City Hall, Council Chamber  
100 Santa Rosa Avenue  
Santa Rosa, CA 95404  
City of Santa Rosa  
City Council  
Regular Meeting Minutes - Final  
Tuesday, March 18, 2025  
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, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council  
Member Dianna MacDonald, Council Member Jeff Okrepkie, and  
Council Member Natalie Rogers  
2 - Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez, and Council Member Victoria Fleming  
Absent:  
2. REMOTE PARTICIPATION UNDER AB 2449 (IF NEEDED)  
3. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS  
No public comments were made.  
Mayor Stapp recessed the meeting to closed session at 2:03 p.m.  
to discuss Items 3.1 and 3.2 as listed on the agenda.  
3.1  
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION  
(Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9)  
Name of Case: Angelina Lopez, et al. vs. City of Santa Rosa, et al.  
Court Case No.: USDC Northern District of California Case No.  
3:22-cv-05270-LB  
This item was received and filed.  
3.2  
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS  
(Government Code Section 54957.6)  
Agency Designated Representatives: Maraskeshia Smith, City  
Manager; Alan Alton, Chief Financial Officer; Dominique Blanquie,  
Human Resources Director; Siara Goyer, Employee Relations Manager;  
and Burke Dunphy of Sloan Sakai Yeung & Wong LLP.  
Employee Organizations: Operating Engineers Local 3, Maintenance  
and Utility System Operators (Employee Units 3 and 16); Santa Rosa  
City Employees Association (Employee Units 4, 6, 7); Service  
Employees International Union Local 1021, (Employee Units 8 and 14);  
Executive Management (Employee Unit 10); Middle Management  
(Employee Unit 11); Confidential (Employee Unit 12); Mechanics  
(Employee Unit 13); City Attorney (Employee Unit 15); Santa Rosa City  
Attorneys’ Association (Employee Unit 17), Santa Rosa Management  
Association (Employee Unit 18).  
This item was received and filed.  
4. STUDY SESSION - NONE.  
Mayor Stapp adjourned closed session at approximately 2:45 p.m. and  
reconvened to regular session at 4:00 p.m.  
5. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ROLL CALL (IF NEEDED)  
5 -  
Present:  
Mayor Mark Stapp, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council  
Member Dianna MacDonald, Council Member Jeff Okrepkie, and  
Council Member Natalie Rogers  
2 - Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez, and Council Member Victoria Fleming  
Absent:  
Mayor Stapp announced Items 8.2, 8.3, and 12.2 were continued to the April 1,  
2025, regular meeting.  
6. REPORT, IF ANY, ON STUDY AND CLOSED SESSIONS  
Teresa Stricker, City Attorney, reported there was no reportable  
action from closed session.  
7. PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS  
7.1  
PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL SURVEYOR’S WEEK  
Proclamation  
Attachments:  
Council Member Okrepkie read and presented the proclamation to  
Monica Winget, secretary for the California Land Surveryor's  
Association Sonoma Chapter. Monica accepted the proclamation  
and provided information about the field.  
No public comments were made.  
7.2  
PROCLAMATION - WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH  
Proclamation  
Attachments:  
Council Member Bañuelos read and presented the proclamation to  
Melanie Jones-Carter.  
Melanie Jones-Carter, advised the national organization originated in  
Sonoma County and spoke on this year's theme, For All Women  
and Girls - Rights, Equity, and Empowerment.  
No public comments were made.  
7.3  
PRESENTATION - DOWNTOWN ACTION ORGANIZATION ANNUAL  
UPDATE  
Annual Report 2024  
Presentation  
Attachments:  
Cadance Hinkle Allison, Executive Director - Downtown Action  
Organization, presented.  
No public comments were made.  
8. STAFF BRIEFINGS  
Mayor Stapp announced Items 8.2 and 8.3 were continued to  
the April 15, 2025, regular meeting.  
8.2  
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE (THIS  
ITEM HAS BEEN CONTINUED TO THE APRIL 15, 2025, REGULAR  
MEETING)  
Staff will provide an update to Council on the Economic Development  
Strategic Plan. No action will be taken except for possible direction to  
staff.  
