Attachments:

Late Correspondence (Uploaded 1-25-2022)

Late Correspondence (Uploaded 1-27-2022)

Jill Scott, Real Property Manager, Raissa De La Rosa, Deputy

Director - Economic Development, and Andrew Trippel, Senior

Planner, presented and answered questions from Council.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Natalie Balfour, Airport Business Center, spoke asking for an

explanation on what it means to replace public parking, how the

parcel was deemed to be under utilized, and expressed concerns

that a short-term disruption will have long-term negative impacts on

the community.

Calum Weeks, Generation Housing, spoke in support of the project,

and Generation Housing excited about the variety of projects being

developed in the Railroad Square area.

Natalie Cilurzo, Russian River Brewing, spoke in support of

removing Lot 10 from consideration, and for affordable housing in

the downtown area.

Madonna, Project Director at Disability Services and Legal Center,

spoke in support of affordable housing in downtown.

Duane De Witt spoke expressing concern property lists were not

made available to the public, the City tearing down housing for

projects that should be used for housing, and that the Sonoma

County Housing Advocacy Group is interested in helping with

affordable housing.

The time not yet being 4:00 p.m. to start the regular session, Mayor Rogers

recessed the meeting at 3:38 p.m. and reconvened at 4:00 p.m.

4. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ROLL CALL

6 -

Present:

Mayor Chris Rogers, Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez, Council Member

Victoria Fleming, Council Member Natalie Rogers, Council Member

John Sawyer, and Council Member Tom Schwedhelm

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

City Attorney Sue Gallagher reported Council met in closed session

on Item 2.1 Conference with Labor Negotiators, provided direction,

and no final action was taken.

6. PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS - NONE.

7. STAFF BRIEFINGS

7.1

COVID-19 RESPONSE UPDATE

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

except for possible direction to staff.

City Manager Maraskeshia Smith provided an update on the

Omicron variant cases surging in Sonoma County, reported large

gatherings continue to be restricted until February 11, 2022, per the

health order from the Sonoma County Health Officer, provided

information on getting boosters through the County at the Sonoma

County fairgrounds, and reported the federal government has

launched a website for the public to register to get four at-home

COVID tests free of charge.

This item was received and filed.

7.2

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT PLAN UPDATE

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

except for possible direction to staff.

Magali Telles, Deputy Director of Community Engagement, provided

an update on the Mary Lou Low Rider car being unveiled on March

26, reported on the Multi-Cultural Roots Project by thanking those

who participated in the project with telling their stories, and thanked

the Vistas who are recent Sonoma State graduates and community

organizations who are working on the project. Ms. Telles announced

the Community Advisory Board (CAB) meetings are open to the

public, the CAB will be making funding decisions on their

Community Improvement Grants at their January 26 meeting, and

provided an update on the Choice Cycle 11 grants.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Duane De Witt spoke expressing his concern the older community

who may not have access to Zoom to be engaged, and on having

access to Measure O funds.

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

City Manager Smith reported the City's north trunk sewer

replacement project achieved a major civil engineering milestone by

completing the installation of approximately 1,000 linear feet of 18

inch sewer pipeline using trenchless technology. City Manager

Smith thanked everyone who contributed to the completion of the

project.

8.1

CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE UPDATE

Staff will provide an update on the work of the Charter Review

Committee.

City Attorney Gallagher reported the Charter Review Committee has

been meeting to discuss the issues recommended by the Council

and introduced Charter Review Committee Chair Patti Cisco.

Chair Cisco provided an update on the work and discussions of the

Committee and discussions conducted by the Charter Review

Committee.

City Attorney Gallagher noted a calendar will be placed on the City's

website showing the progress of the Committee.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Duane De Witt spoke on the topic of a directly elected mayor being

put to the voters 26 years ago and losing at the ballot, expressed

concerns the Chamber of Commerce has the power on who

becomes the mayor, and for the Committee to ask the community

what they would like to see in the Charter review.

8.2

UPDATE ON COUNCIL VACANCY FOR DISTRICT 3

The City Attorney will provide an update on the vacancy appointment to

Council District 3.

