Name: Santa Rosa City Council meeting, Oct 13, 2026
Start: 2026-10-13
End: 2026-10-13
Location: City of Santa Rosa

City Council

Tue, October 13, 2026

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF Watch Video

Agenda items

Vote records

Discussion summary

Transcript

Meeting summaryAI-generated

City Council — October 13, 2026

This was a lengthy regular City Council meeting covering topics ranging from a municipal bonds training session to a contested drive-thru appeal, with significant public participation on surveillance camera policy. All seven councilmembers were present.

Item 4.1 — Municipal Bonds and Disclosure: Study Session

Chief Financial Officer Scott Wagner, bond counsel Chris Lynch of Jones Hall, and financial advisor Craig Hill presented a required training session on municipal bond issuance and the city's disclosure obligations under federal securities law.

The session covered two main areas. First, a primer on public finance: the city has not issued general obligation debt in 13 years and no wastewater bonds in six years. The city is preparing to issue approximately $35 million in wastewater revenue bonds in the near term to fund capital improvements at the wastewater treatment plant. These bonds are secured solely by revenues from the Wastewater Enterprise Fund — not the general fund — so ratepayers, not taxpayers broadly, back the obligation. Staff also discussed the city's broader consideration of a long-term debt strategy to address deferred infrastructure maintenance, including streets, facilities, and a future City Hall replacement.

Second, Jones Hall attorney Chris Lynch walked councilmembers through their legal obligations under federal securities law (SEC Rule 10b-5 and Rule 15c2-12). Elected officials who approve bond offering documents must take "reasonable steps" to ensure all material facts — including risks to repayment — are disclosed to investors. The Orange County (1994) and San Diego (2007) enforcement actions were cited as cautionary examples. The city's 2017 Debt Management and Disclosure Policy designates the CFO as disclosure coordinator and requires council training before any bond approval, which this session fulfilled.

Council questions focused on why the city had delayed debt issuance, current borrowing costs (approximately 4%, below the 30-year municipal average), the city's recent Moody's credit upgrade (which eliminates the need for bond insurance on the upcoming issuance, saving an estimated $100,000–$200,000 in transaction costs), and the three-year IRS spend-down requirement for tax-exempt bonds.

One member of the public, Dwayne DeWitt, asked whether commission and board members could receive similar training.

Vote: No action taken; study session only.

Item 7.1 — Proclamation: Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Councilmember Bañuelos read a proclamation declaring October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Santa Rosa. YWCA Sonoma County CEO Madeleine Keegan O'Connell accepted, noting the organization's 50th anniversary and reporting over 3,000 crisis hotline calls last year. She noted 80% of clients are female, more than 50% identify as Hispanic/Latinx, and domestic violence-related homicides are rising locally and nationally. Santa Rosa Police Chief John Cregan noted the department averages 724 domestic violence incidents reported per year — and acknowledged the true number is higher. SRPD's domestic violence/sexual assault team was unable to attend because they were on an active callout.

Vote: Proclamation presented; no formal vote required.

Item 7.2 — Recology Sonoma Marin 2026 Update

General Manager Andy Fulton and Community Relations/Sustainability Manager Ilara Ferber presented Recology's annual update. Key highlights:

Recology serves approximately 51,000 Santa Rosa customers. The company has implemented synchronized pre-trip vehicle inspections ("synchronized swim"), expanded AI-based driver safety cameras, and added service verification cameras. New routes were added for recycling and composting due to increased participation. A new bike-lane sweeper was recently delivered and will be deployed for protected bike lanes around the start of 2027.

Community programs highlighted included a Reuse Bazaar (41,000 pounds of materials diverted, 84% landfill diversion rate at the September 2026 event), a Children's Museum interactive recycling exhibit, a "TRASH Art" student program, reusable cup pilot at the Railroad Music Festival, and tours of the Standish Avenue materials recovery facility for 1,700 people over two years. Santa Rosa's overall landfill tonnage has dropped 10% since 2019 (from ~90,000 to ~81,000 tons annually).

Public commenters raised concerns about fines for overfilled carts potentially caused by others dumping without permission, and suggested textile recycling and bringing recycling drop-off closer to Roseland.

Vote: Presentation only; no action taken.

Item 8.1 — Economic Development Strategic Plan Update and Economic Outlook Presentation

Deputy Director Scott Adair reported on 18 months of economic development activity, listing completed initiatives including an updated retail/grocery gap analysis, target industries report, broker forums, downtown housing infill study, quarterly economic reports, a new business one-stop shop portal, the Ross Street pedestrian pilot, courthouse square play equipment, and more than 40 community events supported. Upcoming priorities include a tourism strategic plan, sports tourism exploration, and expanded incentive programs.

Dr. Robert Eyler of Sonoma State University then presented on the state of the economy. Key points:

National forecasters project ~3.3% inflation through year-end 2026, gradually declining — the primary economic headwind. Recession probability is estimated at 15–20%, elevated from 10% at the start of the year, but no recession is currently the base forecast.

Santa Rosa's labor force is showing a slight decline alongside falling unemployment — a "weird off-cycle phenomenon" also seen statewide, possibly linked to immigration policy, outmigration, or accelerated retirements. The cause won't be clear for 18 months.

Taxable sales in Santa Rosa are essentially flat year-over-year. Hotel occupancy sits around 62%, below the pre-pandemic ~70% benchmark.

Housing prices in the region are forecast to remain flat; construction costs remain elevated and are not expected to decline.

Key growth industries through 2030: healthcare, hospitality, government, and construction. Agriculture and manufacturing are forecast to decline.

Three local watch items: lower-to-middle-income household cost pressures, commercial housing developer cost pressures, and competition for tourist foot traffic.

Council questions focused on the economic impact of infrastructure investment (signals business commitment), what can be done to support struggling small businesses (direct engagement, identifying policy solutions), the cannabis industry's effect on wine country employment (modest in Sonoma County, more severe in Mendocino and Humboldt), and recession warning signs (watch debt markets and adjustable-rate loan resets).

Public comment included calls to look beyond downtown to Roseland's business corridor, opposition to a proposed sales tax increase, and a presentation on economic equity (37% of Santa Rosa residents qualify as disadvantaged communities).

Vote: No action taken; direction to staff to continue dashboard development and strategic planning.

Item 8.2 — Community Empowerment Plan Update

Community Engagement Manager Horton provided the October update. Highlights included a partnership signing between Decisio Central and the NAACP Sonoma County Branch, a municipal election information meeting on October 14, e-bike safety community meetings at Piner High School (October 15) and Maria Carrillo High School (October 22), and a free Trunk-or-Treat event at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds on October 29.

Vote: Standing informational item; no action taken.

Consent Calendar (Items 13.1–13.5)

The council approved the following items together without discussion:

13.1: Third amendment to PlanetBids purchase order, extending the term one year.

13.2: Purchase of six Gillig transit buses from the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District.

13.3: Authorization to apply for $471,417 in Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) funds (FY 2025-26 Cycles A and B) to support the UR Free youth transit fare program.

13.4: Authorization to apply for One Bay Area Grant 4 (OBAG 4) funding for zero-emission bus rollout plan implementation.

13.5: Authorization to apply for federal funding (item description incomplete in source).

One public commenter (DeWitt) expressed general support for transit but raised concerns about actual ridership levels and the loss of Golden Gate Transit service from Santa Rosa to San Rafael.

Vote: Approved unanimously, 7–0. Moved by Vice Mayor Okrepkie, seconded by Councilmember Rogers.

Item 16.1 — Public Hearing: Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Program Application

The Housing and Community Services Department presented a request to apply to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for PLHA program funds — created by SB 2's $75 real estate document recording fee. The city is eligible for $487,369 (2024 cycle) and $522,044 (2025 cycle), totaling up to $3,046,056 over five years. Funds would be issued as low-interest secured loans to affordable housing developers, leveraging other competitive funding sources such as tax credits. In the prior five-year cycle, the city received $4,012,612 and committed funds to four projects totaling 196 units.

No public comment was received.

Vote: Approved unanimously, 7–0. Moved by Councilmember Bañuelos, seconded by Councilmember Alvarez.

Item 16.2 — Public Hearing: Delphi-A Drive-Thru Appeal (2000 Sebastopol Road)

This was the most contested item of the evening. The applicant, the Navarro-Martinez family (owners of Del By, a locally owned Mexican restaurant), appealed the Planning Commission's 5–2 February 2026 denial of a conditional use permit for a drive-thru extension of their existing restaurant on the vacant portion of their commercially-zoned parcel at the corner of Sebastopol Road and Stony Point Road.

Background: The project proposes a 150-square-foot drive-thru building with entry via a shared driveway easement with the adjacent Rite Aid and exit onto Kenmore Lane — a narrow residential street. The applicant has spent approximately $150,000–$200,000 and several years refining the plan. City staff recommended approval, finding the project met all applicable standards including a traffic study, queue management plan, noise study, and air quality study. Staff's traffic analysis found no degradation to Sebastopol Road or Stony Point Road operations, with peak volume around 30 cars per hour and a maximum queue of approximately 10 vehicles (all on-site, not extending onto Kenmore Lane). Hours would be 7 a.m.–10 p.m., Monday–Sunday.

Planning Commission's rationale for denial: The commission found the site's ingress/egress and queuing configuration inadequate, that drive-thru traffic would exacerbate existing conditions on Kenmore Lane and Sebastopol Road, and that the use would be detrimental to the surrounding neighborhood's health, safety, and welfare.

Public comment: Kenmore Lane residents testified in opposition, describing the street as narrow with no sidewalks on the west side, heavy existing traffic, school children walking to school, and no precedent for a drive-thru using a residential street for commercial access. Multiple supporters — including community members, a representative of the newly formed Roseland Business Association, and longtime friends of the family — testified in favor, arguing the business deserves the same opportunity as the large corporate chains (Popeye's, Starbucks, Taco Bell, Burger King, Panda Express) already operating with drive-thrus on the same corridor. Several speakers framed the opposition as inequitable treatment of a Latino-owned small business.

Council discussion: Councilmembers questioned whether enforcement of the queue management plan was realistic (staff acknowledged it requires active management), whether the two-employee maximum would be sufficient to manage the queue (applicant said it's a starting point and they'd add staff as needed), and whether the exit design could be modified to reduce the queue reaching the public street. Director Hennessy confirmed the queue space in the approved plan is entirely on private property and the shared easement — Kenmore Lane itself is not part of the queue design. The key management plan conditions allow permit revocation for violations. The City Attorney noted that significant circulation changes would require new noticing and potentially a return to the Planning Commission.

Vote: Council voted 6–1 (Councilmember Fleming abstaining) to grant the appeal, reverse the Planning Commission's denial, and approve the conditional use permit with conditions including 7 a.m.–10 p.m. operating hours and the enforceable queue management plan. Moved by Councilmember Rogers, seconded by Councilmember MacDonald.

Councilmember Fleming stated she was abstaining rather than opposing, but expressed general concern about automobile-dependent drive-thru businesses being incompatible with the city's climate and pedestrian goals, and clarified that her concerns were not about the ethnicity of the applicant.

Item 11.2.1 — Appointment to Zero Waste Sonoma

Mayor Stapp proposed replacing himself with Councilmember MacDonald as the city's representative to the Zero Waste Sonoma Joint Powers Authority board.

Vote: Approved unanimously, 7–0. Moved by Councilmember Alvarez, seconded by Vice Mayor Okrepkie.

Item 12.1 — Meeting Minutes Approval

Minutes from the September 29, 2026 regular meeting were approved. Councilmember Rogers abstained (she was absent from that meeting but noted she watched it online). No amendments were proposed.

Vote: Approved, 6–0–1 (Rogers abstaining).

Mayor and Councilmember Reports

Several items of note emerged during reports:

Flock Safety surveillance cameras: Councilmember Alvarez moved to place a study session on the Flock camera contract on a future agenda, with public comment included, before any contract renewal. Councilmember Bañuelos seconded. The formal vote on whether to schedule the study session will occur at the October 27 meeting. Significant public comment — the dominant theme of the evening's non-agenda comment period — called on the council to hold an open public process before the contract (with renewal due in 2027) is extended. Speakers cited a recent federal court ruling that warrantless use of months of license plate location data violates the Fourth Amendment, and noted that over 160 cities have ended their Flock contracts this year.

Farm animal ordinance: Councilmember MacDonald moved to bring back a staff review of the city's farm animal ordinance following constituent complaints about roosters and other farm animals near residential areas. Seconded; city manager will coordinate with planning staff.

Joint City Council/SCCS School Board meeting: Mayor Stapp reported the first joint meeting in seven years took place the prior week, focused on school safety and the economic impact of education. The format will continue annually. Councilmember Rogers asked that Roseland School District also be included in future invitations.

Other reports: Vice Mayor Okrepkie reported on productive economic development and public safety subcommittee meetings, and a joint community meeting with Councilmember Bañuelos. Councilmember MacDonald thanked the water department for proactively alerting her to a running toilet. Mayor Stapp highlighted a successful gun buyback event (nearly 600 firearms collected, including ghost guns) and the fifth annual "Faith and Blue" event reaching approximately 5,000 people across 36 congregations.

Key Takeaways

Wastewater bond issuance imminent: The city is preparing to issue approximately $35 million in wastewater revenue bonds in the coming weeks, the first bond issuance in six years. Council received required federal securities law training as part of the process. A broader long-term debt strategy for streets, facilities, and City Hall is under development.

PLHA housing funds approved: The city will apply for up to $3,046,056 over five years in state housing funds (SB 2 revenue), with the first two cycles totaling over $1 million, to finance affordable housing development through low-interest loans.

Del By drive-thru appeal granted: The council approved 6–1 (Fleming abstaining) a conditional use permit for a locally owned Mexican restaurant's drive-thru expansion at Sebastopol and Stony Point roads, overturning the Planning Commission's denial. The decision was closely contested, with neighborhood traffic and safety concerns weighed against staff's recommendation and community support for the small business.

Flock camera study session coming: A vote on whether to schedule a public study session on the Flock Safety license plate reader contract — due for renewal in 2027 — will occur at the October 27 meeting, following sustained and organized community opposition throughout the evening.

Economic outlook cautious but stable: SSU economist Dr. Robert Eyler projects no near-term recession for Santa Rosa or Sonoma County, but flagged persistent inflation, flat taxable sales, below-benchmark hotel occupancy (~62%), elevated construction costs, and significant pressure on lower- and middle-income households as key concerns heading into 2027.

AI-generated summary from voice-to-text transcript. Not the official record. Verify important details with the source documents linked above.

What happened at this meeting

ISSUANCE OF MUNICIPAL BONDS AND DISCLOSURE

# Summary: Issuance of Municipal Bonds and Disclosure

Staff presented comprehensive training on municipal bond issuance and federal securities law disclosure responsibilities, with Scott Wagner from the finance department, Chris Lynch from Jones Hall, and Craig Hill explaining that the City plans to issue approximately $35 million in wastewater revenue bonds in the coming weeks to address deferred maintenance needs for streets and city facilities—the first wastewater bonds in 6 years and general obligation bonds in 13 years. The presentation covered four main debt categories (general fund debt, wastewater revenue bonds, general obligation bonds, and lease financing), explained the roles of market participants including bond counsel and rating agencies, and emphasized the City's federal disclosure obligations under Rule 15c2-12, which requires initial disclosure documents and continuing annual updates with timely notice of significant events within 10 business days. Staff referenced SEC enforcement actions against Orange County and San Diego to illustrate compliance responsibilities, designated the CFO as the disclosure coordinator responsible for preparing official statements, and noted the City's 2017 Statement of Debt Management and Disclosure Policy. A council member questioned the timing of bond issuance given market costs, and staff responded that municipal rates at approximately 4% remain relatively low compared to capital project cost increases of double-digit rates annually, while another council member asked about credit rating impacts on borrowing costs, with staff confirming that the recent credit rating upgrade eliminated the need for bond insurance, potentially saving $100,000-$200,000 in transaction costs. Public commenter Dwayne from Roseland expressed interest in receiving training on debt and financial matters, volunteering to help educate the community on how increased debt can improve financial position.

PROCLAMATION - OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

# Summary: Proclamation - October Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Councilmember Ben Winless read a proclamation recognizing October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Santa Rosa, noting that domestic violence affects one in four families and acknowledging YWCA Sonoma County's 50-year history since 1976 as a vital resource. Madeleine Keegan O'Connell, CEO of the YWCA, presented statistics showing the organization operates Sonoma County's only 24/7 domestic violence crisis hotline and shelter, which fielded over 3,000 calls last year from a predominantly female (80%), Hispanic/Latinx (over 50%), and economically vulnerable population. Chief John Cregan of the Santa Rosa Police Department emphasized the critical importance of the YWCA's emergency shelter services, noting that the department responds to approximately 724 reported domestic violence incidents annually. The council recognized YWCA's founders, staff, board, and volunteers for their essential work, and no council questions or public comments were raised.

PRESENTATION - RECOLOGY SONOMA MARIN 2026 UPDATE

# Summary: Recology Sonoma Marin 2026 Update

Andy Fulton, General Manager, and Ilya Ferber, Community Relations and Sustainability Manager, presented Recology Sonoma Marin's 2026 operations update for the 100% employee-owned company serving 51,000 customers in Santa Rosa. The presentation highlighted the "Recology Ready" initiative focusing on operational excellence (including vehicle inspections and onboard safety cameras), customer experience (AI-enhanced local service), technology modernization, and continuous improvement metrics, along with new electric sweeping equipment for bike lanes and electric truck testing initiatives. Recology reported achieving 99% SB 1383 compliance for mandatory composting, a 10% reduction in landfill waste since 2019 (from 90,000 to 81,000 tons), and a current 45% diversion rate, supported by extensive community education including partnerships with Arts Start, a Children's Museum exhibit reaching 200,000 children annually, and the reuse bazaar event that diverted 41,000 pounds of material with an 84% diversion rate. The company also implemented innovative programs such as reusable food service ware and cups at events, though they acknowledged challenges including high cup attrition rates and commodity price volatility. Public commenters raised concerns about reusable items being crushed at facilities instead of diverted and requested expanded recycling services to underserved areas like Standish Avenue.

RECEIVE AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE AND A PRESENTATION ON THE CURRENT STATE OF THE SANTA ROSA ECONOMY Economic Development staff will provide an update on the Economic Development Strategic Plan and will also introduce Dr. Robert Eyler from Sonoma State University to present on the current state of Santa Rosa’s economy. Council will take no action except for possible direction to staff and Dr. Robert Eyler.

# Economic Development Strategic Plan Update Summary

Scott Adair, the city's chief economic development officer, presented a comprehensive update on the Economic Development Strategic Plan highlighting major accomplishments including retail and grocery gap analysis, the Target Industries report, downtown housing infill study, quarterly economic reports, and business training events, along with new initiatives such as a business concierge program, commercial rent assistance, a one-stop shop business portal, and the Film Santa Rosa program. Dr. Robert Iler from Sonoma State University and economic analyst Dri Lair provided additional insights, with Lair presenting Philadelphia Federal Reserve forecasts indicating moderate economic optimism for 2027 but more pessimistic 2026 projections, while cautioning that inflation remains a major headwind. Staff analysis revealed Santa Rosa's economy is showing mixed signals—taxable sales grew 1.8% year-over-year in Q2 2026 but declined slightly afterward, hotel occupancy recovered to 60-70% (below the 70% benchmark), and healthcare, hospitality, government, and construction are forecasted as major growth sectors through 2035. Council members raised concerns about infrastructure investment's role in economic development, small business support during downturns, rising construction costs and housing affordability challenges, and potential state revenue vulnerabilities, while public commenters advocated for equitable economic development across underserved areas beyond downtown and questioned proposed tax increases. Staff recommended continued engagement with businesses to identify specific local policy solutions while emphasizing that Santa Rosa's economic diversification makes recession unlikely absent a national downturn.

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT PLAN UPDATE This is a standing item on the agenda. Council will take no action except for possible direction to staff. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.

Miss Horton presented the Community Empowerment Plan update covering October activities, including a partnership signing with the NAACP Sonoma County Branch on October 14th, a 2026 municipal election information meeting, e-bike safety initiative meetings on October 15th and 22nd at high schools, and a trunk-or-treat festival on October 29th at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Public commenter Dwayne DeWitt from Roseland thanked staff and highlighted the successful Make a Difference Day on October 24th, noting improvements in the Roseland neighborhood through volunteer efforts including a new Rotary Club branch. Council had no questions for staff on the presentation.

Agenda items (19)

Procedural (6)

1ProceduralHTTPS://SANTA-ROSA.LEGISTAR.COM/CALENDAR. CLICK ON THE "IN PROGRESS" LINK TO VIEW;

Instructions for viewing the meeting agenda online through the city's Legistar calendar system by clicking the 'In Progress' link.

2ProceduralVIA ZOOM WEBINAR BY VISITING

Instructions for joining the meeting remotely via Zoom webinar.

3ProceduralCOMCAST CHANNEL 28 OR 24 (ESPAÑOL); AND

Instructions for watching the meeting live on Comcast Channel 28 or 24 (Spanish).

4ProceduralVIA YOUTUBE AT HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/CITYOFSANTAROSA Public Comment may be made live during the meeting In-Person from Council Chamber, via Zoom webinar or dial-in, or submitted in advance via email at cc-comment@srcity.org by 5:00 p.m. the Monday before the City Council Meeting.

Information on how residents can submit public comments in-person, via Zoom, by phone, or by email before 5:00 p.m. on the Monday before the City Council meeting.

12.1ProceduralSeptember 29, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes.

The council will approve the minutes from the September 29, 2026 meeting.

What happened

The Council considered approval of the September 29, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes. Councilmember Rogers indicated she would abstain from voting as she was not present at that meeting, though she watched it online and could provide input. No council members proposed amendments to the minutes, and no public comment was received. The minutes were adopted as submitted.

21.1ProceduralUPCOMING MEETINGS LIST *Did not appear on the preliminary agenda. **Quasi-judicial or adjudicative action, ex-parte communication disclosure is required. The Open Government Ordinance was adopted by City Council in December 2020 (ORD-2020-018) and amended in July 2021 (ORD-2021-007). These ordinances added and amended Chapter 1-10 to the City Code to codify the City of Santa Rosa's commitment to embrace a culture of open government to ensure public trust, engage the community, and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. To view a full versions of the Open Government Ordinances go to http://srcity.org/OpenGovOrdinance and http://srcity.org/OpenGovOrdinanceAmend. To request paper copies of the Open Government Ordinances contact the City Clerk's Office at 707-543-3015 (TTY Relay at 711) or cityclerk@srcity.org. The City of Santa Rosa does not discriminate against individuals (including member(s) of a legislative body) with disabilities in its employment, services, benefits, facilities, programs, or activities. Requests for accommodations, auxiliary aids, or services necessary to participate in a City program, service, or activity, including printed information in alternate formats, are available by contacting the City Clerk's Office at 707-543-3015 (TTY Relay at 711) or cityclerk@srcity.org. The e-mail subject line should read "ADA Accommodation Request" or "Language Assistance" and the e-mail should include your name, address, telephone number, and a description of the request. If the request is received at least seven (7) business days prior to the City Council meeting, the copy shall be provided no later than two (2) business days prior to the City Council meeting. Meeting information can also be accessed via the internet at http://srcity.org. Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council prior to this meeting regarding any item on this agenda, excluding closed session items, are available for public review in the City Clerk's Office, Room 10, City Hall, 100 Santa Rosa

A list of upcoming city council meetings will be provided to the public.

General Business

4.1General BusinessISSUANCE OF MUNICIPAL BONDS AND DISCLOSURE

The city council will consider issuing municipal bonds and related financial disclosures.

What happened

↓ Attachment 1 - Statement of Debt Management and Disclosure Policy

↓ Presentation

↓ Staff Report

The Finance Department is presenting informational training to the City Council about municipal bonds and federal securities law responsibilities, as required by city policy, ahead of an anticipated October 27 vote on issuing wastewater revenue bonds. The city plans to use bond proceeds to upgrade aging electrical equipment at the Laguna Wastewater Treatment Plant and to refinance existing wastewater debt, with the training covering disclosure obligations and investor protection rules established by the SEC and Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board. This study session item requires no action and has no fiscal impact, but allows council members to ask questions before considering the actual bond issuance request later this month.

7.1General BusinessPROCLAMATION - OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The city will recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month through a proclamation.

What happened

↓ Proclamation

7.2General BusinessPRESENTATION - RECOLOGY SONOMA MARIN 2026 UPDATE

Recology Sonoma Marin will present an update on their operations and plans for 2026.

What happened

8.1General BusinessRECEIVE AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE AND A PRESENTATION ON THE CURRENT STATE OF THE SANTA ROSA ECONOMY Economic Development staff will provide an update on the Economic Development Strategic Plan and will also introduce Dr. Robert Eyler from Sonoma State University to present on the current state of Santa Rosa’s economy. Council will take no action except for possible direction to staff and Dr. Robert Eyler.

City staff will update the council on the Economic Development Strategic Plan and a Sonoma State University economist will present on Santa Rosa's current economic conditions, with the council providing feedback to staff.

What happened

↓ Presentation

8.2General BusinessCOMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT PLAN UPDATE This is a standing item on the agenda. Council will take no action except for possible direction to staff. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.

City staff will provide a routine update on the Community Empowerment Plan, a regular agenda item where the council may provide direction to staff.

What happened

11.1General BusinessMAYOR'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

Council members will report on their activities with county and regional boards and committees, including transportation, water, bay area planning, and open space organizations.

What happened

# Mayor's/Council Members' Subcommittee and Liaison Reports Summary

During the subcommittee and liaison reports, Councilmember Rodgers requested that both Santa Rosa City Schools and Roseland School Board be involved in appointing representatives to the joint powers authority, and the City Manager agreed to work with both boards to ensure proper representation. Vice Mayor MacDonald moved to review the farm animal ordinance due to community concerns about noise and disturbances from farm animals in residential areas, and the City Manager committed to having planning and economic development staff gather information on whether current ordinances align with city policy. Council members reported on successful community initiatives including the Santa Rosa Police Department's gun buyback event that collected nearly 600 firearms, the first joint City Council and School Board meeting in 7 years focused on school safety and education's economic development impacts, and the 5th annual Faith & Blue event that engaged over 5,000 people across 36 congregations to discuss local issues. Additional recognition was given to the Santa Rosa Water Department for proactive monitoring technology that identified a resident's water leak within 24 hours, and staff were thanked for hosting a luncheon for commission and committee volunteers.

11.2General BusinessCOUNCIL LIAISON POSITIONS ON JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY 11.2.1 APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE TO ZERO WASTE SONOMA

The council will appoint a representative to serve on the Zero Waste Sonoma joint powers authority.

What happened

# Summary: Council Liaison Positions on Joint Powers Authority

The Mayor proposed appointing Councilmember MacDonald as a representative to the Zero Waste Sonoma County Agency to replace the Mayor on the board. Councilmember Allred moved to appoint Councilmember MacDonald, with a second from Councilmember Okrepkie. No public comment was received, and the motion passed unanimously. In a separate matter, Councilmember Alvarez made a motion to add a study session on police contract renewals to the agenda, citing concerns about current contracts; however, Councilmember Grayson questioned the timing given that contracts do not expire until May and December 2027, warning that a premature study session might not yield informed decisions. The Council agreed to revisit the study session scheduling for a full vote at the next meeting.

Consent Calendar

13.1Consent CalendarMOTION - APPROVAL - THIRD AMENDMENT TO PURCHASE ORDER 170609 TO EXTEND THE TERM ONE YEAR AND ADD COMPENSATION FOR ONGOING USE OF PLANETBIDS BID

The city will extend its contract with PlanetBids, a bidding software platform, for one more year with added compensation for continued use.

What happened

The Council voted on items 13.1 through 13.5 (submitted by staff as a consent calendar motion). Vice Mayor moved to approve items 13.1 through 13.5, with a second from Councilmember Rogers. The vote passed unanimously with all council members voting yes (Councilmembers Rogers, MacDonald, Fleming, Benwell, and Overus, plus Vice Mayor). No specific discussion of individual item details was recorded during the voting process, as these were consent calendar items.

↓ Attachment 1 – PlanetBids Extension Proposal

↓ Staff Report

The Finance Department is asking the City Council to approve a one-year extension of the PlanetBids online bidding platform contract, adding $24,122 to the current purchase order for a total cost of $110,303.46. The city has used PlanetBids as its sole electronic system for posting and managing public bids since 2013, and the current contract expires November 4, 2026; staff determined the vendor's proposed 5% price increase is fair and reasonable, especially after securing $7,524.56 in savings by discontinuing an unused insurance compliance module. The extension will maintain continuity of the city's procurement operations while staff continues evaluating longer-term procurement software solutions as funding becomes available, and the cost has no impact on the General Fund.

