City Council
City Council
Tue, April 7, 2026
Agenda items
Vote records
Discussion summary
Transcript
Meeting summaryAI-generated
Santa Rosa City Council — April 7, 2026
This was a regular City Council meeting featuring proclamations, staff briefings, two substantive report items, and a public hearing on zoning streamlining. Councilmember Alvarez was absent throughout; Mayor Stapp departed before the evening session, leaving Vice Mayor Okrepkie to preside over the later agenda items. The meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
Closed Session
The Council met in closed session beginning at 2:30 p.m. regarding significant exposure to litigation. Upon returning to open session, staff reported no reportable actions.
Proclamations (Items 7.1–7.3)
The Council issued three proclamations. National Child Abuse Prevention Month (read by Councilmember Fleming) recognized CASA of Sonoma County, which is celebrating 30 years of service and has supported over 3,000 foster youth through volunteer advocates. A representative from CASA's board spoke about the entirely volunteer-driven model and the organization's role in protecting vulnerable children. Fair Housing Month (read by Councilmember Benworth) was accepted by a representative from Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California, who noted that the recognition is "especially meaningful in the current political climate" where fair housing principles face renewed federal challenges, and expressed gratitude for the City's ongoing partnership and funding. A member of the public (Fred) commented on housing affordability, arguing that housing costs at or below 30% of income is the single most important sustainability indicator for community health. American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month (read by Councilmember Rogers) was accepted by members of the local Muslim community, who thanked the Council warmly and noted that recognition from local government provides comfort during a difficult national climate for Muslim Americans.
No votes were required for proclamations.
Staff Briefing: Earth Day at Courthouse Square (Item 8.1)
Jennifer Nesbitt, Research and Program Coordinator for Santa Rosa Water's Energy and Sustainability team, presented details on the City's 17th annual Earth Day festival, to be held Saturday, April 25, from noon to 4:00 p.m. at Courthouse Square. The free, family-friendly event will feature approximately 60 local vendors, live performances (including Sonoma County Dancers, Redwood Country Cloggers, and the Sebastopol Saint James Band), Classroom Safari's animal exhibit, free face painting, an eco-friendly kids section run by Recreation and Parks, and fare-free transit. A community art procession from Juilliard Park will also take place. Country radio station will broadcast live. Expected attendance is approximately 2,000. Multiple city departments will participate in staffing the event. Council took no action.
Staff Briefing: Community Empowerment Plan Update (Item 8.2)
Staff highlighted upcoming city events for April including: a Hope of a New Quarter fire recovery community meeting (April 8), a Parks volunteer day at Brush Creek (April 11), the first of four community traffic safety meetings hosted by SRPD (April 16 at Wilson University Prep, covering speeding, right-of-way, and neighborhood traffic patterns — one meeting per city quadrant through June, funded in part by an Office of Traffic Safety Grant), a native plant volunteer day at Colgan Creek (April 18), and SRPD/SRFD participation in a Wildfire/Quakes Expo (April 26). Staff also reminded the public that the "Let's Talk Santa Rosa" budget survey (available at srcity.org/talk in English and Spanish) has received approximately 300 responses so far, with staff seeking broader input ahead of difficult budget decisions.
The Council also noted two upcoming groundbreakings: the Highway 101 Bike/Pedestrian Overcrossing (Saturday, April 12, 10:30 a.m. at Armory Drive and Elliott) and the Hopper Avenue Reconstruction (Tuesday, April 14, 10:00 a.m.), described as one of the city's last major fire recovery projects. Council took no action.
City Manager's/City Attorney's Reports (Item 9)
The Assistant City Manager highlighted several items: improvements to the Comstock Pedestrian Mall (tree trimming, pressure washing, graffiti removal, new paint building on the Garage 9 mural), making the downtown corridor more open and walkable. Police Chief Cregan was recognized for receiving the Allen W. Still Founders Award from the California Police Chiefs Association for his leadership in officer wellness, mental health crisis response, and ghost gun violence reduction. The Transportation and Public Works and Santa Rosa Water departments received an American Public Works Association award for the Lower Colgan Creek Restoration Project Phase 3 as Environmental Project of the Year. Supervising Engineer Sarah Causel was recognized in the North Bay Business Journal's 40 Under 40. The City Attorney had no report.
A member of the public (David Harris) expressed concern about the cost trajectory of the Highway 101 bike/pedestrian overcrossing project, noting it has grown to $38 million and flagging a pending lawsuit as a potential complication. The Mayor acknowledged the comment.
Consent Calendar (Items 13.1–13.13)
All 13 consent items were approved together. Councilmember Benworth asked for clarification on Item 13.13 — the second reading of the civil immigration ordinance — and confirmed with the City Attorney that a stronger follow-up ordinance addressing non-cooperation, non-collaboration, and no data-sharing provisions is being drafted and is expected to return to Council in late May or early June. A member of the public, Miriam Michaels, spoke in support, thanking the Council for listening carefully to the Sonoma County Sanctuary Coalition.
Vote: Moved by Vice Mayor Okrepkie, seconded by Councilmember Rogers. Passed 6–0 (Alvarez absent).
Public Hearing: Conditional Use Permit Streamlining (Item 16.1)
Deputy Director of Planning Jessica Jones presented proposed amendments to the City's zoning code designed to reduce time and cost for businesses seeking land-use approvals. The changes fall into three areas:
1. Creation of a Director-level Conditional Use Permit (CUP) — an administrative review process (no public hearing required) with 14-day advance notice to neighbors within 600 feet, and the ability to request a public hearing if desired.
2. Reducing permit levels for many uses — dropping some from Major to Minor CUP, Minor to Director-level, or Director-level to permitted by right.
3. Expanded Temporary Use Permits — allowing pop-up retail and interim uses in vacant or underutilized buildings.
A companion resolution sets the Director-level CUP fee at approximately $800 (compared to roughly $10,000 for a Minor CUP, which also takes 3–4+ months; the new process is expected to take 6–8 weeks). The Planning Commission unanimously recommended the proposal in March 2026. The changes are intended to support the City's five-year Economic Development Strategic Plan and General Plan 2050.
Public comment included a nonprofit representative from MetroPark who strongly supported the changes, noting their organization has been operating under temporary use permits and expects to benefit significantly. A commercial broker's email (not appearing in person) expressed support but felt the changes didn't go far enough — staff indicated other streamlining efforts are ongoing. One commenter raised a concern about non-profit fee structures; staff indicated fees are set by resolution and can be revisited. Council members asked about the appeal process (Director decisions are appealable to the Planning Commission; that is where appeals stop unless an item was elevated), transparency (noticing requirement preserves public oversight), and staffing efficiency (Director-level review frees staff to focus on complex projects).
Vice Mayor Okrepkie requested that staff return in approximately 18 months with an update on how the new process is working. Director Osborne agreed, describing periodic review as a best practice. Minutes of approval were noted by the City Clerk; Mayor Stapp was absent at this point.
Vote: Moved by Councilmember Rogers, seconded by Councilmember MacDonald. Passed 5–0 (Alvarez and Stapp absent).
Report: Homelessness Solutions Strategic Plan — Year Three (Item 15.1)
Housing and Community Services staff Sasha Brown and Kelly Keck presented the Year 3 (2025) report on the five-year Homelessness Solutions Strategic Plan (2023–2027). Key findings:
Homelessness in Santa Rosa decreased 31% over the plan's first three years — from 1,650 persons in the 2022 point-in-time count to 1,140 in 2025.
718 individuals were housed through City-sponsored programs in FY 2024–25, a 24% increase over the prior year.
The Keep People Housed Sonoma homelessness prevention pilot ($3.9M) prevented 245 households from falling into homelessness in its first year.
The City encampment team has cut the total number of encampments nearly in half and reduced occupied vehicles (RVs, trailers) citywide by 95%.
The Housing Authority invested approximately $40 million in affordable housing over two years, completing over 500 units (approximately 80 of which are permanent supportive housing).
Staff cautioned that next year's outcomes may be lower: fewer affordable units are coming online as one-time CDBG-DR funds are nearly exhausted, and homeless services funding is being cut at federal, state, county, and city levels.
Councilmember MacDonald asked for a clearer breakdown of what comes from the City's general fund versus outside sources for future budget discussions, and asked staff to present data on the cost of *not* housing people. Councilmember Benworth thanked staff, emphasized the importance of prevention, and acknowledged the difficulty of grant-writing work. Staff noted they will apply for Encampment Resolution Fund Round 5 (due June 30).