City Attorney Gallagher reported that Council, at a special meeting

on December 21, 2021, approved going through an appointment

process to fill the District 3 vacancy with a term ending December

2022, after the November 8, 2022, election is certified by the

Registrar of Voters Office, and that District 3 will be placed on

November 8, 2022, ballot. City Attorney Gallagher reported six

applications were received, are available for the public to review on

the City's website, and interviews will be held on February 8, 2022,

at a public meeting that will be broadcast.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Anonymous spoke requesting any applicant who receives money

from the government be excluded from consideration.

9. STATEMENTS OF ABSTENTION BY COUNCIL MEMBERS

Vice Mayor Alvarez announced he will be abstaining from Item 12.3

due to his business in the industry.

Council Member Sawyer announced he will be abstaining from Item

11.3 due to not being in attendance at the meeting.

Mayor Rogers announced that he would be reordering the agenda to take Item

10 as the last item on tonight's agenda.

11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

No public comments were made.

11.1

November 16, 2021, Regular Meeting.

Draft Minutes

Attachments:

Approved as submitted.

11.2

11.3

November 30, 2021, Special Meeting.

Draft Minutes

Attachments:

Approved as submitted with Vice Mayor Alvarez abstaining.

November 30, 2021, Regular Meeting.

Draft Minutes

Attachments:

Approved as submitted with Council Member Sawyer abstaining.

12. CONSENT ITEMS

No public comments were made.

Approval of the Consent Agenda

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

Sawyer, to waive reading of the text and adopt Consent Items 12.1, 12.2,

and 12.4. The motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Mayor Rogers, Vice Mayor Alvarez, Council Member Fleming,

Council Member Rogers, Council Member Sawyer, and Council

Member Schwedhelm

12.1

RESOLUTION - ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF

COMPUTER AND SERVER EQUIPMENT FROM DELL MARKETING,

L.P.

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Information

Technology Department that the Council, by resolution, approve

additional funding for the purchase of Dell computer and server

equipment through the National Association of State Procurement

Officials (NASPO) cooperative purchase agreement under the

Minnesota WSCA-NASPO Master Agreement Award with Dell

Marketing, L.P. No. MNWNC-108 and California Participating

Addendum No. 7-15-70-34-003, in the amount of $451,358.79 through

the period ending as of the current termination date of the NASPO

Agreement and California Participating Addendum or as it may be

extended through July 31, 2022, for a total not to exceed amount of

$3,016,358.79.

Attachment 1 - Master Agreement

Attachments:

Attachment 2 - MA Amendments 1 2 and 3

Attachment 3 - California Participating Addendum

This Consent - Resolution was adopted.

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2022-011 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA APPROVING ADDITIONAL

FUNDING FOR THE CONTINUED USE OF THE WSCA/NASPO

COOPERATIVE PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND CALIFORNIA

PARTICIPATING ADDENDUM FOR THE PURCHASE OF COMPUTER

EQUIPMENT THROUGH DELL MARKETING, L.P. IN THE AMOUNT OF

$451,358.79 OVER A PERIOD ENDING JULY 30, 2022, FOR A TOTAL

AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $3,016,358.79

12.2

RESOLUTION - SANTA ROSA TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT

AREA ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENTS

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Planning and

Economic Development Department that the Council, by resolution: 1)

appoint the Program Specialist of the Economic Development Division

to the Santa Rosa Tourism Business Improvement Area (SRTBIA)

Advisory Board to serve as representative Chair; and 2) appoint the

Economic Development Division’s Arts and Culture Manager as an

alternate representative to the Board on behalf of the City.

Attachment 1 - Ordinance No. 3946

Attachments:

This Consent - Resolution was adopted.

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2022-012 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE

ADVISORY BOARD FOR THE SANTA ROSA TOURISM BUSINESS

IMPROVEMENT AREA

12.4

RESOLUTION - APPROVAL OF GRANT OF TEMPORARY

CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT TO PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC

COMPANY ON A PORTION OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED

AT 55 STONY POINT ROAD, APN 010-320-019 AND 2100 WEST

COLLEGE AVENUE, APN 010-320-030 FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF

BATTERY ELECTRIC BUS CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Transportation and

Public Works Department and Real Estate Services that Council, by

resolution: 1) approve a Grant of Temporary Construction Easement to

Pacific Gas and Electric Company on City owned property located at 55

Stony Point Road, APN 010-320-019 and 2100 West College Avenue,

APN 010-320-030 for the development of battery-electric bus charging

infrastructure in connection with the CityBus Electrical Vehicle Fleet

Electrification Project; and 2) authorize the Director of Transportation

and Public Works Department to execute the Grant of Temporary

Construction Easement and any additional and other documents

necessary to grant the temporary easement and access rights.

