City Hall, Council Chamber

100 Santa Rosa Avenue

Santa Rosa, CA 95404

City of Santa Rosa

City Council

Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

4:00 PM

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

Mayor Stapp called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

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

2. REMOTE PARTICIPATION UNDER AB 2449 (IF NEEDED)

3. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS - NONE.

4. INTERVIEWS FOR BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

4.1

HOUSING AUTHORITY INTERVIEWS

The Council will conduct interviews for one At-Large Housing Authority

vacancy.

Council Member Bañuelos announced recusal from Item 4.1 in an

abundance of caution due to sitting on the Sonoma County Coalition

Board as does one of the applicants.

Council interviewed the following applicants:

Veronica Castro

Gregory Fearon

John Way

Kimberly Luis (not present)

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Duane Dewitt spoke on the item.

5. STUDY SESSION - NONE.

6. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ROLL CALL (IF NEEDED)

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

8. PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS - NONE.

9. STAFF BRIEFINGS - NONE.

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

Maraskeshia Smith, City Manager, had no report.

10.1

REPORT OF SETTLEMENTS AND ACTIVE LITIGATION

The City Attorney will report on all settlements authorized by Council in

closed session that were finalized in November 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.

Teresa Stricker, City Attorney, reported there was one settlement of

$40,000, California River Watch, which was previously authorized by

Council in the month of November. The City paid from the Sewer

Enterprise Fund. The caseload remains constant with 34 litigation

matters, with trial dates assigned to approximately one-third of those

matters.

Mayor Stapp and Council Members acknowledged this as City

Manager Smith's final meeting and highlighted her service over the

last four years.

City Manager Smith expressed gratitude to Council, the community,

City Attorney's Office, City Manager's staff, and the leadership team,

and for the partnership and trust over the last four years.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Duane De Witt spoke on the item.

Janice Karrman spoke on the item.

Alexa Forrester spoke on the item.

This item was received and filed.

11. STATEMENTS OF ABSTENTION/RECUSAL BY COUNCIL MEMBERS

As previously noted, Council Member Bañuelos announced recusal

from Item 4.1.

Council Member MacDonald announced recusal from portions of

Item 16.5 due to a personal relationship.

12. MAYOR'S/COUNCIL MEMBERS’ REPORTS

Council Member Rogers reported on a recent community events

attended and community toy drives.

Council Member Fleming reported on the recent ribbon cutting at

Hearn Overcrossing and other community events attended.

Vice Mayor Okrepkie reported on recent community events

attended.

Mayor Stapp reported on recent community events attended.

No public comments were made.

12.1 MAYOR'S/COUNCIL MEMBERS' SUBCOMMITTEE AND LIAISON

REPORTS (AND POSSIBLE COUNCIL DIRECTION TO BOARD

REPRESENTATIVE ON PENDING ISSUES, IF NEEDED)

12.1.1 Council Subcommittee Reports

12.1.2 Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Authorities (SCTCA)

12.1.3 Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) - Water Advisory Committee

12.1.4 Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)

12.1.5 Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District

Advisory Committee

12.1.6 Sonoma Clean Power Authority (SCPA)

Mayor Stapp provided a brief report.

12.1.7 Zero Waste Sonoma (formerly known as Sonoma County Waste

Management Agency (SCWMA))

12.1.8 Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA)

12.1.9 Sonoma County Homeless Coalition

12.1.10 Renewal Enterprise District (RED)

12.1.11 Public Safety Subcommittee

12.1.12 Other

12.2 BOARD, COMMISSION & COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

12.2.1

COUNCIL MAY VOTE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO THE

HOUSING AUTHORITY

The Council, by motion, may appoint one member to fill an At-Large

vacancy with a term expiring December 31, 2026.

Council Member Bañuelos left the dais at approximately

4:50 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Duane De Witt spoke on the item.

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

Member Alvarez, to appoint Gregory Fearon to fill the At-Large vacancy

with a term expiring December 31, 2026.

The motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member

Eddie Alvarez, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council

Member Dianna MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie

Rogers

1 - Council Member Caroline Bañuelos

Recused:

13. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Council Member Bañuelos returned to the dais at

approximately 4:53 p.m.

13.1

December 2, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Janice Karrman spoke on the item.

Approved as submitted.

14. CONSENT ITEMS

Dina Manis, City Clerk, read into record summary statements in

accordance with the Brown Act related to Items 14.9 and 14.10.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Duane Dewitt spoke on Item 14.9.