Vote: Moved by Councilmember Benworth, seconded by Councilmember Rogers. Passed 5–0 (Alvarez and Stapp absent).
Report: SRPD Annual Military Equipment Report (Item 15.2)
Police Chief Cregan and Lieutenant Minor presented the annual AB 481 military equipment report, covering funding, acquisition, and use of eight equipment categories: projectile launchers, chemical munitions, community control vehicles (rapid response vehicle), long-range acoustic device (LRAD, communication only — noise function permanently deactivated), specialist firearms and ammunition, armored rescue vehicle (BearCat), breaching apparatus, and unmanned aerial/ground systems (drones and robots).
Highlights from 2025 use: drones helped de-escalate two incidents without additional force — one domestic violence situation where drone lighting allowed officers to see a knife and help a victim escape, and one vehicle pursuit where drone footage revealed a suspect was physically trapped and had a firearm, allowing tactical changes. The BearCat was used in flooding rescues and absorbed at least one gunshot without officer injury. The older RV command post was sold and removed from the inventory.
A community meeting was held in January 2025 with approximately 30 attendees; about 45 minutes were devoted to Q&A. Chief Cregan confirmed none of the equipment is used during First Amendment assemblies (except drones for perimeter safety, done transparently and with advance notice to protest organizers). He also confirmed the department does not participate in the federal military equipment exchange program and will not use any equipment in cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Staff noted a drafting error in the resolution: the word "renew" appeared but the Council was actually being asked to affirm no changes to the existing ordinance. The City Attorney clarified this on the record.
Vote: Moved by Councilmember MacDonald, seconded by Councilmember Rogers. Passed 5–0 (Alvarez and Stapp absent).
Other Items
March 24, 2026 meeting minutes were continued to the April 21, 2026 meeting. Legislative written communications (Item 17) included a support letter for SB 762 (transactions and use tax for City of Hercules) and federal appropriations request letters for two Santa Rosa projects — the Stormwater Management Project and the Regional Llano Trunk Sewer Line Rehabilitation Project — to Senators Padilla and Schiff and Representatives Thompson and Huffman. These were provided for information only with no Council action.
Key Takeaways
Homelessness down 31% in three years, with 718 housed in the past year — but staff warned outcomes will likely decline as one-time funding runs out and service cuts take effect at multiple government levels.
Zoning code streamlining passed, cutting business permit timelines from months to 6–8 weeks and fees from ~$10,000 to ~$800 for many routine uses — a significant economic development tool with a planned 18-month check-in.
Civil immigration ordinance (second reading) adopted; a stronger follow-up ordinance addressing non-cooperation and no data-sharing is in draft and expected back in late May or early June.
SRPD military equipment report renewed with no changes to the existing ordinance; department confirmed no equipment is used for immigration enforcement or to surveil First Amendment activity.
Southwest Airlines launched inaugural flights to Sonoma County Airport — celebrated by the Mayor and economic development staff as a significant win for regional connectivity.
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
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE
The Council moved to item 3.1, a closed session conference with legal counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation. Public commenter Peter addressed the Council, expressing concerns about legal versus lawful matters and referencing constitutional issues, though his comments were lengthy and somewhat tangential to the specific litigation matter. No specific staff presentation or Council discussion of the litigation details was captured in the open session portion before the Council recessed into closed session.
PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
# Summary: PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
Councilmember Fleming introduced the proclamation item, emphasizing that child abuse and neglect are serious community problems requiring input and action from everyone, with long-term psychological, emotional, and physical consequences. The Mayor read a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month and acknowledged Casa of Sonoma County and other community partners, highlighting Casa's 30 years of service and noting they have served over 3,000 children in the foster care system. Representatives from Casa were present to accept the proclamation, and the Council unanimously supported the measure, praising Casa as a fabulous volunteer-driven organization providing lifelong connections for vulnerable youth. The Council concluded the item with a photo opportunity with the honorees to celebrate child abuse prevention efforts in the community.
Councilmember Fleming introduced the proclamation item, emphasizing that child abuse and neglect are serious community problems requiring input and action from everyone, with long-term psychological, emotional, and physical consequences. The Mayor read a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month and acknowledged Casa of Sonoma County and other community partners, highlighting Casa's 30 years of service and noting they have served over 3,000 children in the foster care system. Representatives from Casa were present to accept the proclamation, and the Council unanimously supported the measure, praising Casa as a fabulous volunteer-driven organization providing lifelong connections for vulnerable youth. The Council concluded the item with a photo opportunity with the honorees to celebrate child abuse prevention efforts in the community.
PROCLAMATION - FAIR HOUSING MONTH
Ms. Ben Willows read the Fair Housing Month proclamation for April, which affirmed that fair housing is both a legal requirement and fundamental human right, and condemned discrimination based on protected classes including race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, and familial status. A representative from Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California spoke during public comment, expressing gratitude for the City's proclamation and noting that fair housing protections are especially important given current political challenges to civil rights and housing enforcement at the federal level. The speaker emphasized that fair housing laws require adequate resources and local partnerships to be effectively enforced.
PROCLAMATION - AMERICAN MUSLIM APPRECIATION AND
The City Council proclaimed April as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month to recognize the contributions of Muslims in the community. The proclamation acknowledged over 9,000 Muslims living in Sonoma County and highlighted the Islamic Society of Santa Rosa, founded in 2015, as a vibrant community center. Members of the Islamic community spoke during public comment, expressing gratitude for the city's recognition and emphasizing the importance of government support during difficult times. The council took a photo with community members to celebrate the proclamation.
EARTH DAY AT COURTHOUSE SQUARE Staff will provide information on Santa Rosa's annual Earth Day event taking place at Courthouse Square on Saturday, April 25, from 12pm - 4pm. Council will take no action except for possible direction to staff.
# Earth Day at Courthouse Square Summary
Jennifer Nesbitt, Research and Program Coordinator for Santa Rosa Water's Energy and Sustainability Team, presented details about the 17th annual Earth Day festival scheduled for Saturday, April 25th from noon to 4:00pm at Courthouse Square. The free, family-friendly event will feature approximately 60 local vendors, five live performing arts groups including Sonoma County Dancers and the Sebastian Saint James Band, eco-friendly activities, free bike parking, a hydration station, and fare-free transit. Staff indicated they typically expect around 2,000 attendees and confirmed that multiple city departments—including fire, water, recreation and parks, and arts and culture—will participate in the event's setup and coordination. The Mayor commended the significant effort city staff and committee members are contributing to the event. No public comment was received on this item.
Jennifer Nesbitt, Research and Program Coordinator for Santa Rosa Water's Energy and Sustainability Team, presented details about the 17th annual Earth Day festival scheduled for Saturday, April 25th from noon to 4:00pm at Courthouse Square. The free, family-friendly event will feature approximately 60 local vendors, five live performing arts groups including Sonoma County Dancers and the Sebastian Saint James Band, eco-friendly activities, free bike parking, a hydration station, and fare-free transit. Staff indicated they typically expect around 2,000 attendees and confirmed that multiple city departments—including fire, water, recreation and parks, and arts and culture—will participate in the event's setup and coordination. The Mayor commended the significant effort city staff and committee members are contributing to the event. No public comment was received on this item.
Agenda items (33)
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.
2ProceduralVIA ZOOM WEBINAR BY VISITING
Instructions for joining the meeting via Zoom webinar.
3ProceduralCOMCAST CHANNEL 28 OR 26 (ESPAÑOL), AT&T U-VERSE CHANNEL 99; AND
Instructions for watching the meeting on local cable television channels (Comcast and AT&T U-Verse).
4ProceduralVIA YOUTUBE AT HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/CITYOFSANTAROSA Public Comment may be made live during the meeting In-Person from Council Chamber or submitted in advance via email at cc-comment@srcity.org by 5:00 p.m. the Monday before the City Council Meeting. IN THE EVENT A COUNCIL MEMBER PARTICIPATES REMOTELY BASED ON JUST CAUSE UNDER THE BROWN ACT, THE CITY WILL ALLOW FOR PUBLIC COMMENT THROUGH THE ZOOM LINK OR DIAL-IN
Instructions for joining the meeting via YouTube and submitting public comments in person or by email before the meeting.
12.1ProceduralMarch 24, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes (THIS ITEM IS CONTINUED TO THE APRIL 21, 2026, REGULAR MEETING).