13.2Consent CalendarRESOLUTION - PURCHASE OF SIX TRANSIT BUSES FROM THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE, HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT AND ACCEPTANCE OF TRANSFER OF TITLE AND FEDERAL INTEREST RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works Department recommends that the Council, by resolution, authorize the Director of Transportation and Public Works to negotiate and execute the purchase and transfer of title of six Gillig transit buses from the City of Santa Rosa Regular Meeting Agenda and Summary Report

Santa Rosa will purchase six transit buses from the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District and accept transfer of ownership and federal funding interests.

What happened

Discussion focused on a $35 million wastewater infrastructure bond and current bond issuance rates of approximately 4%. A council member questioned the strategy for bond issuance timing, asking whether the city should pursue all infrastructure funding at once given favorable rates or issue bonds in phases. Staff indicated the $35 million amount was determined by a rate study and is currently being executed, with an additional capital study underway at the water treatment plant to prioritize future projects. Staff committed to providing more detailed context and strategy regarding the timing of subsequent bond issuances when the wastewater bond comes back to council.

13.3Consent CalendarRESOLUTION - AUTHORIZATION TO REQUEST LOW CARBON TRANSIT OPERATIONS PROGRAM FUNDING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 CYCLES A AND B FOR UR FREE PROGRAM SUPPORT RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works Department recommends that the Council, by resolution: 1) authorize the Director of Transportation and Public Works to execute the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) Authorized Agent Form designating the Deputy Director - Transit as the City’s Authorized Agent; 2) authorize the Deputy Director - Transit to submit the City’s project nominations and allocation requests to the California Department of Transportation for $287,328 in Fiscal Year 2025-26 Cycle A funds and $184,089 in Fiscal Year 2025-26 Cycle B funds, for a total of $471,417, to support the Santa Rosa CityBus Free Fares for Youth Program (UR Free); 3) authorize the Deputy Director - Transit to execute the Certifications and Assurances and other documents necessary to request, accept, and administer the LCTOP funds; and 4) authorize the Chief Financial Officer to increase revenue and expenditure appropriations by the amount of the approved grant award. This item requests appropriations for one-time funding.

The city will request approximately $471,000 in state Low Carbon Transit Operations Program funding to support the UR Free youth bus fare program for fiscal year 2025-26.

13.4Consent CalendarRESOLUTION - AUTHORIZATION TO FILE AN APPLICATION FOR ONE BAY AREA GRANT 4 (OBAG 4) FUNDING FOR THE ZERO-EMISSION BUS ROLLOUT PLAN IMPLEMENTATION BUS

Santa Rosa will apply for One Bay Area Grant 4 funding to support the implementation of a zero-emission bus rollout plan.

13.5Consent CalendarRESOLUTION - AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL

The city will submit an application for federal funding.

Public Hearing

16.1Public HearingPUBLIC HEARING - APPROVAL OF AN APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR PERMANENT LOCAL HOUSING ALLOCATION PROGRAM FUNDS AND ADOPTION OF THE 2024-2028 PLHA PLAN BACKGROUND: On July 16, 2026, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) released the Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Program 2024-2028 Formula Allocation Notice of Funding Availability. The PLHA Program is funded by revenues generated under Senate Bill 2, enacted in 2017, which established an ongoing source of funding for housing-related projects and programs. As a formula-allocation recipient, the City of Santa Rosa is eligible to receive up to $3,046,056 over the five-year period. To apply for the 2024 and 2025 allocations of $487,369 and $522,044, respectively, HCD requires the City Council to conduct a public hearing, adopt a five-year PLHA Plan, and authorize submission of the application. RECOMMENDATION: The Housing and Community Services Department recommends that the Council: 1) conduct a public hearing regarding the proposed Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program application and 2024-2028 PLHA Plan; and 2) by resolution, approve the submittal of an application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for formula allocations of $487,369 for 2024 and $522,044 for 2025, as part of a five-year allocation of up to $3,046,056 and adopt the 2024-2028 PLHA Plan. This item has no impact on the current fiscal year budget.

The public will be invited to comment on Santa Rosa's application for up to $3 million in state housing funds over five years, and the council will vote to adopt a five-year housing plan required by the state.

What happened

# Combined Summary

Staff presented Santa Rosa's application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development's Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) program for 2024-2028, requesting approval for $489,369-$522,044 in 2024-2025 funding and up to $3,046,056 over five years to issue low-interest loans to affordable housing developers. The program, established through Senate Bill 2, funds housing activities including pre-development, acquisition, and rehabilitation for households up to 120% of area median income, with no fiscal year budget impact. The council opened a public hearing where commenters raised concerns about a separate FLOCK technology tracking matter, requesting transparent agenda placement rather than consent calendar processing; however, no comments were made regarding the PLHA application itself. Councilmember Rogers inquired about the city's history with similar grants, and staff confirmed this would be Santa Rosa's second round of PLHA funding among other available state and federal opportunities. The council voted unanimously to approve the resolution as presented.

↓ Attachment 1 - Draft PLHA Plan

↓ Exhibit A - PLHA Plan

↓ Presentation

↓ Public Hearing Notice

↓ Resolution

↓ Staff Report

Santa Rosa is seeking City Council approval to apply for up to $3,046,056 in state housing grant funding through the Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program, which comes from a real estate recording fee established in 2017 to support affordable housing projects. The city has already received and committed previous grants totaling $4 million to four affordable housing developments with 196 units, and this new five-year allocation would support similar predevelopment, acquisition, and rehabilitation activities for housing affordable to low-income households. The application requires a public hearing and adoption of a five-year plan, but has no fiscal impact on the current city budget since the funds will be recognized and appropriated separately when awarded.

Additional votes recorded in minutes

Approve Consent Calendar Items 13.1 through 13.5

aye 7

Caroline Bañuelosaye

Dianna MacDonaldaye

Eddie Alvarezaye

Jeff Okrepkieaye

Mark Stappaye

Natalie Rogersaye

Victoria Flemingaye

Adopt Resolution Approving PLHA Grant Application (Item 16.1)

aye 7

Caroline Bañuelosaye

Dianna MacDonaldaye

Eddie Alvarezaye

Jeff Okrepkieaye

Mark Stappaye

Natalie Rogersaye

Victoria Flemingaye

Adopt Resolution Granting Appeal and Approving Conditional Use Permit for Delphi A Drive-Thru (Item 16.2)

aye 6 · abstain 1

Caroline Bañuelosaye

Dianna MacDonaldaye

Eddie Alvarezaye

Jeff Okrepkieaye

Mark Stappaye

Natalie Rogersaye

Victoria Flemingabstain

Appoint Councilmember MacDonald as Representative to Zero Waste Sonoma Agency (Item 11.1)

aye 7

Caroline Bañuelosaye

Dianna MacDonaldaye

Eddie Alvarezaye

Jeff Okrepkieaye

Mark Stappaye

Natalie Rogersaye

Victoria Flemingaye

Adopt Minutes from September 29, 2026 Regular Meeting (Item 12.1)

abstain 1 · aye 1

Natalie Rogersabstain

voice voteaye

Verbatim transcript available

319 transcript segments indexed

Good afternoon. I'd like to ask interpreter currently on the Spanish Channel to commence interpretation of the meeting for those just joining the meeting. Live interpretation in Spanish is available and members of the public or staff wishing to listen in. Spanish can join the Spanish channel by clicking on the interpretation icon in the Zoom toolbar, it looks like a globe. You're on your cell phone or tablet locate the 3 dots. Top to Milan. Put a check mark on your preferred language. Click done to activate and begin the interpretation. Won't you join the Spanish Channel? We recommend you shut off the main audio. So you only hear the Spanish interpretation. Claudia, will you please restate this in Spanish? >> When asked that, be many but at the But on come on, do

need ice to court. Got most impact. But the student been known in be. Will this any mean it wasn't political. One person on and his crew travels in the spring. Now needs on the Spin studies. Putin could. In the look You don't seem know that one book she stick with inches in a lot of company capital Comey satirist to split closest thing to go to him people been up and meet that. And so if that defendant within a state fee that should b# # # out of people equal inside like that. But this year get used to those who will not and can and a Spaniard becoming most can see a up a cup with an escort So I mean, last deputies, coming with a message pickled of the seconds set back in opening Which going to comes with something Thank you very much. Back to you.

>> Welcome everyone. The time is 3 o'clock and we'll call this meeting or MADAM City clerk or could you please call the roll? >> Thank you, Mayor Councilmember Rogers, Councilmember MacDonald here, Councilmember Fleming Council member Benoit lows here, for U.S.. PRESIDENT Vice Mayor Cookie here. Mayor Stapp Let the record show that all councilmembers are present. >> Thank you very much. All right. We will jump right to item 4.1. Our study session on issuance of municipal bonds and disclosure responsibilities under federal securities laws. Seattle, Scott Wagner welcome and and gas. You have a captive audience here. Please, please take us into very important world of municipal bonds and finance. Thank you. Mayor Staff Scott Wagner from his apartment are pleased to be here this evening. The finance

firm is pleased to bring this evening's item. >> With me here today is Chris Lynch of Jones Hall along with Craig Hill from any j. Very glad to have these 2 subject matter. Experts here to facilitate today's conversations. And with that, I'll give a brief introduction. And now we're really here getting this. Today's study session for 2 main reasons. The first of which being the most important is that the city has not issued any debt actually in a while. It's been 6 years since we've issued a wastewater bond. It's been 13 years since we issued a general obligation, bond of the city. So it's a good time. Never refresher with We do have wastewater bonds moving forward here in the very near future over the next couple weeks. Our subject matter experts are going to get a little bit of a primer towards

that. So we're not coming in very fresh and just issuing a bond without having a first conversation around debt, which is what we're here to do today. And you've heard from the city manager and myself that debt strategy and structuring of the city is something that we're looking at. We're seeing throughout the city. A lot of deferred maintenance needs. We're seeing costs rise. And you've heard from us in different budget presentations that really we need to start thinking about this on a debt basis. How do we address some of larger issues at the city, which a very big numbers and way that's a prudent and cost-effective through a potential debt strategy. The couple of things that have come up here in the past have been our streets, which has been a focus of what we've been looking at along with our city and facilities, including

the city hall facility that we're in today. With that, I will pass it over to Craig to kick off our presentation. Good afternoon. So we're going break this into 2 parts will spend a little bit of time, kind of talking about public finance or bonds one-on-one. And then we'll turn into some of the actual. >> Disclosures and obligations that you and the city will have going forward if and when any bonds are actually issued. So it as Scott mentioned, the impetus for this is really that we've got a project coming forward that he's going to need to have a substantial amount of funding that will require the issuance of bonds and the Wastewater Enterprise Fund. And as you know, is that own business is. Looking as part of the rate study to to need about 35 million dollars. We anticipate and have been working to draft the necessary documents, including the

disclosure documents for Again, this is not a general fund obligation. This is obligation that will be on the Wastewater Enterprise Fund as part of this. We really looked at the whole enterprise fund obligations and consider whether or not it made sense to do any restructuring of the existing debt and or pay down some of the debt to make the overall comprehensive debt service lower benefiting. Obviously their rate pairs within the system. So let's talk a little bit about what municipal finances or what bond stances. As Scott mentioned. It's been a while since to seize actually issued any publicly offer debt. As you all know, the city has the ability to issue debt differently than how you or I would go out and get a mortgage for buying a house that the debt is has the benefit of being what's considered tax exempt. So it

comes in at lower interest rates than you or I would have looking at something like the mortgage market. We also use them and focus on using municipal bonds to primarily find capital This is not a budget solution strategy. This is not intended to deal with any kind of operational cash flow issues. This is really about bricks and mortar type projects. Next line. What types of projects might you be considering? This got mention roads are a big when we see a lot of that going up and down California right now with many cities, the utilities, water, sewer ref use power for those that are running cca is or are having power. And then obviously things like airports and some of the reach other regional Ty projects. I want to be real clear for everybody in terms of what different types of what we call credits or security. Structures. There are for financing. We are

going to be considering general fund that debt, meaning it's actually part of your budget. You appropriated. You would approve it as part of your budget cycle. What we're really in the pending actions of council will be the wastewater Revenue Bond. So that's a utility revenue bond. And again, it's not secured by anything other than net revenues. The actual operation there certainly is the ability also to issue the city has the ability to go out asked the voters approve general obligation, bond, Sergio Bonds, you know, your school district's, the community college appear is done. A lot of that. And those are funded securely or secured solely by property tax levies. They don't come through the general fund like anything else. So there's really 4 different main categories that you as a council would ever see in terms of debt that might be

issued to find different types of projects. Scott mentioned subject matter experts for Kristen, this is our full time job. 24 7. So we you know, dealing with these projects on a daily basis for somebody like the city of Santa Rosa. You know, once every 6, 5, 10 years, maybe you you look at this. So we don't expect that this is front of your your mindset for dealing with this. But there are many different components or players that don't participate and any kind of financing that you would do and they're kind of laid out here. Some of them have smaller roles others. The big ones really Jones hauling Chris Lynch is from. They're the Masters of drafting all of the documents. So they're really the brain power behind how nyu legally can issue debt on the underwriting side there. You're intermediary to the market. So you don't you're not issuing just one

bond. You're actually shoot bunch of little $5,000 bonds. And you need an intermediary who can like buying stock through one of your financial institutions. They are the ones that actually represent the buyers and identified the best deal for the city. Along with that. We've got other consoled saying rating agencies, standard poors, Moody's, Fitch are some of the rating agencies that you MAY know and our for a minute visor is kind of serves as the financial advisor, the quarterback of the project manager for the financing on these things. When you do go to issue debt, there's really 2 primary strategies that you can do. You can do a competitive on sale. It's very much like you going out and doing a competitive process for bidding a fire station. You know you on a Tuesday at 9 o'clock, you get all your beds. You figure out whether

those are, you know, meet the parameters and then who's got the lowest price and they win the other way is through what we call a negotiated bond sale where you pre-selected your underwriter. You've worked with them very closely to structure the deal in a way that provides the best interest and access to the capital markets with the idea that because that's a longer process. It's not just Tuesday at 9 o'clock in the morning, they're able to actually give you a very competitive, good sale. And that is usually what the city has done historically. And we're anticipating would be what the city would be doing going forward. So specific to the revenue bonds that we're talking about for wastewater. As I mentioned, this is for if for a bond holder or an investor that they are only going to be looking at the operations of the wastewater.

Find with that. We have to make sure that we're structuring these bonds in a way that they can. You could actually pay for it out of what's called that service. We want the operational costs paid first. So you're going to get all of your billings as your revenue coming in. We want to make sure that the system stays up. So that's the first priority on the money. Is the operational side. And then the next here is the actual debt needs to be paid. We also want to make sure that should there be a need to do additional bonds, that there are some gay teen items or tests that must be met in order to issue additional debt. That's what we call rate cut. The Nets are tests. Finally just as a process for you all to cause this does get a little confusing. We anticipate that that bp, you will have this is an agenda item and then it will come to

council for approval resolution authorization of documents that Chris can speak to closely. There is a supplemental indenture because this is one of historically many bonds that wastewater has issued over the last. I'm gonna go with 40 years because I've been doing this for 35. And I know that John Paul was working with you before got into the business. So there's a supplemental indenture which really identifies the specific terms of this particular financing. There's a preliminary official statement which which, Chris, we'll get into much more detail on which is you're offering memorandum or your prospectus that the investors will look at. And once we go to market, we have that bond purchase agreement which is between the city and the underwriter. Locks and loads the interest rates and how much debt you're taking on and the terms of the with the

with the end writer and then you'll get the money will put the 35 million dollars and to the project Fund for projects. And and the most important part of today, if you remember nothing else is that you would now have an obligation going forward to make sure that your reporting financial information related to the Enterprise Fund, specifically for these bondholders to know so that they're not harassing Scott on a weekly basis. Really? How is it doing and what's likelihood that I'm going to get paid going forward? So that continuing disclosure agreement is a document that lives on during the life of the entire bonds. With that, I'm going to turn it over to Chris Lynch do your training. Good afternoon. As as Craig mentioned, he gave you an overview of how the municipal bond market works. But I'm giving you a more formal training and that's on

the city's and its elected officials, responsibilities under federal securities laws. >> When the city issues bonds releases a disclosure document. So a message in a nutshell will be first that the city is subject to federal securities laws and it requires initial disclosure when the city issues the bonds and continue disclosure, as as Craig just mention on an ongoing basis. Second city staff and elected officials must take reasonable steps to ensure that the disclosure includes all material facts. And I'll give you with the Securities and Exchange Commission or sec thinks that responsibility reasonable steps are. And 3rd, the city has adopted that policy that if followed, should ensure ongoing compliance of federal securities laws looks like. Actually sorry back the Securities act of 1933. And the Securities Exchange Act of

1934 were adopted in the aftermath of the Great Depression in response to widespread securities fraud. The 1934 Act created. This Securities and Exchange Commission, which again, as the chief enforcement agency and together the 33 Act to 34 act and 2 rules rule 10 be 5 in rule 15 c to 12 regulate the sale of municipal bonds. Most importantly, they prohibit fraud in the sale and offer and bonds. Rule 10 be 5 requires commission communications to investors to include all material facts and a material fact is any fact that would have there's a substantial likelihood would have an actual significance in the deliberation of a reasonable investor. Rule, 15 c to 12 requires the issue bonds to prepare a disclosure document. Craig mentioned the preliminary official statement at the time. It issues the bonds. The initial disclosure

document like the twenty-twenty wastewater officials say shown on this slide is prepared by the issuer staff with the assistance of outside professionals is approved by the issuers legislative body and in this include all material facts in the context of bonds. That means the terms of the bonds. So the principal amounts, the interest rates, the pledge security, but it also means the financial and operating data a trail to the repayment of those ponds. So as Craig mentioned, a preliminary official statement is distributed to potential investors and it includes all the information that will be in a final document, except it doesn't have the terms of the bonds. And then once the bonds terms are established to the marketing process and the pricing process, then a final in for make the final official statement sent to investors.

And that includes the terms of the box next slide. So rule 15 c to 12 also requires municipal bond issuers to provide continuing disclosure. And in that case, the issuers must provide annual updates of the financial information and operating data that were in the original official statement and they must provide timely notice of significant events. Next slide. This slide is a list of the 16 events that must be disclosed when they occur generally within 10 business days of their currents, the most common events on this list are find prepayments rating agency changes draws on credit enhancement or reserve funds and material new obligations being issued by the issuer. So, for example, when you issue our wastewater bond, then that's material to your 2020 issue wastewater bonds and the expectations you would provide disclosure the

market about that. So in the near future, the city council will be asked to approve the issuance of the waste water revenue bonds Craig described which are pale only from the net revenues of the city's waste, Ryan Enterprise. It's not paid from the city's general fund. So although some demographic information about the city will be provided most of the information and the official statement for the wastewater Bonds will reflect on the wastewater Enterprise operations. The revenues expenses risks to the wastewater enterprise on an ongoing basis. So the sec has given us a clear explanation of what the responsibilities of elected officials are when they are asked to approve an official statement, as you will be asked to do. In 1994. Orange County declared bankruptcy. It pursued an aggressive investment scheme. It's an investment pools

relying on risky investments generate above market returns. The sec concluded that the county had failed to disclose the risky nature of this investment strategy to purchases of the notes in the wake of the Orange County bankruptcy filing, which did not involve ultimately any default in the payment of debt service on the notes, the sec issued a report to emphasize the responsibilities of elected officials and compliance of federal securities laws. And the report highlighted 2 things that the members of the Board of Supervisors were aware of. The rest, risky investment strategy on the reliance of the county on the above market returns. And that's the supervisors had failed to take reasonable steps to ensure that that disclosure documents for the notes describe those risks to investors. And then the sec providing what elected

official should do. The sec wrote that officials are expected to take steps appropriate under the circumstance to assure that the county's financial situation was being adequately disclosed to potential investors. That doesn't mean you're going to get 100 page disclosure document. When you're asked to approve the bonds, it doesn't mean reading that document necessarily word for word But it could mean reaching out to staff. It could mean reaching out here outside consultants who helped her the document. If you are aware of any facts that could actually impair the city's ability to repay those ponds. As the sec wrote in the report, public officials MAY not authorized disclosure while recklessly disregarding facts that indicate that there's a risk that the disclosure painting this misleading next slide. In 2007

after the completed enforcement action against the city of San Diego and some of its staff. The director of as the enforcement division described 5 lessons that they thought the s municipality should have learned. First issuance city adopted written disclosure policies and procedures. Accordingly. The city most recently in 2017 adopted a statement of debt management and disclosure policy which addresses initial and continuing disclosure, compliance. I believe that policy again will help the city comply with federal securities laws under the policy. That's chief financial officer is the city's disclosure coordinator. Disclosure coordinators responsible for proof preparing the official statement, bring it to the council for approval and ensuring that includes material facts. 3rd, it

establishes a system by which the city meets its continuous disclosure obligations either internally or by through working with outside consultants on an annual basis. And finally, the group the policy requires that the city staff and elected officials received training on their responsibilities under federal securities laws. Keep it as it Yeah. Second, go back you know, like that second, the sec believes that as I just mentioned, issue should receive appropriate training to for their officials and employees involved in the issuance of Ponce. Tonight I'm giving the information that you need to review the official statement. We'll also include that exact same information. The staff report for the bonds when you receive it. So you'll have that opportunity to refresh and see it in writing. For local agencies should focus on the

big picture when they prepare disclosure document, for example, when the sec brought an enforcement action against the city of San Diego for fraudulent statements and its rating agency presentations, its audited financial statements. And it's official statements. The sec noted that their disclosure document is hundreds of pages long, but it failed to disclose the big picture issue for the city of San Diego, which is underfunding of pension. So for when you receive the official statement for the wastewater Bonds, you'll see that it focuses on the wastewater system, maintenance and operation costs. That wastewater system revenues, including the rate structure, both existing and future. You'll see it focuses on the operations and the facilities and cute, including future capital needs. You also see discussion of operating

reserves to address contingencies and key risk factors such as wildfires, climate change future regulatory changes in costs related to natural disasters. Local agency should disclose the bad facts with the good facts. It's tempting to treat your official statement like a marketing document to try to attract the best price for your bonds. But the sec expects that you'll described the warts and all good facts and bad facts to give it a balanced picture of the wastewater price. And finally, the sec thinks you should hire good, competent professionals to provide assistance in this context, whether its auditors are professional such as us to make sure that they're helping you comply with your responsibilities. Next slide. This final slide presents in graphic form. The requirements of the city's disclosure policy. So for CFOs, it's

going coordinator second. The official state will be brought to you for review, but it will been prepared in anticipation of that with including all material facts and the staff report will provide a summary of your responsibilities. 3rd, the Cfi will establish system for complying with annual disclosure. And finally, you'll receive training before you're asked to approve Bonds. For me. Just want to mention that the Orange County and the San Diego Enforcement Action Show that the sec will hold individuals responsible when they act with an intent to defraud investors or the reckless disregard for whether they've misled investors. I believe the city's policy with its emphasis on training and collaboration between staff and outside professionals. We'll help you avoid intentional fraud and reckless disregard for material facts. But hopefully it's clear that

the expectation is that you'll take reasonable steps to ensure that your disclosure document includes any material fact that could weigh on the city's ability to repay bonds when they do, I'd be happy to answer any questions. >> Anything else from MR. Wagner. Yeah. All provided free for clothes and thanking both Chris and create for their presentation in distress. A council that work with bonds, even though we haven't brought on the market is continuous. I am very frequently meeting with Chris and talking with Chris over different issues as they arise the cities disclosures have been made on an annual basis. Really. Process is ongoing. And Chris is point earlier of these are critical trainings for you as a council. They are required for a council policy and also it's good for us as an agency to exercise these muscles. And when we have

conversations with the outside folks that come in to look at how we are we doing. It's important that we're able to come back and say, yes, we are following our policy. Yes, our council has been trained. So I'm very pleased to be able to bring this item. And with that, well, welcome any questions. Thank you all. And i think I speak for the group when I say that the message about our need think clearly about our bond issue is going forward came through loud and clear. >> It's going start this funding. >> Thank you. And thank you for the presentation. This is one of the most comprehensive, an interesting presentations on bonds than my 8 years on the day is so I'm being being us not trying to get a laugh line on left you want, but actually think is pretty interesting stuff. One of the things that I was wondering

about is strategically, obviously we have to meet all of our or obligation for disclosure and so forth. But right now, the bond markets really high. It's actually pretty tempting. I, you know, especially in the states like California that has high state taxes, you know, to buy Muni's where you don't pay federal or state taxes. You know, it's a it's a pretty good deal and the returns are pretty good, especially if you're high income individual. But one of the things that I was curious about is that. Is that the timing of this now we haven't done it for all this time. And right now we're experiencing sort of an unprecedented spike in the expense of bonds of from our end. So why are we doing this now? Instead of like, say any other time when it was less expensive? Thank you for your question. Counsel are falling out. Allstar mma, kick it to Craig. But our

perspective, my perspective. >> Rates are still relatively low at the municipal market. I think that's one of the things people get surprised about as last week were actually mentioning this in a different meeting that I thought the city was around 4% right now. If we were to just got for something that was general obligation just recently, Sonoma County libraries got dead across the finish line. Right at 4.0, 0, 4, So pretty close. Still relatively low in especially when you juxtapose that against the increased costs for delivering capital projects. On the other end of it. So you have to ease way. You're borrowing costs with costs of inaction or the opportunity cost that you get on the other side of delaying. We're seeing sometimes double digit increases on a year-over-year basis for different projects. Our capital needs for

infrastructure grow at a level that we've seen over the past few decades, much more than an interest rate that we be paying on the bond. The cities, Pryor strategies that MAY have MAY have come to indirectly in the past. Just score Lenawee dollars towards future projects has multiple problems in that. The money sits there. And then secondarily, it just ends up costing more later. So start there has a Craig. But these are the conversations that Craig and I on really making sure we're timing the market because Mark Time, Mark, it's important. We don't want to go in at the right wrong moment and we make sure that we're working with our subject matter time. Your answer to great question. It's not the question that I intend to desk a question that I intended to ask it. Obviously inaction is not a viable plan and that we should do that when I'm really

asking is why we waited till now. Why does knew that if? >> Like, why not? Why not do it sooner? I mean, you list all these reasons why in action is not a great idea. And just curious why. Why now is the moment to take action? Yeah, I think that that's going to be up for council as we bring this for bring this conversation forward. I would say today we really view today's first part of that conversation. >> And when we move forward here we have some pretty big financial decisions coming from the community here, especially come NOVEMBER. But again, looking at how we engage with the community on community outreach to look at specific areas of infrastructure that they would like to see addressed. I think part of strategy is going to need to be looking at that and looking at how a prudent debt strategy going forward MAY be

able to address some of these deferred aspects of our infrastructure. We also have that conversation come forward as part of the city Hall project and that we will have a bonding need with the city Hall project as it moves forward. We're still working through the specifics of that. But that will be a component of this as well. So we have projects on the go is probably the right way probably address your question with wastewater bonds. We have a fire station that we need to be financing as part of the measure. H in South Santa Rosa. We have city hall as well as some additional news that the community's mentioned. So that's why now. And and if I could through the mayor Councilmember Fleming, we have been issuing bonds for wastewater products for >> for decades. And so that is the one area we've got experience and consistent use

of them on mechanism in order to make this come forward. And I know you heard that from the presenters, but I just wanted to highlight that for others that while we haven't done it necessarily on the general fund side, the water enterprise side has good experience in this market. Thank you. MISS Been wheeless. >> Thank you, Thank you for the presentation. Really, really appreciate all the information. >> I was just given the examples that you gave about Orange County and San Diego. And so I'm I'm interested in the council's responsibility as well as the other issues. But but the takeaway from the Orange County was that public officials exercise reasonable oversight. But then you mentioned I don't number if it if it was San Diego, Orange County or another about the fact that they forgot to mention there was a problem

with the. The pension That's a big but less. So I guess what I'm wondering is how will we know if something is not? Let's not included in the disclosure state and how will we know if we look at it and we think everything is covered. But what if we public officials missed something? That's my could concern is we don't know what we don't know. So. Well. The first thing I would say thank you for the question, is that fact patterns Orange County and San Diego demonstrated. >> Extreme behavior, I think would be fair to say. And obviously that's generally what ends up being enforced. And so that's the guidance that serves as the basis for the guidance we give you so in Orange County, the treasure and the assistant treasurer actually went to jail and refined for intentional even though they didn't personally benefit from it. That was the

conclusion in San Diego and there was at a minimum reckless disregard for trying to present the city's finances in a certain way to benefit. I think probably the city's ability to sell bonds. But the smart. But every time that the sec pointed out that every time the city council meta delivered on its budgets and had to struggle with the fact that its pensions are underfunded. So these were top of mind issues for both agencies and then chosen not to disclose it or even to mislead. And the disclosure they did. So I think for most issuers that is not that track pattern that you're addressing your address in good faith efforts to include a description you know, the security. So using the wastewater revenue Bonds, the city will pledge net revenues of the enterprise, the security for the bond. So that means the grocery avenues you

