City Hall, Council Chamber  
100 Santa Rosa Avenue  
Santa Rosa, CA 95404  
City of Santa Rosa  
City Council  
Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft  
Tuesday, May 5, 2026  
12:00 PM  
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL  
Mayor Stapp called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m.  
6 -  
Present:  
Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member Eddie  
Alvarez, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Dianna  
MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie Rogers  
1 - Council Member Victoria Fleming  
Absent:  
2. REMOTE PARTICIPATION UNDER THE BROWN ACT (Gov. Code § 54953.8)  
Vice Mayor Okrepkie participated remotely from 2365 Ka'anapali  
Parkway Lahaina, HI 96761 - Mauna Komohana Room as noted on  
the agenda, under traditional teleconferencing provisions of the  
Brown Act.  
3. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS - NONE.  
4. STUDY SESSION  
4.1  
REVIEW OF FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 OPERATIONS AND  
MAINTENANCE BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM  
BUDGET  
The Finance Department recommends that the Council hold a study  
session intended to provide City Council with the opportunity to receive  
information and ask questions related to the City’s overall financial  
stability and the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 Operations and  
Maintenance Budget and the Capital Improvement Program budget.  
This item is provided for Council’s information, and no action is  
required. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.  
Day 1, May 5  
City Council  
City Attorney  
City Manager  
Finance  
HCS Recreation  
Planning and Economic Development  
TPW - General Fund  
Non-Departmental  
Homeless Services  
Police Department  
Fire Department  
Housing Authority  
Information Technology  
Day 2, May 6  
Human Resources  
Fleet  
Enterprise Funds  
Santa Rosa Water  
Capital Improvement Program  
Interim City Manager Lori Ann Farrell provided opening comments  
on the study session presentation format differing from past years,  
that it will: be a more focused conversation related to the budget and  
addressing the $17.5 million deficit; review recent cost cutting  
measures adopted by Council to reduce deficit; and hear additional  
staff recommendations to address a portion of the deficit in Fiscal  
Year 2026-27 and out years. Interim City Manager Farrell  
acknowledged past tough decisions made by Council and  
expressed appreciation to staff and the employee groups as the  
City works through the deficit challenges.  
Scott Wagner, Chief Financial Officer, and Veronica Conner, Budget  
and Financial Analyst Manager, presented an overview of the  
proposed FY 2026-27 General Fund budget, department specific  
budgets, recent budget reductions, and proposed additional budget  
strategies and reductions to address the deficit, and answered  
questions from Council.  
Vice Mayor Okrepkie left the meeting at approximately  
12:55 p.m.  
Mayor Stapp recessed the meeting at 1:51 p.m. and  
reconvened at 2:03 p.m.  
Chief Financial Officer Wagner continued the presentation and  
answered questions from Council with additional presentation and  
response partnership from John Cregan, Police Chief, and Scott  
Westrope, Fire Chief.  
Vice Mayor Okrepkie rejoined the meeting at 2:23 p.m.  
Council Member Fleming joined the meeting at 2:40 p.m.  
PUBLIC COMMENTS:  
Jennielynn Holmes, Catholic Charities, spoke on homeless  
services, requested that no further reductions are made to  
homeless services, and stated that Catholic Charities will continue to  
explore funding alternatives to reinstate those services impacted by  
previous budget reductions.  
A.J. Trombetta, representing a property owner downtown and the  
Railroad Square Business Development Committee, spoke on the  
interdependence of economic development, public safety,  
homeless, mental health, parking, and safe streets services, noting  
the impact on the success of merchants, property owners, and  
hotels in downtown and Railroad Square areas.  
Mayor Stapp adjourned the study session at 3:35 p.m., with  
the remaining staff presentations to be heard on Day 2, May 6,  
2026 at 9:00 a.m., recessed the meeting at 3:35 p.m., and  
reconvened at 4:00 p.m.  
5. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ROLL CALL (IF NEEDED)  
Council Member Rogers rejoined the meeting shortly after roll-call.  
7 -  
Present:  
Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member Eddie  
Alvarez, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria  
Fleming, Council Member Dianna MacDonald, and Council Member  
Natalie Rogers  
6. REPORT, IF ANY, ON STUDY AND CLOSED SESSIONS  
None.  
7. PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS  
7.1  
PROCLAMATION - BIKE TO WORK MONTH & DAY  
Council Member Rogers read and presented the proclamation to  
Eris Weaver, Executive Director, Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition.  
Eris Weaver, Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, spoke on the  
proclamation, the achievements in Santa Rosa this last year on  
active transportation safety, and upcoming community events.  