Attachments:

Exhibit A - Grant of Temporary Construction Easement and Exhibit

This Consent - Resolution was adopted.

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2022-013 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA APPROVING A GRANT OF

TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT TO PACIFIC GAS AND

ELECTRIC COMPANY ON A PORTION OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY

LOCATED AT 55 STONY POINT ROAD, APN 010-320-019 AND 2100 WEST

COLLEGE AVENUE, APN 010-320-030 FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF

BATTERY ELECTRIC BUS CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE AND

AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC

WORKS DEPARTMENT TO EXECUTE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS

12.3

RESOLUTION - AMENDMENT TO THE CITY CLASSIFICATION AND

SALARY PLAN TO ADD 2.0 FTE LIMITED TERM SENIOR PLANNERS

AND 1.0 FTE LIMITED TERM CITY PLANNER POSITIONS IN THE

PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT;

REALLOCATE LEAP GRANT FUNDS; ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE

STATE DEPARTMENT OF CANNABIS CONTROL LOCAL

JURISDICTION ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS; AND

APPROPRIATE PG&E SETTLEMENT FUNDS

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Planning and

Economic Development Department and Human Resources

Department that the Council, by two resolutions: 1) amend the City

Classification and Salary Plan to add 1.0 FTE Limited Term Senior

Planner for one year, 1.0 FTE Limited Term Senior Planner for 3.5

years, and 1.0 FTE Limited Term City Planner for two years; 2)

reallocate $500,000 in California Department of Housing and

Community Development Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) grant

funds from the Mendocino Avenue Specific Plan to the House Santa

Rosa project; 3) accept and appropriate $775,841 in State Department

of Cannabis Control Local Jurisdiction Assistance Grant Program funds;

and 4) appropriate $240,550 of the PG&E settlement funds.

Attachment 1 – Department of Cannabis Control Local Jurisdiction Assistance

Attachments:

Grant Agreement

Attachment 2 - Department of Cannabis Control Grant Agreement

Resolution 1 - LEAP and PGE Grant Funding

Resolution 2 - Cannabis Control Grant Funding

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

Member Sawyer, to waive reading of the text and adopt Consent Item 12.3.

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2022-014 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AMENDING THE CITY

CLASSIFICATION AND SALARY PLAN TO ADD 1.0 FTE LIMITED TERM

SENIOR PLANNER FOR ONE YEAR AND 1.0 FTE LIMITED TERM CITY

PLANNER FOR TWO YEARS IN THE PLANNING AND ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT; REALLOCATE THE $500,000 IN

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT LOCAL EARLY ACTION PLANNING GRANT FUNDS FROM

THE MENDOCINO AVENUE SPECIFIC PLAN TO THE HOUSE SANTA ROSA

PROJECT; AND APPROPRIATE PG&E SETTLEMENT FUNDS IN THE

AMOUNT OF $240,550

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2022-015 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA ACCEPTING AND

APPROPRIATING $775,841 IN STATE DEPARTMENT OF CANNABIS

CONTROL LOCAL JURISDICTION ASSISTANCE GRANT FUNDS AND

AMENDING THE CITY CLASSIFICATION AND SALARY PLAN TO ADD 1.0

FTE LIMITED TERM SENIOR PLANNER FOR THREE AND A HALF YEARS

IN THE PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

The motion carried by the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Rogers, Council Member Fleming, Council Member Rogers,

Council Member Sawyer, and Council Member Schwedhelm

1 - Vice Mayor Alvarez

Abstain:

14. REPORT ITEMS

14.1

REPORT - 2022 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM

BACKGROUND: The 2022 federal legislative session is now underway.