receive from charging rates and charges less the cost of operations and expenses. So the risk to investors is that your revenues go down or expenses go up. So. The disclosure document will spend a lot of time talking about that. And that's pretty easy thing to understand. Probably top of mind as you manage the city. So I don't I don't think it's probably realistic to be concerned about the 800 pound gorilla off in the corner that you're not aware That's one reason we do the training Board of Supervisors and the city Council Sandy and they were getting this training so they didn't know to be looking forward to be alert for And that's one of the purposes is to make sure that you're get the information about what you're supposed to be looking for. And hopefully that will trigger a recognition of the issues. >> Paul ad from the south side

of question, councilmember that do those instances having in the past, it's also created a framework where Chris is frankly going through these things with us as staff at the issuance of a bond and going through due diligence, exercise on the city's disclosure efforts. So I think it's something that is top of mind for us very frequently, actually. And even something as trivial as not reveal. But the city being upgraded from Moody's upgrade recently. The actual first thing in my mind except for that's great news was oh, my gosh. I've got an sec disclosure. I kind of get on. And Chris was emailing me saying is that done? And I was e-mailing my staff. These bad things that happen, the pass that set agencies like for better success really? We have a very small finance team and we can't afford to lose any of the new cars ration. So again, thank you for that. Emphasis

as MacDonald. >> Thank you, mayor. And I would like to say, please don't ever compare us to Orange County or San Diego or Newark, how we just do things better up here. >> So and I would say as far as our information on our finances, I think the city of Santa Rosa has a stellar job and being transparent of all the good and all the bad. I think our communities highly aware of that. One of my questions was around. What's the current rate on bond issuance? You said about 4%, which is extremely low. I know this is something we've talked about for infrastructure because was exactly you said, MISTER Wagner, the kicking the can down that road is showing that over time we're not ever going to get caught up. So my question, Israeli around and we'll have a couple of them. Is 35 million dollars and not to get some of the things done

for our water. Bond is when i'm looking at issuance and the rate being as low as it is. I don't know if we just do it in a chunk at a time because that's That's better fresher track or is is there any strategy to say we want to get all of this infrastructure done? We see a lot of the rate. Let's go out for it on now. >> Thank you for your question. I don't want kick the can on that question to the next meeting. That's gonna be part of our discussion. Really when the bombs come back for wastewater, I'll give just a little primer if we'd like direct a perk is here today. Specific to the 35 million dollar bond. That is what was laid out in the rate study. So that was the plan it with the plan was to go for that. 35 million dollars. There is an additional capital study underway right now at at lt p

to help better us understand Pryor's ation of those projects coming forward. Certainly debt will be a part of it, but it is a it is a process. And right now where we're out in the process is executing the 35 million Dollar Electoral infrastructure project. But there's going to be a lot more context towards why this is the project coming forward at this time. And frankly, what council and the community should expect from a capital infrastructure investment at the plant moving forward. That's holistic around the rates that have been adopted. The need at the at the plant. And really we're going to have our water folks here to really break that down accounts on prep, better detail with the coming of that pond. So the teacher question, yes, and that conversation is coming. >> And I might add one more thing when you issue taxes and

bonds, you have to comply with federal tax law. The federal tax law requires issuers of tests bonds on the closing date to state have a reasonable expectation of spending. 85 1% of the proceeds within 3 years. So they were trying to shortstop that exact issue of over issuing early on. And and because tax exemptions, the subsidy by the federal government for local agency projects. >> Thank Chris. That's the same venue there. So, yes, it is a critical balance for us. We have to make sure that whatever we issue we can get it done in the next 3 years. And that's the given take on why it needs to be structured into a medium and long term the way it does. Thank you, Chris. That's really helpful to know as well. >> I know recently you said something about our been ratings going up because of

the work that we've done on our finances. And I know that impacts when you go to sell bonds as well. You've already mentioned that those who purchase bonds have a tax exemptions. So that makes sense why it's truncated into being a 3 year project. >> as far as the g o bonds because you said this is a utility van. >> We just have to do to counsel doesn't have to go out to voters. When you go out for geo Bonds, those are the ones that need a two-thirds vote. So it has have a suit, a majority to pass where school bonds only need a simple majority. Can you explain the difference in those? And if the city was to consider or have item brought back later on around in that structure, bonds. What would that go under which bucket? Okay. >> So yes, general obligation, bonds issued by a city required two-thirds vote of

those voting in an election that's required by Article 13 the California Constitution. School districts only have to get a 55% approval also required by the California constitution. They had an amendment prop. 39 that allowed the lower threshold. Utilities do not require a vote. But there is the prop to 18 process that you go through to the rate pairs a chance to protest the rates, which is the ultimate security for the utility bonds. And then other type of financing you're most likely to consider is a general find financing perhaps for the city Hall project that's done as a lease financing under California law, the California courts have upheld the ability of cities too undertake a long-term lease financing so long as they lease an asset and only budget an appropriate for each year's payments as their due. So no vote is

required for that. But it has to comply with the lease exception approved by the courts. My curiosity Mars goes around our roads and infrastructure. >> And I saw that that was an opportunity that you can do through Vaughn's. We already know the condition of our deferred maintenance on our Rose, roads are green and in our buildings, obviously, which is why the city hall building with something already mentioned. But my question was around, what's the max amount that you can go out for those leasing bonds? And what's the rate typically on those? >> Like re interrupt me here. >> When I when I go south on this one, but broadly, when we look at the lease construct look at okay, for example, roads and how do we want to deliver a debt financing structure to be able to make a project work? It's probably

going to be the least concept. This is an area where agencies have moved to that over the last 15 or so years. It at its core part of the least concept is being able to identify city assets that can be leased. We have a lot of what I would describe as free. Unclear city assets right now where there is no claim against those on a on a title. We can use those essentially as collateral to go out raise debt towards the street project. It is going to fall back into the same equation that we just mentioned a moment ago with so wastewater facility and that how big of a project can we do is going to be based on 2 things, how how long the term is that we can deliver those improvements and he's to be within 3 years. And the second part is how we can look at city assets that are fleeing free and clear as collateral towards that debt. That's something that Director

Hennessy myself and Director Burke are looking at currently to understand the scope and scale of that project and how it works. Burke is under way to really get that going. And really it doesn't need to be a. One. Bonds solves all things. City managers want as well as myself is looked at this as an ongoing strategy of not set it and forget it. But here is that pathway for the city through a debt structure which is prudent, keeps us financially stable and frankly gives us greater financial stability on the process of issuing bonds, not a bond. So that's how we're looking at it. And that helps. And by doing that, it also saves money to the community and to taxpayers because >> the projects are getting done quicker faster and at a lower rate than if we continue to weigh on >> it absolutely does. And it also gives us is a community

more budgeting, stability have a set number that we know is dedicated towards this area in our budget versus the ups and downs of Thank you for the presentation that was on my questions. But did you have something? >> I would just add to Scots comment the way that we would think also about doing roads through the general fund, the police structure that that sky just laid out is from a bar on perspective. The thing that we're going to be critically focusing on is the city's capacity within its budget to afford debt. So think of it like how big of a house can I buy? How big of a mortgage can I get? If staff comes back and says, you know, we think we can make a million dollars a year work as a payment. Then we work backwards to say, well, that means you can raise pick number 10 or 12 million for projects. If they say, well, we have 0 capacity. We

were dealing with a lot of public agency right now. They are running deficits and they say, well, how much can I borrow you know, fix my fire station. The answer is 0. You have net know capacity your budget. When you talk about going to the voters with the general obligation, bond like a school district or the community college, you know, you're asking that debt to be paid back by a new revenue stream, which is property tax levies. So in that case, we're doing the sensitivity analysis on. Well, how much of an impact are we would we want the average homeowner to potentially pay and is that a reasonable ask? But when you do lease finance scenes your to your your kind of being the parents to your kids first car loan. You're saying, ok, we all we know we can only afford acts, make it work. So it's a little bit of a reverse engineering as opposed to some

of the other financing structures. Thank you. And I just have a couple of questions that are are tangential to the today's discussion. But since we've got got 15 minutes to kill take it. Take me down to take the deeper into the world. Municipal finance. >> With with our movies upgrade and we can't say that often enough. Does that. Does that end up buying us? A few basis points are and whatever rate we get on the ground. There is a wrong answer. There >> it absolutely benefits. You. Using your terms to to reduce basis points. Yes, lower interest rate. And great thing about that is because you become a higher credit, a better credit, which investors will willing to take a lower return from because there's less likelihood that you will not MISS A bond debt service payment. It also minimizes the financing costs that we

otherwise would have to build into the fiancee. One of the things that I think Chris alluded to it and he's work was, you know, we have this thing called Bond insurance, which is that kind of an insurance wraparound? I the bond itself to make sure that the debt service will get made in the event city could make it. We don't have to pay that premium. So right that that could potentially be 100 or $200,000 in transaction costs that will not exist because you have such a high rating. So >> there are. Did we clear that? Did we clear that hurdle with the latest upgrade or are we already there? Yeah. So you're We do not see the need to have bond insurance for this potential wastewater Scott Scotsman bearing that lead. That was it. That was a big part of the upgrade. Sky. Thank you for that. Thank Greg. Thank you for clarifying

that. I cut you off. Please continue thought out. That was going to be finishing point. All right. Thank Good. That Thank you for thank you for confirming that. Second question. Again, this is these are some of larger financial market questions. But been a flood of public and corporate debt onto the markets recently, the the Muni market has been a nice, a little part of that. I now what's what's the forecast going forward in terms of especially in California, as you see, he's going out for dad. And to what extent is that? And this gets back to fund question earlier. To what extent is that is that to what extent will that be? Do we expect that to impact us? Well, I have 4 kids. My crystal borrows broken. So I'm not going to tell you which way things are going to I think that in talking to. >> The underwriting community and and where we are in the

market. Certainly there's a lot of noise out there with. Corporate going, you I write lot of the Capitol. This being requires being raced through the debt markets. In addition to the equity markets for Muni Land. As we like to call it, it's a pretty small world of minutes. We're talking hundreds of billions of dollars, not trillions. And so the typical investor that we what we worry more about what we call outflows, which means people are taking their money out of the tax exempt Muni. Investment bucket and they're deciding I would rather by space-x stock, right? That that is at negative to because it's one less potential investor. But what we what we see right now with a lot of that activity in the market is not really moving the municipal bond market around, which I think it's been pretty stable. I will just because the question has come up

earlier when we talk about where are we relative to, you know, history, we're still below the 30 year average on municipal bonds. So when Scott's talking about a 4% rate. That's almost 20 basis points below the average over the last 30 years. We'd like to remember 2020 when money was free. But all we have to do is go back 20 years and were higher than we are today. So it's just, you know, it's this short. Memory that we have for how things were so great back then. You know, briefly are underwriters and cure today as part of conversation. But I feel comfortable sharing that, you know, we feel strong and a marketing basis on how city can markets market sponsors. >> There's a clear strategy that we've put together that that is sound. And, you know, we feel strong given our size of the market and where we fit in. We were in a good place.

>> Thank. You know, that was a very clear answer. Was hoping that the Muni market was to some extent distinct. And you you confirm that. And it's an puts us on the outflows. Thank you for emphasizing that point as well. Final point for me and and Scott and is a question for you. If I recall at an early and a long-term finance meeting sometime ago, you mentioned that the city was the summit was in some ways and are bonded right now because we have not been going out to do it. My remembering that correctly. And can you expand on that point a little bit. >> Yeah, I I think there's never there's not any easy answer towards how much debt should the has a c? >> Assumed or >> what should we have done? But I think what I can share is that. >> been very consistent is being able trying to time the

perfect time to go out and get project. Stan puts us behind in that we've ended up paying more for projects because maybe we were unwilling to do something like take on risk in the debt market. >> Overall, though, just from a mask perspective, the cities recently had its pension obligation, bonds for all of our debt schedule. That was 40 million dollars that fallen our overall that coverage ratio, we have moved along the line over the past 10 years through our courthouse square reunification, project funds. And overall, when we look at, I think what we can do as as staff and as policymakers is look at the overall state of the city's infrastructure and look back and say, should the city have taken a more prudent approach towards issuing debt in the past? That wasn't so risk averse to be able to it, take care of problems that have only gotten worse. And I

think that that is important for us to re establish a dedication of infrastructure funding within our general fund. To my mind, the most effective way to do that is through issuing debt because it gives you a stable amount year to year. That does not change that, you know, is there and you can work into your projections and it is very challenging for us to establish that amount when faced against operational tradeoffs, the city could encounter a moment here in the near future where we should be looking at. How do we build the most advantages financial structure for our general fund that mitigates future risks of cost inflation against a future unknowns to put us in a stable position where we are not encountering the same budget problems that we've been feeling with over the past few years. I would argue as the cfo that issuing debt

is a one way to start accomplishing that. But that is those in conversation that will be bringing forward to council over the next few months. And that's today's conversation is really that first primer to do so. That was helpful to MISTER Wagner. So it says that this is the city equivalent of trying to time the market versus dollar cost averaging. >> With respect to debt. All right. That's helpful. Thank you very much. Over to my ultimate council colleagues. Any additional questions that's thrown open to public comment, MR. De Wit wanted to meet us off. >> Hello, my name is Dwayne from Roseland. I was curious about this idea of provide appropriate training to city officials and employees. And I was curious if certain members of boards or commissions are considered city officials and if they might be able to get

this training, I believe it's very important for those folks who volunteered to help the city get as much training as possible on these types of activities. So with that in mind, I'd be more than willing to volunteer my time to get as much training as possible on the topic that's been discussed today, which is actually very complex. It's difficult for many people to understand that you have a better financial position if you're deeper in debt and that you need the debt to get the good financial position. It's that counter intuitive type of situation. It confuses many taxpayers out in the general community. I wanted to make sure that because I volunteer in another capacity, there might be an opportunity for me to get as much training as possible on this. And if need be it even pay my own way to get the training to better understand how going into debt

helps us be better off financially in the future to accomplish the projects that we want to go in debt for. So with that in mind, I won't turn up any of that valuable time that you said you had to kill. Thank you. Thank you to Wayne or any other members of are there any other members of the public in council chambers and wish to make public comment? >> Seeing none. We'll go online to our MADAM Most is anybody opposite other hand raised online or or read as a that has anybody down star 9? >> That's a negative mayor. >> All right. Thank are. And we will close public comment and I will bring it back to the days for any any final thoughts. Just big thanks. Thank you. Thank you all very much for your help to the city. And we're looking forward to more conversations and in the near future. And with that, we're going take a

7 minute break. Everyone. Thank you. Thank u everyone that Imus floor cars, 4 o'clock and we can reconvene. MADAM City clerk, would you please call the roll? Thank you. Mayor Councilmember Rogers. Councilmember Rogers. Councilmember MacDonald here, Councilmember Fleming here, Councilmember Ben Councilmember Alvarez, PRESIDENT Vice Mayor Okrepkie Mayor Stapp here. Let the record show that all councilmembers are present with the exception of Councilmember Rogers. Thank you very right. And look at our city attorney for item 6 to a new report on our study session. MADAM City, Attorney. And no Wonderful when we can go right to the fun part of the evening. And that is item 7.1. Our proclamation for OCTOBER is domestic Violence Awareness Month. I'm gonna turn it over to my colleague.

MISS Been winless. Thank you. >> It's my honor to read this. Where is the city of Saint Rose here by recognizes that domestic violence affects. One in 4 families and that nearly all of us know someone who has been a victim of abuse, the crime of domestic violence violates an individual's privacy, dignity and security based on the system, systematic use of emotional physical, sexual, psychological and economic control or abuse. And whereas since 1976, ywca Sonoma County has been the singular and vital resource for local residents experiencing violence in the place where we should all field the safest inside our own homes. We recognize and pay tribute to ywca Founders, staff board of directors and volunteers for their 50th anniversary this year. Ywca operates. Sonoma County's only confidential safe House Shelter and Sonoma

County's only 24 7 domestic violence crisis hotline ywca counseling support. Search services offers trauma informed to individual and support group therapy for victims of trauma and domestic violence, including that children ywca child care centers serving one of the most vulnerable populations, children ages 0 to 5 years old. And where is only informed community can end the cycle of violence. We are encouraged to learn about ywca programs and support their vision for every family in Sonoma County to live healthy, productive lives and be safe in their own homes. Now, therefore, MAY be resolved. That Marks tap mayor of the city of Santa Rosa on behalf of the entire city council in recognition of our community do hereby proclaim OCTOBER 2026. In Santa Rosa as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Only people you

Connell. Welcome back. And thank you for bringing so many members of your team cleans the floor is yours. Absolutely. Thank you so much. >> Honorable mayor and members of the City Council. My name is Madeleine Keegan o'Connell and the ceo of the ywca and on behalf of our board of directors, our staff volunteers and especially the families in our tender care. Thank you sincerely for honoring OCTOBER domestic Violence Awareness Month and noting our 50th anniversary serving our community. Today we're joined by Chief John Cregan and members of the Santa Rosa Police Department whose support we rely on Farrar difficult work. And I know Chief Cregan is going to speak in just a moment. As shared in the reading of our proclamation. We were established in 1976. Ywca is 24 7 domestic violence crisis hotline. He's the only one in

Sonoma County. It's still the most direct path to support for local families in need. And we answer that phone from Inside Sonoma County's confidential, safe house shelter. It's also the only one in Sonoma County for families seeking refuge from harm, safety, planning and strategies to ensure relief are at the forefront of every one of the over 3,000 calls we received last year. Our client population is 80% female over 50% identify as Hispanic Latinx. 13% are children in 7% are seniors. The majority are poverty level families. Regrettably nationally and locally domestic violence related homicide and suicide rates are on the rise for ywca. Sonoma County. We want the city of Santa Rosa to know that we remain steadfast and committed to our vital and singular role here in Sonoma County. You can learn more about us to find resources and

pathways to safety at ywca, sc dot Org. And as I've said in the past, I serve as the spokesperson for ywca. But the real heroes are the domestic violence advocates managers and our team who support our important work every day. I'd like them to stand and be recognized. They're here with us today. They're a little shy >> thank you so very much. I'll turn it over to Chief Cregan. We're not surprised to see Chief Cregan here. Members of his command staff. We know important work of ywca is chief Cregan. >> Thank you very much, Mayor Stapp and thank you, Madeleine, for you and your team in the incredible work and just today, I was looking at some of the statistics from our domestic violence and look at the last 5 years in our 5 year average, it's 724 domestic violence incident a year are reported to the Santa Rosa Police Department and the

real reality. As we know, there are many more incidents that are reported. And so it's so important to work with our different organizations, their family, justice, Aaron, specifically with the ywca to be able to have those, especially the emergency shelter. Those are so critical getting a safe place for a victim to be able to stay. And that moment when they're the most vulnerable. So we're so appreciative are domestic violence, sexual assault team to speak so highly of the working relationship. And unfortunately, they couldn't be here tonight because they're all on the call out right now investigating an incident. So each one of those really takes them to their to their the resources, but we could not accomplish what we need to do, provide the level of support for victims in our community without the work of the ywca teams that we're so

appreciative Thank you very much. Thank you. >> Indeed, more Let's open up to public comment. Would any other would any members of the public like two-way and praised the ywca for the work that it does? Seeing no one in council chambers will take that applause. Thank you to Wayne. Anybody online. Lauren, do we have any hands raised or is anybody doubts star 9? >> We do not. Mayor. >> All right. Well, again, Madeline, thank you for coming bring out the team wanted to come down and let's do a photo with with with the council. Please. Anybody associated with the ywca calm down in front. Thank you again. Ywca team will move on to item 7.2, our presentation on its our ecology Selmer in 2026. Update. MR. Fulton, thank you for thank you for joining us. Poor poor little closer to they don't pick up that well.

There you go. We'll get Tech going on. There we go. Sounds like or live. All right. Well, try it again. All right. Good afternoon, Mayor. >> Vice mayor members of council. >> My name is Andy Fulton on the term general manager at recall the summer and Harris, Ilya Ferber today, our community relations and sustainability manager. And we really appreciate the opportunity to give you an update on what's been going on. A recall g last year. So we'll hop right into it. Just for some initial introduction for those of us that MAY not know s we are recalling, gee, we are headquartered in San Francisco, California. We are the 100% employee owned solid waste and recycling company in the United States. Specifically recall the summer Is. Around 500 employees recalled as a whole has about. 4100 employee owners recall

the summer services sir, it's about 500 strong. So we're a large organization. We started operations here and 2017. And we currently serve around 51,000 customers in Santa Rosa. And of course, we provide holding for your recycling compost garbage. We provide cnd services which is construction and demolition street sweeping and then we also process all of the recycling that we collect at our facility in centre us on Standish Avenue. So updates for this Recology ready. That's our internal moniker for an initiative we've undertaken over the last couple years. Contract really drive to really focus on driving improvement throughout the organization. It's kind of a for. For wrong approach on the latter, if you will. The first piece being operational excellence. One of the things I wanted to highlight the council today from the

operational side as we've really what we call our launch and recovery. So anyone who has a commercial fleet, we do pre trip inspections. We do post up inspections of those vehicles, making sure the equipment he's ready to go out and that the community. We try to really enhance that procedure at recall summer and where a large fleet we wanted to get a handle on those preach trips, especially so in the mornings we've divided the launch into the sections kind of based on geographic, start times. So we have a more manageable chunk. And those precepts are done under supervisors, supervision. They got in the yard and they're doing a systematic approach what we're doing is we're looking all that. All of our drivers are looking at the same components of the truck at the same time. It's kind of a synchronized swim as we like to call it. So we're looking

at hydraulic hoses were doing the brakes, inspections at the same time. What this does doing it all the same time. It creates a visibility for the supervisor to ensure first of all, that it's getting done. And second of all, that is to and getting done right. What we want to do is we don't want to go out into the community and have breakdowns. We want to reduce hydraulics bills. We want to catch those things and you are before we go out to service, the community so that way we can really continue that efficiency. We don't have to delay pickups. We don't have to clean up spills on the streets, which frustrates everybody. So we're really leaning into that piece of it. And so that's right. Tells into the next wrong on college ready latter. That's the customer experience. Our trucks, our drivers, they're really the face of a of the organization. They're out

there who everybody sees. But we also have a customer service department that is local right here on Standish Avenue again in Santa Rosa and but we tried to do over the last couple years is really empower them. We've added additional headcount. We increased training. We've had some some technological tools ai tools where they can find answers that customers MAY have to certain issues in real time. We really want to drive towards one call solution. You know, we want to have people call if you have a concern and not have to be, you know, put off to a supervisor or have to call back. We really want to drive out a niche of a few call once and we take care of you. And that'll take us to the next piece. So our technology modernization we've had we've I briefly spoke about some of the tools that a customer service agents are using. But it also added some

technology to the trucks. We have a couple different camera systems. The first camera system being solely focused on driver and community safety. So that's an onboard camera. It provides our drivers, real-time feedback using sort of an ai algorithm, a concert to recognize certain things like is the driver wearing his seatbelt. And if if not it all audibly notify the driver. Hey, please put your seatbelt on speed limit. Stop signs. All the you know, major pressure points that driver MAY face out on the streets on a day-to-day basis give some real-time feedback. And it also provides he's a her supervisor, sort of a a report out that the supervisors can follow up on. So we're really trying to drive down, you know, any kind of concerning behavior on the road. The second piece is we have a second camera system that is really focus on service

verification. So this camera isn't focused solely on the driver and the safety. This is focused on the service we provide. So it can confirm whether we dumped a cart. We've dumped Ruben, we use it to verges. So over just is a concern for us to kind of affects the efficiency of our procedures. So if a garbage cart is overloaded, that's it's likely that it's going to spill everywhere we try to dump it, which means the driver get out of the truck. We're heading into rainy season. I think everybody's kind of aware of the super El Nino that MAY be coming. And so you'd be surprised how little water in an open container can affect the weight of a truck. And when trucks get over of overweight, that means we have to stop or out sooner. We have to go to the dump. And so again, it just creates longer days. It creates more labor time. So

these cameras help us to educate the customer on. Hey, do we do have the right container size for your family or not? You know, are you seeing a lot of overages? And so we use it as a tool to help us drive that efficiency. And then I kind of all just wraps into our, you know, overall business implementation. We we can use the metrics we game from the csr department. The metrics again from the onboard technology to continue to tweak and drive efficiencies in the business. Well, I had one more slide that I've committed to memory that but I'll ahead and do. But just general operation updates. We recently deployed. We haven't quite deployed, but we we took delivery of a bike lane sweeper. So this is a small sweeper that will fit inside Santa Rosa's baller did protected bike lanes. So we needed a new piece of equipment to effectively sweep

those bike lanes. We took delivery of literally a couple weeks ago. So right now we have our supervisors out there. They're really trying to create the routes to try to understand them the equipment. And we're hoping to deploy that as a regular out sweeping says bike lanes, hopefully around the first of the year. Maybe a little ahead of time. Other pieces we have added on the residential side. We've added a recycling around Santa Rosa and we've also added a compost route in Santa Rosa. And again, this is sort of for 2 reasons. One, the community has grown. We've seen some growth in the community, but we just seen customers utilizing the services more. As you know, she is going to talk a little bit more about all the education outreach we do, but we're just seeing more. So we call in the business at out rate so more people using the recycling

bin, more people putting more stuff in the recycling bin and the same with the compost. More set out for the compost. Fuller bans means we just need to add route capacity. So we've done that. Last piece for me before I turn the just general, you know, pressures we faced as years gone on. It's it's mostly geopolitical. All there's, you know, recycling we we process. All the recycling So like I said, that's a that's a global commodity market. So we're susceptible to swings in commodity prices. It's been. Fairly unstable of course, fuel prices, which, you know, everybody in here has certainly felt and we feel quite a bit with fleet of diesel trucks. And then the uncertainty around advance clean fleet. So there's been, you know, California was on on with some electric truck initiatives. There's been some questions as to whether how

that's all going to shake out. Recall remains committed to. Testing and implementing electric trucks, words viable. We recently got a electric box trucks. A box truck like a uhaul truck and we use those for delivering carts for delivering or picking up bulky items. So you should see cruising through the city of Santa Rosa here pretty soon. It's nice and quiet. We're going to utilize And then we've we've completed our second demo of an electric residential truck. And the technology starting to catch used to be a question that to be a lot of questions. One of those questions have started to be answered. We we now know that the electric trucks are capable of doing the work. It used to feel like we needed 3 electric trucks to do the work of 2 that's gone away. The electric trucks can do the work. There's still questions on long-term viability. Those

questions on. Price pricing is substantially higher than the diesel counterpart, but we're committed to continue to test those things and see if we can bring in those technologies to Santa Rosa. So that's me. I want to pass it over >> Thank you, As my microphone workign sounds like it is sorry. Good evening Councilmembers. Thank you so much for this opportunity. I'm going to be speaking about our education outreach and the city of Santa Rosa, as well as some innovative programs that were initiating and the landfill diversion, that the impact that's having to landfill diversion. >> So first up here, I'm going to just give some stats on what we were able to achieve in 2025. And we worked with over 1300 accounts in the city of Santa Rosa. So that's your schools. Your multi-family dwellings, your your restaurants or hotels, any

type of commercial customer. And so we worked with them to improve their recycling and composting programs and decrease. What sent to the landfill. We conducted 847 site visits did over 2,500 audits. And so audits can vary theirs. These particular audits that I'm mentioning sb 1383 audit. So those are required by state law 1383 and they they requires around 40 accounts per route to be sampled per year, just to gauge participation in the composting recycling programs. And then the team gave 125 presentations and trainings. So those can be anywhere from assembly to 300 kids at the school or it could be a back of House training at a restaurant. So as 125 of them in 2025. And then we were able to achieve a 99% sb 1383 compliance rate for the city of Santa Rosa, meaning 99% of accounts that are required to have compulsory cycling

service do in fact, have it or they have a a waiver for de minimis generation. So, you know, like a laundromat, for example, doesn't necessarily need compo service so they would get a waiver. And my slides are oops. My slides are pretty picture heavy. So right here in the top last we have we Cirrus Sr. We specialist and meet a ugly already. He's actually here this evening as well. She's an All-Star rock star, super lucky to have her. So she's at the Santa Rosa Plaza and she is proud to show off that she implemented compo service there. That was quite a feat. Lot goes into implementing these programs at the little large institution like the mall, lot facilities coordination. So and then also coordinate with all of the food vendors at the at the food court. There. But it is implemented. So if you'd like to stop by the mall, you can you can be sure that your food

scraps will be compost. It. And in the middle talk there, we have our public education manager, Marie Niemeyer, who is also with us this evening. Another superstar rock star. And so she's with group giving him or storm or stands for materials recovery facility. That's where all the recyclables get processed in Santa Rosa. And we've given tours to over 1700 individuals in the past 2 years. So really, really happy to give people tours. They can sign up for the tour is on our website. You know that the ah, ha moment that people get when they actually get to see their recyclables being sorted. It is priceless. Top right there. We had a tool, one of our trucks preschools of the kids got to climb in the truck and learn about recycling and composting and definitely made their day. Those are super fans. And then bottom last, we had training at an office

building. So that's our resource specialist. Brandon Long given a training there and giving out education materials and compost pills. Bottom middle is at the center Earth Day Festival this APRIL that Anita and Brandon there and then bottom that right, we actually found a wallet at them or so. One of the sorters found a wallet on the line and we were able to return it to to this woman who lost her wallet. So every now and they're able find things like that and and hand them back. And so that's always a a proud moment because what are the odds? Truly? We're processing over 400 times a day. At that facility. >> Next 7 going to speak about our reuse bizarre inuries bizarre. We just had our 3rd one on SEPTEMBER. 26. And so we started this in 2024, we started at Findlay Park so I wasn't raintree for 2025. We know the event was growing and

so >> went to the fairgrounds, the Grace Pavilion at the center of Fairgrounds. And we did same location for 2026. So and when I've submitted the slide deck, we only had a 2025 metrics. We had 287 cars do drop off in 2025. That number increased to. >> What's your to 309 cars for drop-off this year. And then we had 424 shoppers last year. We had 620 shoppers this year and the shoppers are again, this is people are dropping off items completely for, you know, there that they don't need items in usable condition. The shoppers are are not buying anything. It's all free. They're able to peruse what other was dropped off and take home with seen at the checkout process is purely just weighing the items. So increase of 200 shoppers. So that was that felt really good. That felt like a big jump and that the words

definitely getting out about the event and where we were able to recover. 34,000 pounds last year we were able to recover 41,000 pounds this year. So that's all 3 reuse or recycling. And we were able to achieve an 84% landfill diversion rate. So basically keeping about 20 tons of material out of the landfill and in circulation in the hands of people who need it would not be possible without the partnership of the city of Santa Rosa as well as Conservation Corps North Bay Flip side, Thrift Reuse Alliance are major partner pulling this off as well as make it home. They take a lot of furniture and they furnished homes for for people who are not able to afford to do that. So really great organizations to partner with. We also drop off a lot of books at the center of Library. And here's some pictures from last year's

event. You can see the cars lined up. You can see some of the treasures that we find. Take sot 70 volunteers for this event and then as their way Sonoma honored us with their Green Resolution Award for the The reuse bizarre at their board meeting NOVEMBER of last year in these council chambers. Next innovative program that I'd like to touch on is our trash art program. Trash is actually an acronym. In this case. It stands for the recall. A g art start student hub. >> So we partner closely with Santa Rosa based nonprofit arts start. >> we we basically have about 5 students who go through the program and they source the materials for their art from our >> materials recovery facility. And so they're pulling items. I really don't belong there. That won't get recycled better, you know,

wish cycle basically. And they're making incredible pieces out of those items. And then the items are showcased various galleries. So for for last year's cohort, they were showcased at the >> Santa Rosa Visitor center and several of of you are able to attend. I see Jason, not yet. Thank you for coming to those events in supporting us. We really appreciate it. And as you can see, it's just really neat with the students ages 15 to 25 or a bull. They're just they're just so creative. And then we just completed the second cohort this year. And those that exhibit is actually on display in Petaluma this year. More pictures here from the center is a visitor center last year. That's the opening reception. >> And then I'll move on to our our Children's Museum exhibit when we presented to you all around this time last year, this was this was still

just an idea and now it is in place and council member Caroline was able to give a speech at the event. And Mayor Mayor Mark Staff was able to attend as well. So really appreciate you guys coming out to support. We had our grand opening for the children's exhibit on was in FEBRUARY of this year. And so it's it's a truck that kids can climb and they can pretend they're driving. And then there's also the sorting element where they have these parks that have various items on him. Actually go to my next slide here. And you can. Sorry it's little sensitive. Doesn't really. >> Ago. Okay. So those are the parks. They have the different items and the kids can put them in the slots in the truck and the. >> They actually get feedback. It lights a green if they do it correctly and it lights up red if they didn't get it right and they can try again.