PUBLIC COMMENTS:  
Cal Weeks, Bicycle Coalition, spoke acknowledging the care Santa  
Rosa is exhibiting by moving forward with bicycle safety projects  
across the city.  
7.2  
PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL WILDFIRE AWARENESS MONTH  
Council Member MacDonald read and presented the proclamation  
to Paul Lowenthal, Division Chief - Fire Marshal.  
Fire Marshal Lowenthal spoke on the proclamation, wildfire  
awareness initiatives throughout the city, and the support from  
Council to advance safety initiatives.  
No public comments were made.  
Mayor Stapp moved to Item 8.1 ahead of Item 7.3.  
8. STAFF BRIEFINGS  
8.1  
COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT PLAN UPDATE  
This is a standing item on the agenda. Council will take no action  
except for possible direction to staff. This item has no impact on current  
fiscal year budget.  
Misti Wood, Communications and Intergovernmental Relations  
Officer, reported on recent and upcoming community events as part  
of the Community Empowerment Plan update.  
No public comments were made.  
7.3  
PROCLAMATION - JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH  
Council Member Fleming read and presented the proclamation to  
Danielle Feldman, JCRC Council Representative and Member of  
Congregation Shomrei Tora.  
Danielle Feldman spoke on the proclamation and Jewish American  
history.  
PUBLIC COMMENTS:  
Irène Hodes, Jewish Community Voice Bay Area, spoke on the  
proclamation and safety of Jewish Americans in Santa Rosa.  
Susan spoke and shared about the Jewish Free Clinic and Elishah's  
Pantry.  
9. CITY MANAGER’S/CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORTS  
Misti Wood provided the City Manager Report on behalf of Interim  
City Manager Lori Ann Farrell and reported on the upcoming City  
Works Festival being held May 20 in collaboration with the  
Downtown Wednesday Night Market, proposals are now being  
accepted to lease the DeTurk Round Barn at 819 Donahue Street, a  
call for volunteers for the Junior Giants program, the start of the  
Wednesday Night Market on May 13, and invited community  
partners to participate in the 25th Annual Senior Expo on July 11.  
Chief Assistant City Attorney Autumn Luna had nothing to report.  
No public comments were made.  
10. STATEMENTS OF ABSTENTION/RECUSAL BY COUNCIL MEMBERS  
None.  
11. MAYOR'S/COUNCIL MEMBERS’ REPORTS  
Council Member Bañuelos reported on upcoming community events  
including the Cinco de Mayo Festival on Sebastopol Road.  
Council Member MacDonald reported on recent meetings and  
community events attended.  
Council Member Alvarez reported on recent meeting with new  
president of Sonoma State University.  
Mayor Stapp reported on recent community events attended.  
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  
Council Member Rogers provided a brief report.  
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  
Council Member Bañuelos provided a brief report.  
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  
March 24, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes.  
Approved as submitted.  
12.2  
April 20, 2026, Special Meeting Minutes.  
Approved as submitted.  
12.3  
April 21, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes. (THIS ITEM IS CONTINUED  
TO THE MAY 12, 2026, REGULAR MEETING)  
This item was continued to the May 21, 2026, regular meeting.  
12.4  
April 27, 2026, Special Meeting Minutes.  
Approved as submitted.  
13. CONSENT ITEMS  
No public comments were made.  
Approval of the Consent Agenda  
A motion was made by Council Member Alvarez, seconded by Council  
Member Rogers, to adopt Consent Items 13.1 through 13.5.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
6 -  
Yes:  
Mayor Mark Stapp, Council Member Eddie Alvarez, Council Member  
Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council  
Member Dianna MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie Rogers  
1 - Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie  
No:  
13.1  
13.2  
13.3  
MOTION - APPROVAL OF COOPERATIVE PURCHASE - FIRE  
DEPARTMENT PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT THROUGH  
COOP AGREEMENT NPPGOV #PS26240  
RECOMMENDATION: The Fire Department recommends that the  
Council, by motion: 1) approve a Purchase Order to purchase Personal  
Protective Equipment from MES Service Company, LLC, Miami, Florida,  
utilizing cooperative purchasing through the National Purchasing  
Partners Government cooperative contract Number PS26240 for a total  
not to exceed amount of $450,000 and authorizes the Purchasing Agent  
to execute the Purchase Order; and 2) delegate authority to negotiate  
and execute any other documents, agreements or amendments related  
to the purchase, in a form approved by the City Attorney. This item has  
no impact on current fiscal year budget.  
This Consent - Motion was approved.  