Approval of the March 24, 2026 meeting minutes, which has been postponed to the April 21 meeting.
What happened
The council reviewed the March 24, 2026 meeting minutes. A council member noted that these minutes were continued to the next meeting and would not be approved at this time. The Mayor acknowledged this clarification from the City Clerk.21.1ProceduralUPCOMING MEETINGS LIST
A list of upcoming city council and committee meetings.
General Business
30General BusinessSupport Letter for state bill SB762 Transactions and use tax: City of Hercules - Provided for information
The city is providing information on a request to support state bill SB762 related to city sales tax.
31General BusinessRequest Letters (3) for federal appropriations towards The City of
The city is submitting requests for federal funding toward unspecified city projects.
32General BusinessRequest Letters (4) for federal appropriations towards The City of Santa Rosa Regional Llano Trunk Sewer Line Rehabilitation
The city is requesting federal funding for a major sewer line rehabilitation project in the Regional Llano area.
7.1General BusinessPROCLAMATION - NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
The city council will recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month with a proclamation.
What happened
# Summary: PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTHCouncilmember Fleming introduced the proclamation item, emphasizing that child abuse and neglect are serious community problems requiring input and action from everyone, with long-term psychological, emotional, and physical consequences. The Mayor read a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month and acknowledged Casa of Sonoma County and other community partners, highlighting Casa's 30 years of service and noting they have served over 3,000 children in the foster care system. Representatives from Casa were present to accept the proclamation, and the Council unanimously supported the measure, praising Casa as a fabulous volunteer-driven organization providing lifelong connections for vulnerable youth. The Council concluded the item with a photo opportunity with the honorees to celebrate child abuse prevention efforts in the community.
7.2General BusinessPROCLAMATION - FAIR HOUSING MONTH
The city council will recognize Fair Housing Month with a proclamation.
What happened
Ms. Ben Willows read the Fair Housing Month proclamation for April, which affirmed that fair housing is both a legal requirement and fundamental human right, and condemned discrimination based on protected classes including race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, and familial status. A representative from Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California spoke during public comment, expressing gratitude for the City's proclamation and noting that fair housing protections are especially important given current political challenges to civil rights and housing enforcement at the federal level. The speaker emphasized that fair housing laws require adequate resources and local partnerships to be effectively enforced.7.3General BusinessPROCLAMATION - AMERICAN MUSLIM APPRECIATION AND
The city council will recognize American Muslim Appreciation with a proclamation.
What happened
The City Council proclaimed April as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month to recognize the contributions of Muslims in the community. The proclamation acknowledged over 9,000 Muslims living in Sonoma County and highlighted the Islamic Society of Santa Rosa, founded in 2015, as a vibrant community center. Members of the Islamic community spoke during public comment, expressing gratitude for the city's recognition and emphasizing the importance of government support during difficult times. The council took a photo with community members to celebrate the proclamation.8.1General BusinessEARTH DAY AT COURTHOUSE SQUARE Staff will provide information on Santa Rosa's annual Earth Day event taking place at Courthouse Square on Saturday, April 25, from 12pm - 4pm. Council will take no action except for possible direction to staff.
Staff will update the council on Santa Rosa's Earth Day event scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 12pm-4pm at Courthouse Square, with no action required from council.
What happened
# Earth Day at Courthouse Square SummaryJennifer Nesbitt, Research and Program Coordinator for Santa Rosa Water's Energy and Sustainability Team, presented details about the 17th annual Earth Day festival scheduled for Saturday, April 25th from noon to 4:00pm at Courthouse Square. The free, family-friendly event will feature approximately 60 local vendors, five live performing arts groups including Sonoma County Dancers and the Sebastian Saint James Band, eco-friendly activities, free bike parking, a hydration station, and fare-free transit. Staff indicated they typically expect around 2,000 attendees and confirmed that multiple city departments—including fire, water, recreation and parks, and arts and culture—will participate in the event's setup and coordination. The Mayor commended the significant effort city staff and committee members are contributing to the event. No public comment was received on this item.
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.
A regular update on the Community Empowerment Plan with no council action required.
What happened
# Community Empowerment Plan Update SummaryMs. Hart presented the April Community Empowerment Plan update detailing upcoming community engagement events, including a virtual meeting on April 8th about the Hope of a New Quarter project, volunteer work days at Brush Creek Neighborhood Park (April 11th) and for native plant planting (April 18th), a police community traffic safety meeting (April 16th), a precipitation committee work day (April 19th), creek cleanups (April 25th), and a wildfire preparedness expo (April 26th). A council member inquired about traffic discussions hosted by SRPD, and staff explained that four community meetings—one per quadrant—will be held in April, May, and June using California Office of Traffic Safety Grant funding to gather feedback on traffic safety concerns. The Chief indicated he plans to attend all meetings with the traffic team to discuss enforcement improvements and resource allocation. The city is also seeking community members to fill multiple vacancies on various boards and commissions, and public comment included a suggestion from Fred to use the traffic calming slogan "Keep your Cool."
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 committee assignments and liaisons with regional agencies including Sonoma County Transportation, Water Agency, Bay Area Governments, and the Agricultural Preservation District.
What happened
# Mayor's/Council Members' Subcommittee and Liaison Reports SummaryDuring the Mayor's/Council Members' Subcommittee and Liaison Reports, staff announced two upcoming groundbreakings: a bike-ped overcrossing over Highway 101 on Saturday at 10:30 AM on Armory Drive at Elliott, and the Hopper Avenue Reconstruction on Tuesday at 10:00 AM, one of the last fire recovery projects since 2017. Staff also highlighted the 'Let's Talk Santa Rosa' communication campaign, which has received approximately 300 responses and is available in English and Spanish at srcity.org/talk to gather community input for budget planning. Council Member Rogers reported on the West End quarterly meeting discussing homeless solutions and community cleanliness, and noted the Homeless Coalition's concern about a potential 15% reduction to homeless services funding for fiscal year 26-27, with an update expected in April; the city is monitoring these developments and collaborating with the county on solutions. The Vice Mayor reported on the Measure H Oversight Committee's first report, which will be presented to the Board of Supervisors on June 2nd, and also highlighted Santa Rosa Police Department's recent efforts including fentanyl seizures and a 12-hour fire department ride-along at Station One. Additionally, city leadership celebrated Southwest Airlines' inaugural flights to the county as positive economic development for the region.
15.1General BusinessREPORT - HOMELESSNESS SOLUTIONS STRATEGIC PLAN (2023-2027) - YEAR THREE REPORT (2025) (THIS ITEM IS CONTINUED FROM THE FEBRUARY 10, 2026, REGULAR
A progress report on the city's three-year homelessness strategy, providing updates on 2025 efforts to address homelessness in Santa Rosa.
What happened
# SummarySasha Brown, Program Specialist for Housing and Community Services, presented the Year 3 Report (2025) of the Homelessness Solutions Strategic Plan (2023-2027), which showed significant progress toward achieving functional zero homelessness by 2027, including a 31% decrease in homelessness from 1,650 to 1,140 persons between 2022-2025, and 718 individuals housed through city-sponsored programs in fiscal year 2024-2025. The city's encampment team reduced citywide encampments by nearly half and occupied vehicles by 95%, while the housing authority invested approximately 40 million dollars in affordable housing, completing more than 500 units with approximately 80 designated as permanent supportive housing. However, staff acknowledged concerns about future outcomes, noting that housing placements are decreasing due to fewer affordable housing units coming online and reductions in homeless services funding, with approximately 5 million dollars in annual local contributions (primarily CDBG-DR funding) supplemented by state and federal resources. Councilmember MacDonald raised questions about the breakdown of the 39.4 million dollars in local contributions and the exhaustion of one-time funding sources, while community member Peter advocated for homeless mentorship programs combined with urban gardening initiatives. Vice Mayor Ben Willows moved to approve receipt of the Year 3 report, which passed with 5 affirmative votes.
15.2General BusinessREPORT - POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT
The Police Department is reporting on its annual use of military equipment such as tactical gear and specialized vehicles.
