City Hall, Council Chamber

100 Santa Rosa Avenue

Santa Rosa, CA 95404

City of Santa Rosa

City Council

Regular Meeting Minutes - Draft

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

1:30 PM

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

Mayor Stapp called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.

5 -

Present:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez, Council Member

Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, and Council

Member Jeff Okrepkie

2 -

Absent:

Council Member Dianna MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie

Rogers

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

1:32 p.m. to discuss Item 3.1 as listed on the agenda.

3.1

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION

(Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9)

Stillwater Insurance Company v. City of Santa Rosa

Sonoma County Superior Court Case No. 25CV01641

This item was received and filed.

Mayor Stapp adjourned closed session at approximately 1:40 p.m. and

reconvened to the study sessions at approximately 2:00 p.m.

4. STUDY SESSION

5 -

2 -

Present:

Absent:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez, Council Member

Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, and Council

Member Jeff Okrepkie

Council Member Dianna MacDonald, and Council Member Natalie

Rogers

4.1

STUDY SESSION FOR TEMPORARILY CLOSING PORTIONS OF

FOURTH STREET

This study session is to provide the City Council with an overview of the

opportunities and challenges associated with street closures and

pedestrianization, and to present the findings and alternatives identified

through staff’s due diligence.

Gabe Osburn, Director - Planning and Economic Development, and

Scott Adair, Deputy Director - Economic Development, presented

and answered questions from Council.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Cadance Hinkle Allinson, Downtown Action Organization (DAO),

expressed desire to be an active partner in the pedestrianization of

Fourth Street, and identified four elements to successful

implementation: ensure majority of businesses support the concept,

identify needed infrastructure improvements, develop enhanced

programing, and understand the circulation impacts.

Bernie Schwartz, California Luggage, spoke in opposition to the

closure of Fourth Street, and expressed concerns related to

business impacts, night-time safety, and access for the senior

community and others with mobility challenges.

Adrian Covert, Santa Rosa YIMBY, spoke in support of the

pedestrianization of Fourth Street, and emphasized the need for

programing and infrastructure improvements.

Council gave direction to staff.

Council Member Rogers joined the meeting at 3:04 p.m.

6 -

Present:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez, Council Member

Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council

Member Jeff Okrepkie, and Council Member Natalie Rogers

1 - Council Member Dianna MacDonald

Absent:

4.2

DOWNTOWN SANTA ROSA PARKING AND RATE ADJUSTMENTS

The purpose of this Study Session is to provide a summary of proposed

parking rate adjustments and an overview of the study conducted by

Sam Schwartz/TYLin for a technical assistance grant awarded to the

City of Santa Rosa by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

The purpose of the study was to provide information and

recommendations on comprehensive parking strategies and the critical

need to adjust parking rates.

Chad Hedge, Parking Manager, Tania Cordova, Administrative

Analyst, and David Roachford, Consultant - TyLin, presented and

answered questions from Council.

Council Member MacDonald joined the meeting at 3:21 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Cadance Hinkle Allinson, DAO, spoke in support of the staff

recommendations.

Peter spoke in opposition to the staff recommendations, making

money from parking and other topics.

Amanda Janik, Director - Railroad Square District Association,

spoke in support of the staff recommendations.

Janice Karrman spoke on Calistoga Road parking issues.

Council provided direction to staff.

7 -

Present:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez, Council Member

Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council

Member Dianna MacDonald, Council Member Jeff Okrepkie, and

Council Member Natalie Rogers

4.3

CITY COUNCIL VOTING PROCESS FOR CERTAIN APPOINTED

POSITIONS

The City Attorney recommends that the Council hold a Study Session to

provide Council an opportunity to review the voting processes City

Council uses to appoint (1) applicants to vacant Council Member seats,

(2) members of boards, commissions and committees appointed by the

full Council, and (3) Mayor and Vice Mayor. This item is provided for

Council’s information and no action will be taken, but the Council may

discuss and provide direction to staff. This item has no impact on

current fiscal year budget.

Teresa Stricker, City Attorney, presented and answered questions

from Council.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Janice Karrman spoke on the item with a question related to future

Council elections.

Peter spoke on the item.

Council provided direction to staff.

4:00 P.M.

5. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ROLL CALL (IF NEEDED)

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

City Attorney Stricker reported that there was no reportable action

from closed session.

7. PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

7.1

PROCLAMATION - CREEK WEEK 2025

Council Member Rogers read and presented the proclamation to

Kyle Spongberg, Environmental Specialist.

Kyle Spongberg, spoke on upcoming Creek Week events.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Jack Cabot spoke on community efforts on cleaning up the creek

along Prince Memorial Greenway.

Steve Rabinowitsh spoke in support of the item and on the

importance of creeks in the community and the value of celebrating

Creek Week.

Bill Montgomery spoke in support of the item, about Prince Memorial

Greenway and the use of native plants along the greenway.

Robert Ashe spoke in support of the celebration of Creek Week.

Carole Quandt spoke in support of the celebration of Creek Week,

the efforts of volunteers along Prince Memorial Greenway and

additional support for the volunteers.

Victoria Yanez, Homeless Action!, spoke on those sleeping along

the waterways and providing relocation options.

Peter spoke in support of the volunteer efforts for creek cleanup

and safety.

Mayor Stapp moved to Item 14 on the agenda.

14. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS

Peter Alexander spoke on human trafficking.

Elizabeth Neylon spoke on living in the United States, opposing the

war machine, and Donald Trump.

Sandy spoke on the picture of democracy in action in the Council

Chamber.