So just a really great way to educate the community. The Children's Museum Seas for 200,000 children per year. And so you're educating not just the children, but also the caretakers. So really effective tool for for a cultural shift in the community. Next. I'd like to touch on our event services. Santa Rosa has a lot of those. That's which is wonderful. >> I think this this must've been an earlier draft presentation. >> Because that's what's to be 99 and sort of a blank there. >> So there are 99 events that we provide services to in Santa Rosa every year. >> And we recognize events as a big opportunity to educate the community because not everyone is going to read the newsletter that we mailed them. Although fabulous newsletter that you really should take a look at entertaining, too, but not

everyone's going to read it not everyone's going to engage with us. We host tables at events, but people who attend events, they're going to engage with the receptacles at events and so they might learn a thing or 2 about recycling and composting just by having these receptacles at all. The events. We also got this year, we debuted it at the fair at the fairgrounds for the annual we we got a replica of the Children's museum exhibit that we can bring with us That's everywhere. So people can practice sorting out all of our vets. Many of our about Sessions sale. >> And >> Last innovative program I'll touch on is related to events as well. So reuse we're seeing a big cultural shift towards reuse. It's a big. Frontier that I would say is being explored in the in the waste and resource recovery round right now. It's great. I

mean, a lot of the items that are going to landfill our to-go food where and where we can reduce what's what's being use. We can reduce what's going to the landfill. So we debuted Recology reusable cups. The a railroad music festival, which was also in SEPTEMBER. And so that their these blue Cups, they say I'm reusable, please return me on the back. We had signage up. We partnered with Green Mary who was providing receptacle services that the event anyway her team helped to make sure that the cups were collected and then Grossman's across the street from the festival. They wash the cups and then spring Maxwell has it as a community member help spearhead this effort as well. So is a true team effort we learned a lot from this event. I won't I will. I'll be honest with you. The attrition rate of the cups is pretty high. A lot of the cops walked off from the of

that. So it's all it's a learning process. We're committed to rolling this out at other events and putting up better signage increasing that return rate because we do. We do believe that reasonable cups is the way to go for events moving forward. So making this I apologize for the slights so all of these innovative efforts in the education outreach that we that we do, they they do have an impact on our diversion rates. We're seeing progress every single year in the right direction. The needles moving in the right direction. So called the summer and as a whole for the 11 communities that we've serviced since 2019, we've seen a 10% decrease in the town's landfill from from 2019 to 2025. And Santa Rosa follows that same trend. So and 2019 Santa Rosa had just over 90,000 times land filled and then in 2025, that number

dropped down to 81,000 Titans landfill. So a 10% reduction when you when you look back so this is the way that we track progress. Mostly if you look at a landfill diversion percentage, which I'll just say the number, it's 45% for Santa Rosa. You're not seeing the full picture it's a cover cycle. Looks a little bit more closely at landfill reduction over time to gauge progress of the community. And and so with that. Thank you so much. And we're happy to take any questions. >> Syrian, Andy, thank you very much for taking the time. Look at my colleagues on council any questions for ecology. Ben. We want to start us off. Thank you, Mayor. I just really had a comment. I just wanted to thank you for all the work that you do. >> I know I've talked to say about also trying to reach out to apartment complexes and I know that's not easy. So

really, I just want to know how much I appreciate it. And of course, much enjoy going to the museum. I love that place anyway. And the work that you're doing there to promote recycling to kids, which is so important. So I just wanted to say thank you. >> Agreed with that and anything. I thank you for clarifying the impact that water has on the containers. I hadn't thought that through all of it occasionally forgotten that cardinal it on my dad have had to empty it myself. So there been how are you know, to find customers? There's some there's some warnings that are some fines. What's what's the process and protocol for her college? There? >> Yeah, we so we we stick to people who are I you know, I MAY be egregious is the wrong word. But we have a threshold for the lead and needs to be at least 8 inches up. So a

pretty significant. We're not talking about just, you know, a little bag peeking out of the corner. And then, yeah, like like you mentioned, we we will send them a a warning either via email or a written warning, you know, and the male, the kind of depending on their preferences. And and with a warning. You know, warning doesn't have a lot of teeth unless there's something behind it. So there is a I a small like a $9 fine. But the idea is not really. It's not a revenue generator for us. It is more to it to just have something behind the warning and to curb the behavior educate the people and hopefully get them in the right size because what we really ultimately want to do is be able to plan our routes as efficiently as possible. So if we know that, you know, we have 1000 carts on a route and, you know, 50% of them are 64 down and 40% or 32. And so

on. Can really plan the day better. So the idea behind it is just to to really educate customers on the impact. >> Well, thank you for that. Thank you for Clara clarifying that for council. Any other questions on the dais. Seeing none. Let's go to public comment. MR. Hill, I see you at the dad at the podium want you to soften and MR. Do it. >> I was hearing complaints from people about getting fined because of the Libyan up. The used of. You over supplying the canned such that lead wouldn't close having too much cartoon. Now, one thing to keep in mind is that. It's quite possible without the homeless going down the street onto the campus, looking for recyclables and stuff like that. They Might be taken next to personal garbage, that there's avenue to some buddies can without owner's permission. So there's some talk that people. Heather

closed in in the evening when they put it out and then get they get a fine because apparently somebody going by stuffed extra garbage can. It causing that to happen. So that is a that would be an illegitimate find. Please keep that into consideration. Thank you, Michael, MR. Do it. >> Doing with from Roseland. Thank you for this very nice presentation. And for the good news to use 20,020 times, which is 40,000 pounds of debris, kept out of the landfill. That's a wonderful thing. It's also good to hear about the reuse bizarre. Really important to find ways to reuse things like chairs, desks, bookcases. Unfortunately, if you go out to the Meacham Road side at times, you'll see that being crushed. Going into the landfill. So there is going to be a better way, I think in the future working with these folks on the recycling that

they do it Standish Avenue and there landfills as diversion, 0 waste approach. Very important. I volunteer to help clean area that we call the Roseland never would. And the homeless that live there almost year-round. There's people there and leave behind a lot of clothing. And one of the things about that clothing as we pick it up and give it to city staff, it just goes into a debris situation. It's not recycled in any way. The countries of France, Portugal and Spain actually have gotten into the recycling of textiles. And the reuse of clothing. There's actually even a company called Humana and they basically are able to resell things and very discounted prices to people in the community when it's been cleaned. And that's something that I believe we could explore with recology. They seem to be very forward thinking and trying to do some

good things of this nature. I just found out about the reused start today. So I'm hoping I might be able to help with that. The future. There's also wondering, can you bring recycling to Standish Avenue? Some people I know bring this to forward to. Republic on along Saint Rose Avenue and they want big money there. And if you have to go all the way up to Michel Road, that's expensive on gas. Thank you. >> Thank you to Wayne. Is there anybody else in council chambers who wishes to speak? >> Seeing none. We'll go online. Lauren, does anybody have her hand raised or is anybody doubts star 9? >> Surprisingly, no, mayor. Nobody wants to speak on this item. >> Thank you, Lauren. We will close public comment any any final comments from the day? Any kind of feedback in the dance? Alright, Syria and Iraq, Paula g thank you for

what you do for our community. Thanks for giving the presentation. >> Thank you so much. >> will move on then to item 8.1. Yes, I applause for Ecology. Thank you, everyone. Item, 8.1. We had our Scott Adair, our deputy director for economic development. And Osborne, our director of planning and economic development and Dr Robert Iler of Sonoma State University. Gentleman. Welcome. Good afternoon. Mayor Vice Mayor Council. My name is Scott Adair. I serve as the city's chief economic development officer. >> For the planning and economic Development Department and the Economic Development division. The purpose of today's briefing is to provide an update on economic development division activities and provide council and the public with insights on strategic plan, progress.

It has been a year and a half since our last update to you. That said, I have several items to present on today in order to make the best use of our time. I have bullet point of these items and I will read them aloud after which staff has arranged for council to receive a report from DR. Robert Iler on the current state of Santa Rosa's economy. My updates are broken into 3 categories. The first category is concerning implementation progress toward the city of Santa Rosa is economic development, strategic plan? Under the economic development, strategic plans, actions in goals, the city's economic development division has. Updated the city's retail office and grocery sector Gap Analysys in partnership with the retail strategies to support business recruitment, retention and expansion efforts has completed the city's Target Industries

report and facilitated its review with the Economic Development subcommittee. Has partnered with the county's economic Development, Collaborative or d c to explore joint business outreach and site. Visit strategies between the city and the county. Has conducted to broker forms with commercial real estate professionals to discuss vacant buildings, use permit process ease in the development opportunities and challenges in that industry has completed and closed out the city's downtown housing infill study completed the city's annual District Citizen Survey acquired Placer ai Mobile analytics platform to support location, analysis, work. We've published quarterly economic reports in JULY and DECEMBER of 2025 as well as APRIL in JULY of 2026 with the next report coming out this month. Completed

home-based business surveys to better understand the needs of our entrepreneurs who are operating from their homes. We facilitated the Santa Rosa Market Opportunity report to evaluate potential sports tourism and entertainment opportunities collaborated with North Coast Builders Exchange to deliver to workforce contractor licensing programs. Collaborated with planning staff to develop a new home base childcare business start-up guide, which is now available on the city's one-stop shop portal. We facilitated quarterly rise and thrive meetings. We've hosted the city's first business Expert Express event. Hosted a business procurement training in partnership with the county's economic development collaborative and the small business Development Center. We continue to provide direct support to small business owners to the business

concierge program with a 6.12 month update and report available online to the city's one-stop shop portal. We managed a minor capital improvement Placemaking project, a pilot, the installation of children's play equipment in courthouse Square launched the city's first new commercial rent or program in partnership with the Sbdc completed away funding program in partnership with Santa Rosa Plaza launched the Ross Street Pilot to test pedestrian is a shunt efforts in our downtown and completed the launch of the city's one stop shop business portal in AUGUST, featuring a new economic dashboard. Along with our new why Santa Rosa Business promotion video. Moving on to my second category of updates to art and culture initiatives and updates toward the art and culture strategic plan. We did close out the city's public,

our strategic plan process and completed the impact report to help shape the next phase of art and culture initiatives in Santa Rosa, we advanced the city's Ruth Asawa panels project completing and casting 6 of those panels and bronze launched the temporary Art Walk in NOVEMBER of 2025 featuring 9 U.S. Based artists. Launched the city's new film Santa Rosa program launched the temporary Public Art exhibition. Lawson Cuentas Monarch, a spy artists, Martin Zuniga Howard Park completed the city's permanent art collection. GIs map celebrated the 31st anniversary of Labor Juilliard launched the city's Art and Culture newsletter in JANUARY of 2026 once the city's new our Round table in OCTOBER of 2025. Resumed management of Courthouse Square events brought on a new art events specialist to support that initiative published the city's new

special event permit guidelines and have supported more than 40 community events through event, support funding programs administered by or Division. Finally, looking ahead, the economic development division looks to finalize and implement the tourism strategic plan. Bring forward an economic development strategy. Addenda more phase 2 for council review. Advanced exploration of sports tourism opportunities refine and expand an incentive programs to drive targeted economic growth continue to build data driven decision tools like our new Economic Development dashboard and conclude activities under our partnership with collaborators such as the Schulz Museum, Snoopy, Home Ice and Children's Museum for the Creative Corridor Initiative and in the very near future, complete the facilitation of

the second business expert Express, which is this OCTOBER 22nd from 08:30am, to noon at Redwood Credit Union and finally coordinate the city's junior makers. Innovation showcase on NOVEMBER. 2nd, which will occur here in chambers from 05:00pm to 07:00pm. We're young entrepreneurs will pitch business ideas to a panel of judges and compete for cash prizes sponsored by exchange Bank. This concludes my highlights of economic development division updates since our last report to you. In APRIL 2025, I'd like to thank you for your time. And at this point, I would like to turn it over to our partner Dri Lair for a presentation on the current state of Santa Rosa's economy. Thank you. Thank you, Scott. And thank mayor and council members from tonight. Thank Scott and his team for the partnership thus far on on these issues and the

economic dashboard. >> We're going to start with just a quick overview of the macro economy. Every quarter. The Philadelphia Federal Reserve does an 40 forecasters and all these people do. These 40 people is look at the American economy and think about what the evolution is going to be over the next few years. So all the variables that they estimate I pull out 3, which are real gdp growth and think about his income growth after inflation, the unemployment rate at the national level and then try explain core pce inflation as a percentage change, but that basically is that everything we buy at home. If you take out food and energy products and services from a thing by home, that's how much percentage sense the cost of that stuff we buy at home every month. This change from one year ago, the Knox plane that mordi of depth in just a

minute in terms of the evolution of where inflation MAY be going and how that might affect Santa Rosa over the next few years. These data are from AUGUST, which means they incorporate data. We knew after the 2nd quarter of 2026. And looking forward. We're looking forward from the end of this year toward the end of 2029. So that shaded new column for real gdp growth is as of the end of quarter to 2026, it's quarter 3 just ended. We're going to get an update of this in about 4 weeks from the Philadelphia Fed Reserve. This is an essence like a blue chip forecast, but it comes out of a pub out of the Federal Reserve use this usually level set for the national economy. The previous column is what we knew after the 1st quarter of 2026. You can see for 2026. They became a little bit more pessimistic in terms of where growth is going to end this

year. A little bit more optimistic for 2027 and then kind of a mixed bag looking forward the next couple of years. If look at unemployment, one of the reasons why there is some optimism for the next few years and we don't see a lot of downward movement in real gdp growth is because the labor markets are still expected remain relatively warm. If you happen to watch global finance on a regular basis, the International Monetary Fund put out its global forecast this morning and have basically the same outcomes for the American economy going looking for the next couple of years. There is no recession currently being forecasted has a definite outcome for the next 2 years in the American economy. But I'll come back to that in just a second. One of the major headwinds is inflation. The reason I'm not showing you

consumer price index inflation here is because the Federal Reserve on it makes interest rate decisions as using those data. What we call core pce inflation. So if one more should circle that top row, I hope. Okay. Let's do one more quick. So I had those out of sequence. I apologize. So that circled area is meant to showcase how quickly inflation has changed since the first of the year. So with the information that forecasters had at the end of 2025, which is the q one number, they're expecting about 2.7% inflation this year for the American economy. That jump to 3.3 after we knew from quarter one 2026 and remains 3.3. What we knew through quarter to 2026. Through the end of the share. So very elevated from where we were at the end of last year, but then slowly descending so much of that movement down toward the end of 2028, it's a function of geopolitical

issues in supply chain issues freeing up to a certain extent to reduce those upward pressures on prices. But that is the major headwind right now in the American economy, which will make which should at least a fact the way the Santa Rosa is. Look at putting food on the table renting and the next stage of their lives in terms of saving. This is one of the biggest problems with inflation. It's a nasty erosion to what you really keep on your paycheck every month as that second line shows above that, the chances of actually having recession through the next 2 years is somewhere about one-fifth between 15 and 20%. But that's elevated from the start of this year at about 10%. So those headwinds are starting to push a little harder on the American economy. And so much of the growth that we see going forward is really about on ai jobs and then inflation

will not put as much pressure on the American economy in terms of labor market activity as maybe we currently expect. Next. A quick pace. That takes us to the local area. So when you hear about local labor statistics, specifically at the sorry at the city or county level, we're not getting regular data at the city level on the number of people who work locally. We get that without an 18 month lag. Unfortunately, as the Census Bureau, another public agency start to pick up some of the Dayton matchup with they know what the county level. But we do get as residential labor market data. So when you hear about the unemployment rate, that is a statement about who lives someplace, not who works someplace. So that blue line is the tracing out from JANUARY 2016 on a seasonally adjusted basis through the end of JUNE. For folks that live

in Santa Rosa who either looking for work work for themselves are work for somebody We call the labor force, the chunk of that which is employed for themselves or somebody else's that orange line, the distance between is the unemployed in the ratio of the distance between the the blue line is the unemployment rate. So in that space gets bigger, the unemployment rate is rising and you can see that the of the time during the pandemic led recession, we saw that gap rise very quickly. And then it closed over the next 18 months. And it's basically kind of run around somewhere between 4 and 5%. Now that read bracketed area is important in the sense that we have actually been seen the space for Santa Rosa close a little bit. That's off kilter from from the county data counties and notice Noma County did have actually seen does not close this quickly.

But the interesting thing that's happening in labor markets and reason I'm bringing step ahead and put to a couple times. I'm sorry is that we have seen unemployment in Santa Rosa fall a little bit from the last quarter. But you can see that blue line is dipping a little bit. So weird statewide and sort of northern California phenomenon that's happening in the labor market data as we're seeing unemployment gets more at the same time that labor force is falling, which is what we don't want to see. So we're watching it very closely to see if that is a phenomenon that's driven by immigration policy. Outbound migration in net of Californians and maybe northern Californians who are now leaving for other places or some other phenomenon. Like let's say, retirements are speeding up for some reason. For example, equity markets are providing enough air cover

for people financially to actually walk away and finally from their jobs, what it's going to take 18 months to kind of sort that out as the Census data are revealed. But we're watching that closely in the data because it is kind of a weird off cycle phenomenon and it's happening not just in Sonoma County, but really across Northern California and for the state on average. Show taxable sales simply because it's something that gets updated at the local level on a regular basis. They can be a little deceiving depending on what places now have you to some kind of fulfillment center or the way in which of the legislation is changing the way the taxable sales are counted. But in essence, what this is showing sort of 2 phenomena. One is we've seen some decline in taxable sales across California and generally speaking across Northern California, see some

pops like Ontario, Elk Grove in Oxnard and shown here. They all have new from filling centers. They also have some other commercial real estate that have come up or they're getting a little bit of a pop on a year-on-year basis. These data are percentage changes looking back one year for the entire fiscal year ending in quarter 2 2026. Versus the fiscal year that ended in quarter 2.25, if you look at just the quarterly data from the only the 2nd quarter of 2026. Back to just a 2nd quarter 2025 taxable sales rose in Santa Rosa by 1.8%. And in fact, some updated data the tax. If administration and California. So just about 0.4 negative numbers actually closer to just flat 0. But regardless we've seen some downward movement. That's true. In Napa County, Sonoma County and generally north of I-80, we've seen that happen. Most of that is function of

just a slower economy. We saw some of those labor didn't before. And some of it's a little bit slower amount of spending that happening with tourism. Going to talk about just a minute, but it's something to watch again as a metric that's at least updated and gives you an inkling about the real real time data with respect to local economy. We look forward and housing markets. We're also seeing some declining data. Now, what's unfortunate about the housing market says terms of forecasting areas in Sonoma County. Number and county as much Sonoma County north toward the Oregon border. So Humble County don't North County, Trinity County are all seeing downward movement in forecasting home prices at the media. Now, some of that is because we've seen a slower housing market. Rates are going up. We haven't seen as many existing units weren't

seeing the number of transactions slowly creep up, but not too quickly. Connoisseur believing that, in fact, the cannabis industry, specifically north of us is affecting the way that Landis is coming up for sale. Housing is coming up for sale. So watching that closely to see if there's more of a spread of that in areas that historically have some risk exposure respect to what's going on. The cannabis industry by the Rosa and Sonoma County otherwise is declining a little bit from what we knew as of AUGUST. Looking forward, some of the comparison areas that we are looking at in the dashboard very slow movement over the next year. If interest rates are going to continue to have upward pressure, we'll probably see some more flat forecast going forward. But rents remain elevated. So if you look at that tension that

exists between rental prices and what it cost to carry a home, those have come closer together. Short of insurance costs and insurance is maybe the one major vector that is also affecting this. That's it's somewhat indirect in tricky to kind of tease out versus what you think is classic market pricing. About carrying cost of owning a home and that you own the home outright undecided Ponton insurance, which can be a tricky decision. We know that that's that's a decision that everybody faces in terms thinking about moving specifically from Ronald ownership. So we're watching that closely in terms of downward pressure. Now, I want to apologize on this one. The header on this one has a couple little issues when you click through the to the slide, one is it's just occupancy rates. Originally I was thinking I would put both

occupancy average daily rates in and I didn't do that. I forgot to change the header and it should be poor when it selected areas. However, the lessons from this are basically the same. So you click through the money. Let's stop there. This is the evolution of the 12 month moving average of the data we have for Santa Rosa and the occupancy in local hotels. So you can see these are from JULY 2020. This is going to than the deer during the recession during the pandemic. Coming up, trying to re-establish market than some wobbly moving since then in terms seeing trend kind of flatten out somewhere between 60 and 70% occupancy. Now, if you compare to Sonoma County overall Santa Rosa's, one of the bigger mover. So the next clicko show you Sonoma County. The next clip show you Napa County and lets stop there. You can see Napa County took a

much more severe fall during the pandemic recession moved up more quickly coming out, but is basically following a similar trend picking up a little bit last year and maybe a little faster than other places starting to flatten out this year. But San Francisco you can see in the next click had a much more severe and longer downturn has picked up and has really started to take off. So the reason I show all this, if you think about not only what happened locally but also competitive forces that are regional, you want to keep all that in mind when you think about what might be happening here, the exposure to what's happening in the wine industry is also sort of an existential question. Ask about what's happening with hotel and overall tourism dollars which and moves back toward taxable sales. All that you can think of a sort of a broader ecosystem around the

visitor economy. Now that red dotted line is just at 70 just kind of a benchmark. Most of destination management folks that I talk to think of 70, especially in our region. That's kind of a market for a while performing occupancy rates. We've been under that since the pandemic. And this is really meant to showcase that we're still not quite there. 70's was, in essence, the long-term average for about the 6 or 7 years before the pandemic. Looking quickly at and jobs forecast from the county I want to show this is contacts we really don't have what you consider to be a good set of standard forecast to come out at the city level. But the evolution of Sonoma counties forecast. These data are a mix of actuals and forecast today that we know on an annual basis, all the data through 2025. Using a blend of forecast that come from both the Department of Finance,

California Department transportation, a couple of private sector subscriptions that I get. It's not county actually has a pretty decent forecast going digging that out a little bit. How that also ultimately reflects on Sonoma County's economy is really an idea of where economic development meets. What's happening with respect to the forecast and the more the macro forces to kind of close the circle. California's forecast is a little bit flatter than Sonoma counties, which is the next click forward. So if you're looking at the data, the left-hand access is the black line in the Sonoma County. The right hand access is the number of workers for California floor, flat or growth. Both growing. But the next book is probably the more revealing is this. You think about where that growth is coming from? Most forecast for California, not

just Sonoma County, but for California have 3 major growth areas. One is in health care. The sort of drumbeat of an aging workforce, an aging populace were healthcare. Demand is going to be there slowly rising toward the end of the decade. The other what you might say is parallel that is hospitality. If California is naturally attracting more residents that are older, then our they also coming with wealth and thus afford more hospitality spending that's out there, too. As far as a driver government rising is is in that space to that construction is also rising in all. Those are kind of the big 4 areas of growth where there's some issues is that agriculture is forecasted to fall. Manufacturing is forecasted fall in retail is basically looked at as a flat growth industry looking for regardless of the evolution of wealth and incomes in

California or in Sonoma County, as the case MAY be. So underneath the sort of hood on growth lies a few industries that are really the drivers of intriguingly. I've seen some breakdowns where some labor economists are saying, well, if you split health care out on its own, it's not as good as a driver, social assistance. What we think about social assistance, jobs, things like social workers, non-profit health and a lot of things that are health care. Jay sent. It's all one big environment. Health care is going to be the primary driver of jobs. Growth, probably at least through 2030, maybe through 2035. In this region. Now, that doesn't mean that can't change. And what also does lead to a lot of opportunities about where economic development can point itself with respect to attraction, retention and expansion beyond health care.

So some things to watch looking forward just to kind of give us a sense of things on the ground in and summing up what I just said before. One struck, look at, kind of sorry we have a lot of geopolitical issues and we also have elections coming up. We'll see if that makes a difference from an economic standpoint. Whatever happens in the election will not make an immediate economic difference unless there's a major geopolitical reversal. So just give you a little foreshadowing there, however, as this continues, our lower to middle income households and are smaller businesses are the ones that feel that pressure of those costs changing and the environment where wages are rising against other costs, changing it just gets tougher and tougher and tougher to stand business and really to stay economically viable as household. So watch

for that. The labor markets are really the one place where if we have more pressure downward, which right now most forecasts suggest we won't. But the supposition is, as we're seeing higher interest rates and continued inflation pressure, lot of businesses are going to think about whether or not they hire more people were higher for vacancies. The other labor data that are out there suggest that that hasn't really started to happen in earnest. We're watching that closely as economists also one thing about budgets is that we are we haven't change the tax code in California. We're still very exposed to an equity market reversal and what MAY happen with personal income in terms of driving revenue. So watch for that debate as we move forward toward the end of the decade. Some things for Santa Rosa, just 3 key items quickly watch

those lower to middle income household pressures. Those things are not going away in the species. Severe reversal of the head ones. And it's unlikely that even not even a few stops. All the geopolitical issues that are affecting energy supply chains right now, it will probably take 4 or 5 months for the whole. So Marcus to cleanse all that out and start to see actual downward pressure in energy prices, commercial housing developers that are going to have cost pressure. So watching on the construction side, the incentives to continue to come to build and what mix is the best mix to build for profitability. Those pressures are there to even for your larger players. They're going to have pressure is on them. And everybody's gonna be scrambling to try to bring foot traffic to their downtowns into their counties

in terms of tourism. So that's sort of knows towards and I was going to more deer toward the end of the decade as well, at least given the current forecast inform out and we're seeing out there in the economy. So thank you. And with that, I'll take some questions. I appreciate this business and our partnership in terms of what we've been doing for economic development and city. DR. Our thank you for helping the city our economic development team. This is all really good staff looking to council for questions. >> Going to rain. Really clicked just so I can. This is it except Jax. I appreciate you talking about it so quickly. My brain feels like it's going to explode. I I have a couple questions around our investment in infrastructure, DR. Either the more that we put into our sea ip projects be been kind of

trunk hating these long-term projects to make them happen quicker. Could you give me just a brief overview of how investing in infrastructure in the city of Santa Rosa, how that impacts our local economy. >> The easiest way to say thank you for the question. The easiest way to say how infrastructure affects the local economy as it signals to current and potential businesses that you are investing in the sort of foundational aspects of how the municipality supports businesses coming here growing. That's the easiest thing you can say. And it also then bleeds over into residences who will become employees of those businesses and just suggest that you're willing to make that investment for the betterment of not only local residents, but also local businesses. You can see it is that signal.