What happened
# SummaryChief of Police John Craig and Lieutenant Hearne presented the annual Police Department Military Equipment report required under Assembly Bill 481, covering 8 of 15 possible equipment categories including projectile launchers, chemical munitions, drones, the BearCat armored vehicle, and long-range acoustic devices, emphasizing their use only in specific scenarios with de-escalation tactics and less-lethal alternatives. Lieutenant Chris Minor detailed how the department conducted a January community meeting with approximately 30 attendees and hands-on equipment demonstrations, while showcasing specific operational successes such as drones preventing unnecessary force in domestic violence and pursuit situations and the BearCat assisting in crisis negotiations and officer safety. Chief Craig addressed council concerns raised by Councilman Ben Willows, clarifying that military equipment is prohibited during First Amendment protests with limited exception for drones used for perimeter monitoring, and reaffirmed that Santa Rosa will not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement under Senate Bill 54. The Chief also noted that the city does not purchase military equipment or participate in military exchange programs, with the recommendation seeking council approval to continue using existing equipment with no additional funding requested. The resolution passed with 5 affirmative votes following Councilmember MacDonald's motion to adopt.
17.1General BusinessLEGISLATIVE UPDATE
An update on pending state and federal legislation that could affect the city.
What happened
The Legislative Update was briefly mentioned as an attached agenda item and the council moved forward with discussion of this item.Closed Session
3.1Closed SessionCONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE
A closed-session discussion with the city's legal counsel regarding potential legal exposure or liability.
What happened
The Council moved to item 3.1, a closed session conference with legal counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation. Public commenter Peter addressed the Council, expressing concerns about legal versus lawful matters and referencing constitutional issues, though his comments were lengthy and somewhat tangential to the specific litigation matter. No specific staff presentation or Council discussion of the litigation details was captured in the open session portion before the Council recessed into closed session.Consent Calendar
13.1Consent CalendarMOTION - SECOND AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NUMBER F002776 WITH BURKE, WILLIAMS & SORENSEN, LLP FOR CONTINUED AS-NEEDED GENERAL
The city is renewing its contract with the law firm Burke, Williams & Sorensen for continued general legal services.
13.2Consent CalendarMOTION - SECOND AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NUMBER F002775 WITH BURKE, WILLIAMS & SORENSEN, LLP FOR CONTINUED AS-NEEDED PERSONNEL AND
The city is renewing its contract with the law firm Burke, Williams & Sorensen for continued personnel law services.
13.3Consent CalendarMOTION - FIRST AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NUMBER F002773 WITH KRAMER WORKPLACE
The city is renewing its contract with Kramer Workplace for continued services.
13.4Consent CalendarMOTION - APPROVAL AND ISSUANCE OF A PURCHASE ORDER FOR THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) VAC-CON 1100 XCAVATOR RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works Department recommends that the Council, by motion, approve a Purchase Order to purchase one (1) Vac-Con 1100 Xcavator machine from Vac-Con Inc., of Deerfield, Illinois, utilizing cooperative purchasing through the Sourcewell Cooperative Contract 101221-VAC for a total not to exceed amount of $682,634.73, and authorizes the Purchasing Agent to execute the Purchase Order. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
The city is purchasing a Vac-Con 1100 Xcavator machine for $682,634.73 for the Transportation and Public Works Department to use in road maintenance.
13.5Consent CalendarMOTION - APPROVAL AND ISSUANCE OF A PURCHASE ORDER FOR THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) DTC THERMOPLASTIC
The city is purchasing a DTC thermoplastic material for road work.
13.6Consent CalendarRESOLUTION - APPROVAL OF ADDITION OF SUBCONTRACTOR TO CONSTRUCTION PROJECT- GARAGE HOIST PURCHASE AND
Approval to add a subcontractor to a construction project involving garage hoist purchases.
13.7Consent CalendarRESOLUTION - ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017 SENATE BILL 1 TRANSPORTATION FUNDING FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 PROJECT LIST RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works Department recommends that the Council, by resolution, authorize the Transportation and Public Works Department to submit one project to the California Transportation Commission in order to receive Fiscal Year 2026-2027 apportionment of Senate Bill 1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Funding for the Oakmont Pavement Maintenance project in the amount of $4,820,318. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
The city is seeking $4.8 million in state Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation funding through Senate Bill 1 to repair pavement in the Oakmont area.
13.8Consent CalendarRESOLUTION - TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT (TDA) ARTICLE 3 GRANT APPLICATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works Department recommends that the Council, by resolution: 1) request that the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) allocate $15,000 from Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027 Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 funds towards the installation of one Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the intersection of College Avenue and Beaver Street; 2) request that MTC allocate $143,189 from FY 2026-2027 TDA Article 3 funds towards the Safety Demonstration Projects at High Injury Intersections project; and 3) authorize the Director of Transportation and Public Works to file the applications and other required documents to request and allocate the funds, recommended by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
The city is requesting $158,189 in state transportation grants to install safety flashing beacons and improve safety at high-risk intersections around Santa Rosa.
13.9Consent CalendarRESOLUTION - TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT ARTICLE IV AND STATE TRANSIT ASSISTANCE ANNUAL FORMULA
The city is applying for state transportation funding through the Transportation Development Act for annual operating assistance.
13.10Consent CalendarRESOLUTION - STATE OF GOOD REPAIR PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR THE ANNUAL FORMULA
The city is applying for state funding through the State of Good Repair Program for transit vehicle and infrastructure maintenance.
13.11Consent CalendarRESOLUTION - APPROVE SUMMARY VACATION OF A PORTION OF PUBLIC SERVICE EASEMENT LOCATED AT 1927, 1931, 1935 AND 1936 LYON COURT RECOMMENDATION: The Board of Public Utilities, Santa Rosa Water and Real Estate Services recommend that the Council, by resolution, approve the summary vacation of a portion of unused public service easement that runs across four parcels (collectively, the “Subject Properties”) located at 1927, 1931, 1935 and 1936 Lyon Court, Santa Rosa, CA (Assessor Parcel Numbers 173-630-014, 173-630-013, 173-630-012 and 173-630-010, respectively). This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
The city is removing an unused easement across four private properties on Lyon Court to clear title for the property owners.
13.12Consent CalendarRESOLUTION - ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
The city is accepting and budgeting California state housing and community development funds.
13.13Consent CalendarORDINANCE ADOPTION SECOND READING - ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA ADDING CHAPTER 13-40 TO THE SANTA ROSA CITY CODE TO (1) ESTABLISH THAT CIVIL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT IS NOT A CITY PURPOSE; AND (2) PROHIBIT USE OF CITY PROPERTY THAT WOULD DISRUPT CITY OPERATIONS OR DISCOURAGE ACCESS TO CITY SERVICES, UNLESS THE USE FURTHERS A CITY PURPOSE OR IS TRADITIONALLY AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC WITHOUT CITY
The city is finalizing a new law that prohibits local immigration enforcement and prevents federal immigration authorities from using city property in ways that would discourage residents from accessing city services.
What happened
Staff presented an ordinance adoption on second reading. Council members discussed the importance of bringing ordinances back for updates after implementation, with one member requesting a specific 18-month review period to assess how the ordinance is functioning. Councilmember Rogers made a motion to introduce and adopt the ordinance and resolution as presented. The motion passed with 5 affirmative votes (Rogers, Macdonald, Fleming, Ben, and one other), with Councilmembers Alvarez and Mayor Step absent.Public Hearing
16.1Public HearingPUBLIC HEARING - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT STREAMLINING BACKGROUND: The City is working on an initiative to streamline the Conditional Use Permit process with the goal of making it more predictable and less costly for applicants and business owners. The primary objective is to support economic development within the City by making it easier to establish and expand businesses. The proposal
The city is holding a public hearing to discuss streamlining the Conditional Use Permit process to make it faster and cheaper for businesses to get approval to operate in Santa Rosa.
What happened
# Summary: PUBLIC HEARING - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT STREAMLININGDeputy Director Jessica Jones presented a proposal to streamline the conditional use permit process by creating a director-level permit category for minor uses, reducing processing timelines from 3-4 months to 6-8 weeks and costs from approximately $10,000 to $800. The initiative, aligned with the City's April 2024 Economic Development Strategic Plan and June 2025 General Plan 2050, includes three main components: director-level administrative review with 14-day notice to adjacent property owners within 600 feet, reduction of certain use permit levels to lower timelines and costs, and amendments to temporary use permits for pop-ups and other activities at vacant or underutilized sites. Following extensive community outreach with downtown business owners and notices to over 10,000 business license holders, the Planning Commission unanimously approved the proposal on March 12, 2026. During public comment, Eleanor Mom from the Metal to Free Park supported the streamlining, noting it would reduce their approval timeline from weeks or months to days, while another commenter suggested the city use intentional planning to encourage neighborhood-serving businesses. Council members approved the initiative while requesting a follow-up review in approximately 18 months to assess effectiveness and community benefits.