To be best positioned to respond to what is anticipated to be a very

active year, City staff have identified federal legislative priorities in a

proposed 2022 federal legislative platform for consideration by the City

Council. Defined priorities, approved by the City Council, will help

communicate the City’s federal legislative and project priorities to the

California Federal Delegation, Congress, regional and federal agencies.

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Communications &

Intergovernmental Relations Office that the Council, by resolution, adopt

the City’s 2022 Federal Legislative Platform.

Attachments:

Exhibit A - 2022 Federal Legislative Platform

FINAL Exhibit A - 2022 City of Santa Rosa Federal Legislative Platform (Uploaded

1-27-2022)

Revised Presentation (Uploaded 1-25-2022)

Late Correspondence (Uploaded 1-27-2022)

Scott Alonso, Intergovernmental Relations & Legislative Affairs

Officer, and Kyriakos Pagonis and John O'Donnell from MMO

Partners presented and answered questions from Council.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Duane De Witt spoke suggesting Council look into extended stay

suites and seeking federal funding to provide public housing.

Johanna spoke expressing water and drought issues be addressed

more directly and suggested water collection systems be installed at

each residence.

Madonna spoke thanking the Mayor for highlighting the mental health

issues experienced by first responders, and supports looking into

the extended stay housing program for public housing.

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

Member Rogers, to waive reading of the text and adopt

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2022-016 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA ADOPTING THE 2022 CITY OF

SANTA ROSA FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM

The motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Mayor Rogers, Vice Mayor Alvarez, Council Member Fleming,

Council Member Rogers, Council Member Sawyer, and Council

Member Schwedhelm

13. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS

Duane DeWitt spoke expressing his concern on environmental

injustices and social inequities to the Roseland community.

Michael Hilber spoke expressing his concern on drug use and sales

in the Roseland area.

15. PUBLIC HEARINGS

15.1

PUBLIC HEARING - ADOPTION OF MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT

FOR DUTCH FLOHR NEIGHBORHOOD PARK

BACKGROUND: Dutch Flohr Neighborhood Park is 2.38-acre property

located at 1160 Exeter Drive in Northwest Santa Rosa, immediately

adjacent to Albert F. Biella Elementary School. Amenities include adult

fitness area, picnic areas, lawn with established ornamental trees, trash

cans, drinking fountain, paths, and two play areas for ages 2-5 & 5-12.

The current play areas for preschoolers (age 2-5 years) and school age

children (age 5-12 years) have equipment from 1989 when the Park

was dedicated to the City. The two play areas are located at a distance

too great to allow for supervision of children in both areas at the same

time and need replacement and relocation. Additionally, associated

pathways, benches and fitness equipment need to be updated to

current standards.

On October 27, 2020 Council approved an Agreement Number

F002247 with Plural, San Francisco, CA to provide landscape

architectural and engineering services for Dutch Flohr Neighborhood

Park Master Plan Amendment.

On February 18, 2021 City staff, in conjunction with design consultant,

Plural, conducted the first in a series of virtual meetings with the

neighbors from the Dutch Flohr Park area. Two additional virtual

meetings were held on May 27, 2021 and August 19, 2021. At each new

meeting, the previous comments collected were analyzed and

presented in support of the updated draft Master Plan Amendment.

Design consultant, Plural, assisted City staff with a detailed review of

the master planning process, and summaries of all input received

cumulatively in support of the Master Plan Amendment at the October

27, 2021 BOCS meeting. The BOCS recommended approval of the

Dutch Flohr Master Plan Amendment to Council.

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Transportation and

Public Works Department that the Council conduct a public hearing,

and thereafter by resolution, adopt the Master Plan Amendment for

Dutch Flohr Neighborhood Park to include ADA compatible paths, picnic

areas, children’s play areas for ages 2-5 and 5-12, table tennis, chess,

corn hole, fitness stations, monument sign, and multi-use turf area.

Attachments:

Exhibit A - Master Plan Amendment

Late Correspondence (Uploaded 1-25-2022)

Tim Bernard, Assistant Park Planner, Jen Santos, Deputy Director -

Parks, Haley Waterson, Design Consultant from Plural, presented

and answered questions from Council.

Mayor Rogers opened the public hearing at 6:08 p.m.

Bruce Diktor spoke on recently becoming aware of the project and

on the importance of planting vegetation that is drought tolerant and

can support a wide range of wildlife.