>> Okay. Thank you so much. I think that's a great as we're talking about our infrastructure and our kind of and need for investing in that in the future. I just wanted to know how that impacted our local economy. You hear about it a lot. And the Hoover Dam are those examples of where the feds have put in a large amount of money for infrastructure. I just wondered how that worked at a local economy and and what that actually calls for. >> It is that talk about it and think about a relatively speaking, right. If you're doing things that you believe are different rubble, then you should talk about why they are and look at some comparisons in sort of Put that an attraction strategy. If you feel like it's foundational change, talk about it. Don't just sit on that information. Put it out there as this is why we're different

positively. >> Thank as far as our hotel occupancy rate, I'm sorry. I missed how what is our current rate in Santa Rosa? You had a graph, but I couldn't see if we are at about 60%. Are. >> It should be if memory serves, correct. These data are through JULY of this year and it's a 12 month moving average. It's just a little bit over. 60% is probably right around. 62, if memory serves, I don't think I can quite see it here. And Israel just here around 70% it should be in terms of trend. But that's that's kind of a hand. Wavy norm and also thinking before the pandemic, not thinking that maybe the market has changed structurally in that 70%. Might be a little bit too lofty and a lot of it just depends on cash flow and what you can do as long side of the foot traffic you generate from those overnight status. So that's I put the 70

up to just simply as a marker to be thinking about this is how a lot of destination management organizations might be thinking about goal structure. Even though Kate San Francisco has crept up on that number, we still regionally have some room to grow. That's really the message around the 70%. Great. Thank And then my last question is around. You talked about the macro economy and the >> how that actually impact small businesses and households when when inflation goes up. And my question to you is because I've always been told that small business is kind of the backbone of the local economy. So can you tell me your perspective what council can do to maybe help strengthen small business are some steps we can take to support small business or work with our team so that we can ensure that they become a

little bit more recession proof and that were we're keeping that backbone going or maybe even explain a couple things that we're doing. >> Yes, sure, There is really unfortunately no easy answer. That question short of going out there and showing that the council's wants to support local business, some of the headwinds they're facing. You're not gonna be able to solve. Unfortunately, you're not going change the pump. Price. I mean, even if the city suddenly became a huge, wholesale purchase, serve gasoline and distributed everywhere, you probably would not have that moved a in fact, locally in what you do is you probably drive demand from every place else. Everything dropped $0.50 a gallon to mammoth, suddenly rise and take you right back up to market. So there's there's certain things that just sort of global or national even

regional market standpoint, you're not able to do. But what you can do as you can go on, try to see as many small businesses as you can try to hear them and try to collect like the 2 or 3 major issues they're facing to see if there isn't something from a policy standpoint or from some partnership standpoint that you might be able to facilitate to solve problems that have lower price credit, specific touch, a crowd, little bit more flexibility in terms weather permitting, who knows. But gathering that information and doing on a regular basis is kind of in my mind, has 2 major items that come with that one is you hearing from them directly? And as long as you're talking about it and you're thinking about problem solving that can that keep me going in terms of I really have a partner here and the second potential bringing those sort of broader

partnerships with partners who didn't even know that this was an acute issue, I think might be able to solve it along side of the city. >> Thank you so much. Thanks for the presentation team does a lot to outreach to our businesses. I'm always looking for some little gem that you can share with us that can help us maybe even to value. Thank you, MR. Alvarez. >> First of all, it was say, sir, that I love the way that you give examples, information that you're providing. Not only it helpful to understand, but also makes it every we relate every day from the gases, spring, guess all over the place. And then it might not make the the fact that that we expected to subdue appreciate use. Those examples which also gives me the confidence ask you questions that you might not even have the answer to one of those is the cannabis industry which

you touched on lightly. I'm wondering if you correlation between the cannabis industry affecting the wind industry in Sonoma County with the use or use and cannabis more than wine, especially in our and our more mater modern-day users. I would say that that's a great question because I think it's something that from an existential issue, the one history has to reckon with us. >> Generally, hence, it's not local problem as much as is more of general market problem and whether or not it is a vector to watch over time. And I don't there's any doubt about the fact it's eroded some of the demand, how much of it or how critical that change has been to the wine industry serve writ large, I think is is a question to look out but is unlikely to be really a major mover. A lot of his more the shift in preferences toward wine in general and some of the over

extension that was out there in the wine industry with respect to debt load over investment, assuming that the demand spike that we saw during the pandemic will continue one over extension based on those forecast revenues, actually personally was very surprised. Let's say 18 months ago to hear about some of the decisions that were made and also how quickly things are eroding. I thought to be a little bit more of a smooth ride. And then if you dig another layer deep, this issue in the wine industry is not new. It's actually been brewing since like that's a 2018 or 19 and just finally showed its face after the pandemic bump had passed. So I think cannabis is probably part of it. But I say to you probably relatively small part versus the other pieces that are affecting the industry. And a similar question in regards to employment. Have

you seen a drop in encounters careers? So in comparison to the whiners careers during that same time period, last 18 months. >> Yeah, that's a great question. We don't really track cannabis employment very well. The labor market data, unfortunately, is not. >> Differentiating cannabis, specific employment. It's kind of buried along the supply chain of in on the agricultural side. It's still kind of buried in a couple different line items. So it's hard to tease those out in the wind. A stream we've seen certainly some flattening, but if but in Sonoma County, the issue with cannabis is not as acute as it is in Mendocino and Humboldt counties. Yes, so if you look at their, they're having a general. Contraction, agriculture, what you have to assume has some peace in cannabis and in wine. But the tricky part is not so much

what's happening in those 2 industries as their supply chain partners alongside and what that means for the local towns that are kind of built for a long period of time on cash flow that was coming in from cannabis that has rearranged itself and kind of undermined the foundational aspects of the economy for a lot of the small businesses that's not happening here in Sonoma County. At the same magnitude. In fact, I would tell you it's someone in perceptible. Well, here, not when you started removing 80 miles north and things change pretty quick. Absolutely appreciate you never that, Thank you. You bet. Thank you. Thank you. MISS By Wales. >> Thank you. Well, thank you for the presentation and and first, want to acknowledge all the work that Director Adair, his death. That whole list that to a new you set out to accomplish and accomplished

everything. And with that in mind, just wanted to kind of latch onto what Councilmember MacDonald was saying about a small businesses. So I know we've all been hearing from our small businesses, especially how much they're struggling right now and particularly in the downtown. And they attributed to a number of things parking and other issues. You know, when I look at these numbers, it you know, it's not just parking and those things, but it's also the state of the economy right now. Some just wondering. Just kind of piggy bank, she was sent. What Councilmember MacDonald was saying. We are looking for ways that we can support our businesses because I do think that right now. Well, everyone else is struggling. People are not going out. They're going out to dinner as much. That's just a fact. They say when things like this are happening

or what kind of borderline recession for some, not that people start to save their money. They and kind of going to your labor numbers. Dri lair people are not changing jobs right now. If they have a because they want to keep their benefits and they're nervous. Anaheim, one of those was so interesting to me because as you said, Dr, lot of things have changed so quickly during covid people were moving from job to job and just, you know, that if they saw better job, they were just a bit. Nobody's quitting right now. And so the labor numbers are really interesting. Also in that our labor numbers are kind of not too bad, but not great. But but also they say, Pete, many people have stopped looking for jobs. So I I guess what I'm getting my question, I guess, would be around the idea of whether or not we have a recession at some point. I

know you can't. And you can forecast, but you can't necessarily predict. But but what? What are the indicators that should be looking for if we think a recession might happen in the at the end of 2027 short. It's great. It's great question. Asked. So thank you for asking it. It is right now there's no forecasting out there for people that are trained like I am. And that's all they're doing every day of the week is watching what's going on. No one is jumping up and down saying this is the end. The ballgame. >> Recession when it's declared is a blend of data and then a qualitative assessment of those Dayton saying, ok, now we're in recession. There's not a formula that delivers that outcome. However, it usually labor market driven. So if you the 2 things that kind things as profits to answer your

questions this way, one is that we don't expect in a recession by the end of this year or next year. Given the data we have today. The second is that we will not see Santa Rosa or Sonoma County recess outside of a National Recession. So it's not going on its own just isolated fashion fall apart, vis-a-vis its neighbors or the state of California or the U.S. Economy. We don't as much risk exposures. Other areas of California specifically smaller. Where is who might be like, for example, if you look at Mendocino County and sort of the same things rose asked about before the risk exposure. There is a little bit more generalized and slipping a little bit closer to something that's gonna look like recession. Maybe these are the the state are national economy. Sonoma County is one of the most diversified county economies in Santa Rosa as a

microcosm about should worry about it too much. However, the 2 major things to watch for is what's happening in debt. Markets. So we as interest rates rise and pushes a little bit more of a marginal risk into those that are exposed to adjustable rate loans. And this is everything from you and me who have adjustable rate car loans, home loans, credit card balances all the way up to ai companies who have exposed themselves to short-term credit markets that when those reset at higher rates, it changes their cost structure in of cash flow becomes a problem for those companies. Those trick your ways there's there's a trick your outcome in terms of their ability service that debt. And that's that then start to bleed into equity markets, which then starts slow down investment, which then close to recession. That's kind of where most of

the betting money is is that recession is coming. It will start with that kind of chain of logic. And this is where equity markets are a little squishy about how they affect our lives, sort of Makar economically. But watch for those kind of indicators. There's no there's no reason to believe that we're going to see massive layoffs without an event like that happening. But the more geopolitical headwind pressure there is the more risk there us. So you can kind of say that that's also happening there, too. But we need to get through our elections and then kind of see where we go from there geopolitically to really know how much of that fog starts to clear. The helpful. Yes, it's very helpful. He was just looking at my notes really quick. You also at the end, when you said 3. >> She items for Santa Rosa and that was lower to middle

income household pressures. Thank you for mentioning that because I think we often forget that that's a real aspect of local economy. We have a lot of working class people that are really struggling right now. And so those pressures are real and I I try to stress every every council, me, but I don't know that it gets across to folks that this is really the inflation, the cost of groceries, Gaston, all those things. You know, by that the 3rd week of the month, a lot of folks are completely broke. And that's that's a reality right now for many folks who fall into this category. So I thank you for mentioning that. And the commercial in housing developers, the cost of construction right now. I see. Don't think I'm the only construction and development has really slowed down us to a crawl its and feels like. And I think due to and I wonder

what you think about the cost of construction. All of those factors that go into building. So if you look at the data, the cost of construction took a leap. >> After the pandemic and it basically stayed at those elevated levels. When you see geopolitical issues that are affecting supply chains, you see tariffs that don't remain in the same capacity as they were. Let's say, 12, 15 months ago, but still kind of lingering at a higher level and the cost of gasoline, including diesel, which diesel's really jumped. That's all those are going to put marginal pressures on the decision to how many I'm gonna build. Am I gonna look for other profitable places where the cost of construction? The partnership with cities and counties is cleaner and sort of parent that we say speedier and lower costs because it has to pencil for me as a con as a

as a builder. So the more that those sort of outside pressures are building the inside pressures remaining the same if they existed previously can tip developer from building locally to looking for other sort of greener pastures. So that's just to watch for that. I put that here because when interest rates go up, that's yet another factor to watch in terms of that cost structure. If you're using credit to build with the idea you're going to generate the revenue on the inside from the sales. So we're not seeing much relief there, unfortunately. And it's somewhat structural in terms of the change and not fading at all. I think that's all I have for right now. Really. Thank you so much. Although I do want to say, too. >> Director Osborne just know that we know you're doing everything you and that I

think I know I support you and what you're trying to do to help all of our businesses. But I just think it's a real challenge right now. So I appreciate all the work that you've done. And I know that I think all the council wants to support you supporting our businesses. So thank Thank you. Vice Mayor. >> Thank you. Dovetail off the lower middle income household pressures com and you had mentioned discussing those 3 key Adams or Santa Rosa, California tax code hasn't changed in decades and that's going to put pressure on personal income. I think it's a timely discussion, especially as we go into election season key kind of expand on why that is what that means and why that's important. When looking at these 3 key items. >> Yes. So if you think about the way money flows from the state back toward cities and

counties. Anything about the budget risk exposure that exists support still generating revenue at the state level in a very similar way that we were, let's say 20 years ago, we have the same basic risk characteristics, meaning that we need personal income to continue to grow when equity markets not to fade and we need still see growth in terms of capital gains, incomes and U.S. Taxes. And if those start to walk backward, that dribbles down all the way to city level in certain direct and indirect ways. So I just did put that on there with the idea that we need to be thinking that has robots a budget. We saw this last year this year coming out of Sacramento, the risk characteristics of the look forward things that cities and counties have got to be thinking about alongside of the state. If we see sort of. Undermining of the macro

economy and it's starting to show its face through lower revenues for the state and thus for counties and cities over time. Just got to keep that in mind that those as robust as it seems right now, you got to be very cautious. Started that walks back. We're 10 15%. That's going to be a big hit. Sacramento and that will have an effect locally. Thank you. Any other questions from council? >> Let's open up to the public or any member of the public like to See MISTER DeWitt, MR. Helber and then MR. All a buck. Yep, do in Europe than Michael and Fred. >> And he's doing to it. I'm from Roseland were times are tough. Used to be a song called downtown. It was back in the day when this place thrived center it was busy. But then they redevelopment and they destroyed much of our downtown. We've never recovered one of the dilemmas

that you face as you don't look at all of our businesses, which was just mentioned by somebody. You look at just downtown, you have to look over to Roseland. Also, it's a matter of fact, you included a part of Roseland in your downtown specific area plan. But when you talk to city officials, they frequently just look at at downtown one of the things about this is you are neglecting the possibility of helping some of those businesses. Increase your income. And this is important if you're going to look at a town as big as ours now. Last I heard close to 180,000 people. You got a lot of folks on a big footprint, but you just look at things right down here within this. Quarter mile area, if you will. I really hope that one of the things you will focus on is that the housing study that was done for the infill? We'll be implemented and

you'll build build, build right down here. Instead of sprawl, sprawls brawl over to the south of Roseland and the Bellevue District or over into the right district are all the way out into Fulton. If you want your money being spent downtown, you get to build your housing downtown. That's the key that's going to bring these dollars and keep one thing in mind. Our economy is not going to get better at least for a couple of years. And you know what? We MAY be a war for a lot longer than people expect. So what are they? There's a saying that goes prepare for the worst and pray for the best because we don't know what the hell's coming our way. Thanks to Wayne Michael and then Fred. >> Yeah, Mike can you see this picture on the Cameron? So you betcha. Progressive geniuses are going raise the sales tax to 10 and a half percent in interest of stimulating the

economy. I would recommend to everybody and intense election exercise. A small amount of common sense and vote no on now. 10% is more than enough. Last thing we need is to jack it up to 10 at percent. And we should keep in mind the workforce participation rate is a much more important Metric ton unemployment. And statewide. It's it's only 61 and a half percent. That's extraordinarily low. That's a small number of people carrying the population. So regardless of whether the unemployment rate is only 4%. You know, there's a lot of people drop down, just not participating. 61% the statewide number that's very low. And lastly are going of particular issue here. I would suggest you test Doctor Island. With coming up with an estimate of how much sales tax could be brought in. If you. Collected 10 at percent for Mo. Mexican methamphetamine is

distributed by the North. Pena was in Santa Rosa. That would be one h# # # of a lot of money. You would be a game changer. 10% from all of methamphetamine. See, this is this is what you're you're please got a couple weeks ago, 7 pounds of methamphetamine that represents a whole lot of money. And it's being distributed business. It's a tax-exempt pharmaceutical and it's not. We want to know we want to start collecting cell types and all those methods spin distributed around here. Do balance your budget for you. >> Fret over >> And good afternoon. Members of the City I I find joy to engaging the economic development reports and Doctor Robert Iler and I like the council to consider of the sustainability paradigm where

there's a triple bottom line with full cost accounting for each of those bottom lines, the one of the bottom lines, economy, environment and society. And so the intersection of society and the economy is equity. And so I was presented to the city Council, all a small study of a of demographics of of Santa Rosa. The show that there's 37% of Santa Rosa qualifies as disadvantaged community. And then 100% median household income are also struggling. So it's really the top 20% or so of the demographic of Santa Rosa. That's going to float economy and float the extra spending. So for for the city Council to be stewards of of the city's population. You have to pay attention to 2 that saw equity place where the intersection of society and economy. And don't know if Councilmember Alvarez's is aware of My generation there was kind underground comics

and there was one called furry freak brothers. And in the parlance of the furry freak brothers, that one of the guy said with Dope will get you through times of no money. Better than money will get you through times of know, do. >> All right. That was beginning. Fred. Thank you. I anybody else in council chambers who wishes to speak. Seeing none. We'll go online. Lauren, does anybody have their hands raised on zoom or has dialed start stop star 9. >> The tough, tough crowd today, mayor. No hands for this item. And to Lauren, Alright, back to will close public comment. Bring it back to the dance. Any final comments or questions? Thanks to our economic development team. You are moving the needle and to Dri were and Sonoma State University. Thank you for all that you do for our city. Thank you. >> All right. Ram. Move on.

Then. 2. Gonna Statements of abstention are accused my counsel. Actually, you know what? I pull it back. Ready. That net. We're a little bit redu. Apologies were to go to our community Empowerment Plan. Update item 8.2. >> We're going to bouncing around a little bit, folks, but MISS Horton. Thank you as always. >> Good afternoon, Mayor Vice mayor and city a note that commuting manager with the communications and intergovernmental Relations Office and now will be presenting the community Empowerment Plan update covering OCTOBER. For the sake time that are a lot of things happening OCTOBER. But I'm just review some highlights on OCTOBER 14 Decidio Centeral sign a partnership with the naacp Sonoma County Branch. We will close to 2026 municipal election indication meeting from 6.30, to 6 from 5.30, to

06:30pm, one for us. You know, one 4th street. This meeting part the CDs, ongoing Board of Education, serious, which provides community members with information about the upcoming municipal election. Mission Hill City Council, district elections and how to ensure the enough votes are counted. That's part of e-bike safety initiative. The Santa Rosa Police Department in Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition. We'll hold community meetings for youth riders and patterns on safe and you go bike. Use. Meetings will begin at 06:00pm on OCTOBER 15 at Piner High School, an OCTOBER 22nd and many a car you'll high school topics include riders responsibilities, helmet, traffic, safety e-bike classifications and injury prevention. On OCTOBER 29th. The Santa Rosa Police Department will host a free festival style trunk or treat

from 04:00pm to 08:00pm at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. One. 35 Cedar Bennett Valley Road. Some of these can walk through more than 30 decorated trunks and enjoy treats if they scavenger hand you costume contest and this it with police officers. Another community partners. And that concludes OCTOBER Community Empowerment Plan update. Thank you. It's hard to thank you. A full agenda as always looking to council for questions. >> And questions from council. Alright, will grab the public comment, but any members of the public wish to speak, MR. Do it. >> Dwayne DeWitt from Roseland. I want thank MISS Cord and I also wanted to add something. It's empowering the Roseland community. Make a difference. Day is on Saturday. The 24th of OCTOBER at 10 in the morning in the Roseland neighborhood. We'll be out there and we just got

word from a group of people called the Rotary Club that they're starting a branch in Roseland and they were out there Saturday morning in our neighbor would with at least a dozen extra people and they pulled out a lot of debris that U.S. Regular volunteers are able to always get to. So the place is the cleanest it's ever been in the last 10 years of Santa Rosa City ownership of the Roseland neighborhood go out there today or tomorrow and look at it before the homeless and the bike thieves make it bad again. But it's important that we keep up this empowerment approach and you folks can empower Roseland by joining the Roseland Rotary Club. You don't have to live in Roseland to support Roseland. So join an up and help us all. Thank you. Thank you to Wayne. >> Is anybody else in council chambers wish to speak? Seeing online. Lauren, is there

anybody on zoom or or on the phone wishes to speak? >> Negative Mayor, thank you. We'll close public comment. All right. Now we will go to our statements of abstention are accused of what council here in jump ahead to item 10. Are there any statements of abstention recusal this evening? >> I'd like to abstain from a 12.1 SEPTEMBER. 29, regular meeting minutes. Thanks. >> Alright noted, thank you very much. We will go on to consent. Then we items. 13.1 through 13.5. Are there any questions we wish the point these items? Seeing none over the public comment. Would any members of the public like to comment on the consent calendar, MR. To it. >> Yes, are doing to it from Roseland. I ride the bus frequently and I see here in these items you're talking about getting more buses, spending, more money. It's a

nice idea to have more people ride buses. But the reality is it's not actually happening that much. So I want to make sure that this allocation or you're eligible to receive up to 3 million dollars over 5 year period to get some extra stuff going for transportation and good types things with housing, housing and transit are supposed to go together. They say it's a matter of fact. You get a bonus. If you build some housing near transit. But that's not necessarily happening that much. If you say well, that bus stop over there is our transit. But nobody's riding the bus. Example, is that it's Southwest Community Park. They call that a transit center. I go over there a lot and you don't get to see many people ride the bus except school kids, perhaps in the morning or maybe in the afternoon one of the things about are trained. It's actually been

under cutting the buses and we've actually lost the service of the Golden Gate Transit from Santa Rosa to Sandra fell. You have to go down to Sandra fell get on Golden Gate Transit. That's really cut into the ridership and cost a lot more for a lot of people to use buses. Did you know that the airport or costs? $55 one way now? So it used to be a bus. You could get down to the city for 7 bucks has not going to happen. Even if you guys do all this stuff for buses and public transportation lets you can what's that called increase ridership? Yes. And how you gonna do that? How we're going to get that going. I have an idea. More businesses and housing right downtown with our bus transit center. What's called the All right. Over there. People could make it all work together. Thank you. Thanks to Wayne going to be elsewhere like to comment on

our consent calendar in Chambers. >> Seeing none. We'll go online learn as a body have their hand raised on zoom or has doubts star 9. >> No mayor. They were not impressed by this item either. Alright, we'll close close public comment and government vice mayor to have a motion. I like to move items. 13.1 through submitted by staff. We have a motion and a second by MISS Rogers, MADAM City clerk, you can call a vote whenever we're ready. Thank you, Mayor. Councilmember Rogers, Councilmember MacDonald, I councilmember Fleming Councilmember Ben well oath. Yes, councilmember over us. Vice Cookie step. >> Yes. Let the record show this passes unanimously. >> Thank you very much. All right. So the time is 5.40, we're running a bit behind. We've got a full house tonight, which is great. Thank

you all for coming out. We also have a lot of speakers online as well. And we've got a couple of public hearings that we have to get that we have to get to. And some of those are at least one of those is going to be pretty vibrant as well. So here's how we're going to plant, especially since we've been at it now for for several hours. We're going to start with public comment. Gonna take 12 people from Inside Council chambers those individuals will have a minute to speak after that. We were going to take a break of about 20 minutes so council so council can grab dinner. Then we're going to come back and run. But where to go through the public hearings and then at the end, we will go back to public comment and take anybody else in chambers or online who has not yet spoken. We want to get to everybody. Thank you for coming out. But

again, we've got a full agenda tonight. And so we want to be as efficient as possible where to start right now with public comment on matters, not listed on the agenda public comment on matters not listed on the agenda. Please make your way to the podium. I've got a few. I've got a few names online that I'm gonna call first. In fact, maybe I have I might actually have 12. So let's start with I can eating and then Jenny Gilpin and then joy. Can Jenny get open? And then joy? Is Comey at >> requested the use of the requested writing. So are we able to assist Mr? One moment chairs on our way over to turn on the overhead. >> Actually, it looks like the overhead is on. If you just put your document under the camera. >> About this. That should cover it. Council. Ladies and gentleman. I government has made a sneak attack bombing, a

children's school. Killing over 100 children. Government has also been thousands of people. A bomb to school. Resolution was offered in the Congress to end these hostilities 3 times and 3 times that resolution failed. Amongst the people. Opposing the ending of Aggression tracked. Was this thanked? Where's the overhead? It's coming. Is MISTER Gallagher. MR. Gallagher Watch to represent you in the Congress. MISTER Gallagher voted against ending hostilities. Thank you very much Jenny join and then k p. >> Jenny join kpn. Please be waiting by the podium so we can keep this moving. >> And I'm here with the North Bay Organizing Project Civil Liberties Task Force. I live in District 2. Nationwide, out to several 100,000 flock cameras. And we're on track to live in a surveillance state far worse than anything

imagined by George Orwell in 1984. Because he wasn't imagining an ai-powered surveillance state. It's not about ai. It's about how much data can be collected when there are sensors and cameras everywhere with a storage and computing power to process all of it. 20th century surveillance states like with a stopover labor, mediated, their reach was limited by how many people they could put to work. You might not be worried about the false alert and privacy violation. But my greater concern is the trajectory. Once this infrastructure is in place will slowly. So we slide into the most powerful surveillance state and only the city council can stop it. I ask you to get public comment and a vote on renewing the contract by the end of NOVEMBER. Thank Thank you. Thank you. Folks. >> I know I know we want jazz hands. We got to keep this

moment. I thank you. Jenny, join your next and kpn. Stephanie. >> All right. Hello Council. My name is Deli on the task force organizer with the North Bay Organizing project. Mayor called that myself and my task force leaders were here some 4 months ago and in my public comment, I made really clear to say that mistress was not a new. Our local elected snore was in our local police department. We're out of the flock company. 4 months later. I might feel a bit differently. I could go on to list number of the Calais instances of misuse violations or failures have been done by the flock company or with the use of their equipment. But I'd like to believe that you're all doing the necessary research make well informed decisions. The one thing a lift is this. Earlier this month, a federal judge ruled the sheriff's deputy had

violated the 4th Amendment by searching month's worth of a local woman's local location. History without a warrant. This case, it's a huge presence in the conversation about the sort of equipment, especially when we know that these sort of warrantless capabilities are exactly what they used to market. The technology since JANUARY, over 160 cities across the country under their contracts, the flock safety company, 24 of which are in California. This tells me that there are in fact, local elected. Listening to their constituents. And I really hope that you will do the same. Thanks so much. >> Thank you, joy, folks, folks, folks. Thank you. And again, I know that feelings are running on this subject. But if we if we continue with the applause in the interruption, we will recess to meeting. So enjoy. Thank you very much. Michael k p

Stephanie and Thank you. >> Hello, my name's kp. I'm a farmer parent, Coup, local community member of Santa Rosa for going over 2 decades now. I'm here to communicate my stance against Santa Rosa's use of flock cameras and surveillance technology. This is not the first time I've shared this with many of the council members here and Chief John Cregan not here to. I'm not here to discuss the wise and why not a flock, but to highlight once again that your community is telling you, we do not want clock in Santa Rosa. Most recently, 400 of us said this to you on SEPTEMBER 17. We've said this repeatedly at see that at City Council meetings. We've told you individually, we've been on this port. You're here to share our stance against block the good faith and trust. I extend to city council. The beginning of these conversations is dwindling. My

question now is what do we the people you represent have to do to be heard and supported on this topic. Thank you. >> Thank you. Kp Stephanie Revelle and on Gel. >> Hi, I'm Stephanie. Once again here too, at Dacs to the flock cameras, I believe they do violate my civil liberties, the right to observe in public. Once again, I will say does not extend to a right to aggregate my location, information over time into a retroactively searchable database. But I'm not suspected of any crime. The ability to view my location information over time and access it at a later date creates the constitutional conditions for a search. I understand that this technology makes cops lives easier. I also understand that the ability to come into my home and toss it without a warrant in order to find evidence of an unknown crime

would also make their lives easier. Can you not figure out any other way to fund a department which is better funded than 65% of to police departments per capita. And the U.S. According to the Census Bureau, I understand that they only have more staff than 9% of departments that points to a staffing issue and a MISS Allocation of the funds that you have already given them. 65%. More money should mean 65%. More staff. The problem is internal. Thank you. Thank you. Stephanie Ravelo on Jalyn Michelle. >> Hi, everybody. My name is Ravelo mask. I'm resident of district 5. I'm here also with the many, many people opposing flock cameras they will say better than >> Thank you Valor on Michelle and Sophie. >> Our guests and I am here as a local teacher. I've talked for over 20 years and as we've done every year in debate and

government and English classes, we talk about what's relevant and happening around us. The students are fully aware of what's going on with flock camera. As you know, our public schools are nearly 60% Latinx now and get the city is becoming more and boarded by divers, our families and our students are concerned about what flock cameras means not only for their livelihoods, but forgetting to school every day. It's compounding fears around ice and surveillance. And I want you to know that the young people are very much looking to you to make the right decision to keep them safe without invading their privacy. Thank you so much. >> Nicely said on Joe. Thank you, Michelle Sofiane in Cameron. I'm sorry. Was on jail here. She was not. Okay. Thank. Thank you. Michelle will go Sophia, Kamran and Camille. >> I'm here to ask that the