Additional votes recorded in minutes
Adopt consent items 13.1 through 13.13
absent 1 · aye 6
Alvarezabsent
Ben Willowsaye
Flemingaye
MacDonaldaye
Okrepkieaye
Rogersaye
Stappaye
Introduce ordinance and adopt resolution for conditional use permit streamlining (Item 16.1)
absent 2 · aye 5
Alvarezabsent
Ben Willowsaye
Flemingaye
MacDonaldaye
Okrepkieaye
Rogersaye
Stappabsent
Receive Year 3 report on Homelessness Solutions Strategic Plan (Item 15.1)
absent 2 · aye 5
Alvarezabsent
Ben Willowsaye
Flemingaye
MacDonaldaye
Okrepkieaye
Rogersaye
Stappabsent
Adopt resolution for police department annual military equipment report (Item 15.2)
absent 2 · aye 5
Alvarezabsent
Ben Willowsaye
Flemingaye
MacDonaldaye
Okrepkieaye
Rogersaye
Stappabsent
Verbatim transcript available
83 transcript segments indexed
>> Good afternoon. I'd like to ask Francisco to commence reputation of the meeting for those just joining the meeting, live interpretation in Spanish is available and members of the public or staff wishing wishing to listen in Spanish can join the Spanish channel by clicking on the interpretation icon in the Zoom toolbar, it looks like a glow. If you are in your cell phone or tablet locate the 3 dots, tap them lightly and put a check mark on your preferred language. Click done to activate and begin the interpretation. When should 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 I started scream any dose? But on person cause common. You needed was supposed interpret shown in b will in a spinal sync with that least 20 lead. But was me because will be cold. One person on cases could trust a company spying on. But don't you say unkind and expect your own? We're seeing them to in economy protest tune in. In about the But going to look at our q to stick with initials. Have a lot coming at that point. A case point, he coast just put the car to hit a mean thing. People need will not. But that into money, but if innings aboard shuttle them that the city done a few on the set, but right equipment link up with tickets to Quentin cannot in This thing out come. And that most said going up with an escort into
production and expect which discusses is tells us what sort of things. Thank you very much. Back to you. >> All right. Thank you. The times to 31 and will call this meeting or MADAM City clerk, would you please call the roll? >> Thank you, Mayor. Councilmember Rogers, PRESIDENT Councilmember MacDonald here, Councilmember Fleming Councilmember Ben well oath here. Councilmember office is absent. Vice Mayor Okrepkie here. Mayor step here. Let the record show that all councilmembers are present with the exception of for us. >> Thank you. We will move on to item 3.1, our conference of legal counsel regarding a significant exposure to litigation. Before we do that, we'll have to public comment. Peter, where a comment. >> 2 or 3 minutes. Peter, for you will. That will will go all 3. If I pull this all together. Thank you very much. This topic. Is of concern to me and I will start off by saying that it's to me. It's the most beautiful thrill. To know that Earth. It will still be soon be standing. Still as the strikes in Italy are totally shut down nation and Italy and Mexico is almost shut down in their strikes all over which. I contend is a beautiful direction. So I'm looking at this I'm seeing is is legal. Legal counsel, significant exposure to litigation? So my concern is legal versus lawful, which the law of the legal results in a system fraught with corruption. That's rather awful. And the U.S. Constitution no is now becoming the law of the land. A beautiful place through all my knees my these command. As the original 13th Amendment
restored to its place to a nation serving Americans with a smile on their face. It's the most beautiful day. I am Peter. To share to say regarding significant exposure to litigation. True as well in this here, Nations, Sonoma County, a rise to lead with as a sensation Santa Rosa known to known to like into the Rose with Luther Burbank's to pose with Uber banks beautiful rose the Christos like Warriors. A resin busting all strongholds of corruptions prison. The American spirit seemed almost dead, but now it's time to say goodbye to the irs and the Fed. Just like the U.S. Constitution. The Bible works. We're inspired by GOD. Therefore, it be a spiritual blog. So why? Oh, why is there so much hate simply on account that it was edited by seemingly with tips on spiritual, so bought survival, have you comprehended the part about the American revival? It's found where issue of gay peter not call the keys. So to the law push the world to its knees. Knowing like the 10 Commandments. Given our truly given. I'm sorry, like the 10 Commandments now truly originally given makes for true freedom with liberty now living has now the 10 be now is one resonating as one. We see the new Rising sun doors long closed now open and in
great need for tearful, hoping and to the victory gardens. And to the victory gardens. Significant and to the victory Gardens galore signifying the promise and ending of all war dog soldiers activated. And the world will be captivated as I am. Peter, I'm commanding has commanded so every need to >> is remanded. >> Pete, Peter, thank you very much. Seeing no other members of the public here. We will close public comment and we will recess in a closed Everyone at the time is 4 o'clock and we will reconvene in open session. MADAM City clerk, would you please call the roll? Thank you, Mayor. >> Councilmember Rogers, PRESIDENT Councilmember MacDonald here, Councilmember Fleming Councilmember Ben Willows here. Councilmember Alvarez is absent. Vice Mayor Okrepkie hear their stop here. Let the record show that all councilmembers are present with the exception of councilmember offer as. >> Thank you item report on closed session and there were there are no reportable actions tied to a readout from our quiz session today, which brings us to item 7 where we have 3 fun items, 3 different proclamations beginning with item. 7.1, our proclamation for National Child Abuse Prevention month. Ms Fleming, you can take it away. >> Whereas child abuse, neglect or a serious problem affecting every segment of our community and finding solutions requires input in action from everyone in the community and whereas child abuse long-term psychological, emotional and physical effects that lifelong consequences for
victims. Whereas communities must make every effort to promote programs activities that benefit children and families. Whereas we acknowledge we must work together as a community to increase awareness about child abuse and contribute. To promoting the social and emotional well-being of children and families and safe, stable, nurturing environment. And whereas court appointed special advocates also known as casa Volunteers are assigned by the court to speak up. For a child's best interests and help ensure a child's voice is heard. And whereas casa of Sonoma County, Child Protective Services, child advocacy centers, foster parents, teachers and others work to ensure that children in our community of safe and happy future. And whereas Casa is celebrating 30 years of service to our community now, therefore, maybe the resolve. That marks mayor of the city of Santa Rosa on behalf of the entire council in recognition of our community, that's hereby proclaim APRIL 2026. Is National Child Abuse Prevention Month honored all citizens and residents to recognize this month by dedicating ourselves to this cause. Thank you for that. And we MISS Heinen from casa here to accept this award. >> Interesting, perhaps rearm preps this time is running late on. All right. Let's open up to public comment. Any members of the public like to comment on this proclamation? Senoras the public will close public comment on this item. We MAY. We MAY circle back of sidewalks and I would love to do a photo-op and celebrate the great work. The casa does as well as but the importance of this particular issue. So we'll keep an eye on the door. But in until she does return,
we'll move on to then item 7.2, our proclamation for Fair Housing month. Ms been Willows. Thank you, Mayor. 1, one 0nd is at this time and here my apologies. All Misspent way Los. It's my honor to read this one. >> Where is the principle of fair? Housing is not only state and federal law. And policy, but a fundamental human concept, an entitlement for all citizens and whereas discrimination based on race color, national origin, gender disability, familial status, exclusion of minor children, religion and other protected classes is illegal. And where is as a community? We welcome all good neighbors recognizing the contribution and richness tendered by a wide variety of people of all colors and ethnic backgrounds, religious traditions, ages, genders, levels of ability, And whereas interested parties from both the private and public sectors will participate in a city state and national effort to promote fair housing. Now, therefore, be it resolved that. Mark Steph mayor of the city of Santa Rosa on behalf of the entire City Council in recognition of our community to share by proclaim APRIL to be Fair Housing month and urge all residents of our community to personally adopt the spirit of equal housing opportunity and adhere to the letter and character of the fair housing laws. >> All right. Another important issue. I do. We have a citizen in Benson, Benson area. There you are ok, good. >> the floor and the floor is your area for your. Thank you for being here today. Action news been some come. She's in Atlanta. She stuck there because of the flight. So my
my name is 18 million, 9 for housing. Education coordinator at fair housing advocates of county phone. Yes, I'm I'm on her behalf. >> Thank you for being Thank you, Fred. And if you could lean in close to that mic, it doesn't pick up very well. So mean, in closely perfect, thank you very much. We're glad you could be here today. >> Thank you so much. So a good afternoon. On behalf of fair housing advocates of Northern California. I want to thank the city of Santa Rosa for issuing this proclamation recognizing APRIL as Fair Housing Month. >> recognition especially meaningful in the current political climate with the principles of fair housing and civil rights are being challenged. Fair housing month marks both our progress and our responsibility. The Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968. Just days after Dr Martin Luther King Junior's ssa Nation, a spot of a national commitment to combat housing discrimination and expand opportunity. Today we are facing renewed attacks on rights at the federal level, including changes that directly affect housing protections and enforcement. The challenges we are facing make local partnerships more important than ever. We deeply grateful for the support of the city of Santa Rosa has provided over the years, which has allowed us to continue offering fair housing services laws prohibiting discrimination are essential, but they only work when there are resources and partnerships that help us enforce them. Thank you so much again for your leadership and your