Fred Allebach spoke on Item 14.9 and 14.10.

Approval of the Consent Agenda

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

Rogers, to adopt Consent Items 14.1 through 14.10.

The motion carried by the following vote:

7 -

Yes:

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

14.1

MOTION - APPROVAL OF FIRST AMENDMENT TO BLANKET

PURCHASE ORDER NUMBER 174020 WITH CREAM’S TOWING,

INC.

RECOMMENDATION: The Police and Finance Departments

recommend that the Council, by motion, approve the First Amendment

to Blanket Purchase Order Number 174020 with Cream’s Towing, Inc.,

Santa Rosa, California to increase compensation in the amount of

$200,000, for a total contract not to exceed $295,000 and authorize the

Purchasing Agent to make non-substantive changes to the blanket

purchase order and execute the Amendment. This item has no impact

on current fiscal year budget.

This Consent - Motion was approved.

14.2

MOTION - RATIFICATION ON US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

AGENCY MIDSIZE AND LARGE DRINKING WATER SYSTEM

INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY GRANT

PROGRAM APPLICATION

RECOMMENDATION: The Santa Rosa Water Department

recommends that the Council, by motion, ratify the submission of the

grant application, dated October 5, 2025. This item has no impact on

current fiscal year budget.

This Consent - Motion was approved.

14.3

MOTION - APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO BLANKET PURCHASE

ORDER 170867 WITH CIVIC PROUD ENTERPRISES, INC. DBA

FASTSIGNS

RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works and

Finance Departments recommend that the Council, by motion, approve

the Third Amendment to Blanket Purchase Order 170867 with Civic

Proud Enterprises, Inc. dba FASTSIGNS of Santa Rosa and Petaluma

(FASTSIGNS), California to extend the term and increase compensation

in the amount of $85,000, for a total not to exceed amount of $185,000,

and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute the changes to the

Blanket Purchase Order. This item has no impact on current fiscal year

budget.

This Consent - Motion was approved.

14.4

MOTION - CONTRACT AWARD - SONOMA AVENUE PAVEMENT

REHABILITATION - FARMERS LANE TO HAHMAN DRIVE

RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works

Department recommends that the Council, by motion, award Contract

Number C02261, Sonoma Avenue Pavement Rehabilitation - Farmers

Lane to Hahman Drive, in the amount of $1,459,629 to the lowest

responsible bidder, Ghilotti Bros., Inc, of San Rafael, California,

approve a 20% contract contingency in the amount of $291,925.80 and

authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the Contract and

any change orders in a total contract amount of $1,751,554.80. The

source of funds are Capital Facilities Fee and Water Enterprise Funds.

No City General Fund money is included in this project.

This Consent - Motion was approved.

14.5

RESOLUTION - APPROVAL OF NEW MASTER PROFESSIONAL

SERVICE AGREEMENT, REVISION TO THE SCOPE OF SERVICES

LIST AND AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE PROJECT WORK

ORDERS UNDER THE AGREEMENTS

RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works

Department recommends that the Council, by resolution: 1) approve

one (1) Master Professional Services Agreement (MPSA) for Cinquini &

Passarino Inc.; 2) amend the MPSA Program Scope of Services list to

include Hogan Land Services and Cinquini & Passarino Inc. under the

Land Surveying category; 3) delegate authority to certain staff to

execute the Master Professional Services Agreements; and 4) delegate

authority to certain staff to execute Project Work Orders issued under

the Master Professional Services Agreements. This item has no impact

on current fiscal year budget.

This Consent - Resolution was adopted.

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-189 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA 1) APPROVING ONE (1) MASTER

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT; 2) AMENDING THE MASTER

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT SCOPE OF SERVICES LIST; 3)

DELEGATING AUTHORITY TO CERTAIN STAFF TO EXECUTE THE

MASTER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS; AND 4)

DELEGATING AUTHORITY TO CERTAIN STAFF TO EXECUTE PROJECT

WORK ORDERS ISSUED UNDER MASTER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

AGREEMENTS

14.6

RESOLUTION - THIRD AMENDMENT AND ASSIGNMENT AND

ASSUMPTION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT

NUMBER F008324 WITH GENERAL CODE PUBLISHING, LLC

RECOMMENDATION: The City Clerk’s Office recommends that the

Council, by resolution: 1) ratify the Second Amendment to Professional

Services Agreement Number F008324 with Quality Code Publishing,

LLC and associated compensation changes of $50,000 and payments;

2) approve the Third Amendment and Assignment and Assumption of

Professional Services Agreement Number F008324 with General Code,

LLC, Rochester, New York revising the scope of services and

increasing compensation in the amount of $100,000 for a total contract

amount not to exceed $212,882.18; and 3) authorize the City Manager

or designee to make non-substantive changes to the Third Amendment,

subject to approval by the City Attorney, and execute the Third

Amendment and Assignment and Assumption. This item has no impact

on current fiscal year budget.