City Council agenda eyes the issue of flock surveillance within our community and give the people a dedicated time. And space to give feedback and share their legitimate concerns. I am very concerned that the contract with Flock will quietly be renewed as it is up for renewal in JANUARY of 2027 a mere few months away. Despite the widespread opposition to their invasive technology. One of the things that we keep hearing all doing canvassing with in Santa Rosa districts is that your constituents feel they did not have any say in the decision process when the contract with Flock was decided upon. We need to give the people a voice on matters that directly impact their day-to-day lives. Thank you. Thank you very much, Cameron and then Camille. >> I'm >> also with North Bay organizing project and we've

been canvassing about every other weekend, a common theme and thing I hear is. >> Allow the sound awful. But we don't have those here, though, do it. I say no, actually, we have more here than the rest of the county combined and by those conversations and the look on their faces and I just seen this immense loss of trust and fear about what type of society and structure we're building here, policing that is compatible with like Bill Civil Liberties and Civil society does not look like this. There's no dignity or trust. When you treat every person like a potential criminal with no right to privacy, the moment they walk out of their house. Choosing their onside by choosing mass surveillance. So please take this to a vote and reconsider. Thank Thank you. Cameron, Camille. >> From District 6 and I was

at the SEPTEMBER 17th event. And the thing is that. >> The problem is not that we the community don't trust flock. The problem is that flock and programs like it are untrustworthy. We don't need more pr and presentations like that. We need confirmation from this council that when the contract is up, you will put this loud and clear on the agenda for open discussion and not on a consent calendar. Further. I would like to address something really troubling that I saw through video of that community engagement event when a black and Latina former city official in Sonoma County had asked with great decorum, critically thinking that, you know, intelligent question of the flock representative who evaded this question by saying that she did not like her aggressive line of questioning and did not like she did not feel comfortable not having

it, not respectful conversation, which I find awful. I find that anti-black and I also find a cowardly invasion of accountability from a community member. Thank you, Camille. All right. We got room for one more who's closest to the podium and wants their chance to speak. >> All right, MR. Do it. >> Hello, my name is Dwayne Do with it. And I'm from Roseland and basically everybody turn your phone off. You can't be tracked if your phone is off. So leave that bad boy off while you're in here for sure. And nobody know that you're trying to ask our council to do their job better. We have to be these kind of guys that are a little bit more thoughtful ourselves because what's that guy's name for? My I guess was Ukraine's Sergey Brin that runs Google. People. All the stuff in mind, folks, this is really big things that are going on in the world

wars, tragedies, terrible stuff and flock isn't making it better. And the council will make it better unless they put it on the agenda to be discussed with the community. You know, our mayor likes to say we're going to have a community conversation. So let's call him on it. Let's say, hey, bro. It's time for the community conversation and give us some more time on the clock when we're talking and let us go back and forth. Let's have the meeting without o'clock. >> Thank you. As always, Dwayne. All right, folks, you've all waiting a long time and will have to we are going to adjourn now for about 20 minutes for a break. And then this meeting were to come back into the 2 public hearings and then at the and everyone who has not spoken but wishes to speak, both in chambers and online will have their chance. So that's our that's our

runner show for the rest of the evening. We will we will recess for 20 minutes. Thank you. Alright, everyone, thank you for your patience. We will reconvene into open session matters. Clerk, would you please call the roll? >> Thank you, Mayor. Councilmember Rogers, Councilmember MacDonald here, Councilmember Fleming Councilmember Ben Willows here, councilmember all fronts. Vice Mayor Kentucky here, mayor Stapp here. Let the record show that all councilmembers are present. >> Thank you very much. All right. We'll move on to our public hearing for the evening, starting with a public hearing 16 16.1. Our public hearing concerning the approval of an application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for permanent local housing allocation

program. Funds and adoption of 2024. Through 2028 Pl aj plan. Welcome to both of you. The from the floor is yours. Can you turn those on? One of the lean and closely? >> You hear me. There we go thought, okay. Good evening. Mayor vice mayor and council members. The item before you is that request to hold a public hearing and approve. And and the approval to submit an application to the state of California. Department of Housing and Community Development's permanent local housing allocation program for the first 2 rounds of funds and up to 3 Million 46 thousand. $56 for around 2024. Through 2028. California Department of Housing and Community Development Semi's permanent local housing allocation plan. Pl Ha program was created through California Senate Bill 2 commonly referred to us sb

2, which establishes a 70 established a $75 recording fee on real estate documents that provides grant funding to local governments for housing related activities. Eligible activities include pre-development. Development acquisition, rehabilitation and preservation of multifamily rental housing. For low to moderate income households up to 120% of area median income. In the previous in the previous 5 cycle, the city of Santa Rosa was awarded 4 million, $12,612 Appeal. Aj finds under the 2019 2023 notice of funding availability referred to as fa that was administered by the Housing Authority and committed funds to for affordable housing projects, totaling 196 units. On JULY 16, 2026. Hcd released the Pili Ha 2024. 2028 formula allocation. No fun. The city is a. At the city is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, entitlement

jurisdiction. And eligible to receive 489,369 $522,044 for 2024 2025. And up to 3 Million 46 thousand. $56. Over a five-year period. The funds are non competitive. 5% of the grant is available for administration of the program and Hcd requires the sub middle of an application and adopted Pl ha plan. Executed standard agreement. And here in adherence with the pillage a program guidelines to be awarded and receive the grant funds. If awarded Lha Grant funds the city the city intends to issue secured loan, secured low-interest loans to developers for low-income house, affordable housing developments in Santa Rosa through its annual competitive Nophah. Local funds committed to affordable housing projects will strengthen that project for other competitive funding sort sources such as tax credit financing. The proposed application is consistent with

the council goal number 5 by expanding access to more affordable housing opportunities for low-income households. This item has no impact on the current fiscal. Your budget. The housing and Community Services Department recommends that the council conduct a public hearing under the requirements of the state of California Department of Housing and Community Development's Hcd permanent local housing allocation. Pl ha program for 2024. Through 2028 formula allocation. Notice of funding availability. The no and 2 by resolution approved middle of a grant application to h CDs be Lage a program for entitlement grants and the amount of 487,369. And $522 site $522,044 for 24 2024. 2025. And up to 3 Million 46 thousand. 56 for a five-year period. 2024 through 2028. And adopt Pl ha plan for the same period. This

item has no impact on current fiscal year budget. This concludes the presentation and we're happy to answer any questions that you MAY have. >> Thank you both. These opportunities are always exciting. Turning the council for questions. And registered abroad. One for me. What how how many grants like this as the city city managed care managed to lie to obtain in the past. >> So for this particular funding sources to be the second round of Pili chief received, there are other grant opportunities that come through the state's Department of Housing and Community Development that we apply for. But this would be the second round of the fun specifically outstanding. Any funds can work in tandem with what flooding and the renewal Enterprise I'm assuming. >> Yes, go ahead. No finish or finish. Your thought is and it

Chandler's point made in the presentation and level leverage other funding sources, local, state, federal to advance affordable housing projects. >> All right. Excellent. Thank you for spotting the opportunity and thank you for applying for Northern Council questions for from council. We will open the public hearing. Are there any members of the public hearing Council chambers who wish to make comment or participate on this item? Seeing none. We'll go online. Lauren, does anybody on zoom have her hand raised or anyone on the phone? Has anyone found out star 9? >> Negative mayor. All right. We will then close the public hearing and would see him looking for a motion from misspent winless. I believe think you mayor. >> just want to see how happy I am to see this. This is exciting. So I with that move

to approve a resolution as presented by staff. Send it. >> We have a motion with second, but MR. Alvarez. Alright, is there any further discussion from council? Seeing none? MADAM Clerk, we can call a vote. >> Thank you, Mayor Councilmember Rogers, I Councilmember Macdonald, I councilmember Fleming Councilmember Ben well oath. Yes, Councilmember Alvarez are Vice Cookie. Mayor Stapp yes. Let the record show this passes unanimously. >> All right. Thank you both. The best wishes to the city be great to have those funds. Onto item a 16 point to our public hearing regarding the Delphi, a drive-thru appeal. And look at our city City Clerk, City attorney. Do need to read the flight instruction? City attorney? Ready to read the entire the full item description. It make sure I get all all my marks

for the public hearing. >> I believe you addressed it adequately appeal hearing on the that I drive to repeal. >> They're heading, ok? Thank you very much. On then to ex parte disclosures will right down the line here, MR. Rogers. >> telephone call with Ken Davis 2 or of the site petitioners. MRS. >> Thank you, Mayor. I've met with both sides of visit the site and have nothing else to discuss. Close. And notice closures make. I visited Nothing to disclose. No disclosures from me. >> I went to the site and met with the applicant and nothing else. This cause. I visited the site and met with the applicant as well. And I still live in the neighborhood. So I know the area very well. >> Thank you. Has been weight We will move on then to our staff presentation. Michelson you want to lead us off.

>> All right. Good evening, mayor. Stop and members of the council, the item before you is the Delphi. A drive-thru peel file number. See up to 3 Dash 0, 4, 1, It's located at 2000 Sebastopol Road. This appeal was filed by the applicant following the planning commission's FEBRUARY 2026. Denial of the projects conditional use permit. So this project is requesting a conditional use permit for a drive-thru restaurant. With proposed operating hours of Monday through Sunday. 07:00am to 11:00pm with a maximum of 2 employees per shift and 15 additional parking spaces. Here. You can see the parcels located on the corner Sebastopol Road and Stony Point Road and the drive-thru would be located on the vacant portion of the parcel to the South. So the project sites, General Plan Land uses retail and business services. It's Sunny district is cg. General

commercial and these are consistent. Here. You can see the project site plan demonstrating that the access to the drive-thru from Sebastopol Road and then exiting onto can more lane. Other city staff had recommended approval of the conditional use permit. The Planning Commission's denial reflected concerns regarding the proposed queue management plan. Traffic circulation and accessibility. So here are the projects, conceptual elevations. This is a pending design application that. Would only proceed if the conditional use permit were approved. Tonight. So this slide summarizes the project's background. Including the neighborhood meetings and 2023 2024. Which resulted in the applicant revise seen the site plan moving the access to the drive-thru. 2 spots toll road. And then finally month, every 12, 2026, the Planning

Commission held a public hearing and voted 5 to 2 to deny the conditional use permit on FEBRUARY 23rd 2026. Appeal was received from the applicant and this brings us to tonight's meeting. So in the next 2 slides, I'm going to summarize the applicants ground for appeal as well as provides staffs responses. And the first grounds for appeal. The appellate requests approval of the conditional use permit stating that the Planning Commission's decision conflicted with staff's recommendation. The project's technical studies and Steph testimony supporting the project and staff's response is that the planning commission found that the pro proposed drive-thru exacerbate traffic and noise impacts on Kenmore Lane. Possible road that the site's ingress and egress and queuing configuration were inadequate. And that the resulting impacts

would be detrimental to the surrounding neighborhood and public health, safety and welfare because the commission reached a different conclusion from staff's recommendation. True to draft resolutions have been prepared for council's consideration. One approving the project consistent with staff's recommendation and one upholding the planning commission's to now. And the second grounds for appeal. The appellate maintains that the commission's traffic and safety findings are in constant inconsistent with the project's technical studies. Staff testimony at the public hearing and staff's recommendation for approval. And staff's response is that the planning Commission found that traffic and noise impacts from the proposed drive-thru but exacerbate existing conditions on Ken Morley. Possible road. The next grounds for appeal. The

appellant maintains that the commission's concerns regarding future queuing and circulation impacts were speculative. And that the project would be subject to enforceable conditions of approval with remedies, including the citations and permit revocation if violations occurred. Staff's response is that the commission found that the site was not well suited for the proposed drive-thru use and expressed concerns regarding potential circulation and operational impacts on the site and surrounding roadway network. And the next grounds for appeal. The appellate argues that camera lane is a public road and that concerns regarding project traffic using the road are inconsistent with staff's recommendations for approval and determination that the project meet City Standards. Staff's response is that the

commission found that the traffic and noise impacts from the proposed use would exacerbate existing conditions on Kenmore Lane and Sebastopol Road and that the project's in gress egress and queuing configuration were inadequate. All right. Getting there in the 5th ground for appeal. The appellate argues that the commission's denial was inconsistent with the project's technical studies and instead relied on subjective concerns regarding. The traffic in circulation impacts. So staff's response here is that the commission expressed concerns regarding the effectiveness of the queuing the proposed queuing plan, an operational measures under creating conditions. And their ability to prevent impacts to the surrounding roadways and neighborhoods. In the 6 ground for appeal. The appellate argues that the fact that a conditional conditional

use permit runs with the land is not a basis for denial and staffs wrist. Fox here is that the planning Commission's. Concerns focused on the proposed drive-thru use and its anticipated operational impacts rather than the fact that the conditional use permit runs with the land. In the final ground for appeal. The appellate maintains that the site is physically sued of suitable for the excuse me physically suited for the proposed drive-thru use complies with all applicable city standards and can safely accommodate the proposed access circulation and queuing plan. Staff's response is the planning Commission found that the sites in gress egress queuing configuration and overall suitability for the proposed drive-thru were not adequate to support approval of the project. And once again, 2 resolutions have been prepared. For the council's

consideration. So the project has been reviewed under the California Environmental Quality Quality Act and qualifies for 2 exemptions sections. 1, 5, 303, and 1, 5, 3, 3, 2, Staff has received number of comments since it was originally notified on JANUARY. 30th 2026. These regard. These comments were in regards to his size configuration, to impacted traffic intersection and proximity to the existing single family residential neighborhood as well as additional impacts to Kenmore Lane neighborhood, including vehicles accident through the local streets and potential impacts such as noise, traffic and circulation issues. And these are similar to the concerns that were raised at the planning Commission and by the Planning Commission. At the Planning Commission meeting. All right. So therefore, the planning and

economic development Department recommends that the city council consider the recommendations as a planning commission and city staff and by resolution either one deny the appeal. And the poll, the Planning Commission's denial of the conditional use permit for the Dell by a drive-thru project or to accept the appeal and approve the conditional use permit for the Delphi. A drive-thru project. Additionally. Staff is available to answer any questions. We also have Dan Hennessy, our director of Transportation and Public Works and Cleve Carney, direct deputy director of development services. We're here to answer any questions as well. And this concludes my presentation and thank you. Thank you very much. All right, turning the council for questions. Ms Fleming, Start us off. >> Yeah, this project sounds eerily similar to a business

that I have in my district. That is constantly I've in communication with director Hennessey. I just have a question about traffic flows when when these types of drive-thru businesses do end up causing overflow, is it really the case that we're able to cite folks on on a regular basis and that enforcement is a realistic, you know, process. And for not. >> easy and cases like this. It needs to be clearly blocking a public right of way and meet certain standards based on the California vehicle code other state codes. Citing people for blocking right away needs to meet very specific standards for the police department to be able to do that. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Other questions, MISTER Rogers. >> Yes, so I had 2 questions. One would be a maximum of the employees with that, too. Per

shift. Why is that? That could be. That would be a question for the applicant. Okay. How do we get the answer? I have to wait. To the applicants presentation then my second question is on. And although it's speculative. >> I know that there is a as school right there in during rush hour traffic. If someone was leaving the establishment, they would have to and they wanted to turn left across 2 lanes of traffic on to Sebastopol Road. Is there any way or was there any thought into possibly having a no turn on left during certain? Hours so that it would not one block traffic and just seems like it would be. It could be dangerous if someone's waiting to turn left on Sebastopol Road to go towards Cook. >> And nothing in techno study regarding the development itself suggests that that's necessary anything that would be done to impact the traffic

generated by the project would have the same restrictions on residents of Kenmore land and anybody else using Matzo. Know, every time we divert someone from where they want to go, where adding them somewhere else and then we would have residents of Gardner or other streets in the area complaining to us that we've said Mark traffic down their street. >> All right. Thank you. >> thank you, Mayor. I've been to the site very world or the same. And I'm looking at the map. I just want to confirm a person who enters on Kenmore does not have access to the right. A parking lot. Is that correct? There's garbage. Can that blocks away with that? I was going to be removed and I believe in U.S. Of the plans and it's a look like it will. >> And if they're they're they're entering from Kenmore. Currently are. This is. >> Once establishment is it's

it's blocked. It's probably yeah, it's but you can enter from Rite Aid. The old Ben and Rite Aid on can more through the drive-thru and exiting on Kenmore at the at Westmo most side of the parcel. It's rare. Here's just one goes to driveway. Comes. Tim was rare. Can't go this which could come through Rite Aid to the. I Cleaver, any deputy director Belmont services. So based on the plans. >> There is a >> guardrail that blocks access directly from Kenmore to the adjacent eastern side. Based on the site plan, there is a driveway easements in favor of Rite Aid across the Delphi. A parcel we would need to verify whether or not that easement is in favor. The other way to do so over Rite Aid. 2 Delphi and to clarify, looking at Page 5. What my? Ultimate question is is that when a person interest to Kenmore, they will not be a

for first is property onto. The Rite Aid parcel. Is my ultimate. Lynch. The driveway coming through. The drive-thru is a one-way. So if someone came in through 10 more, they want to be able to drive through the drive-thru. Ultimately candidates on Stony point through axis of Cantor r as such as a bypass. That's a little my question. Pairs person can into the Rite Aid parking parcel and into the drive-thru, ending up on Kenmore east to west. I guess can go from east to west, but you can go from west to East. Correct? Okay. Thank you. Thank The questions, MR. Donald. Just a quick question since a grand transportation. Was there anything in our transportation? >> Reports that word and that would be contrary to why staff recommended. Approval of this project. I'm just curious now since we're talking about traffic and all these things

because my understanding is the trafficker. Transportation report came back this site was okay to have something like this. >> Now the traffic study was done before the approval by planning staff for permit. And we have reviewed in the wake of denial and subsequent appeal and maintain all the previous findings of the traffic study. >> And as part of that transportation study was the queue Management. Also included a not. >> Yeah, not just kind of macro level, but the applicant had their traffic engineer actually do a study at a similar location, noting the arrivals and departures and the time to be served and what the maximum q would be. And we feel confident that this site. So handles that pose plan was appropriate for the site for the queue management as well as transportation.

>> Thank you. Thank you spend think you just had one question. >> It's just originally staff recommended that this project go forward. And I just wondered if a few all could talk a little bit about why you felt it did meet all the requirements. Thank you for that question. So this project was reviewed by planning. >> Fire building engineering traffic and met all of the city's standards for review and that the conditional use standards. It also included to transportation studies. >> And the air. >> Quality and greenhouse gases study a noise study, all of which support it that the product project did not have significant impacts. So vision of projects, a medal, the designed the queuing plan along with the code and the city's review, you know, resulted in the city. So ahl's, the city staff

recommended approval and there was no impacts identify that would have recommended denial. Thank you. Any additional questions, Mrs? Going back to the q study in the comparable Ys. >> Do you have what those numbers look like? >> I have to look it up. But if I remember correctly, it was something on the order of about 10 vehicles goes. >> And I was there for the for Planning Commission meeting and I cannot recall with them. And there was. But it does seem excessive. Someone with a comparable for work. Or what they were comparing 2. >> Yeah, yeah. The consultant developed a key management plan based on the the site itself to help staff actively manage the queue at which point they would shut off the drive-thru lane if if it got back and direct people to park and either approach the building or wait yeah, that is

something that is subject to staff actually implementing that. But the maximum que that we saw through the analysis doesn't indicate that this would be activated that frequently and >> are you all the same through staff determined the number that no other business in the area was was were used comparable numbers. >> There was a business that was used as a comparison. I just don't recall which it interested just know which one. >> But nonetheless, you know, being a frequent flyer about some road, the number 10 just excessive. But I would love to see what where that number Was a garnered from. But ultimately ultimately 10, 10 being to actually do need to know with the number is just from my experience. >> You're looking at MR. Hennessey, it's going to take a minute or 2 alright Dennard

and back with us. And with the information. Other questions. Wild, wild and frantically his computer. Do you want to look that up come back to us later with that than what your preference? Yeah, 2 minutes or so to find this. Thank you. Perfect. All right. Will will staff is looking for that question. Let's move on less than 2 minutes. MAY sorry it was at Farley do on Sebastopol. >> And the number 10 was gathered from a federally those on road. >> Yeah. The number that we actually looked for was the service rate so loud when somebody approaches the order box, when they get to the window when they arrive when they exit and then apply those service rates to this site. Strip generation and site plan with respect to their. Circulation and q space and that the number 10 was what we came over thank you for for

elaborate on how that would work. How about not just >> thank you, let you know that that question going persist. Appreciate that. All right. We have. That wasn't that question was answered perfect. Any anything else from council? >> All right. Well, let's move on. Then to MISS Weeks, our planning Commission chair. Karen, Welcome back. Chair weeks, you have the floor. Thank you very much. >> Good evening, Mayor. Step Vice-mayor Okrepkie and members of the council as mayor stepped mention, my name is Karen weeks. I'm chair of the Planning Commission and I'm here today to provide some context as to why the commission took the actions. We did. As you know, our resolutions list findings that we have to make in order to either approve or deny a project. And on 2/12/2026, the Planning Commission reviewed

the request for the conditional use permit on this project and 5 of the 7 members voted to deny. The conditional use permit. And as we were unable to make required findings related to basically 3 things that design location and size and operating characteristics of the proposed activity. The site being physically unsuitable for that type density and intensity of use being proposed and that granting the permit would constitute a nuisance and be injure injurious. Haven't been on set are detrimental to the public interest health safety, convenience or welfare. The 2 who supported the project indicated that the applicant should be given an opportunity to try to drive through that. There was a problem. It could be dealt with later. And as well as being as well as the project being consistent with the general plan, economic

vitality element. And so because of that information and listening to staff as well as the applicant as well as consultants. >> We denied the appeal skews me tonight. The applicant application on a 5 to 2 vote. And I think Michael's and probably clarified it much better than I just So. >> That was very succinct Anything, anything else, chair weeks or should we take good counsel for some questions yet? If you have any questions, I'm happy to answer them as best they can't. Vice Mayor, thank you, MR. Chair weeks. >> So >> trying to recall my planning commission days, the finding of nuisance one of the ones where there's a little more leeway than the others. A little bit of latitude for the commission. The first 2. Can you sort of describe how how you got to the?

>> The determination that differed from staff and what they've done. >> I will try. So for the first one, the design location and size of that project, we felt that because of the conditions on Kenmore Lane, both the dog leg. As I call it, or is that goes in to keep going east on the dog league and you hit the Rite Aid parking lot as well as onto Sebastopol Road that it would be further impact the traffic in that area as well as the neighborhood. Because of that, site is suitable for that type of a project because of in gress and egress onto. Into the project from Kenmore, both dog leg and main card of Kenmore as well as best of Poole Road. And that it would be a nuisance, an injury us too, the neighborhood because of that. Does that? Explain that? Well, enough. You did. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. >> Any other questions from

council? MR. Donald. >> Thank you. Chair weeks for some of your explanation on that. So even though the traffic study and the planned was recommended by staff that it would fit that site. You're telling me that the planning commission sort of overrode what those recommendations were because they thought differently. Yes, that's correct. Thank you. Thank you. Anything else? >> Thank you. Chair weeks. We are not going open the public hearing and if we could have the appellants a presentation and we have MR. Navarro. Thank you very much for being here the floor. Is yours? Lean in a little closer? What about There we go. Okay. Great. One and one second MR. Morrow is this. We have the pounds presentation. Thank you. MADAM City clerk are pointing out. There we go. All right, MR. Navarro, you're on. Thank you.

All right. Great. >> Hello, everyone. My name is Pedro Martinez, Navarro. And today I'm going to be presenting the drive-thru project that's being proposed 2000 Sebastopol Road. For those of you aren't familiar area, there is already an existing restaurant operating a commercial site and the proposed drive-thru building would function as an extension of the existing building and provide much-needed stability and also expansion for operations. With me today, I have Jen from Carolyn, my see who's been here since very start of the project and asked them to join to help answer any comments, questions or concerns that you guys MAY have and also give additional contacts when it comes to the geometry of the property conformance and also answer any questions relating to property boundaries, easements and public access to come more

land right of way. Next slide, please. So just some background on us do by has been serving Santa Rosa since 2017. We are locally owned family-run business and we employ local residents and have the long-term relationships in this community. This proposal is about stabilizing business because the current restaurant is very seasonal and it impacts our ability to employ consistently year-round as business gets low in the winter and spring months and picks up in the summer and fall and just for contacts between DECEMBER and JANUARY. We typically closed for one as business slows down significantly. And because we limited indoor dining also, as you guys are aware, abouts for is a very competitive market for this type of business. So we're looking for a way to differentiate ourselves and keep up consumer trends. Next

slide. So this is an aerial view. I just want include the slideshow property contacts. Sure everyone attendance understands where the project being proposed. As I mentioned earlier, the restaurant already exist on one portion of the parcel on the eastern section of the property. The proposed drive-thru building would be constructed on the adjacent gravel portion of the same commercial property. And it's highlighted in blue and that picture. I will reiterate this throughout the presentation, but this is not a stand-alone project. It's operation extension of the existing use on already developed commercial property will not be a MacDonald's won't be a Starbucks or any other large franchise will continue to be an extension of Dubai and Mexican restaurant. Next slide. So just going through the history of the project, I just want to give a quick

overview of the project for those of independents can understand that this is not a rush project that has been hastily put together a rather project that has moved through the project life cycle. And that has received feedback all throughout the property was purchased in 2015 and in JUNE 2017 do by operations began. And at the time, the purchasing the property always had plans of doing on something on this part of the commercial property since that has great visibility and we were shocked at not been developed up until now. In 2019, this project and formally began with fairly constant discussions and traffic conversations with the city of Santa Rosa. But it was just the inquiry to see what would be needed in order to do this project. This is pre-covid and at the time the business is going well and we decided to just parked idea

and focus on the day-to-day operation since we renew the restaurant industry at the time. One 2022 had covid really put But everything on side really put us in a bind from a business perspective. As a fall businesses, we really struggled during this period. And times felt like we were not going to make it because business was so slow and they're all these restrictions in place that are preventing us from doing business in JANUARY 2022, we decided to take action, went to the city with 2 ideas of which were explored in detail. The first idea that was very possible after discussing with the city was putting pavement on the lot and then putting 2 food trucks. Idea. Number 2 was to go with a drive-thru and hindsight idea, number one would have been the easiest to for us to accomplish. And then if require minor conditional use permit time. But it didn't

align with our vision of the property so we ultimately decide to pursue the drive-thru and JANUARY 2022, we formally engaged Carolyn Macy for a site planning nw transfer traffic engineering. In addition, we percent participate in a application meeting with the city and revised the plans based on the feedback for moving forward in 2023, we had a neighborhood meeting where we presented the latest revision of all documentation and receive feedback from neighbors. After neighborhood meeting. We met with staff here, the city Santa Rosa anchors, including Chris named Robert Sprinkle tempted documentation. What they believe would address the neighbors concerns. Also, we submit a major conditional use permit and the minor design review in 2022. And we received preliminary feedback from the city and continue find the project in 2024, we

met up with nor Susie Marie patti Cisco to review city comments address the preliminary feedback we received from the city and after submission of the use permit application. And then we wonder another set of revisions on the site plan, the traffic study and a key management plan noise and air study. All documents for updated in 2024. In 2025. We've got traffic clearance from Rob Sprinkle receive conditions for approval and submit the requested update. Technical documents as well as for providing a conceptual site plan. As you can see, this project reflects multiple years, revisions and professional study and iterations. So what we're presenting today showing years or a fine and consideration and 2026, we have the first public hearing with the city of Santa Rosa commissioners. We're obviously left

disheartening because they voted against the project and a small business. It was not easy to get to that point. We've spent a lot of money. I asked up until this point. We spent about 150 to $200,000, which is very difficult as a small business. There was also significant amount of time and effort that we put in this project to make it viable, that we felt that it was overlooked at the time after the decision from the public hearing, we met with city staff and we're told that it was very uncommon for commissioners to go against city staff recommendation and therefore, we keep us motivated to continue fighting. I submitted the p# # on the following basis. City staff are able to make all the findings necessary to recommend approval. I strongly believe the system and believe the city staff guide us in the

right direction when it came to preparation, design. And also we were consistent with traffic and safety findings that were in compliance and noise and air quality study, Ralston, compliance. And we also appeal because it can more land is a public street. Our neighbors have the right to use its reach, their homes and our customers should also be able to reach up to the approved business subject to the same traffic rules living along a public street doesn't make it a private driveway and we respect the neighbors right to raise concerns. But the question before council is whether project meets the city standards, not whether the neighbors would prefer to reserve the street for themselves. More lane access is a possible road is 3 easement that goes through our property as you'll see from the site plan, the way it feels right now is that we've

opened the door to our house, gave the neighbors a key and now they don't want to allow us to access our home. It feels wrong. And I think we need to consider review can more land as a road that serves both commercial residential. Not a stretch isn't Next slide. So these are the initial concepts. As you can see, there's 4 and and what we end up doing as we talked to the city about all different options and ultimately landed on concepts, eat. Next the entrance on this one is showing a basically what we had initially proposed, which was entrance come more land as well as the Dell by Rite Aid easement and exit on Kenmore Lane. Next slide. So this slide shows the first official site plan and I was made at the pre-application meeting accident. After the pre-application meeting. We got some feedback from the

city and it's what got us a revision to and this revision. You'll see the entrance to the easement was removed and had all the drive-thru circulating come more lane as provide us move or entrance in and out of the drive-thru. However, when we get to the neighborhood meeting in 2023, the neighbors expressed deep concerns about crowding the drive-thru cuter kind Moreland because in situations a key overflow, it could potentially donate could lead to neighbors being blocked from exiting properties. And although the traffic study rejected up also possibility we decide to show flexibility in our end and went ahead and revise all the plans and studies that we had done up until this point. He's a neighbors and show that we're willing to work just we always been from the very start. Next slide shows the final proposed layout and is what we're proposing today.