continued puppies. >> Thank. Thank you so much for that statement. And for being here today, knowing this community, I'm going to guess we have some members of the public that wish to comment to sort open up to public comment. Fred, I just assumed to be making a way to the mic. Go for it. >> Thank you, Mayor. Step good afternoon, mayor and city council. I just wanted to know that saw housing that in the sustainability paradigm, you have the triple bottom line and you want to try to do full cost accounting on all of the pillars of the triple bottom line, which our society, environment and economy. Of. And there's various sustainability indicators within that that show you if you're how you're sustainable and the environment or the economy. From my studies, I believe that housing that's at 30% of a person's annual income as probably the number-one sustainability aggregating indicator of all kind of other ones like health you know, psychological well-being just down the line. If someone has a secure roof over their head and 30% of their annual income. That's gonna gonna save all kind of money everywhere else. So that's really worth it to go for the top aggregating indicators. When you when you're looking at sustainability in affordable housing at 30% of a person's annual income, is it? Thank you. Thank you, Fred. What any of the members of the public like to like to comment? >> Seeing none. We'll close public comment that we will take it. We will take the opportunity for for a photo-op, if you would mind coming down. Let's take a picture with council. Thanks for making you. Thanks for
making your way here. All right. And so for our 3rd and final proclamation of the evening, we are doing a proclamation to celebrate the American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month. >> Rodgers. >> Whereas enriched by the unparalleled diversity of its residents. The city of Santa Rosa takes great pride in supporting individual religious freedoms and it's strengthened by the many varied religious political and cultural traditions and contributions of its diverse populations, including those that practice Islam. And whereas over 9,000 Muslims live in Sonoma County in make innumerable contributions to the cultural political and economic fabric and well-being of California and the United States. And the Islamic Society of Santa Rosa founded in 2015 is a vibrant community center serving Muslims across the North, hub for learning youth programs, charitable initiatives, an interfaith outreach and remains committed to creating a safe, inclusive and spiritually enriching environment for everyone who walks through its stores. And whereas the City Council acknowledges the importance of local government in advocating for peace and justice, understanding that Muslims everywhere deserve to live in peace and safety. Now, therefore, it maybe resolve that marks mayor of the city of Santa Rosa on behalf of the entire city Council in recognition of our community do hereby proclaim APRIL as American Muslim Appreciation
and Awareness Month to acknowledge the rich history contributions and guiding virtues of Muslims and to come in on Muslim communities in California for the lasting positive impact. They have made towards the advancement of our city and country. Thank you. MISS Rogers. I think we we were supposed to said Tariq from the center from the Council on American Islamic Relations here. >> But he mentioned he was not able to make it and that somebody would still be speaking in his in his place. So I'm like that died. The to the podium in the podium is open. Thank you for being here this evening. >> I have anyone and thank you so much for this. We thank city of Santa Rosa. Florida couldn't ise ing the Muslims in this community. And in the diversity and would really appreciate that. And we are not we didn't a speech because we knew about this last minute. But we just want to thank you so much, everyone for could Nuys the Muslims in this community. >> Thank thank you so much. Shoe When anybody else like to speak. >> Yes, I'm I've been appreciate for as this community and you and are here and I'm very happy to see us. Like most in community here. Quest vr become here. I'm really happy can't people caring government care about us? And the he wins We need the Forbes, you mayor and the you help us proof care about us community and people. >> Because we so different
community here. It's a tough problem from Cannes to the U.S. MAY executive. This is some difficult time for us from situation. Now. And the people to afraid. But gas is us. And we are headed. Government care about week with and coming So they're happy view government care about us. This, I think is so much for you. We'll keep in touch. Thank you so much. >> Thank thank you for taking the time to be here and thank you for everything that the mosque Islamic Studies center does for our community. So great to be able to celebrate that today. >> With that opened up to public comment any members of the public who would like to comment on this item. >> Before we do our our photo shoot. Seeing none. We'll close public comment. But if you're willing, which would you come down to the front for a photo photo shoot? All right. Thank you again, for all the for all the folks who came out for the proclamations today now will get to work more on to item 8.1. Our staff briefing on Earth Day at Courthouse Square. >> 1, 1, moment. All right. Quick We're going actually to be for on item. 8.1 going to go back to item 7.1 because I believe we have. Is a MISS Heinen? We to ms Sanders Sanders, are you doing our National Child Abuse Prevention month. Acceptance? I we're so happy to have you here. All right. We'll adjust the podium. Thank you. Thank you for being here. We did. We read the proclamation earlier. We all agree. That is a very important issue. Police say a few words that will that will
do our our photo op. >> So thank you so much, MISTER Mayor and members of the City Council for the proclamation. I'm speaking on behalf of the executive director for Caso which is court appointed special advocates for youth. She is actually on her way here, it can be a difficult place to find. So on her behalf, I just want to say thank you for acknowledging APRIL as child abuse awareness and prevention month. We're really fortunate in Sonoma County to have an organization like Casa, which is completely volunteer driven. They've served over 3,000 kids in our community who are dependents of the foster care system and the people who participate are lifelong connections for children just out of the goodness of their heart. Casa provides all of the training our community benefits because we have a duty to protect those who are most vulnerable. So I'm really proud to be a member of their board and to continue to support that work. Thank you. Thank. Thank you for highlighting in more detail. What would cause it does. It really is a fabulous organization. All right. Before you are far our photo at all But again, the public comment. >> Inspired by MISS Anders. We're does anybody wish to make public comment this time around? Seeing none. We'll close public comment. But, Deborah, if you want to come down, let's at least to a photo. She walk San we can we can stage one later if necessary. We're going to do. Let's do a quick one now. >> We can stage it later. >> You want that way. All right. All right. Well, thank thank you for that. We will then we'll jump ahead again to item 8.1, our Earth Courthouse Square. Do we have Jennifer Nesbitt here to speak about
that? Jennifer, welcome. This is this is a big event. Jennifer, thank you for coordinating it. >> Thank you. Thank you for having Good afternoon, mayor. Stop and members of this council. My name is Jennifer Nesbitt. The research and program coordinator for Santa Rosa, Water's Energy and sustainability team. Very excited to be here today to formally invite you all to center is the 17th annual Earth Day festival. This year. Our event will be held in a courthouse square on Saturday. APRIL 25th from noon to 04:00pm Earth Day is a free family-friendly festival. That brings our community together through fun activities live performing arts, great food and inspiring exhibits that raise environmental awareness at event this year. We're going to have free bike parking has put on by the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition. Latino service providers will be hosting a beer and wine tent. The hydration station will be on site to provide ice cold tap water to all event goers. We have around 60 local vendors joining us all day in the square. And many generous local sponsors and volunteers have helped make this event possible. Classroom safari will return again this year to provide an educational animal exhibit. Stephanie, this star will be providing free face painting for kids all day. They'll be eco-friendly activities for all, including are always popular. Kids section has put on by the city's recreation and park staff. Fare-free transit will be provided to support attendance and will include center as a city bus Petaluma Transit and Sonoma County Transit. Prior to the Earth Day festival down in the
square. They'll be some creek cleanup site. You can find more information about volunteering on our website. This year. We promoted a public call for performers and a review panel selected 5 talented performing groups to showcase Tantaros is performing arts scene at Earth Day. The schedule is as follows and we're excited welcome mean Sonoma County, dancers, Jim Ocean redwood country Cloggers eliminate Dance Academy Children's Group and Sebastien Saint James Band. We will also have one country radio doing a radio show live throughout the event to encourage people to come down to the square. They will also be providing some interactive games for kids between these performances. This year. A local community group through the Center is Urban Arts Partnership obtained a grant and has organized Earth day procession from Juilliard Park into the square. They will be walking or biking in with their creative recycled art pieces and then displaying these during the event in the square. We're looking forward to seeing the art pieces that they have created. Looking forward to seeing you all at Earth Day courthouse square. If you need this more information, have any questions or website has some more details. And thank you. >> Thank you very much. I suspect we're all looking forward to this event. Any questions? Ask estimate attendance. >> We usually expect about 2000. Okay. All right. And how the company city staff participate. Wrote the terms of and the coordination, the set up actually being their day out of this is a big lift for that for the team. >> Yeah, we have a number of different departments joining Team will be here with on a