This item was continued to the April 15, 2025, regular meeting.  
8.3  
UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE INTEREST IN SANTA ROSA (THIS ITEM  
HAS BEEN CONTINUED TO THE APRIL 15, 2025, REGULAR  
MEETING)  
Economic Development staff will provide information about the United  
Soccer League’s Interest in establishing a professional soccer franchise  
in Santa Rosa. No action will be taken except for possible questions to  
staff.  
This item was continued to the April 15, 2025, regular meeting.  
Mayor Stapp called Item 9.1 before Item 8.1.  
9. CITY MANAGER’S/CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORTS  
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 February 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:  
Teresa Stricker, City Attorney, reported no settlements over  
$50,000 were finalized in February and the caseload remaining  
consistent with approximately 31 litigation matters.  
No public comments were made.  
This item was received and filed.  
Mayor Stapp called Item 8.1 after Item 9.1.  
8.1  
SANTA ROSA ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE  
The City of Santa Rosa Transportation and Public Works Department is  
conducting an update to the 2018 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan,  
to be renamed the Active Transportation Plan. City staff released the  
Public Review Draft of the Active Transportation Plan on March 3,  
2025, to solicit feedback on the document. Public comment will be  
accepted through March 31, 2025. It is anticipated that the Plan will be  
adopted by the Council in the Spring of 2025. The Council may provide  
input and ask questions on the Active Transportation Plan and  
components of the staff briefing. No action will be taken except for  
possible direction to staff.  
Presentation  
Attachments:  
Late Correspondence (Uploaded 03-18-2025)  
Torina Wilson, Transportation Planner, presented and answered  
questions from Council.  
PUBLIC COMMENT:  
Eris Weaver, Executive Director of Sonoma County Bicycle  
Coalition, spoke in favor of the Active Transportation Plan.  
This item was received and filed.  
10. STATEMENTS OF ABSTENTION/RECUSAL BY COUNCIL MEMBERS  
No statements of abstention/recusal were made.  
11. MAYOR'S/COUNCIL MEMBERS’ REPORTS  
Council Member Rogers reported on events recently attended and  
reported on the status of an MOU with the school board.  
Council Member MacDonald reported on events recently attended.  
Council Member Bañuelos appointed Douglas Mondell to the  
Community Advisory Board.  
Mayor Stapp reported on events recently attended.  
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  
Council Member Okrepkie provided a brief report on the  
Economic Development Subcommittee meeting.  
Mayor Stapp provided a brief report on the Long-Term  
Financial Subcommittee meeting.  
11.1.2 Sonoma County Transportation Authority/Regional Climate  
Protection Authority (SCTA/RCPA)  
Council Member Okrepkie provided a brief report.  
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  
Council Member Okrepkie provided a brief report regarding  
L.A.F.C.O. and thanked Jean Kapolchok for her service.  
11.2 MATTERS FROM COUNCIL REGARDING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS  
11.2.1  
REQUEST FOR AGENDA ITEM REGARDING DOWNTOWN  
CANNABIS DISPENSARY OPERATIONS  
BACKGROUND: At the March 4, 2025, City Council meeting, Council  
Member Rogers requested a future agenda item to discuss  
downtown cannabis dispensary operations. Council Member Alvarez  
concurred with the request.  
Council Member Rogers withdrew the request for a future  
Agenda Item.  
No public comments were made.  
11.2.2  
REQUEST FOR AGENDA ITEM REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF  
CERTIFICATION OF UNDERSTANDING PROCESS FOR ENERGY  
PRODUCTION FROM SOLAR PANELS AND POTENTIAL  
HOMEOWNER OFFSET  
BACKGROUND: At the March 4, 2025, City Council meeting, Council  
Member Rogers requested a future agenda item to discuss  
development of a certification of understanding process from solar  
panel installation contractors or builders for understanding the  
energy production from solar panels and identification of the  
potential need for homeowner offset. Council Member Alvarez  
concurred with the request.  
Council Member Rogers withdrew the request for a future  
Agenda Item.  