MOTION - APPROVAL OF COOPERATIVE PURCHASE - FIRE  
DEPARTMENT FIREDEX PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT  
THROUGH SOURCEWELL COOP #010424-FDX AGENDA  
RECOMMENDATION: The Fire Department recommends that the  
Council, by motion: 1) approve a Purchase Order to purchase Structural  
Personal Protective Equipment from Great West Fire & Safety, Inc.,  
Ridgefield, Washington, utilizing cooperative purchasing through the  
Sourcewell COOP #010424-FDX, Medina, Ohio for a total not to exceed  
amount of $450,000 and authorizes the Purchasing Agent to execute  
the Purchase Order; and 2) delegate authority to negotiate and execute  
any other documents, agreements or amendments related to the  
purchase that are in a form approved by the City Attorney. This item has  
no impact on current fiscal year budget.  
This Consent - Motion was approved.  
MOTION - APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDER WITH IPS GROUP,  
INC. TO PAY SINGLE SPACE AND MULTI SPACE COMMUNICATION  
FEES, CREDIT CARD TRANSACTION FEES, AND TEXT 2 PAY  
MOBILE PAYMENT FEES  
RECOMMENDATION: The Finance Department recommends that the  
Council, by motion: 1) approve a Purchase Order to offset ongoing  
secure wireless gateway and data fees, meter management software  
licensing, and credit card gateway fees from IPS Group, Inc., San  
Diego, California, for a total not to exceed amount of $810,000 and  
authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute the Purchase Order; and 2)  
delegate authority to negotiate and execute any other documents,  
agreements or amendments related to the purchase, subject to approval  
as to form by the City Attorney. This item has no impact on current fiscal  
year budget.  
This Consent - Motion was approved.  
13.4  
MOTION - APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDER WITH PASSPORT  
LABS, INC. TO PROVIDE DIGITAL BILLING, TRANSACTION, AND  
MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE PAYMENT OF PARKING  
METERS VIA MOBILE PHONE.  
RECOMMENDATION: The Finance Department recommends that the  
Council, by motion: 1) approve a Purchase Order to continue the Mobile  
Payment for Parking Platform provided by Passport Labs, Inc. for a total  
amount not to exceed $210,000, for an initial one-year term with four  
optional one-year extensions; and 2) delegate authority to the  
Purchasing Agent to execute the Purchase Order and to negotiate and  
execute any other documents, agreements, or amendments related to  
the purchase, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney. This  
item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.  
This Consent - Motion was approved.  
13.5  
RESOLUTION - FUNDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF  
SANTA ROSA AND COUNTY OF SONOMA FOR OPERATIONS AT  
SAMUEL L. JONES HALL HOMELESS SHELTER  
RECOMMENDATION: The Housing and Community Services  
Department recommends that the Council, by resolution: 1) approve  
Modification Number One of Agreement 2025-5042-A01 Between the  
City of Santa Rosa and the County of Sonoma for Operational Funding  
at the Samuel L. Jones Hall Homeless Shelter (Funding Agreement) in  
the amount of $255,000 annually for a combined total amount of  
$510,000; and 2) authorize the Director of Housing and Community  
Services to make non-substantive changes to the Funding Agreement,  
subject to approval by the City Attorney, and execute the Funding  
Agreement for the period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027. This item will  
provide additional funding for the shelter for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.  
This Consent - Resolution was adopted.  
RESOLUTION NO. RES-2026-046 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE  
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA APPROVING MODIFICATION ONE  
OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AND THE  
COUNTY OF SONOMA FOR OPERATIONAL FUNDING AT THE SAMUEL L.  
JONES HALL HOMELESS SHELTER  
14. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS  
Sonia Byck Barwich, Generation Housing, spoke on the Housing for  
Healthy Communities initiative SB 10 and AB 1033.  
Abigail Zoger, Co-Chair of Climate Action Night, spoke on housing  
insecurity in Santa Rosa.  
Bob spoke on small housing units and Generation Housing's current  
initiative related to AB 1033 and SB 10 which supports infill  
development.  
Hannah F spoke in support of high density housing near transit  
access.  
Paul Schwartz spoke in support of Generation Housing and  
endorsed the legislation in SB 10 and AB 1033.  
Mario B spoke on affordable housing and climate concerns and  
future generations in Santa Rosa.  
LATE CORRESPONDENCE  
15. REPORT ITEMS - NONE.  
16. PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE.  
17. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - NONE.  
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 TO BE CONTINUED ON MAY 6, 2026,  
BEGINNING AT 9:00 A.M.  
Mayor Stapp adjourned the meeting at 5:13 p.m. The study session  
will resume on May 6, 2026, at 9:00a.m. The next regular meeting  
will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at a time set by the Mayor.  
21. UPCOMING MEETINGS  
21.1  
UPCOMING MEETINGS LIST  
Approved on:  
_______________________________  
Dina Manis  
City Clerk