This Consent - Resolution was adopted.

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-190 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA RATIFYING THE SECOND

AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NUMBER

F008324 WITH QUALITY CODE PUBLISHING, LLC, APPROVING THE THIRD

AMENDMENT AND ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF AGREEMENT

NUMBER F008324 TO GENERAL CODE PUBLISHING, LLC, AND

AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE ASSIGNMENT AND

ASSUMPTION AND THIRD AMENDMENT

14.7

RESOLUTION - AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXAMINATION OF

TRANSACTIONS (SALES) AND USE TAX RECORDS

RECOMMENDATION: The Finance Department recommends that the

Council, by resolution, authorize designated City of Santa Rosa officials

and the City’s revenue analysis and support services consultant,

Hinderliter, de Llamas & Associates to examine confidential transactions

(sales) and use tax records of the California Department of Tax and Fee

Administration in accordance with the California Revenue and Taxation

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

This Consent - Resolution was adopted.

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-191 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AUTHORIZING EXAMINATION OF

SALES OR TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX RECORDS

14.8

ORDINANCE ADOPTION SECOND READING - ORDINANCE

ENTITLED: ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

SANTA ROSA AMENDING CHAPTERS 11-08 AND 11-20 OF THE

SANTA ROSA CITY CODE TO UPDATE STAFF DELEGATIONS AND

TITLES AND REMOVE REQUIREMENT OF COUNCIL APPROVAL TO

INSTALL MIDBLOCK CROSSWALKS, ROAD UNDULATIONS AND

OTHER TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES

RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works

Department recommends that the Council approve the second reading

and adopt an ordinance revising staff delegations entitled Chapter

11-08 and 11-20 of the City Code. This ordinance, introduced at the

December 2, 2025, Regular Meeting, passed by a 7-0-0-0 vote.

This Consent - Ordinance was adopted on second reading.

ORDINANCE NO. ORD-2025-020 ENTITLED: ORDINANCE OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AMENDING CHAPTERS11-08

AND 11-20 OF THE SANTA ROSA CITY CODE TO UPDATE STAFF

DELEGATIONS AND TITLES AND REMOVE REQUIREMENT OF COUNCIL

APPROVAL TO INSTALL MIDBLOCK CROSSWALKS, ROAD

UNDULATIONS AND OTHER TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES

14.9

ORDINANCE ADOPTION SECOND READING - ORDINANCE

ENTITLED: ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

SANTA ROSA ESTABLISHING MONTHLY SALARY OF $24,266.66

($291,200 ANNUALLY) AND OTHER COMPENSATION AND

BENEFITS FOR THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER

RECOMMENDATION: The Council recommends approval of the

second reading and adoption of an ordinance establishing a monthly

salary of $24,266.66 ($291,200 annually) and other compensation and

benefits for the Interim City Manager effective January 2, 2026. This

ordinance, introduced at the December 2, 2025, Regular Meeting,

passed by a 7-0-0-0 vote.

This Consent - Ordinance was adopted on second reading.

ORDINANCE NO. ORD-2025-021 ENTITLED: ORDINANCE OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA ESTABLISHING MONTHLY

SALARY OF $24,266.66 ($291,200 ANNUALLY) AND OTHER

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS FOR THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER

14.10

RESOLUTION - AMENDMENT TO THE CITY CLASSIFICATION AND

SALARY PLAN INCREASING THE TOP OF THE SALARY RANGE OF

THE ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER, POLICE CHIEF, FIRE CHIEF,

WATER DIRECTOR, DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC

WORKS, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, CHIEF INFORMATION

OFFICER, DIRECTOR OF HOUSING & COMMUNITY SERVICES,

HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING &

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS &

INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS OFFICER, AND CITY CLERK

RECOMMENDATION: The Human Resources Department

recommends that the Council, by resolution, amend the City’s

Classification and Salary Plan to increase the top of the salary range of

the following executive level positions to address pay

compaction/compression issues: Assistant City Manager, Police Chief,

Fire Chief, Water Director, Director of Transportation and Public Works,

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Director of Housing &

Community Services, Human Resources Director, Director of Planning

& Economic Development, Chief Communication & Intergovernmental

Relations Officer, and City Clerk. This item is requesting appropriations

for on-going funding.

