mayor's request, Dan Hennessey spoke on Item 13.4.

At Council Member Bañuelos' request, Rebecca Lane spoke on

Item 13.6.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Abby Arnold, Santa Rosa YIMBY, spoke in support of Item 13.6.

Duane De Witt spoke on Items 13.3, 13.4, and 13.6.

Gregory Fearon spoke on Item 13.6.

Jocelyn Linn, Burbank Housing, spoke in support of Item 13.6.

Roberta, Southeast Greenway, spoke on Item 13.4.

Approval of the Consent Agenda

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

Rogers, to adopt Consent Items 13.1 through 13.6. The motion carried by

the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member

Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council

Member Dianna MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie Rogers

1 - Council Member Eddie Alvarez

Absent:

13.1

MOTION - APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH WEST PUBLISHING

CORPORATION FOR LEGAL RESEARCH AND COCOUNSEL LEGAL

SOFTWARE

RECOMMENDATION: The City Attorney’s Office recommends that the

Council, by motion, approve an Agreement with Thomson Reuters

Enterprise Centre GmbH through West Publishing Corporation, Eagan,

Minnesota for Westlaw Legal Research and CoCounsel Legal for a term

of five-years, in an amount not to exceed $174,432, and delegate

authority to the City Attorney to execute the agreement. This item has

no impact on current fiscal year budget.

This Consent - Motion was approved.

13.2

MOTION - WAIVER APPROVAL AND ISSUANCE OF A MASTER

BLANKET PURCHASE ORDER FOR 3-YEARS FOR BIG BELLY

SMART MAX TRIPLE STATIONS

RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works

Department recommends that the Council, by motion: 1) waive

competitive bidding pursuant to Section 3-08.100(D) of the Santa Rosa

City Code; and 2) approve issuance of a sole source / manufacturer

Master Blanket Purchase Order for a 3-year term with Bigbelly Solar,

LLC, of Needham, Massachusetts, for combination garbage, recycling

and compost receptacles in a total amount not to exceed $1,000,000.

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

This Consent - Motion was approved.

13.3

RESOLUTION - CONTRACT AWARD - SANTA ROSA AVENUE AT

BELLEVUE AVENUE TRAFFIC SIGNAL

RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works

Department recommends that the Council, by resolution, reject the bid

of Mike Brown Electric Co. of Cotati, California due to a bidding error;

and award Contract No. C02283, Santa Rosa Avenue at Bellevue

Avenue Traffic Signal Installation, in the amount of $1,026,700 to the

lowest responsible bidder, St. Francis Electric, LLC, of San Leandro,

California, approve a 15% contract contingency, and authorize a total

contract amount of $1,180,705. The source of funds is the Capital

Improvement Fund. No City General Fund money is included in this

project.

This Consent - Resolution was adopted.

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2026-087 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA REJECTING AS

NONRESPONSIVE THE BID OF MIKE BROWN ELECTRIC CO. ON

CONTRACT NUMBER C02283, SANTA ROSA AVE AT BELLEVUE AVE

TRAFFIC SIGNAL; AWARDING THE CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF

$1,026,700.00 TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIBLE AND RESPONSIVE

BIDDER, ST. FRANCIS ELECTRIC; AND APPROVING A 15 PERCENT

CONTRACT CONTINGENCY FOR A TOTAL AUTHORIZED CONTRACT

AMOUNT OF $1,180,705.00.

13.4

RESOLUTION - SONOMA LAND TRUST DONATION FOR

SOUTHEAST GREENWAY MASTER PLAN

RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works

Department recommends that Council, by resolution, accept a donation

from the Sonoma Land Trust for $750,000 to support the development

of the Southeast Greenway Master Plan and authorize the Chief

Financial Officer to increase appropriations by the amount of the

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

This Consent - Resolution was adopted.

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2026-088 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA ACCEPTING A $750,000

DONATION FROM SONOMA LAND TRUST FOR SOUTHEAST GREENWAY

MASTER PLAN AND AUTHORIZING THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TO

INCREASE APPROPRIATIONS

13.5

RESOLUTION - APPROPRIATION OF EXPEDITED DRINKING

WATER GRANT FUNDING FROM THE STATE WATER RESOURCES

CONTROL BOARD FOR THE ROBIN WAY WATER SYSTEM

CONSOLIDATION PROJECT

RECOMMENDATION: The Board of Public Utilities recommends that

Council, by resolution, approve an appropriation of Expedited Drinking

Water Grant funding in an amount of $4,442,100 from the State Water

Resources Control Board for the Robin Way Water System

Consolidation Project. This item has no impact on current fiscal year

budget.

This Consent - Resolution was adopted.

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2026-089 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AUTHORIZING THE

APPROPRIATION OF EXPEDITED DRINKING WATER GRANT FUNDING

FROM THE STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD FOR THE

ROBIN WAY WATER SYSTEM CONSOLIDATION PROJECT

13.6

RESOLUTION - AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN

APPLICATION TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF

HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT’S HOMEKEY PLUS

GRANT PROGRAM WITH BURBANK HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

CORPORATION, CARITAS HOMES PHASE II, LLC, AND CARITAS

HOMES PHASE II L.P. AS CO-APPLICANTS FOR CARITAS HOMES

PHASE II IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $30 MILLION

RECOMMENDATION: The Housing and Community Services

Department recommends that the Council, by resolution, authorize the

submittal of a grant application to the State of California Department of

Housing and Community Development’s Homekey Plus grant program

with Burbank Housing Development Corporation, Caritas Homes Phase

II, LLC, and Caritas Homes Phase II L.P. as co-applicants in an amount

not to exceed $30 million for Caritas Homes Phase II and authorize the

Mayor or designee to execute the application, Standard Agreement and

any Amendments thereto and the Homekey Plus documents. This item

has no impact on current fiscal year budget.

This Consent - Resolution was adopted.

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2026-090 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL

OF AN APPLICATION TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF

HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT'S HOMEKEY PLUS GRANT

PROGRAM WITH BURBANK HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION,

CARITAS HOMES PHASE II, LLC AND CARITAS HOMES PHASE II L.P. AS

CO-APPLICANTS FOR CARITAS HOMES PHASE II IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO

EXCEED $30 MILLION; AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OR DESIGNEE TO

EXECUTE THE APPLICATION, STANDARD AGREEMENT AND ANY

AMENDMENTS THERETO AND THE HOMEKEY PLUS DOCUMENTS

17. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

17.1

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

· Support Letter for AB2047 - Firearms: 3-dimensional printing

blocking technology - Provided for information.

· Support Letter for SB1153 - Disaster preparedness: urban retail

water suppliers and public water systems: wildfire - Provided for

information.

· Support Letter for AB1436 - State Air Resources Board: air

pollution regulations: private fleets - Provided for information.

This item was received and filed.

18. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS

19. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONTINUED CLOSED SESSION ITEMS, RECESS TO

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

OPEN SESSION, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS [IF NEEDED]

20. ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING

Mayor Stapp adjourned the meeting at 6:37 p.m. The next regular

meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at time set by the

Mayor.

21. UPCOMING MEETINGS

21.1

UPCOMING MEETINGS LIST

This item was received and filed.

Approved on:

_______________________________

Dina Manis

City Clerk