Victoria Yanez requested that the City of Santa Rosa show

compassion for those who have no place to live.

Mayor Stapp moved to Item 8.2 on the agenda.

8. STAFF BRIEFINGS

8.2

VIOLENCE PREVENTION PARTNERSHIP STREET OUTREACH AND

CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM UPDATE

Staff will provide an update on the Street Outreach and Crisis

Response Team, implemented by New Hope for Youth. No action will

be taken except for possible direction to staff.

Danielle Ronshausen, Violence Prevention Program Manager,

presented and answered questions from Council.

No public comments were made.

8.1

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT PLAN UPDATE

This is a standing item on the agenda. No action will be taken except for

possible direction to staff.

Ana Horta, Community Engagement Manager, presented.

No public comments were made.

Mayor Stapp moved to Item 9 on the agenda.

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

Jason Nutt, Assistant City Manager, reported that the Recology

Reuse Bazaar will be held on September 27, 2025 at the Sonoma

County Fair Grounds.

City Manager Stricker had no report.

No public comments were made.

10. STATEMENTS OF ABSTENTION/RECUSAL BY COUNCIL MEMBERS

There were no statements of abstention/recusal.

11. MAYOR'S/COUNCIL MEMBERS’ REPORTS

Council Member Rogers provided a brief report on recent meetings

and events attended.

Vice Mayor Alvarez provided a brief report regarding a recent bike

ride in District 1 with Dan Hennessey, Director - Transportation and

Public Works.

Council Member Bañuelos acknowledged the volunteer efforts of

the Friends of Prince Memorial Greenway in our community.

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))

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 DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATE/ALTERNATE TO LEAGUE OF

CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE

11.2.1

LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES 2025 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

VOTING DELEGATE

In order to vote at the Annual Business Meeting at the League of

California Cities 2025 Annual Conference, each member City must

designate a voting delegate and up to two alternate delegates. This

year’s conference will be held in Long Beach from Wednesday,

October 8 through Friday, October 10. The delegates must be

designated by the City Council, and the voting delegate and

alternates must be registered to attend the conference.

No public comments were made.

A motion was made by Council Member MacDonald, seconded by

Council Member Okrepkie, to designate Mayor Stapp as voting delegate

and Vice Mayor Alvarez and Council Member Rogers as the two

alternate delegates. The motion carried by the following vote:

7 -

Yes:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez, Council Member

Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council

Member Dianna MacDonald, Council Member Jeff Okrepkie, and

Council Member Natalie Rogers

12. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

12.1

August 19, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes.

Approved as submitted.

13. CONSENT ITEMS

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Janice spoke on Item 13.1 and requested a crosswalk beyond

intersection of Calistoga Road and Highway 12.

Approval of the Consent Agenda

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

Rogers, to waive reading of the text and adopt Consent Items 13.1 through

13.3. The motion carried by the following vote:

7 -

Yes:

Mayor Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez, Council Member

Caroline Bañuelos, Council Member Victoria Fleming, Council

Member Dianna MacDonald, Council Member Jeff Okrepkie, and

Council Member Natalie Rogers

13.1

MOTION - CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION

CONTRACT AWARD - CALISTOGA ROAD RECONSTRUCTION -

MONTECITO BOULEVARD TO HWY 12

RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works

Department recommends that the Council, by motion, approve Project

Work Order Number A010139-2016-37 to provide Construction

Management and Inspection services with Coastland Civil Engineering,

Santa Rosa, California, in an amount not to exceed $1,339,723,

inclusive of a 10% contract contingency. This item has no impact on

current fiscal year budget.

This Consent - Motion was approved.

13.2

RESOLUTION - FOUNTAINGROVE PARKWAY EXTENSION

ASSESSMENT DISTRICT CLOSEOUT

RECOMMENDATION: The Finance Department recommends that the

Council, by resolution: 1) recognize that the Fountaingrove Parkway

Assessment District’s purpose has been accomplished; 2) declare no

remaining balance in the Redemption Fund of the District; 3) approve

the Closeout Analysis Report; and 4) dissolve the Fountaingrove

Parkway Assessment District. This item has no fiscal impact to the City.

This Consent - Resolution was adopted.

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2025-155 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA DECLARING THE REMAINING

REDEMPTION FUND BALANCE TO BE SURPLUS, ORDERING THE

DISPOSITION OF SUCH SURPLUS, AND APPROVING THE CLOSEOUT

ANALYSIS REPORT PREPARED BY NBS FOR THE FOUNTAINGROVE

PARKWAY EXTENSION ASSESSMENT DISTRICT

13.3

ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION - ZONING CODE TEXT AMENDMENT

- CLERICAL EDIT TO ORDINANCE

RECOMMENDATION: The Planning and Economic Development

Department recommends that the Council introduce an ordinance to

correct a clerical error to Section 8 of Ordinance No. ORD-2025-001,

which was previously adopted by Council on January 28, 2025, to

accurately cite an amendment to Zoning Code Section 21-31.040(C).

This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.

This Consent - Ordinance was introduced on first reading,

ORDINANCE ENTITLED: ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

SANTA ROSA CORRECTING A CLERICAL ERROR IN ORDINANCE

ORD-2025-001

15. REPORT ITEMS - NONE.

16. PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE.

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 6:37 p.m. The next regularly

scheduled meeting will be held on September 30, 2025, at a time to

be set by the Mayor.

21. UPCOMING MEETINGS

21.1

UPCOMING MEETINGS LIST

Approved on:

_______________________________

Dina Manis

City Clerk