This Consent - Resolution was adopted.

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-192 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AMENDING THE CITY

CLASSIFICATION AND SALARY PLAN TO INCREASE THE TOP OF THE

SALARY RANGE FOR ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER, POLICE CHIEF, FIRE

CHIEF, WATER DIRECTOR, DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC

WORKS, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER,

DIRECTOR OF HOUSING & COMMUNITY SERVICES, HUMAN RESOURCES

DIRECTOR, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT,

CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS & INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

OFFICER, AND CITY CLERK

15. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS

Bruce Castleberry introduced himself as the new editor of the Press

Democrat.

Robert Coppock spoke on corruption - collusion, city and police -

Fletcher Pinkham issue (comment description provided from

speaker card).

Duane De Witt expressed gratitude towards the City and the large

staff effort at a recent creek clean-up work at Roseland Creek.

Jenny Mercado spoke on solutions for public schools of Sonoma

County (comment description provided from speaker card).

Alexa Forrester requested that Council spearhead efforts to

consolidate the number of Santa Rosa school districts.

Ethan Cosgrove advocated for council to get involved helping to

solve school financial crisis (comment description provided from

speaker card).

Adrian Covert supported City Council looking into consolidating city

school districts (comment description provided from speaker card).

Adina Flores, Civil Rights 707, expressed concerns on Santa Rosa

City Schools and other topics.

Janice Karrman spoke on Calistoga Road, Highway 12 and

Montecito Ave safety concerns, and roads around Montgomery High

School.

LATE CORRESPONDENCE

16. REPORT ITEMS

16.1

REPORT - COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD (CAB) WORK PLAN

AND ANNUAL REPORT

BACKGROUND: Established in 2002 by City Charter, CAB was created

to represent community perspectives on issues of interest to the City

Council. Over the years, CAB has undergone several structural

changes, including Resolution RES-2024-200, which restructured CAB

to seven district-based members. The work plan was adopted in March

2025 and extended through 2027 in November to align with Council’s

goal-setting cycle.

RECOMMENDATION: The Communications and Intergovernmental

Relations Office (CIRO) and the Community Advisory Board (CAB)

recommend that the Council, by motion, approve the 2025-2027 CAB

Work Plan and accept the 2025 CAB Annual Report.

Ana Horta, Community Engagement Manager, Andrea Rodriguez,

Community Advisory Board Chair, and Jude Frates, Community

Advisory Board, Vice Chair, presented.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Duane Dewitt spoke on Item 16.1.

Adina Flores spoke on Item 16.1.

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

Member MacDonald, to approve the 2025-2027 Community Advisory Board

work plan and accept the 20205 Community Advisory Board Annual

Report.

The motion carried by the following vote:

7 -

Yes:

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

16.2

REPORT - AMENDED FEE SCHEDULES FOR THE PARKING

DIVISION RATE ADJUSTMENTS CORRECTION (THIS ITEM WAS

PUBLISHED ON THE PRELIMINARY AGENDA AS A PUBLIC

HEARING AS ITEM 17.1 AND IS NOW BEING HEARD AS A

REPORT ITEM AS A PUBLIC HEARING IS NOT REQUIRED)

BACKGROUND: This action is intended to finalize the amendments to

the Parking District fee schedules recommended by the Finance

Department. It follows the Public Hearing held on November 4, 2025,

and the Study Session on September 9, 2025. The original Exhibits A

and B attached to Resolution No. RES-2025-180 contained clerical

errors, which this action now resolves.

RECOMMENDATION: The Finance Department recommends that the

Council, by resolution, approve the amended fee schedules for the

Parking District. These schedules, Exhibits A and B, apply to all

on-street and off-street parking and the amendments address clerical

errors related to the effective date of the rate adjustments as well as the

omission of the Premium Zone Lot fee. This item has no impact on

current fiscal year budget.

Chad Hedge, Parking Manager, presented.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Adina Flores spoke on Item 16.2.

Ana Diaz spoke on Item 16.2.