The project includes 150 square-foot building as well as 230 foot, section. Entrance is from Bel by right easement and exit would be on Kenmore Lane. There's 15 new paved parking spaces as well as one existing ada space. 15 of the parking spaces are perpendicular on the debt and portion more land to which a traffic study and city of Santa Rosa confirmed a suitable. As you can also see inside any site improvements being proposed, such as sidewalks, landscaping that will greatly improve the site for pedestrians. Also improving the curb appeal of the property. The property will significantly improve the quality of life of the area for pedestrians walking east and westbound on Sebastopol Road. And also finally get rid of that gravel lot once and for all So the next few slides, I think we already talked but we can just show it

again. It's basically conceptual drawing of the project. So let's just quickly go through those just because running out on. Let's go next. Slide. Next slide. Now I want to get into the traffic findings now that we provide context on the project, I would like to transition over to fines of the study. The traffic study prepared by w Trans conclude that the proposed drive-thru will not. We'll continue to operate level of service t which is existing level of service, an area meaning no change. The traffic is expected. The studies incorporate both theoretical data as well as empirical data for rush hour service visits. Empirical data was taken from a drive-thru. That's also on Sebastopol Road. And many of you guys in the tenants are familiar with l finally do it also found that there's no degradation of Sebastopol Road or sunny point

road operations. At its peak. Trans rest estimate roughly 30 cars per hour. And please know that that's not all day. Just to peak this number MAY sound daunting. But think about like this, take out a stopwatch and watch a car come out every 2 minutes. Every 120 seconds. One, 2, 3, so far. It's not as daunting as it actually sounds. And then also the queue length is a 10230 feet, which if you actually take into consideration smaller vehicle a sedan, 14 feet. So the queue length is actually 16 vehicles, however, and our findings, end up siding that has tended to calls just because with a larger sedan are large vehicle, which Alright, thank you very much. And we do have the full presentation. So we've been we've been able to review it to bring back to council for questions. >> MR. Rogers, once you start us

>> My initial question that I needed to wait for you was y 2 staff only in the proposal. >> Yeah, I was kind of curious about that, I wouldn't say it's a maximum. It was just start up right at start of this project. We anticipate that we'll need one person taking orders and delivering orders and one person actually preparing it. However, as things expand, we would consider having more people on hand. And we would also be willing to consider having someone that strained potentially be out there all times if the q and in the problem. >> Because what I was leading to is that the queue is a problem. I don't think that to staff. So when we put maximum would be sufficient in order to one shut down the driveway, the drive-thru and things like that. >> Correct. We don't think too would be sufficient but to

start off operations. We think that too would be sufficient if the queue length is not long enough. >> Thank Thank you. Other questions. Donald. >> I could you tell me about how many clients day of years, our take-out only as opposed to coming in sitting down into your restaurant. >> I would probably estimate that being like 10% okay. Thank you. Other questions. >> All right, MR. Morrow, thank you. We're going to open it up to a public comment now are with any members of the public here in council chambers like to speak. And I see we have a list so many college, some names, if you aren't on the list, free to give your name to share in the back or be waiting by podium. When we when we conclude the initial list. Let's see. We've got MISTER DeWitt and then Colin o'Neil and Kathy Poor. >> Mayor, can you please

confirm if we have one or 2 minutes for public I-2 minutes for this item. Do we have MISTER Do it? And then Colin. Do we have Kathy Brewer for Scott Robinson. He turned the cafe. Kareen. All right. You have the floor. >> And we turn the sun is Well, I want to say a couple things lived on Kenmore Lane for 44 years. One thing I talked to and some planning department staff and I was told when it comes to them. A conditional use permit application and that they are not allowed to consider quality of life issues. So that MAY be reason that >> The approved permit. >> And says they didn't really consider. What how would residents on Kenmore Lane. Another issue I think is. And there was some discussion about there being other drive-thru's in the area. Nair in Drive-thrus years atop a

bill and a no. I forget what it's going. Those are not off of the street. Those are in a shopping center. So there's no issue of the being in a problem with the traffic. And then final thing like to address is that there are on the west side of Kenmore Lane. There no sidewalk. And on the east side is a little bit of sidewalk from garnered. Maybe maybe halfway down the street, probably not. In kids walking to school. People. You know, up and down that street all the time. And if there are cars parked on both sides is actually kind of a one Lane street. So it's really dangerous. That is a good reason to not allow permitting. Thank Thank you, Kathy Pooler, Scott Robinson and Howard Kathy? >> I >> mean, kind of people who a 47 year. Resident property owner of Kenmore Lane. I'm here inform you why. I believe

the to deny this project. My my understanding is that the studies of there were done for this project woefully inadequate. My understanding is that they did not look at the traffic impact on Kenmore Lane at all. It was only on Sebastopol Road and that the assessment, the fire trucks and emergency vehicles can access. Do now property only applied to the drive-thru building, the emergency access to homes in the dead in lot. Dog. Make portion of Cameron Lamb has not evaluated and that's for all the drive-thru cars accident. And although dying dine-in customers park since the proposed new building and smaller environmental impact study was not required honorably. One was done, therefore, I believe is up to The people came more lanes in form this council, other many problems with the Dow proposal. Why you should deny it. One of the things

that MISTER Navarro said was that we're trying to keep people of our Yes, they have a right as a public road people to go on it. But they are requiring people to go to access their sir Terence business. There is no precedent for a drive-thru restaurant, aggressive or in gress on a residential street in Santa Rosa. And we don't want to set this kind of PRESIDENT, I understand, uses project, according to the Planning Commission, did not meet 3 of the criteria. First up to be approved. I'm very concerned about the traffic people coming in and out on the job. Great because people there is no sidewalk. People gonna have to physically weave their way through Des Trans to get to our their property and just very disrespectful to that property. This isn't lot people think Thank you, Kathy Scott Howard and then the home Scott Robinson.

>> Thank you. My name is Scott Robinson. The load on camera lane for about 25 years the main thing stands out is the planning chair Saint. Denied the appeal are denied you use. Is because of the way everything was laid out, electrician you go into a house or whatever. Paper is very different from real life. There's 2 really nasty u-turns on the paper that to get into and out of that area. That ridiculous. And one of the studies that they were on the about the traffic and they compared in the original in FEBRUARY. The compare Kenmore to 4th Street. That is ridiculous. There's no street lights designated parking. No. Mark Center divide and no sidewalks. For street has all So I don't know this lady got that excuse me. There's no reason to have commercial. Traffic on a residential street. He was that the only 30 to 35 cars would be during

peak season during peak hours. It took me 8 minutes to go from Kenmore to Sebastopol Road just to come to this meeting and it was at 4.30. So we're looking at more even more peak hours. That's given would mean a longer time. And that's going up too, from in the mornings from 7.30, to 9 from the afternoons from 3 to 7 because we have the schools. We have churches. We have all kinds of businesses. We have the v a and we just everybody trying to get in and out the same time. It's not going to work. We don't need this traffic at all. Thank you. >> Thank you, Scott Howard the home and then an Howard, I'm Howard. >> And I live close to the Sebastopol Road on Kenmore Lane just like every day I make decisions of what traffic's like every day. Should go make a right-hand turn onto Sebastopol Road or if need to go to a Lombardi or

if I need to go and that is to sit or Gardner. So those are my options. If if it's busy now, you know, it's like I'm sure return frogger. That's quite a huge. That's what it's like to try to get on Sebastopol. Now to add this extra traffic either on to Kenmore Lane or onto Sebastopol Road. They're going to have the same issues. I am, you know, and if they're smart, they won't get on Sebastopol Road because it especially during rush hour, there's just there's, you know, it's it's you have to be aggressive and a lot of aggressive drivers are out there. I remember trying it make a left hand turn from Sebastopol Road on to Kenmore Lane. And I have and I'm fighting other drivers that want to get now left-hand lane and goes straight. It's dangerous. And as as far as I just feel like changers that it's already dangerous and

that there's a lot of aggressive drivers there. And it's it's it's it's an issue. And I don't think that is totally being addressed. So that's all I have to say. And thank you very much, Howard. Thank you on the home and ideas. And then Hector Velazquez. >> Good evening. Mayor and city council members. My name is now home and I was born and raised on the west side of Santa Rosa. I've had the opportunity watch this community grow and change over the years. And that's why this issue is so important to me at this intersection we've seen multiple drive-thru businesses from La Road from large billion-dollar corporations establish themselves on 3 of the 4 corners to name a few Popeye's. Starbucks Panda Express Taco Bell Burger King, et cetera. Yeah. One individual who also grew up in this community wants wants to

create a business and give back to the place he calls home. He's facing the barriers. They are preventing him from moving forward from what I understand this applicant has made multiple revisions to his plans and work to address the community's concerns. They've also presented information demonstrating that traffic impacts will be minimal. That shows a willingness to listen. Collaborate and find solutions. So ask you should the same opportunity be given to billion dollar conglomerates be extended to a local business owner? Small businesses are more than just places to shop or grab a meal, the create opportunities build relationships and give the people give people a reason to invest in their own neighborhoods, supporting local entrepreneurs mean supporting the future of Santa Rosa. And I want to leave you

with one question. What message are we sending to the next generation of Santa Rosa residents when someone who grew up here and wants to reinvest in their own community but can't get the opportunity to do so. Are we could are encouraging them to believe they can build a future in the neighborhood they love. Are we telling them that the opportunity is out of reach? Thank you for your time. Thank you, Anna. Hector and fun Joe >> and I you have the floor. >> Good evening. Mayor City Council members. My name is Ana Diaz and I'm from Roseland. I'm here in support of via drive-thru project. I'm a longtime Santa Rosa resident, then by a customer and some someone who believes our local businesses deserve a fair chance to grow. I was on zoom during the planning Commission meeting back in FEBRUARY. I can state that I

was very disappointed. Do the reasoning of the denial. They pretty bias. I attended Lawrence Cook, Middle School. Everyone walked up at and I doubt the drive-thru wouldn't make much of a difference. There is traffic were guard list of what the hour is and this is a fact. That's why i go to opposite side towards Stony point to avoid traffic. Let's be honest. Popeye's is yards away. Starbucks Burger King and Taco Bell are already nearby. Drive-thru businesses are not new to this area. So I asked council why should a local Latino owned business face such strong opposition when major corporations are already in this neighborhood? I encourage you to consider that my knowledge. None of the individuals opposition emails for this project spoke out against previous drive-thru projects involving major corporations in the same area. And I believe that is fair to

ask why a local business is facing such opposition when similar businesses already operate nearby. I understand that some neighbors want things to stay exactly how they are. But progress means making room for responsible change to then buy is a Latino owned business in Madrid, Majority Latino neighborhood. We should encourage local entrepreneurs to invest in the community, serve our families and want the opportunity to grow and not make it hard for them to compete with national corporations. I asked for you to support this project from my understanding, many of you support business. So please give them by fair chance support this project and support our local Latino businesses community. Thank you. >> Thank you. Misty, as MR. Vazquez and then Alfonso pull Bear >> my name is Hector Velazquez

and, you know, recently we had a score card that was thrown out to the county on the cnn. The score card showed tremendous amount of progress of other 32% at the nose doing business here in Sonoma County alone in Santa Rosa. And when I was given the situation was going on today, I was appalled to be honest you know we see talking about these big corporate drive-thrus what impact that this caused. We have a study that shows when Popeyes came along, how to defect and how long they've been in business. And, you know, within the last 2, 3, 5 years, has it been affected? Does it continue to increase? We're looking at Panda express. Starbucks know those. You know, we can definitely look at those numbers. So when I look at a local small business who it's not easy to open up a restaurant, it isn't easy. Open up to restaurants, failed twice and I won't do

it. Can. But when you see someone was trying to do something different, something for the community and yet alone, I'm sure that any anyone's opposing might probably go there the drive-thru outwards. It really shows again that as a community, we are living together to make the best our dollar staying here. Local, we're stimulating the economy. And yet on this 32% Latinos, when meet the economy, it when they're when they're doing to do something different. >> It's just mind blowing to see that there's just such a position. So anyway, just one i got pulled to this. And I just do want to raise my voice that again, we need to really support the local small business. Regardless of that, city, this is a Latino on business and that therefore the support is is definitely needed. So thanks for your time. Thank you, MR. Vazquez

fungi Javonni apart Barragan and Jesus Martinez. All right. We'll move on to MR. Bear again. And then Jesus and Allen Martinez. >> Hello, Council members of my name is all about the PRESIDENT Of newly formed Rose on Business Association. I'm just here the to express how I think that the city should support a business that wants to evolve to keep on going. Right now we represent. Over 10 restaurants on our association. There's a lot of struggling and this restaurants need to evolve so they can stay up. But so they can generate employment. They can generate taxes for the city. I think the concern from from the neighbors susceptible, but they also got a said that there was a study already made and the study is in favor of of the evolution of this this restroom, those new drive-thru. So I just want you guys to a value what we

already have and that the studies already made. >> Wrote, thank you very much. Jesus Allen and then Diana Martinez, Jesus. Without MAY your members. I lived here most of my 9th in the community. Islip, art, thereby you the right tool. Like many people in our community. I work every day. To provide for my I 4 kids. So between where and find me my days are very busy. Being able to pick up a good with meal. Of their work. And with my family, that means I'm not to me. Right through either by would give my time with the family a mine. The convenience. While your lawn rolling going joy out and think Mexican food. And support local as more business. MAY and councilmember please approve values right through in eu. Funding a mine more choices in the area. Thank you. Thank you. Jesus Allen and then Diana. Allan, you've the

floor. Good evening, mayor and council members. My name is Alan. They support laser quest for a drive-thru before college. I worked at the life or summer. >> They gave me the opportunity when I was starting out and I saw firsthand the hard work behind this family owned small business for families, with young children. A drive-thru makes picking up dinner and easier for people. Limited mobility makes a restroom where accessible and for someone getting off, work means picking up a meal and getting home to their family. People should be able to choose that convenience in support small business. At the same time nearby corporate chains are around there as we know like Taco Bell and Burger King and Popeyes. They already have So why shouldn't a local family-owned restaurant have that same opportunity to

compete and serve customers in the same community? I understand the concerns about traffic, but this proposal has been studied from what I heard tonight. The report found the impact would be minimal and the city planning staff recommended approval. This project met the approval criteria yet Planning Commission's knighted. I'm asking you to give those findings real way. We see small businesses are the backbone of the economy in the United States. This is a chance to put those words into action, give customers more community choice is and give a hard working local family on the party to grow these great, the fuel and approved device drive-thru. Thank you. Thank you, Allan. Is Diana Martinez here. >> Diana, welcome. >> Good evening, mayor and council members. All I'm asking for is an opportunity

to make my family's dreams. This straight through a reality. This means so much to us and we're willing to make adjustments, including hiring more employees per shift to help keep traffic moving and addressed the community. Safety concerns. We're asking to give our family a fair chance to prove that we can make this a safe and successful business. Please give us the opportunity to turn our dreams into reality. Thank you. >> Thank you, Diana. Is there anybody else in council chambers who wishes to speak? Sarah, you have the floor. >> Good evening. My name is Ken a 40 year resident on Kenmore Lane, folks who are in favor of this project don't live on Kenmore Lane. Just develop. Pride drives your project is illegal. It violates every provision of zoning code sections. 2052 f and 2010 20, it is unlawful.

You're planning Commission recognized this when it denied the project, Vols owners, what this city council approve something that has never been done before within our city limits. No drive-thru restaurant or coffee vendor in the city of Santa Rosa uses a residential street for its commercial activities, especially those restaurant closes 2 devout. None of them. A drive-thru business does not belong inside or on residential Kenmore Lane. This project is not compatible with existing residential land uses in the vicinity. This project creates an intensity of vehicle traffic that is a nuisance and is detrimental to the public interest health safety, welfare and our properties in my SEPTEMBER. 29 petition to you approved by measurement and photos that North South Kenmore Lane is too narrow for to a customer traffic from a devout drive

through Saint Rose Zoning Code states. Its purpose to promote the public health safety and general welfare residents provide a nice, attractive and sustainable community. Avoid conflicts between land uses. Protect the value of property, protect the character and social and economic stability, assist in maintaining a high quality of life, protecting hundreds of residents, good quality of life and safety must be of utmost importance here today. All commercial activity must be restricted to best ball road. I do not. Do not allow about to dump hundreds of new cars. I submitted 67 signatures, half of them are luck to in a petition to the clerk over here tonight from our neighborhood. Please uphold the Planning, Commission's wise denial and stop this project. Please, please. >> Thank you. Can is there anybody else in council

chambers who wishes to speak? So if you wish to speak, please be waiting by the podiums. We keep this moving. We'll start right over here, sir. Meant Mammy. Go ahead. You will start here and then go out the way by the podium. >> So I want to speak this evening. This has been. >> a wonderful restaurant to go to. I live across town. >> On the east side, purposely coming to this restaurant because what they offer, I'm curious to find out if these neighbors have been to the restaurant. Because if you have not, you don't know what you're missing. This is a community. They were with one like they're a wonderful, loving family and they all work together. This is supposed to be how Sonoma County supposed to be. We are community. We've gone through so many things together. Let's support each other and maybe it will help out. For

yourself. But this is a wonderful restaurant. Great opportunity. Please accept. The drive-thru. Thank you. Thank you very much. Next podium. Clarify a couple points as mention Kenmore Lane is a is a public lane. >> And as well as the drive-thru will not be using it for any in gress at all or you only for egress. Only for egress out the second, the at the end of Kenmore Lane. I'd like to also point out that administrative record demonstrates a compliance with the engineering traffic standard, zoning and supports economic Roseland. Again, there will be no use Kenmore Lane for the drive-thru 4 in grass. And I I think that needs to be clarified. Thank you. Thank you very much. >> can hear identify. I did. I MISS It. Can hear enough. I am. So yes. My name is Tim Fain. I'm a civil engineer and I work for Carlo me see, and

I'm consultant to Navarro, Mema Tino Martinez. Tomorrow's. Thank you. Thank you for that Does anybody else is there any males in chambers wishes to speak? >> All right. Please make a way to the podium, >> Yes, my name is Keith Richardson on Kenmore Land. A live on air. But we have nothing against the restaurant. Nothing against that through. But as long as it doesn't, don't Bowden Kenmore Lane, you got a whole curb. Their leg, a half a block. >> If you just knock down the turn it into kind of a horseshoe drive through. I mean, that's you know, I mean, you got a half a block to work with get rid of the 5th. The sidewalk. Putin not get dowry and take a car in and out. It's, you know, and then make a horse you there. I don't know all the neighbors know you. It's hard enough getting

out now. You know, I mean. You start dumping, I mean, people's food even going to be warm by the time to get home. I don't know. But that would be my opinion. There's going to be a better way. Dumping it out on Kenmore Lane. Like I said, you got all half a block of sidewalk to get knocked down, turned into an entryway in and out. Thank you. >> Thank you, Anybody else in council chambers who wishes to speak. Seeing none. We'll go online. MADAM Zuma host, do we have any hands raised online? >> We do indeed, mayor, very patient hands. All right. Let's start with Roy and then Anthony, there's anybody else on zoom. Please raise your hand. Star 9 if you are on the phone. Roy, I've been able permissions co-head whenever you're ready. >> at all. But in this regard, run a rose which best match. Been doing this about 22 years now. And I can tell you

firsthand it is extremely hard to run a business. Very, very hard, especially now if anyone owns or runs a diesel truck. You're definitely feeling it right now. However, does get to the point. I've heard both sides of the story and I like to express. There's always one. There's always 2 sides to the story. That being said, I'd like to say that. The Navarro, family, Martinez family, I'm sorry. I've known him for for 20 years, actually live in their garage. When I first started my business about 22 years ago. That being said. I think you guys are and I'm thinking to the neighbors here. I think you guys are very lucky to have them. Because these family, the family, I'm sorry, you will be surprised it will be wanting to work with you. They will be willing to make things happen. Not only that. Super hard-working people and know they want this really bad.

That being said. But the gentleman who just said that is very true. I I don't personally myself. Although even though he has an inconvenience towards history. In making the peak, we're just don't dump it on that street. I asked the Navarro family. Try to find ways to make that happen. Also, the city council trying to make ways to have make this happen. Find ways to do it. Also what a great use governor before mass that they, you know, they can use. I also asked Navarro family. And I think they're expected. I would highly recommend that you guys had more employees. So you guys are more efficient and move that line and not traffic issues. Other than that. I think this would be an amazing project. This will be good for Sebastopol Road. Keeping neighbors happy. Find a way to make this happen. Guys. I speak to everybody stay neutral. But and just

mention, these are just really great people and on the sea. It's cheap. Eat here Chad up. Thank you, Roy. >> Moving on to Anthony. I've been able permissions, go ahead. Anthony. Maybe having a and Mary are go ahead and money. >> Thank you, everybody for being there tonight. I mean, the citizens that are fighting for our city, I just like to point out the nuances of having just going over the agenda minutes for needing more surplus within the economy and needing asking. I want council members asking ways to stimulate the economy, especially locally. Well, this is exactly the way that we do that. I understand the project has. Not the most formidable traffic. Kind of stresses, but we've already glossed over the fact that those stresses were approved. Whether or not the kind where residents are feeling the stresses of other

sources there the direct relationship with traffic in correlation to the actual drive-thru. There was a reference to hundreds of cars that would be over the matter weeks of a time considering the quite frankly, ambiguous numbers brought out from other restaurants. But ultimately those numbers do match way, way lower. And ultimately they're already stresses existing. What the stresses that it will alleviate is the exact questions that we looked into with fiscal impact. >> These are going to be generating both jobs and tax money, exact homes that these people are wondering about what their what's going to happen to their value. The value of their property is going to continue to rise with the family-run businesses being in that area. So I guess I can not express the nuance that we're talking about. The same thing here in denying

something that has been improved under the pretense that it's not being improved and it's. Like I said, just a new ones that I needed to express. Thank you, everybody for your time. >> Thank you, Anthony. We have Samantha next. Samantha, I've been able to your passions. Go right ahead. Hello. Can you hear me? Yes, loud and clear. Okay. So first of I'd like to identify myself. My name is Samantha Chance. Colton. >> My family has owned the corner of Kenmore Lane for 80 plus years. Io 9.26. Kenmore Lane. Io 9.30, could more lane. And 9.32 Kenmore Lane. You are talking about putting a drive-thru right in front of a home that my elderly disabled veteran father currently lives that with my cousin, his caregiver. Drive-thru. We'll drop right in front of their home. It will cause them to see headlights to hear speakers to

smell exhaust fumes to smell the food friars. I have been a tenant of my own home as well as when it it. 2 family members. And I can tell you that there's always been ongoing problems. I grew up there on that street. My neighbors, the Chavez is live on that dog leg as well. Those young ladies that live there, they inherited that home from their parents who live there for their whole lives. We adamantly oppose this whole idea. We will tell you that when this parking lot that's in discussion was leased out to pga Knee when they were doing the road work out on Stony point road. It was horrible. It was one of the worst experiences that I have had to live through. It was like a war zone. I can't even imagine living through the construction of this. Let alone the traffic that it is going to bring on a daily evening and night basis. I

have seen school children almost hit by cars. My cousin who lives with my dad, her kid, his caregiver was just hit in that intersection 3 weeks ago pulling out from the stop sign. I beg you to please do the right thing and to not allow this expansion. Thank you, Samantha, that there's anyone else who would like to make public comment via zoom. Please raise your hand star 9 if your child in. >> We have no other hands raise. Mayor. >> Thank you, Lauren. Right? We're going to close the public hearing proposed public comment rather cause. I'm hearing, know, we're not going to hear public comment very close to here in a moment. But first, right here from our applicant again, MR. Navarro, you have 3 more minutes. 2 make any statements of rebuttal. And about out. There we go about >> So I just I want to just

recap some of the key takeaways from this presentation. I guess we have to talk about the impacts. The impacts are studied in control. It's been independent traffic and noise analysis to confirm the project operates within acceptable limits, public street and residential areas are protected, that there's no spill back. Anticipate on Sebastopol Road or Kenmore Lane. Jim mentioned, it's only egress and therefore there enforceable operations controls in place. The project, as I noted in the timeline, has been refined over the years. Multiple study revisions, a neighborhood and push a proposal before you tonight we have. If you talk about it, we have considered every single iteration possibility of how in gress egress out of the the site plan. And ultimately this is the one that has worked best

and it's gone approval from city staff. And again, the other thing, too, is that we are committed to responsible operation full compliance with all the conditions of approval for the Queue Management plan. And this project falls in line with the Santa Rosa, 2050 general plan and planned, uplifting small businesses in Santa Rosa in Roseland expanding services in Roseland area and strengthening long-term viability of small bills. Businesses. And lastly, I just want thank everyone, attendance. We're small business are not large franchise with infinite amount of money, land and resources. We also do this project on this property because that's what we have. And all we ask for is an opportunity, the same opportunity that the city has given the large franchises and other when they're expanding their business. We strongly believe everyone

deserves an opportunity achieve their goals and with this conditional use permit will be willing to hear the rules he lays for because ultimately want to continue to service our community long term. Thank Thank you, MR. Of ok now we're going to show close the public hearing and get back to council for any questions of staff or the applicant. >> MR. Rogers, to start with you. >> All right. So I just had. 2, 1, I heard during public All access public safety vehicles. There is sufficient room for. Public safety vehicles are apparatus to access to more lane. What this drive-thru, correct? Yes, that's our assessment. And the fire department has reviewed and confirmed that as well. >> Thank you. In a out of curiosity and you MAY or MAY not have an answer is sounds like this MAY have happened

before you got here, maybe. But wi did staff asked? >> Or another revision of. The plan for egress to be put out on Kenmore late. >> I don't know that that came at staff's direction. Seeing those options on the screen of the ones that were approved their all. They'll do well. But so the second revision that was shown responds best to Councilmember Fleming is concerned earlier about spill back back onto potential spill back back to Sebastopol Road and public right of way. There's farmer queuing space there but I think that was at the applicant's discretion and trying to respond resident concerns. Ben Wills. Thank you, Mayor. I just have one quick question for the applicant. >> I curious, one of the things Staff-suggested was to change the hours from 7, 2.10. Instead, a 7 to 11. Is that something you all have

considered? >> Yes, I think ultimately we're very flexible. So if we decide that that's the operating times that when you don't conform with, we're more than willing to do so. Thank you. MISS Funding. >> I have a question of the applicant as well. >> Is this something that you would be at all interested in pursuing with without a drive-thru spilled out on to the er is residential street. >> We basically look into that with the city of Santa Rosa at the time is Rob Sprinkle and he basically said that he doesn't recommend having to egress nearby. So with the fact that can more lane is currently right there, he did not recommend having another egress in that location. So his recommendation was putting the exit of the drive-thru where it's currently located. >> Right, well, what I'm asking you is not what he

recommended. I'm asking you, would you consider doing this business if you kept all of the queuing confined to your property and not on to the public right away. >> Yes, that that wouldn't impact us in any way basically be rotating that egress 20 degrees. If that was something that the city wanted us to do, we can consider that option. But as I mentioned, are Rob Sprinkle was opposed to that the time. >> ok, thank you. And that turns my question to staff is that is it viable that this could be reworked in such a way that the queue remains on the property of the applicant and doesn't go out on the lane. >> It was just change the terms of the key management plan. So in reference to the business that you described earlier, we don't have a key management plan associated with that permits that we

can't do anything about it here. We have clearly written in resolution before you for potential approval that the key management plan is part of the conditional use permit and that could issue conditional use permit can be revoked if they don't follow the terms with it. Okay. >> That seems like it might be a viable, a viable way to go forward. Because what the thing that I was gonna ask you is that with business that does not have a q management, you know, it's my understanding that they've been really cooperative with staff and they've tried really hard and we've done a lot but that at the end of the day, we're still unable to manage the queue at times during high traffic periods. Yeah, they're more popular than they have space for at that other location. All right. Sounds like business is it is really popular and might come and it

has similar situations that thank you for your answers. Both of you. Thank you, MR. Alvarez. >> My question for staff anything for today. Change your position regards to the applicant meeting. All the stipulations set forth by Policy. Just briefly address one thing that we haven't touched on in the course of this discussion and that's the Kenmore Lane, North-South connection and the residents to the south. >> The conditions certainly will change for There is no objective measure that any traffic engineer would find an impact of this project to those residents you agree with one of the public speakers that public streets or public and people are able to choose their routes. You know, we do try to influence that with with signs with different traffic control devices. But really, we do want

connectivity. We want people to have multiple routes to get places. And that includes businesses like this to that to other suggestions about, you know, connecting to Sebastopol Road. One of the things that I really appreciate about this project is that it doesn't Ed any more pets to Sebastopol Road. We don't want any more consulates locations. We want to keep things as simple as possible. And so this is a pretty clever use of the space to to provide a business without adding marker pets to an arterial street. Thank MISS Rogers. >> After see you see our brains going right. So would you change this or conceptually? Would you leave it the way that it is? Are we getting in the weeds by trying to? Figure this out and change it up here would be my question because I feel like where our brains, the wheels are turning.