Elizabeth spoke asking Council to consider putting a bathroom in the

park.

Jeanelle spoke asking for a grill and horseshoe pits be added to the

park.

Lennie Moore spoke on the this project being a great example of

community engagement, and supports the planting of native drought

resistant vegetation.

Mayor Rogers closed the public hearing at 6:14 p.m.

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

Member Sawyer, to waive reading of the text and adopt

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2022-017 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA ADOPTING A MASTER PLAN

AMENDMENT FOR DUTCH FLOHR NEIGHBORHOOD PARK TO INCLUDE

ADA COMPLIANT PATHS, PICNIC AREAS, CHILDRENS PLAY AREAS FOR

AGES 2-5 AND 5-12, TABLE TENNIS, CHESS, CORN HOLE, FITNESS

STATIONS, MONUMENT SIGN AND MULTI-USE TURF AREA

The motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Mayor Rogers, Vice Mayor Alvarez, Council Member Fleming,

Council Member Rogers, Council Member Sawyer, and Council

Member Schwedhelm

15.2

PUBLIC HEARING - REDISTRICTING OF CITY COUNCIL DISTRICTS

(FAIR MAPS ACT) - SECOND OF FOUR PUBLIC HEARINGS

BACKGROUND: On December 7, 2021, the Council held its first of four

public hearings in the process for the decennial review of City Council

Member district boundaries. Cities with district-based elections are

required to update (“redistrict”) the district boundaries every ten years,

following the receipt of updated population data from each federal

decennial census. Santa Rosa is required to redistrict the Council

district boundaries prior to the next City Council election in 2022.

The Fair and Inclusive Redistricting for Municipalities and Political

Subdivisions (FAIR MAPS) Act requires cities and counties to engage

communities in the redistricting process. The process must include at

least four public hearings, one of which may be conducted as a

community workshop. This will be the second of those four public

forums.

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the City Attorney and City

Clerk that the Council hold a public hearing to receive input from the

community regarding the composition of voting districts for the

district-based election of Council Members, in accordance with

Elections Code section 21627.1.

Attachment 1 - Timeline for Redistricting Process

Attachments:

Attachment 2 - Draft Map A

Attachment 3 - Draft Map A Existing Lines

Attachment 4 - Draft Map B

Attachment 5 - Draft Map B Existing District Lines

Attachment 6 - Draft Map C

Attachment 7 - Draft Map C Existing District Lines

City Clerk Stephanie Williams introduced Sophia Garcia from

Redistricting Partners, who presented and provided a demonstration

on the DistrictR mapping tool.

Mayor Rogers opened the public hearing 6:54 p.m.

Duane De Witt spoke on being disappointed when District 1 was

split by Hwy. 101, and asked Council to look at districts from a

geographic perspective as well as population perspective when

drawing maps.

Michael Hilber spoke in support for Map B, and expressed the South

Park area deserves the best representation.

Brian Ling, District 4 resident, encouraged Council to support Map A

noting it will have minimal disruptions to the downtown core, and

reported the Charter Review Committee discussed giving district

election cycles a chance before making any big changes to districts.

Mayor Rogers closed the public hearing at 7:04 p.m.

This item was received and filed.

Mayor Rogers recessed the meeting at 7:22 p.m. and reconvened at 8:00 p.m.

14.2

REPORT - CITYBUS TEMPORARY TRANSIT SERVICE

MODIFICATION TO ADDRESS STAFFING SHORTAGE

BACKGROUND: As the COVID-19 pandemic has continued, the City

has been unsuccessful in recruiting enough new bus drivers to replace

retiring drivers, inhibiting CityBus’ ability to restore service to the

desired pre-pandemic levels. CityBus has experienced a net reduction

in bus operators which threatens to impact service reliability on a near

daily basis. To ensure consistent, reliable service for the public, the

Transit Division proposes a minor temporary service reduction to be in

effect until enough new drivers are recruited and trained to sustain

higher service levels.

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Transportation and

Public Works Department that the Council, by resolution, approve a

temporary minor reduction of weekday frequency on Santa Rosa

CityBus Route 1 to ensure service reliability during the current staffing

shortage.