heart, fire and center as a police department. Various different divisions within Santa Rosa water. So that water use efficiency team, storm water and creeks and then our own energy sustainability team. We also have the recreation parks putting on the kids section. And I believe pet has a table this year as well. And I think Governor and arts and culture as well. >> Outstanding. It's so it's so impressive. The amount of work the city puts forward and then it's great that we had so many the committee members to come out. So if there are no other questions will open up to public comment when any members of the public like to speak on this item. Seeing none. We'll close public comment and we'll just thank you again for this for that, for the presentation and for all for all the work we're looking forward to the event. Thank you. Me too. Thank you very much. One item, 8 point to our community Empowerment Plan. Update Ms Hart. I'm assuming this morning viewers. >> Good afternoon, Mayor Vice mayor and city council. I know what that community engagement manager with the communications and Intergovernmental Relations office and that would be presenting the community Empowerment Plan update for the month APRIL on APRIL 8th, the cd will be hosting the hope of a new quarter quarter your fire. Recovering prove men's virtual community meeting at 05:30pm. The meeting will provide a brief construction timeline. Now line that presidents can mix and the outline of what residents can expect as the work begins. This includes improvement that will reveal key roadways and streetscape elements enhance pedestrian and bicycle access and improve
overall quarter. Their safety spite of a long-term Tyre company. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions. Spanish interpretation will be available to ask since the meeting details and none more about the project. Please visit sr City Dot org. Slash hope of a new project. On APRIL. 11th, we creation and parks will host monthly parking month full didn't hear program a Brush Creek Neighborhood Park. 1, 1, a 0 Brush Creek Road from 09:00am to 12:00pm showing these family-friendly volunteer work day. If an unproductive way to help beautify a local park community center. Hand tools and gloves will be provided. On APRIL 16th. The Rosa Police Department hosting the first of its community traffic safety meetings. The first meeting will be held at Wilson University Prep in the room. One 91 by Alanna dry from 5.30, to 07:00pm. These meetings are to sign to provide community members. We've been opportunity to shift traffic related concerns directly with police staff, including east to such as speeding right way to safety and neighborhood traffic patterns. On APRIL 18 join centers. That water and the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation of the volunteer planting day 4. Come and help thousands of native plants and trees in the newly restored section of Colgan Creek from 09:00am to 12 noon to register. Please visit is our city Dot Org. Slash Colgan
Creek. Also in APRIL 19, the Real 70 precipitation committee will host their most people into work day from 09:00am to 12:00pm projects include the cemetery. Beautification such as landscaping projects painting and use maintenance work on APRIL. 25th right before Day celebration join Santa Rosa Creek stewardship team and community volunteers, 40 series of cleanups at Brush Creek Wilson Creek in Santa Rosa Creek from 9 to 11:30am, to register. Please visit is our city Dot org, slash calendar. On APRIL. 26 to Santa Rosa Police Department and Fire Department would be part of the wildfire Knicks. It's quick Expo at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds starting at 10 in the morning and until 03:00pm. Join exciting thing for Informative day, focus and wildfires quickly. Patients going directly from outing credible first responders and emergency preparedness experts through gauging demonstration, hands-on activities and practical in size. You will remember when you need them the most. Finally, the city of Santa Rosa is seeking community members to field the following. They can seize on its boards and commissions. In public places has 2 vacancies, bicycle and pedestrian advisory board has one vacancy, Gordon Building regulation appeals one vacancy. Borton, public utilities, one vacancy. Public safety and prevention, tax Citizens. Oversight Committee has also one vacancy. To view current vacancies into a plan aligns. Please visit is our city Dot org, slash boards,
commissions and committees. And that concludes this month's Community Empowerment Plan update. Thank you. It's a full report as always MISS Were to. Thank you very much. Bring it back to council for questions. >> 1, one for me are you mentioned the the traffic discussions that they that Srpd is hosting could use a bit more about that in terms of the number of traffic discussions for correctly. We have series of 4 so across the city. >> Correct? Yes, there will be one per quadrant. The first one is in APRIL. We're going to have 2 more meetings and in MAY. And then the last meeting is going to be in JUNE and I would be providing those updates we get closer. But I believe they also released news flash with the information. Happy to share that with you and that the count 2. >> The catalyst for this the concern of residents around around traffic, at least to some of our areas or in some situations. And with the city's plan to to address that is. Sort of put you on the she created. Those are going to be important conversations that the committee should be aware of. So I just wanted to highlight those. >> Yeah, absolutely. It's a continues to be one of our number one community concerns that come forward. But this was actually also part of a Office of Traffic Safety Grant that from the state of California. And one of the requirements was actually going out there and getting some more of this community feedback so we can be strategic with how we're utilizing these resources. But as chief, I plan on being there, all the meetings with our traffic team in really want to hear like were areas that we can improve with our
traffic safety enforcement. And as we look forward for this year about how we're allocating or traffic resources across the city. So we're going to continue to spread the word and we love to have councilmembers to your network, spread it as well. So we can get some crowds there for each one of the meetings. >> Thank you for that. There's going to be good conversations. Thank you for hosting them. Of course. Thank you. And it's it's it's a good segue into my next question, which wasn't looking a can't MISS Puerto and mistwood. Do we need to mention let's talk Santa Rosa. Again, this is a does need to be on repeat and all of our community engagement updates. Put up with was this one on the spot as well? Thank you. Chief Cregan. >> right. I enjoy. It's good to see you all. Misty would communications and intergovernmental relations officer when I was here. Last time I announced the let's Talk Santa Rosa Communication campaign that we're doing. We've currently received about 300 responses and we're hoping to receive a lot more. So we're doing continued social media outreach and continued outreach through presentations to community groups. The biggest thing here is that we're coming up on budget planning as we're all aware, they're gonna be some difficult choices. The probably have to be made and we want to make sure that we hear from all of our residents and our business owners as part of that process. So it's a really community informed process. So anybody who would like to complete the survey, it's available at sr City Dot Org. Slash talk t a l k it's available in English and in Spanish. And if anybody would like a presentation to a community group, they can send
us an e-mail at feedback at sr City Dot Org. We are happy to come out. We really want to make sure that our outreach on this is both broad and inclusive >> excellent summary. Thank you for picking that up that that up off the bounce. Misty, you're welcome. Mayor, with that, we'll open up the public comment. Is there any community engagement on our community engagement plan? Fred, go ahead. >> Yes, I I look forward to comment on the traffic traffic item and I had a suggestion for traffic calming from the public that the city could use a slogan for that cold. Keep your cool. Thank. Thank you, Fred. >> Any other members of the public wish to make remarks. Alright, we'll close public comment we have at least one question from the Vice Mayor. >> Center here are their 2 important ground breakings over the next week. That innovation about. >> Thank you, Vice mayor. Yes, this coming up Saturday, we have the groundbreaking for bike ped over crossing the highway. 101 bike ped Overcrossing. That is at 10, 30 on Saturday. And that is on Armory Drive at Elliott. So anybody who wants to take a look at that can look on our social media, Facebook and Instagram or also the city's website. We also have a grub groundbreaking for the Hopper Avenue Reconstruction on Tuesday at I believe 10:00am. Thank you. It's at 10:00am on Tuesday. And that is a really big one because that's one of our last fire recovery projects. As we all know, we we've been through the wringer since 2017 and community recovery takes many, many