>> Yeah, I I think I've heard. >> Comments from, you know, 50 on license traffic engineers tonight trying figure out best to do And I do think that, you know, to pretty blunt councilmember word nibbling around the edges. All of plans are very similar to one another. Once we've settled on kind of a. >> The circulation plan. I would be happy to review with the applicant more, but I also don't want to put additional restrictions on them for a plan that objectively does work. Do I think it's the absolute best circulation plan to maintain the queue and provide as much space as possible. No, I think this second revision that they showed on the screen does a better job of that. It also does put more residents directly in front vehicles directly in front of the homes on the opposite side of kind, more land from from the

potential business. So I understand that there are tradeoffs there. But if the direction is to staff to, you know, revised the site plan in some I defer to the planning staff about how we do that with this potential action tonight. But that's certainly like they're at their options for us to take feedback and make changes. >> MADAM City Attorney. How do approve the appeal does that come with it? How it came to us or is there flexibility in that if the appeal is approved? For the city staff in the? Business owner. It's a wanted to revise the direction of the the driveway. You understand asking. >> I think so. And I MAY have to ask staff for some clarification. I mean here, if you can, indeed approve the conditional use permit and add conditions. That's your discretion. I'm not completely clear on the extent of

revisions that we're talking about. If it's talking about reworking. And plans, then this MAY need to be direction back to staff to take the plans back. Relook at circulation come up with a new model. I'm seeing some some nodding and then coming back and potentially back to the planning Commission. Prior to counsel or perhaps just right back to council. But if it's if it's extensive revisions, I think it would have to be continue with direction to staff to revise the plans because that goes beyond changing things like the hours of Operation, 02:10pm. Those are things that we can work with, but I don't think we can sit and read on the circulation plan here. Based upon my understanding of what we're talking about. >> Then follow Let's go to MISS MacDonald first. And then they will come to us I guess I have some comments in

questions, but I guess my question around that leads >> would not be a substantial change. And so then the appeal and what we're listening to tonight would be it be to substantial for the also tend to have to go back if we were changing the entire direction of traffic and it would negate all the current studies which you have, which is a transportation study, iq management plan and noise impact study and an air quality. With respect to the access from public right of way to the site. The only thing that would change is slightly moving the driveway. None of the conditions or findings of the traffic study would change. The biggest difference is that the space from the final window back to some basketball road would increase. >> So for trying to manage the queue, there are a visions to the site plan that would

increase that qx Pace. >> So if we were chance prove to allow it to go through my question to city attorney is could be considered non substantial so that it would be able to be approved tonight. And I think so. My concern is the cause revising. A plan is substantial to the business and we've been going through this for years, actually. So I want to know if there was sometimes those thing that could be done. Is there a way to be able to allow this to go forward? And not have them have to go back through this process. Again. You're asking the correct question is who is this a substantial change to the to the plan? And I would have to engineering team. >> Would this be considered essential plan? I don't have the right front of an understanding for just 2 and a curb cut. If you're saying that none of the studies would

need to be changed. I'm not. Can you give some more explanation as to the extent of the changes that we're looking at? Because I would be concerned about, you know, not notice to the to the public to be having this discussion. Notice to the applicant and someone's joining our table. Welcome. Thank you. Thank you, Ed City, attorney crack or just raise the issue that I was going to raise, which is >> Director Hennessy suggested that other neighbors might be affected more by another plan. And I would be concerned about noticing issues for those other neighbors. We've had hearing here today based on notice saying for neighbors that had concerns. If we're going to do something different, I would be very, very worried about the noticing issues. We want to give everybody an opportunity who want an opportunity to weigh in some folks might not

of late into night based on the plans that are before you. >> That was what I wanted to know is and that if a k shun what would be it would be considered substantial versus minimal change on this. And then further, I guess my question is. >> We >> and if feel that was brought to us for housing, that was on a very busy road on how one and summerfield and we have gone through it shuns. We had traffic plans. We had all of those things and my understanding at that time was we we were sticking with what was brought forward to us from the developer because staff's reports the general plan, all of the things that need to be done and not also we're in compliance and this council approved that to go forward as well to recall that incident. Ike's consider this similar to that. That staff read through all the reports and and it

needs everything from the zoning requirements. It means our general plan. It's done all the studying. It's exempt from see quiet because it's an infill project. Is that correct? Yes, that's correct. Okay. I think that's most of my questions. But all I think needs go back to my colleagues at this point. >> And I'll just reiterate that you're correct that the plan before you doesn't need to all of the traffic and transportation requirements, too. >> Thank you. All right. We're going to MISS Fleming and then Vice Mayor Crappie as funding. >> Yeah, I wanted to share that. I purchased a home a few years ago and there's a business behind it was unoccupied. And now the business is occupied and there's cars in front of my home all day long and it's coming and going. All throughout the day, at least

not on the weekends because not a restaurant, but it is a significant change, the quality of life. And my house is also significant change to what I think I could get I wanted to sell my house. This is life things happen in cities like this. Idea that. How the cars coming and going all day long, is it going to change quality of life for folks it's not like really insignificant what I was he just is it's possible for us to move forward of is not considered a major change that we move forward with this tonight with a couple of conditions. One that. That the applicant works with staff and that the conditions for the minor permit are you develop a queueing. And that keeps the traffic on the site rather than on the street. I think that that does 2 things really elegantly. One, is it helps the neighbors to ease with this transition and to allows

the business to move forward. Can't I'm not an expert enough to know if this is a significant change, but I would hope that we could arrange it in such a way that it's not. And then we could move forward tonight. Is there anybody on staff who can tell me whether or not this would be under the threshold of significant change? >> That the killing as it exists, that the space that we've counted as a queueing is the drive aisle on the site and the shared easements that was shown earlier between the existing restaurant and the Rite Aid. So all of the queue spaces on there, there would be no que space on Kenmore Lane. >> Currently, so we could condition at that if the applicant is unable to keep chewing off of Kenmore Lane than this permit could then be revoked or reconsider by the city. That is already part of

that because of the key management plan does not include Kenmore Lane for the capture of the queue, ok? Well, then in that case, I feel like that. That's the way to move forward with the sun. >> MR. Rose Joyce, you reaching for your? All right, MR. Crappie, your questions were answered. I have minor questions compared to the larger concept to be able to move major changes as minor change. >> Director entity when this site is developed, tell us no matter what its restaurant. Any kind of commercial space, what required improvements does the city required? We put in on a parcel like this? >> Yeah, we require full front improvements up to city standard for this site in particular would be sidewalk and the applicant has agreed to extend that all the way Stony Point Road, which isn't particularly important area to

to the transit connectivity. And this we have a lot of pedestrians at that intersection, both transferring from to and from buses. But also just it's a very popular area. And so stab wishing that sidewalk connectivity through development applications is really important for us to continuing to build that back to transportation network. >> Thank you. And then one of the common public commenters brought up something is dead. >> Is there any restrictions or or mitigation measures that we could condition for light pollution from vehicles coming and going. >> headlights headlights passing over people's homes as they as leave the property. Is there anything that we can do me that the Jess Jessica question? >> Thank you for that question. Certainly there have ways to do that on other

projects looking at this lay out the headlights would reach the the properties to the south when they're coming out of that Tulane and exiting the area I don't know what a mitigation would be as they're exiting the driveway. So there is an opportunity to put a Waller or shrubs or something like that. So certainly something that, you know, we could look into and work with the applicant to see what options there might be. But at current glance, I'm not sure what those would be. Thank you. Any other questions from council. >> Last chance. >> All right. Well, good, good questions. Good Let's go to a motion here, MR. Rogers believe that you're on deck. >> This is a. >> a very difficult item in a perfect world. Everyone walk away happy. But I have a feeling that that not going to happen.

>> This evening, I understand the change and uncertainty can be difficult for residents and business owners alike. I would like to thank the Planning Commission for their time in addressing this matter. I would also like to thank staff the residents and the business owner in reviewing the material submitted in opposition to the project. I recognize that increase traffic is a key concern. Like many of you, I hope this business concept succeeds. But let's be honest. This is not an in and out a Starbucks or Chick-Fil-a when we're talking about traffic I will be making a motion to adopt the resolution granting the appeal, the traffic and safety findings. The supporting documentation are adequate and sufficient. The site is physically student to the propose complies with applicable code requirements. Speculation about future

misconduct or concerns based solely on personal belief is not a lawful basis for denial. The message that I want to tell local community business owners and residents for the gentlemen that sitting at the top is that yes, the city of Santa Rosa welcomes you in wants you to succeed here in our city. I believe the businesses expansion will be an asset to our community. I wish the owner success and progress means making room for change. And with that, I would like to adopt a resolution as presented by staff granting the appeal reversing the decision of the planning Commission and approving the conditional use permit for the Dale. I drive through Project second q. >> All right. We have a motion and a second by MISS MacDonald. Any additional discussion on this motion, MR. Would you be interested in taking friendly amendment to conditions for a

07:00am to 10:00pm time and 10 of 11:00pm. If they haven't already said to be willing to do work, if you would. >> Mayor, if I MAY, I'm sorry to interrupt. Condition is actually already in the resolution. Believe that I'm gonna look right now. I believe it at 11:00pm. Its condition for 10:00pm, which would bring it into accordance with the noise Ordinance which already handles the tend you know, after 10:00pm is in effect. And so that's the way it's written. That's against condition. Number 10. 07:00am to 10:00pm Monday through Sunday. Never mind. >> All right. We have a We have a I a motion and a second, any additional discussion from council. All right. And I would like to say something, which >> Is that, you know, one of the things that came up tonight that I think unfortunate is that this was

characterized as a as an issue about race. When I think that this is, you know, when I look at the actual street and I look at the other businesses that are doing drive-thrus the other drive-thru's in general have large parking lot that are not on the small residential streets. I think that I want to say that, you know, on myself and I think I speak for the whole city council that welcome business and we welcome all kinds of people to do business here in our community, regardless of race, gender or ethnicity, religion where city that wants to have our arms open and that I hope that you don't hear any of our concerns that we might put forward as anything other than concerns to hope that this business succeeds in the hope that the neighbors have good quality of life. And so you know, I've really feel on the fence about this one. I have lived in a neighborhood

where this kind of business has been a huge problem and have real concerns about Drive-thrus I think that I probably will abstain tonight, mostly because I don't believe that we should do be doing drive-thru based. Businesses are expanding And if that was a policy that I could unilaterally change here in the city, I would be except for a few emergency services like around pharmacy. We'll be trying to eliminate automobile based businesses mostly on account of our climate and carbon goals here, the city and our walkability and pedestrian goals that these businesses are incompatible with. That. That said, I hope that your business succeeds and that I hope that you do with those few cars as possible. Thank you as farming. And with that MADAM City clerk, we can call the vote. >> Thank you, Mayor

Councilmember Rogers Councilmember MacDonald. I councilmember Fleming. >> Councilmember Ben Willows. Yes, Councilmember Alvarez. Vice Mayor Okrepkie. I they are step yes. Let the record show this passes with 6 affirmative votes and Councilmember Fleming abstaining. >> All right. Thank you. Are planning and and tp w staff and thank you to the planning Commission for all the work. They did care and thanks for sticking around late. Well, let's let it bounce Get a bit unclear of some items before we get to our final public comment. We're going to jump back. All the way to item 9 our city manager and city attorneys reports. And thanks to all the folks who came out for the item tonight. Alright, MADAM Or I'm sorry. Not have city manager. Not still. I'm still have the Lori Ann Farrell have. It's still my

apologies. All right. Jason, what do you have for us? Thank you, Mayor. I have no report for tonight. All right. Thank you for matter. City attorney. >> Thank you. Mayor also have no report this evening. Thank you public comment to any members. The public like to make comment on the lack of reports from both our city manager and city attorney. >> And seeing in council chambers. Lauren, anybody online? No. All right. To move ahead to mayor and Councilmembers reports. Are there any Common Council member reports this evening Rodgers will start with you? >> I just like to that I after our joint meeting with the school board, I bring at or bring to the mayor's attention that I believe Roselyn. In addition to Santa Rosa City schools should be involved with the pp. >> Not just Santa Rosa City schools. So to get someone

appointed from both of those boards, I wanted to make sure make you quick question. So way that works is that is that center is city schools. They proactively wanted that if they were, if we happen to have a member of the Roseland School board here and here in council chambers. >> She could make make note, Misty has that the roads looking at the Rosen school board could make that make that request. They were really any other school board in the Santa Rosa area on I. Yes, you but. >> Never, never, never, never mind out of work. And we'll catch up with you later. But again, the way that the way that works is that when any school board in our jurisdiction should absolutely make that request and I will defer to you and MISS Been way, Lewis. My assumption is they request we will taking taking well.

>> All right. Thanks to thanks for raising that. MRS. Thank you, mayor. >> I would like motion to agenda is a pit. All my readers for a study session prior to the real date and hope for the support of my colleagues. All right. And just to clarify to stick to study session. >> City census or and I collaborate if you'd like, I just a little bit tonight pr issue for any contract renewal. Yes, that is correct, sir. What I feel is one, I think we benefit from public comment as well as the conversation amongst ourselves to give direction the our police chief, but also the system as well as we haven't had opportunity to have the discussion even amongst ourselves much less. Listen from the public and hear their input. I carries it had to be reminded the process Ms Rogers. I have a question or

>> he's response. So my question is, I hear JANUARY. Coming up a lot. But and if I recall correctly, the contract is not over until. >> MAY 2027 and in addition to that's one of and in addition, the next one is not. >> For the second one is not concluded until DECEMBER. >> 2027. So to have a study session at this time, while I think that the chief along with the rest of the council members have heard loud and clear and there's working in the background to try to figure out. >> What we can do in replacement of those those contracts. I think having a study session right now, maybe premature or and we MAY not get the we MAY not get the desired outcome that we want because we do not have enough information in order to make an educated are informed decision. >> I'll just I'd like to

second MR. Alvarez is motion and say discussion cannot happen soon. Enough. >> So we in our any discussion right here. There's it's clear that we do need to bring that we want to and need to bring this issue back to council before any contract renewals. To your point, your point is noted, MR. Alvarez, thank you for on for suggesting that in terms of process we we will discuss this comeback next meeting for about okay. So 0 point known thank you for any discussion on this issue. Anything else on anything any also? Know, sir, I think what the process is just for me to make that motion. I blew out my second. We come back next week. >> For a book vacation on the motion and a full vote by the council. >> Don, hope that was I hope that was heard and understood by our audience. Okay. Other other Councilmember reports.

Anything down here before we get to. Alright, MISS MacDonald. >> Just make sure vice mayor you're going to be reporting out of public safety. Just a couple things I'd like to actually make a motion that we bring back our farm animal ordinance. Second. >> It just to have more than a city I do for growth sheep is that is ok. Thing I can give you a little teasing. These goats and sheep were show all that was our way. >> I've been having a lot of concerned community members reach out to me for having farm animals next to residential areas that are creating issues with the newer roosters and causing havoc in in residential areas next to areas. And my understanding is our ordinances follows more of that county policy and not maybe a city ordinance. I just want to take a look at it to see. I don't even know when

the last time it was we looked at the order we asking for a staffer view at this point? Yes, we that. Just a staff review of the ordinance city manager, not city purposes. >> Yes, that that that's adequate will work with planning and economic development start to pull that information together. >> All right. Well, we reaffirm center love all things animals. And we love animals and we want everybody to be happy in their homes and not smell newer. All the tire fair enough for a roosters waking him up. All right. Thank you for Vice Mayor. Thank you, MR. Maher, just 3 quick things. One yesterday we had an economic development subcommittee meeting that went very well. You're at all the things they're working on earlier today. >> Fantastic work to piling more things on their plate make our city more vibrant.

More economically friendly and does are businesses. >> Second this morning, we had public safety subcommittee meeting where we talked about some quality of life >> ordinances that we come to the full Council, our view ordinances and handling says those kinds of things always look forward to those coming forward for discussion for the full council as a great conversation. And then 2 weeks ago, Councilmember Band, we listen. I held community meeting and I think it went extremely well as one of the things we're prepared for just about every subject we thought we were going to get in the main subject was something that we didn't even address before during our preparation, which just shows how diverse our city is. And the situations we face obstacles we can It went very well and I appreciate my time. Working with Councilmember Ben Willows.

Thank you for that, MR. Donald more thing. >> Just wanted to say. Thank you to share and our staff who put on a great luncheon for our commission and committee members that service volunteers. We had a luncheon for all of them in and the work that all of our volunteers do to help inform council and help us all run better in the city of Santa Rosa. So I wanted to say thank you to them. And then also just a quick shout out to the Santa Rosa Water Department. I had installed a new handle on not me personally. I know you can't imagine that I would do that but installed a new handle on my to it live and it kept running and because I am very hard of hearing, I didn't hear the water running and running and running and they called me within 24 hours and told me that my water was running and that had a problem at the house and it took me a

while to find it. But I want to say thank you to them because had they not given me a call, then I probably wouldn't have caught the issue until several days later. So shout out to the water Department for that service and all the technology that they've installed to be able to do that to help our community members. Thank you. Alright, I just I have 3 quick items. We know it's gets getting late on the 3rd of OCTOBER. >> The Santa Rosa Police Department in Santa Rosa, Please foundation did a gun buyback event at Veterans Hall that brought in a van full guns there. Well, there are almost 600 fire fire final count, including ghost guns, ghost gun components. Some automatics and so that is the first time that event has been held in a couple years. It was an enormous success. We obviously knew that were often

thanks to the community members who came out and sold their guns are doing their guns and thanks Srpd for doing it. Last week as as it was mentioned earlier by Rogers, we held the first of our Joint City Council Center is a city schools board meetings in 7 years. We're back to 19 more than that. Actually back to 2020 19, the focus was school safety the economic development impacts of our education system. The conversation could have gone all night and it will continue because we have a firm that we want to get event every year. Plus have additional conversations in between and Aly liaison school boards on the grounds for mention partnership. So thank you. Going to staff for making that meeting happens. Thank you. To center is a city schools state University and center as a junior college for participating. And then

finally another thanks to about 30 of our faith communities locally. And again, the center of police Department for the 5th annual I faith and faith and blue which was held this weekend. Our police department and some of us here on the dias. Think you thank you. Ms Rogers, we were out at more than 36 and services. 36 congregations. Talking about the local issues as well thanking the faith communities for what they do. This include talking about immigration enforcement issues at our local mosque. Talk about issues of antisemitism with a number of our Jewish communities. We were at the Sikh temple, thanking them for all their work with food insecurity. We were at Spanish speaking language congregate or at services with Spanish speaking congregations again talking about local issues and thank you for how they support our community. There was blue

mask a day at the cathedral. It was 3 days of again, discussions in safe spaces with our communities who are engaged in various issues and doing various things to support the community. Hitting 5,000 people. It's one of our city's most successful community outreach events. Thank you to srpd for donating their time. We had about 18 officers participate. We had members of this state participate. It was wonderful and I will leave it at that. But I law right. What a public comment remembers the public like the Catholic to make comment on our mayor and Councilmembers reports. >> Do you There's one? All right. You have the floor. >> Hello City Council members. My name is Ione de I'm a member of the press I read for the North Bay it the clarifying question motion that was just proposed by Councilmember Alvarez about a

community study session. >> On flock cameras. And I was just wondering, you said that you were going to vote on it. >> You're going to vote on proposing the motion next week. I'm just asking clarify, that there's set process for how a council member brings motions to the to the floor. And so that's all we're going Settle comeback next week. As as is that the process. >> ok, perfect. Thank you. That was all I city city manager unit. Would you like to talk us through I'm sorry that item will come back for consideration by the council on the twenty-seventh, which is our next right regulate scheduled meeting. Okay. Thank you so much. I appreciate the clarification. >> Thank you. Any other. >> So up. Yeah, I think that the clarification is that we will be voting on whether or not we will have a study session.

>> It's not that on the 27th. We will have a study session. >> Thank you for that clarification. Any other public comment on the mayor and Councilmembers reports in council chambers? Go ahead. >> Hello and good evening sitting Council. My name is Ronnie. I'm here to I know the vote will be happening on 27th from here to urge you to vote yes on this motion. I understand the concerns brought up of it being prematurely. But the fact that someone who's been door knocking all around different districts in Santa Rosa and a lot of folks were not aware of the stock cameras in the first place. Now that people are aware it is now. Now the talk now is the time to have conversation and have community input and have community knowledge and have these What this safety mean? What does it mean to have responsible surveillance? It?

And so there's a lot increased concerns of unregulated surveillance. There's a lot of concerns the fact that a lot the folks whose stories I've not to not even know these cameras existed in the first place. So I thank you overs for bringing this motion and I hope y'all vote in favor of it. Thank Thank you very much. Any other comments in council chambers? >> Lorne, anybody online have their hands raised. >> Yes, they've been inspired. We have one. And I've been able permissions, go ahead whenever you're ready. >> Council members, my name is Alina Bull and a resident care and Santa Rosa. And I've spoken several of you on this exact topic. The flock cameras. Thank you. Councilmember Alvarez for bringing up the incredibly urgent need to have an in-depth discussion on the topic of what responsible

surveillance could look like in Sonoma County. And I urge you as a member of the public to discuss the idea that there is no such things at the cool responsible mass surveillance of the public. Please vote yes to have that discussion. And I hope that you all consider profoundly and deeply. And sincerity that when people say that they do not want flock. In reference to the idea that flock is very much the clean exit mass surveillance services. When people say they do not want flock, they do not and surveillance. Thank you very much for your time. Thank you. Bayne. >> anybody else on zoom who would like to make a comment? Raise your hand or forever hold your peace. No more hands. Mayor. >> Thank you. Are a close public comment and we will move on to item 11 points to 2011.1, our point of a representative 0 Waste Sonoma

Agency. I floated the idea a couple weeks ago having MISS MacDonald replace me on 0 Board. And so I was hoping that perhaps MISTER Allred would make a motion to that effect. Thank for giving me the opportunity to do just that. >> I want make a motion to appoint counsel MacDonald as a representative to 0 Waste. Sonoma County. Second, perfect a motion and we have a size second by MISTER Okrepkie. MADAM City Clerk. We can call the vote. Mayor, we need to our public comment. Of course, of course, the evening as late when any members of the public in council chambers like to make a comment on this. This appointment. >> Seeing none. We'll go online. Lorne, anybody online want comment? >> No hands. Mayor. >> All right. Back to the vote. MADAM City clerk, whenever you're ready.

>> Thank you. Mayor Councilmember Rogers, Councilmember MacDonald, I councilmember Fleming Councilmember Ben Rhodes. Yes, councilmember all fronts Vice Mayor Cookie mayor Stapp yet? Let the record show this passes unanimously. >> Thank you for your service. This moving on to item 12 approval of minutes. We have one set of minutes from SEPTEMBER. 29th 2026, Rodgers has already indicated that she would reduced standing. Are there any what to do any any council members have any amendments to these minutes? >> Although I was not here. I actually watched the meeting online for the entire be so I can improve them. >> Thank any members of the members of the public in council chambers like to make public comment on the minutes. Seeing go online. Lorne, do we have any hands raised online? >> Negative Mayor.

>> Alright, we'll close public comment and we will adopt the minutes as submitted. Look at us as human right along. Alright home. I got got to figure out where we are at the and I think we are here at the moment that many of you have been waiting patiently for for some number of hours. Thank you. Thank you for for sticking around. I know we have folks online as well. So we're back to public comment on non agenda matters. We're back to a minute. We'll get to everybody. So those that see, we've got folks signed up already are called the names. If you just be waiting by the by the podium we go back and forth as quickly as possible here are as efficient as possible and then we'll get the folks on zoom at the end. So let's start out with Maria Ronnie and Betty. Maria, Ronnie and Betty, if you could be waiting by. Biden podium. Let's see. Do we have that?

There's no Maria Bronny and Betty that we have Robert Robert work. Jacob, Gayle and Hero can >> I am one of the first named I just didn't stand as I was waiting for the first 2. >> right. So are you right, Betty? Welcome, Betty. To floor is yours. And we'll go to Robert Jacob and Hugo. >> Thank you very much. My name is Betty Andrews. I'm a 37 year resident of Santa Rosa I am here tonight because next week is California flood preparedness week and we want to talk about flooding. I was here speaking with you some weeks ago for the same reason. The recent fema studies have shown that the downtown culverts pose a very significant flood threat to the heart of Santa Rosa. And the even were be sent Central Cinema watershed study found that the flood risk is growing in both scale and frequency. Luckily, you have a tremendous

opportunity to radically reduce this risk. The downtown culverts are more than 60 years old and well past their design. Life. Here's some important facts you need to consider. First. We're going to have to repair or replace them. They aren't adequate to address flood risk and they won't function forever. Secondly, well, I've missed at all. They have provided a packet of information. I hope you have a chance. >> Thank you. Thank you, Betty. And rest assured flood risk is very much on our minds we have we've got let's see Jacob, Hugo and then Jason. I'm sorry, Robert Jacob in heroes, our Robert. Robert here. Perfect. Jake Europe. >> I'm Jacob Gayle. I live in District 4. This has been an awesome meeting and I want to urge all of the council members to vote yes on the motion that was put forward by council members, Alvarez and

And why get ready for this decision are going to make. I would point your attention to a recent decision by Judge Sarah Hill and United States of America versus Melissa Susan Kyle. I'm gonna quote at length from that decision. Freedom from persistent dragnet style surveillance while in public is not a foreign concept in our society and it is a reasonable expectation that society already accepts. It becomes constitutionally problematic when law enforcement can indiscriminately impassively catalog your whereabouts of extended period of time and then use that information for any purpose whenever convenient. And we've heard from Chief Cregan that, you know, this is like settled constitutional law. And I just want to point out that it is not settled. And thank you. >> Thank you, Hugh. Go Jason and Jessie.

Jason. Jason, there you go. Floor is yours. We'll keep it short. >> Well, kind of a to hear about Well in this, he was short, but I just want to share You know, I don't think that if you look at the news or pay attention to the people that show up here, this isn't a winning issue like it's not something that's going to help like get anyone down their votes. So I mean, when it comes out of the time, I just really hope realize it's not just the issue of what the people are saying, but like. I think it's good to just listen to your constituents. You know, you heard me up here few weeks ago doing a song that I wrote flock, the country and one week since that bin that's been released its game over 10,000 streams just from people here in Santa Rosa. And I'm not saying that to brag. I'm just sharing that. It's a message is pretty big and it's

pretty serious to a lot of people in the way they feel. I respectfully say this, but there's a larger number in your community that are against any kind of mass surveillance. The people speaking are not just the community, not just people speaking and not just the community organizations here, but there are tons of people that are against this. And each time we show the number gets larger, you see him if he were here earlier. I mean, it's a lot. So I just want to say those people are still going to be here on the 19th. We're going to keep coming out. So paid. >> Thanks, Jason. And congrats on the views we have Jesse here. All Does anybody in council chambers wish to speak? All right. We'll go online. MADAM Zuma host, do we have any hands raised online? >> No, it appears everybody was in chamber for this item.