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

Member Rogers, to waive reading of the text and adopt a resolution as

presented by staff:

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-193 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA APPROVING THE AMENDED FEE

SCHEDULES FOR THE PARKING DIVISION RATE ADJUSTMENTS

The motion carried by the following vote:

7 -

Yes:

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

16.3

REPORT - WATER SUPPLY ASSESSMENT FOR THE WOODLANDS

AT CHANATE

BACKGROUND: The State of California, per SB 610, requires that

water suppliers provide a Water Supply Assessment (WSA) to planning

agencies for any proposed projects which are subject to CEQA and

would demand an amount of water equivalent to or greater than the

amount of water required by a 500-dwelling unit project. The proposed

Project, Woodlands at Chanate, is subject to CEQA and has an

increase of 660.5 residential dwelling units over the current Santa Rosa

General Plan.

RECOMMENDATION: Santa Rosa Water recommends that the

Council, by resolution, approve the Water Supply Assessment for the

Woodlands at Chanate. This item has no impact on current fiscal year

budget.

Claire Nordlie, Senior Water Resources Planner, presented.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Adina Flores spoke on Item 16.3.

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

Okrepkie, to waive reading of the text and adopt a resolution as presented

by staff:

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-194 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA ADOPTING THE WATER SUPPLY

ASSESSMENT FOR THE WOODLANDS AT CHANATE

The motion carried by the following vote:

7 -

Yes:

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

16.4

REPORT - CODE ADOPTION AND AMENDMENTS TO THE

CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

BACKGROUND: Every three years the State of California updates the

California Code of Regulations, Title 24 (CCR-T24) including its

thirteen-component building and safety codes (collectively, the

California Building Standards Code). Through the State code adoption

cycle, the State of California adopts and publishes amendments to

national model codes and updates codes specific to California. 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 Building Standards (CCR-T24)

was published on July 1, 2025 and will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Similarly, every three years the International Code Council updates the

International Property Maintenance Code with the most recent update

occurring in 2024. Adoption of the International Property Maintenance

Code is at the discretion of the local agency. In addition. The Health

and Safety Code allows local jurisdictions to change or modify the State

adopted model codes based on local geologic, climatic, or topographic

conditions. The Planning and Economic Development Department is

requesting adoption of the 2025 California Building Standards Code as

well as the updated 2024 International Property Maintenance Code,

with certain local amendments and administrative changes.

RECOMMENDATION: The Planning and Economic Development

Department recommends that the Council: 1) introduce an ordinance

adopting by reference, with local amendments, the 2025 California

Administrative Code, 2025 California Building Code, 2025 California

Residential Code, 2025 California Green Building Standards Code,

2025 California Electrical Code, 2025 California Mechanical Code, 2025

California Plumbing Code, 2025 California Energy Code, 2025

California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, 2025 California Historical

Building Code, 2025 California Existing Building Code, 2025 California

Referenced Standards Code, 2024 International Property Maintenance

Code, and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Permit and

Waste Discharge Requirements; 2) adopt a resolution setting a public

hearing on January 13, 2026, for adoption of the ordinances. This item

has no impact on current fiscal year budget. Ordinance entitled:

ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA

ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS, THE

2025 CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA

BUILDING CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, 2025

CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL

CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA

ENERGY CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE,

2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA

GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA

REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE, 2024 INTERNATIONAL

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA

WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE, AND THE NATIONAL

POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION PERMIT AND WASTE

DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS.

Jimmy Bliss, Chief Building Official, presented.

No public comments were made.

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

Member Rogers, to introduce on first reading as presented by staff:

ORDINANCE ENTITLED: ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

SANTA ROSA ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS,

THE 2025 CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA

BUILDING CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, 2025

CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE,

2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE,

2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA

EXISTING BUILDING CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING

STANDARDS CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS

CODE, 2024 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE, 2025

CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE, AND THE NATIONAL

POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION PERMIT AND WASTE

DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS

and adopt a resolution as presented by staff:

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-195 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA SETTING A TIME AND PLACE

FOR A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE PROPOSED ADOPTION, BY

REFERENCE, OF PORTIONS OF THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING

STANDARDS CODE (CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24)

AND THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE, EACH

WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS; THE RELATED REPEAL OF SELECTED

SECTIONS OF THE SANTA ROSA CITY CODE THAT ARE OBSOLETE OR

NO LONGER RELEVANT

The motion carried by the following vote:

7 -

Yes:

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

16.5

REPORT - RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

SANTA ROSA CENSURING COUNCIL MEMBER DIANNA

MACDONALD

BACKGROUND: The Code of Conduct for Council Members and Board

and Commission Members (“Code of Conduct”) requires that City

Council Members adhere to the highest standards of respect, Council

Policies, civility, and honesty in ensuring the effective maintenance of

intergovernmental relationships and treat others with respect to

maintain public confidence in City government. The City’s Harassment,

Discrimination, and Retaliation Prevention Policy (“Anti-Harassment

Policy”) is intended to prohibit and prevent discrimination, harassment,

and retaliation in the City’s workplace. The Anti-Harassment Policy sets

forth procedures for reporting, investigating, and resolving complaints of

discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in the workplace, and for

protecting City employees who make such complaints or participate in

workplace investigations. Among other things, the Anti-Harassment

Policy requires City managers and supervisors to model appropriate

behavior, take all steps necessary to prevent harassment,

discrimination, and retaliation from occurring, receive complaints in a

fair and serious manner, take appropriate action to stop potential policy

violations, implement appropriate disciplinary and remedial actions, and

participate in appropriate periodic training.

In June 2025, the City received allegations that Council Member Dianna

MacDonald engaged in allegedly negative and offensive behavior

towards City employees that appeared motivated by the Council

Member’s publicly-known, consensual romantic relationship with a

different City employee (“Consensual Relationship”). The City followed

procedures set forth in the Anti-Harassment Policy and referred the

matter to outside independent attorney investigator (“Investigator”) who

conducted a confidential, independent and objective workplace

investigation.

The Investigator concluded it was more likely than not that Council

Member MacDonald engaged in negative behavior towards City

employees because of her Consensual Relationship, made

unwelcomed remarks of a sexual nature about her Consensual

Relationship to City employees, and attempted to influence a City

operational decision based on her perception that it may benefit her

romantic partner. Based on those findings, the Investigator further

concluded that it was more likely than not that Council Member

MacDonald’s conduct violated the Anti-Harassment Policy.

RECOMMENDATION: Based on direction from City Council, the City

Attorney brings forward this item for City Council to consider whether, in

light of the findings of an independent attorney workplace investigator,

to adopt a resolution: 1) censuring (which means publicly admonishing)

Council Member MacDonald; 2) urging Council Member MacDonald to

re-commit to her obligations under the Code of Conduct and

Anti-Harassment Policy; 3) directing the City Manager to implement any

further reasonable and appropriate operational steps in response to the

Investigator’s findings; 4) directing the City Manager to bring forward for

Council’s consideration any recommended changes to the Code of

Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy; 5) directing the City Manager to

schedule a study session for Council to provide direction about a

possible new policy to address intimate relationships between Council

Members and City employees; and 6) directing the City Manager to

prepare and provide, by March 31, 2026, additional training for Council

Members related to the investigator’s findings. This item has no impact

on current fiscal year budget.

City Attorney Stricker, and Jenica Maldonado, special counsel,

reported on Resolution 1 and answered questions from Council.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON RESOLUTION 1:

Adina Flores spoke in opposition to the item.

Iris Harrell spoke in support of Council Member MacDonald and

Council Member MacDonald is a great city council member for

Oakmont constituents (comment description provided from speaker

card).

Ana Diaz spoke in support of Council Member MacDonald.

Janice Karrman spoke in support of the item.

A motion was made by Vice Mayor Okrepkie, seconded by Mayor Stapp, to

adopt Resolution 1 as presented by staff:

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-196 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA CENSURING COUNCIL MEMBER

DIANNA MACDONALD AND TAKING REMEDIAL ACTIONS BASED ON THE

FINDINGS OF AN INDEPENDENT WORKPLACE INVESTIGATOR

Council Member MacDonald provided a statement.

The motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member

Eddie Alvarez, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member

Victoria Fleming, and Council Member Natalie Rogers

1 - Council Member Dianna MacDonald

No:

City Attorney Stricker and Special Counsel Maldonado continued on

to a presentation on Resolution 2.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Janice Karrman spoke on Resolution 2.

Adina Flores spoke in support of a future study session related to

this item.

Iris Harrell spoke in support of bringing policy forward for clarity.

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

Rogers, to adopt Resolution 2 as presented by staff:

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-197 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA CENSURING COUNCIL MEMBER

DIANNA MACDONALD AND TAKING ADDITIONAL REMEDIAL ACTION

BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF AN INDEPENDENT WORKPLACE

INVESTIGATOR

The motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member

Eddie Alvarez, Council Member Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member

Victoria Fleming, and Council Member Natalie Rogers

1 - Council Member Dianna MacDonald

Recused:

17. PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE.

18. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - NONE.

19. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS

No public comments were made.