No public comments were made.  
12. APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
12.1  
February 19, 2025, Special Meeting Minutes.  
Draft Minutes  
Attachments:  
No public comments were made.  
Approved as submitted.  
12.2  
February 25, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes. (THIS ITEM HAS BEEN  
CONTINUED TO THE APRIL 1, 2025, REGULAR MEETING)  
This item was continued to the April 1, 2025, regular meeting.  
13. CONSENT ITEMS  
No public comments were made.  
Approval of the Consent Agenda  
A motion was made by Council Member Okrepkie, seconded by Council  
Member MacDonald, to waive reading of the text and adopt Consent Items  
13.1 through 13.7.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Yes:  
Mayor Mark Stapp, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council  
Member Dianna MacDonald, Council Member Jeff Okrepkie, and  
Council Member Natalie Rogers  
2 - Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez, and Council Member Victoria Fleming  
Absent:  
13.1  
MOTION - CONTRACT AWARD - DUTCH FLOHR NEIGHBORHOOD  
PARK  
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Transportation and  
Public Works Department that the Council, by motion: 1) consent to the  
withdrawal of the bid of RRR Pirooz Engineering of Olivehurst,  
California, on Contract Number C02461, Dutch Flohr Neighborhood  
Park; 2) award the contract in the amount of $2,480,000 to the lowest  
responsive and responsible bidder, Pat Nelson Construction, Inc. of  
Petaluma, California; approve a 15% contract contingency; and  
authorize a total contract amount of $2,852,000. The source of funds is  
Capital Improvement Fund; no City General Fund money is included in  
this project.  
Staff Report  
Attachments:  
Attachment 1 - Location Map  
Attachment 2 - Summary of Bids  
Attachment 3 - Relief of Bid Letter  
This Consent - Motion was approved.  
13.2  
RESOLUTION - PROJECT SPECIFIC MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT  
BETWEEN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND THE CITY OF SANTA  
ROSA FOR THE HEARN AVENUE AT HIGHWAY 101 - PHASE 3  
REBUILD INTERCHANGE  
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Transportation and  
Public Works Department that the Council, by resolution, approve a  
Project Specific Maintenance Agreement for Hearn Avenue  
Overcrossing with City of Santa Rosa with the State of California,  
acting by and through the Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and  
the City of Santa Rosa regarding maintenance responsibilities within  
State right of way for the Highway 101 and Hearn Interchange project,  
and delegate authority to the City Manager to execute the agreement.  
Staff Report  
Attachments:  
Attachment 1 - Location Map  
Resolution  
Exhibit A  
This Consent - Resolution was adopted.  
RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-038 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE  
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA APPROVING A PROJECT  
SPECIFIC MAINTENANCE GREEMENT FOR HEARN AVENUE  
OVERCROSSING WITH CITY OF SANTA ROSA WITH THE STATE OF  
CALIFORNIA, ACTING BY AND THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF  
TRANSPORTATION (CALTRANS), OUTLINING THE REQUIREMENTS AND  
PROCEDURES FOR MAINTAINING THE HEARN AVENUE AT HIGHWAY 101  
- PHASE 3 REBUILD INTERCHANGE PROJECT  
13.3  
RESOLUTION - APPROVAL OF SECOND AMENDMENT TO  
BLANKET PURCHASE ORDER 170093 TO INCREASE  
COMPENSATION WITH SOUTHERN TIRE MART, LLC  
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Transportation and  
Public Works Fleet Division and Finance Departments, that the Council,  
by resolution, approve the Second Amendment to Blanket Purchase  
Order 170093 for retread tires and services with Southern Tire Mart,  
LLC, Santa Rosa, California in the amount of $20,000, for a total  
cumulative amount not to exceed $120,000.  
Staff Report  
Resolution  
Attachments:  
This Consent - Resolution was adopted.  
RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-039 ENTITLED RESOLUTION OF THE  
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA FOR APPROVAL OF SECOND  
AMENDMENT TO BLANKET PURCHASE ORDER 170093 TO INCREASE  
COMPENSATION WITH SOUTHERN TIRE MART, LLC  
13.4  
RESOLUTION - APPROVAL OF SECOND AMENDMENT TO  
BLANKET PURCHASE ORDER 169057 TO EXTEND THE TERM AND  
INCREASE COMPENSATION WITH WERLE ENTERPRISES, LLC,  
DBA NATIONAL PRINT + PROMO  
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Finance Department  
that the Council, by resolution, approve the Second Amendment to  
Blanket Purchase Order (BPO) 169057 for forms management services,  
to extend the term for a period of one year and increase compensation  
with Werle Enterprises, LLC, dba National Print + Promo, Rohnert Park,  
California in the amount of $50,000, for a total cumulative amount not to  
exceed $150,000.  
Staff Report  
Resolution  
Attachments:  
This Consent - Resolution was adopted.  
RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-040 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE  
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA APPROVAL OF THE SECOND  
AMENDMENT TO BLANKET PURCHASE ORDER 169057 TO EXTEND THE  
TERM AND INCREASE COMPENSATION WITH WERLE ENTERPRISES  
LLC, DBA NATIONAL PRINT + PROMO, ROHNERT PARK, CALIFORNIA, IN  
THE AMOUNT OF $50,000, FOR A TOTAL CUMULATIVE AMOUNT NOT TO  
EXCEED $150,000  
13.5  
RESOLUTION - ACCEPTANCE AND APPROPRIATION OF  
$153,987.86 BEQUEST FROM THE ESTATE OF ROSEMARY  
MAKI-RAMATICI TO THE HOMELESS SHELTER OPERATIONS  
FUND  
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Housing and  
Community Services Department that the Council, by resolution, accept  
a bequest of $153,987.86 from the Estate of Rosemary Maki-Ramatici  
designated for homeless shelter solutions and appropriate the monies  
to the Homeless Shelter Operations Fund to support the implementation  
of the City’s Homelessness Solutions Strategic Plan (2023-2027).  
Staff Report  
Resolution  
Attachments:  
This Consent - Resolution was adopted.  
RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-041 ENTITLED RESOLUTION OF THE  
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA ACCEPTING AND  
APPROPRIATING THE $153,987.86 BEQUEST FROM THE ESTATE OF  
ROSEMARY MAKI-RAMATICI TO THE HOMELESS SHELTER OPERATIONS  
FUND  
13.6  
ORDINANCE ADOPTION SECOND READING - ORDINANCE OF THE  
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AMENDING TITLE 6 AND  
TITLE 20 OF THE SANTA ROSA CITY CODE BY REPEALING  
CHAPTER 6-32 ENTITLED MASSAGE THERAPY, MASSAGE  
BUSINESS OR ESTABLISHMENT, IN ITS ENTIRETY; ADDING A  
NEW CHAPTER 20-49 ENTITLED MASSAGE REGULATION AND  
MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT REGISTRATION; AMENDING  
SECTIONS 20-23.030 AND 20-24.030 REGARDING PERMITTING  
REQUIREMENTS FOR MASSAGE RELATED USES; AMENDING  
SECTIONS 20-50.020(A), 20-52.060 AND 20-62.030(B)(2) BY ADDING  
ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUSTMENT PROVISIONS; AND AMENDING  
SECTION 20-70.020 REGARDING DEFINITIONS OF MASSAGE  
RELATED USES AND BUSINESS SERVICE USES  
RECOMMENDATION: This ordinance, introduced at the March 4, 2025,  
Regular Meeting by a 7-0-0-0 vote, amends Titles 6 and 20 of the Santa  
Rosa City Code by repealing Chapter 6-32 entitled Massage Therapy,  
Massage Business or Establishment; adds a new Zoning Code Chapter  
20-49 entitled Massage Regulation and Massage Establishment  
Registration; amends Zoning Code Sections 20-23.030 and 20-24.030  
regarding permitting requirements for “massage related uses”; amends  
Sections 20-50.020(A), 20-52.060, and 20-62.030(B)(2) adding  
Administrative Adjustment provisions; and amends Section 20-70.020  
revising the definition of “office - business/service” and adding a  
definition for “massage related uses.”  