Attachments:

Revised Presentation (Uploaded 1-25-2022)

Rachel Ede, Deputy Director - Transit, presented and answered

questions from Council.

No public comments were made.

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

Member Fleming, to waive reading of the text and adopt

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2022-018 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA APPROVING A TEMPORARY

REDUCTION OF CITYBUS SERVICE DUE TO A STAFFING SHORTAGE

The motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Mayor Rogers, Vice Mayor Alvarez, Council Member Fleming,

Council Member Rogers, Council Member Sawyer, and Council

Member Schwedhelm

14.3

REPORT - ROSELAND CREEK COMMUNITY PARK MASTER PLAN:

RESCISSION OF MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND

PROJECT APPROVALS AND DIRECTION FOR PREPARATION OF

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

BACKGROUND: The Roseland Creek Community Park is

approximately 20 acres in size, located in southwest Santa Rosa on

McMinn and Burbank Avenues, across Burbank Avenue from Roseland

Creek Elementary School. The property is bisected by Roseland Creek

in its southern portion and will be an important natural and recreational

resource for the surrounding community.

Over the course of many years, Recreation and Park staff have worked

with the Roseland community to develop a Master Plan for the

Community Park. Well over 20 public meetings and listening sessions

were held over more than twelve years. Developed with tremendous

community input, the final Park Master Plan leaves more than 80% of

the land in a natural open state. Traditional park amenities will primarily

be centered in the southern parts of the Park and will include picnic

tables, playground, sport court area, restrooms, lawn and community

garden/outdoor classroom and nature center. A multipurpose trail will

serve pedestrians and bicycles and a pathway will loop the entire Park

with interpretive signage in at least three languages.

On September 28, 2021, after two public hearings, the Council adopted

a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Roseland Creek Community

Park in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act

(CEQA) and approved the Park Master Plan. Development of the

Community Park was slated to begin this coming summer, 2022.

On October 28, 2021, Roseland Action and Duane DeWitt filed a CEQA

lawsuit against the City, challenging the City’s adoption of the Mitigated

Negative Declaration and approval of the Park Master Plan. The lawsuit

seeks to compel the City to rescind the Mitigated Negative Declaration

and the Park project approvals and to instead prepare an

Environmental Impact report (EIR) for the Roseland Creek Community

Park Master Plan.

After review of the lawsuit, the City remains confident that a court would

uphold the previously adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration and all

Park project approvals. City Staff, however, has determined that

engaging in the litigation could delay development of the Community

Park for up to three years and would likely cost the City over $150,000

to defend its project approvals. On the other hand, although not legally

required, preparing an EIR could be completed within approximately

seven months at an estimated cost of approximately $100,000. The

City’s primary focus is on delivering the Community Park to Roseland

residents and it remains committed to realizing the vision that resulted

from over a decade of community input.

Roseland Action and Duane DeWitt have placed the City in the

unenviable position of choosing to spend its limited resources either on

legal fees to defend its valid CEQA document and Park approvals or on

an additional layer of environmental review that is not legally required.

From a simple perspective of time and money, the City believes that it

would better serve the Roseland community by allocating its resources

toward preparing an EIR and delivering a Park to the City’s residents as

expeditiously as possible rather than toward engaging in baseless

litigation.

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the City Attorney’s Office

and the Transportation and Public Works Department, Parks Division,

that in order to avoid the significant expense and delays associated with

engaging in litigation filed against the City by Roseland Action and

Duane DeWitt challenging the Council’s prior approval of the Roseland

Creek Community Park Master Plan, the Council, by resolution: 1)

rescind Resolution No. RES-2021-162 which adopted the Mitigated

Negative Declaration for the Roseland Creek Community Park Master

Plan; and 2) direct staff to prepare an Environmental Impact Report

(EIR) for the Roseland Creek Community Park Master Plan as currently

drafted.

Attachments:

Exhibit A - Roseland Creek Master Plan

Exhibit B - Roseland Creek Community Park Initial Study (November 2019)

Presentation (Uploaded 1-25-2022)

Late Correspondence (Uploaded 1-25-2022)

Jen Santos, Deputy Director - Parks, presented and answered

questions from Council.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Lennie spoke in support of Roseland Action's effort to have the City

rescind the Mitigated Negative Declaration and to have an

environmental impact report prepared for the project.

Madonna spoke in support of moving forward to open the park.

Susan Kirks, President of Madrone Audubon Society, spoke in

support of having an environmental impact report prepared for the

project, and asked the City to identify lands that are appropriate for a

variety of public access and recreational activities, and asked this

property be a nature preserve.

Johanna spoke in support of preserving the property as a nature

preserve.

Duane De Witt spoke in support of having an environmental impact

report prepared for the project.

Ryan submitted comment in support of having an environmental

impact report prepared for the project and for keeping the park in a

natural state without paved parking.

Rick submitted comment in opposition to the proposed parking for

the property.

Mary submitted comment in opposition to the proposed parking for

the property, and for leaving the property as natural as possible.

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

Member Schwedhelm, to waive reading of the text and adopt

RESOLUTION NO. RES-2022-019 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO.

RES-2021-162 WHICH ADOPTED THE MITIGATED NEGATIVE

DECLARATION FOR THE ROSELAND CREEK COMMUNITY PARK

MASTER PLAN AND THE ROSELAND CREEK COMMUNITY PARK

MASTER PLAN AND DIRECTING STAFF TO PREPARE AN

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE ROSELAND CREEK

COMMUNITY PARK MASTER PLAN

The motion carried by the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

Vice Mayor Alvarez, Council Member Fleming, Council Member

Rogers, Council Member Sawyer, and Council Member Schwedhelm

1 - Mayor Rogers

No:

17. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS

No public comments were made.

10. MAYOR'S/COUNCIL MEMBERS’ REPORTS

Council Member Fleming made comments of praise and recognition

to the Public Works team who worked on the installation of the

sewer trunk line.

Council Member Schwedhelm attended a virtual Santa Rosa Rotary

Lee Abramson Public Safety Award Program and congratulated

Santa Rosa Fire Department Honoree Tim Aboudara and Santa

Rosa Police Department Honoree Jason Jucutan, and noted

Sonoma County Sheriff Lieutenant Andy Cache was also

recognized.

Mayor Rogers announced his 2022 appointments to various Council

Subcommittees, Ad Hoc Committees, and Council liaison regional

positions.

A motion was made by Council Member Schwedhelm, seconded by

Council Member Fleming, approving Mayor Rogers appointments to

various Council Subcommittees, Ad Hoc Committees, and Council liaison

regional positions. The motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Mayor Rogers, Vice Mayor Alvarez, Council Member Fleming,

Council Member Rogers, Council Member Sawyer, and Council

Member Schwedhelm

10.1 MAYOR'S/COUNCIL MEMBERS' SUBCOMMITTEE AND LIAISON

REPORTS (AND POSSIBLE COUNCIL DIRECTION TO BOARD

REPRESENTATIVE ON PENDING ISSUES, IF NEEDED)

10.1.1 Council Subcommittee Reports

10.1.2 Sonoma County Transportation Authority/Regional Climate

Protection Authority (SCTA/RCPA)

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

10.1.4 Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)

10.1.5 Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District

Advisory Committee

10.1.6 Sonoma Clean Power Authority (SCPA)

10.1.7 Zero Waste Sonoma (formerly known as Sonoma County Waste

Management Agency (SCWMA))

Council Member Sawyer provided a brief report.

10.1.8 Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA)

10.1.9 Home Sonoma County (HSC)

10.1.10 Renewal Enterprise District (RED)

10.1.11 Public Safety Subcommittee

10.1.12 Other

10.2 BOARD, COMMISSION & COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

10.2.1

MOTION - APPOINTMENTS TO THE WATERWAYS ADVISORY

COMMITTEE

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Mayor and City

Clerk’s Office that the Council, by motion, re-appoint Mark Neely,

Kevin Sea, Steve Rabinowitsh, and Art Deicke (all incumbents) to fill

the (4) At-large vacancies due to expired terms for the Waterways

Advisory Committee. No other applications were received other than

the four incumbents.

Attachment 1 - Notice of Application Availability.pdf

Attachments:

Attachment 2 - Council Policy 000-06

Attachment 3 - WAC Composition Resolution