Ordinance  
Attachments:  
This Consent - Ordinance was adopted on second reading.  
ORDINANCE NO. ORD-2025-004 ENTITLED: ORDINANCE OF THE  
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AMENDING TITLE 6 AND TITLE  
20 OF THE SANTA ROSA CITY CODE BY REPEALING CHAPTER 6-32  
ENTITLED MASSAGE THERAPY, MASSAGE BUSINESS OR  
ESTABLISHMENT, IN ITS ENTIRETY; ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 20-49  
ENTITLED MASSAGE REGULATION AND MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT  
REGISTRATION; AMENDING SECTIONS 20-23.030 AND 20-24.030  
REGARDING PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS FOR MASSAGE RELATED  
USES; AMENDING SECTIONS 20-50.020(A), 20-52.060 AND 20-62.030(B)(2)  
BY ADDING ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUSTMENT PROVISIONS; AND  
AMENDING SECTION 20-70.020 REGARDING DEFINITIONS OF MASSAGE  
RELATED USES AND BUSINESS SERVICE USES  
13.7  
ORDINANCE ADOPTION SECOND READING - ORDINANCE OF THE  
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AMENDING TITLE 20 OF  
THE SANTA ROSA CITY CODE TO AMEND SECTIONS 20-23.030  
AND 20-24.030 REGARDING REQUIREMENTS FOR ADULT  
ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES  
RECOMMENDATION: This ordinance, introduced at the March 4, 2025,  
Regular Meeting by a 7-0-0-0 vote, amends Zoning Code Sections  
20-23.030 and 20-24.030 regarding permitting requirements for “adult  
entertainment business.”  
Ordinance  
Attachments:  
This Consent - Ordinance was adopted on second reading.  
ORDINANCE NO. ORD-2025-005 ENTITLED: ORDINANCE OF THE  
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AMENDING TITLE 20 OF THE  
SANTA ROSA CITY CODE TO AMEND SECTIONS 20-23.030 AND 20-24.030  
REGARDING REQUIREMENTS FOR ADULT ENTERTAINMENT  
BUSINESSES  
14. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS  
Dr. Richard Buswell spoke regarding animal control officers and  
leash laws at Doyle Park.  
Rich Caro spoke regarding animal control officers and leash laws at  
Doyle Park.  
Emily Winfield spoke regarding leash laws at Doyle Park.  
Carol Cranston spoke regarding animal control officers and leash  
laws at Doyle Park.  
Brenda Fowler-Hart spoke regarding animal control officers and  
leash laws at Doyle Park.  
Stephan Dalporto, Santa Rosa Firefighters, spoke regarding  
Measure H.  
Janice Karmann spoke regarding the dog park at Rincon Valley.  
LATE CORRESPONDENCE  
Late Correspondence (Uploaded 03-18-2025)  
Attachments:  
Mayor Stapp called Item 16.1 before Item 15.1.  
16. PUBLIC HEARINGS  
16.1  
PUBLIC HEARING - ORDINANCE DESIGNATING FIRE HAZARD  
SEVERITY ZONES AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CALIFORNIA  
DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION AND  
AMEND SECTION 18-44.4907.1 OF THE SANTA ROSA CITY CODE  
TO INCLUDE THE NEWLY DESIGNATED HIGH ZONE REFERENCE  
BACKGROUND: As required by Government Code Section 51179, local  
jurisdictions are required to adopt, by ordinance, updated fire hazard  
severity zones in our jurisdiction within 120 days of receiving  
recommendations from the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section  
51178. By locally adopting the updated CalFire maps released on  
2/24/2025, the City of Santa Rosa satisfies the requirements of  
Government Code Section 51179.  
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Santa Rosa Fire  
Department that the Council introduce an ordinance designating  
moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones as  
recommended by The California Department of Forestry and Fire  
Protection (CalFire) as Fire Hazard Severity Zones and amending  
Section 18-44.4907.1 of Chapter 18-44 of the Santa Rosa City Code to  
include reference to High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.  
Staff Report  
Ordinance  
Attachments:  
Exhibit A  
Public Hearing Notice  
Presentation  
Kemplen Robbins, Interim Division Chief Fire Marshal, presented  
and answered questions from Council.  
Mayor Stapp opened the public hearing at 5:23 p.m. and  
having no public comments made, closed the public hearing  
at 5:23 p.m.  
A motion was made by Council Member MacDonald, seconded by Council  
Member Okrepkie, to introduce an Ordinance entitled:  
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA TO  
DESIGNATE FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES AND AMEND SECTION  
18-44.4907.1 OF CHAPTER 18-44 OF THE SANTA ROSA CITY CODE TO  
INCLUDE THE NEWLY DESIGNATED HIGH ZONE REFERENCE  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Yes:  
Mayor Mark Stapp, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council  
Member Dianna MacDonald, Council Member Jeff Okrepkie, and  
Council Member Natalie Rogers  
2 - Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez, and Council Member Victoria Fleming  
Absent:  
15. REPORT ITEMS  
15.1  
REPORT - SONOMA COUNTY WATER AGENCY PROPOSED  
FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 WATER TRANSMISSION BUDGET AND RATE  
INCREASE  
BACKGROUND: The City of Santa Rosa purchases approximately 93%  
of its potable water supply from Sonoma Water, the region’s water  
wholesaler. Sonoma Water’s proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26 Water  
Transmission System budget includes an 8.68% increase in the  
wholesale rate of water, from $1,289.02 to $1,400.86 per acre foot.  
On March 6, 2025, the Board of Public Utilities reviewed Sonoma  
Water’s proposed FY 2025/26 budget and rate increase and made a  
recommendation to City Council to provide direction to its Water  
Advisory Committee (WAC) representative on a vote on Sonoma  
Water’s proposed FY 2025/26 Water Transmission System budget and  
rate increase. The WAC is an advisory board to Sonoma Water. The  
WAC is scheduled to vote on Sonoma Water’s proposed FY 2025/26  
Water Transmission System budget and rate increase at the April 7,  
2025, WAC Meeting. Ultimately the Sonoma Water Board of Directors  
will have final authority to approve Sonoma Water’s proposed FY  
2025/26 Water Transmission System budget and rate increase.  
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Board of Public  
Utilities and Santa Rosa Water that the Council, by motion, consider  
Sonoma Water’s proposed Fiscal Year 2025/26 Water Transmission  
Budget and proposed rate increase and provide direction to its Water  
Advisory Committee (WAC) representative for the April 7, 2025, WAC  
vote on Sonoma Water’s proposed 2025/26 Water Transmission  
System Budget and rate increase.  
Staff Report  
Attachments:  
Attachment 1 – Sonoma Water- Water Transmission FY 202526 Draft Budget and  
Rates  
Presentation  
Revised Presentation (Uploaded 03-18-2025)  
Nick Harvey, Deputy Director - Santa Rosa Water, Lynn Rosselli,  
Administrative Services Division Manager - Sonoma Water, and  
Jake Spaulding, Finance Manager - Sonoma Water presented and  
answered questions from Council.  
No public comments were made.  
A motion was made by Council Member Rogers, seconded by Council  
Member MacDonald, to approve Sonoma Water's 2025/26 Water  
Transmission Budget and proposed rate increase, and direct the City's  
Water Advisory Committee representative to vote accordingly at the Water  
Advisory Committee (WAC) meeting on April 7, 2025.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Yes:  
Mayor Mark Stapp, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council  
Member Dianna MacDonald, Council Member Jeff Okrepkie, and  
Council Member Natalie Rogers  
2 - Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez, and Council Member Victoria Fleming  
Absent:  
17. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - NONE.  
18. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS  
No public comments were made.  
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 5:56 p.m. The next regular  
meeting will be held on April 1, 2025, at a time set by the Mayor.  
21. UPCOMING MEETINGS  
21.1  
UPCOMING MEETINGS LIST  
Upcoming Meetings List  
Attachments:  
This item was received and filed.  
Approved on: April 15, 2025  
/s/ Rhonda Bolla, Deputy City Clerk