years and a lot of effort by lot of community members, staff members, council, et cetera. So everybody is invited to both of those ground Breakings. We'd love to see you there. If you're available. Thank you, vice mayor for the question. Thank you. Good question. Any other questions or final comments from from Council? >> All right. You have a collective thanks both of you. Thanks for all the work. We'll move on. Then to item 9, our city manager and city attorneys reports assistant city manager not want it. You don't you kick it off anything any end. >> Thank you. Mayor have a number of items, although the vice mayor stole my thunder just a little bit. But that's all right. I'm really excited that the community engagement team not to announce the 2 ground Breakings, both for the over crossing as well as Hopper Avenue. Those are going to be phenomenal opportunities to celebrate some great work that's going to be happening in this community. But there are a few other things that are happening at. We want to take quick moment to talk about what's been happening over Comstock pedestrian mall over the past several months. City crews have been making some targeted improvements to help make the area safer, easier to walk through and more visible. The work has included tree trimming pressure, washing graffiti removal and adding some new color and paint that builds on the garage. 9 mural and helps guide people through the space. These updates are part of a larger effort with more improvements on the way like landscaping, lighting and better wayfinding near Santa Rosa Avenue. Overall, this is about creating more open, welcoming downtown space that supports local businesses and encourages positive activity. It is a very cool spot. Now
it's a little less daunting. A little less dark. It's quite a bit more airy and significantly more comfortable to walk through it. You're traversing downtown. So I I hope all of that have been through there have had the opportunity experience that. We also wanted acknowledge that we have a celebrity. Police chief Cregan was awarded the Allen w Still Founders award by the California Police Chiefs Association which recognizes a police chief making an exceptional impact across California chief cregan receive this award for his leadership and officer wellness. His strong support for expanding mental health crisis. Response teams and a statewide work to reduce violence associated with ghost guns. He also continues to serve the association's board of directors and was just elected to its executive board. This recognition reflects both his service to Santa Rosa is growing influence in shaping best practices statewide. And we're proud of his leadership and his positive impact. It has brought to our community. So thank you. Chief Cregan. And the words keep coming. Transportation and public works and sent. And the Santa Rosa Water Department received an award from the American Public Works Association of Northern California is chapter for the Lower Colgan Creek Restoration Project. Phase 3 as the environmental Project of the Year. This recognition reflects the city's strong commitment to environmental stewardship, climate, resilience, and high quality delivery. The project team included. Greg, why are Sarah Cause all Charles Robinson, Steve Brady, Kelly Johnson, Kalyn Johnson and Claire Myers now work collaboratively per to bring this complex restoration effort to completion. And the work has transformed a degraded channel into a more Natural Creek
system with improved habitat, flood protection and public access. The project will now advance for Pw. A consideration. We're really excited about that. It's a beautiful project. Hopefully everybody's getting the opportunity to go and experience what they've been able to complete their. I mention Sarah Cause Elf and that Sarah puzzle is also being recognized as part of the North Bay Business Journal's 40 under 40. She's receiving an award as transportation and public works. Supervising engineer and Sara has demonstrated exceptional leadership on several major city projects, including the Lower Colgan Creek Project that I just mentioned and the Sonoma Avenue rehabilitation. She also continue contribute significantly to critical sewer and water system upgrades known for strong technology, technical expertise and commitment to high quality project delivery. Sarah consistently advances the city's interests and exemplifies the professionalism within our organization really, really well deserved recognition. And really just want express my congratulations to Sarah. It was a pleasure working with her and I'm really excited to see which has been able to accomplish. Thank you. Says city MADAM City, Attorney. >> Thank you, MR. I have no report this evening. >> All right. Thank you. Both will open up the public comment on either of those reports. >> Are there any members the public like to speak? Go go ahead. >> Yes, good evening, David Harris. >> Resident off Brush Creek Road in. Good evening. Mayor staff members, Merrick Repi in
my district member. I mean, I'm still in district 4 and to the rest of council. I last spoke to you on FEBRUARY 10, 2, which was the day that you are considering the award for. They one-on-one overcrossing. That is a project that I have advocating for 2000 in for 22 years. And now to see you what that he's turned into. Areas that lawsuit filed by the little better I cannot see how this could be. Project. Can just move forward. There's if you read the details in what was presented borrowing company on FEBRUARY 10th. This is not an open and shut case and I just cannot imagine what could happen in this whole process. I can just look back and see. And when I got involved in 2004. Jaycee was proposing to build the parking structure for about 22 million dollars. And the alternative was to build this overcrossing for somewhere. Less than 10 million dollars right? So today seeded Bill, did you know? Because the logical thing was all the parking over in cutting down when the jc need to parking between 8 and noon during the week is empty. And if we could use overcrossing to access it, that would have been The smart economic solution. But that did not forward today. Ultimately built the parking structure and what did it cost? 38 million $60,000 per added parking spot. More than a cars that sit in those parking spot. Now have smart running. We have an additional reason to want this one-on-one overcrossing but to have it turn out to be a 38 million
dollar project. I just >> have to say that it reminds me of Senator Approx Meyer who used to give Golden fleece awards. >> And I just would like to bring to the attention of the council that these things take so long that you lose track of how much money's getting spent. On things. Should cost a lot less in. This now not a positive thing. The fact that there's going to be a lawsuit to deal with and I don't know what outcome that's gonna have economically because find it hard to believe that this is not going to become a protracted issue for the city. It just is not an open and shut case. >> Thank you, David. And thank you for the shout out to Representative Crocs Meyer. He was from Wisconsin. I haven't heard that name in a while. Thank you very much. Senator Broxson r. That's All right. We're gonna take a bit of detour here because we as it does heighten from Casa. All right. Earlier we wanted to do a photo-op to celebrate to celebrate, beat the Child Abuse Awareness Month and the work that causes Don and to go back very briefly item 7.1 to make sure we get that, that that photo taken the 3 of you would come down to a quick for a quick photo with to make sure we commemorate that. Thank you so much. The entire cost a team for coming out tonight. We're glad we could. We could die. Celebrate together. All right. We'll move back then to item 10 statements of abstention or
accuse of my counsel. Are there are there no statements of abstention recusal this week? So we were on to mayor and council member reports who has a report to deliver this week. Rodgers or even need to ask. All right. Who want who wants to start been winless. Want to kick it off. Thank you, Mayor. >> I would say just have a couple of things. So I attended the West and quarterly meeting and and that was it about a week ago and it was was very good. They we continue the discussion on homeless solutions that truly very much wants to be a part of the solution now, which is wonderful. And so we had a everyone different tables and discussing those issues and then also issues around keeping the community clean. They also wanted to talk about that. So and they also as Santa Rosa Police's video that the chief made recently that shows folks how to recognize Santa Rosa Police Department as opposed to. Other entities. It was it was very good. So overall, the meeting is very good. And always happy to represent the city. When I go there and many times we have folks from the city that also attend. The other thing I wanted to mention was just brief report. The homeless coalition. County staff reported a potential reduction to homeless services funding up to 15% for fiscal year 26. 27 and will plan to update the board at the meeting in APRIL. This does not include local measure o funds or federal
continue of care funding city staff will monitor. And meantime our state city staff will monitor any updates as this MAY impact services in Santa Rosa. And there's a lot of concerns around that not just for the city of Santa Rosa, but all our cities the board received a report from MR. G a consultant hired by the county to complete an organizational assessment of the Department of Health Services and its rule is lead agency for the Coalition. The assessment outlines the structural operational funding and governance changes necessary to strengthen leadership, rebuilt, rest, improve coordination and position. Sonoma County for the long term system's performance insisting ability County staff are still reviewing the assessment and determining next steps and just want to say we're looking. I know that the city and we're going to discuss it later. A homeless plan, if you will. The county is looking at how we can all work together. It based on this report. So they're still assessing it. And I hope as in the coming months I'll have more to report about how we're going to work together, particularly with fewer funds being available in the near future. So that's my report. >> Important update. Thank you. It's been as Rogers. >> I feel better now knowing mine probably won't be the longest. Here we go. MARCH 25th and 26th. I was able to attend the Cal Cities, Policy committees >> one was public Safety Policy Committee and the second was governance. Transparency in labor relations, public safety. I was able to attain with our
very own assistant city manager, not. >> We looked at. Be 13, 80 3 ab 14. 39, which is about public retirement, sister open meeting language. So those are some of the things that we look at in the governance, transparency as far as public safety. We were able to look at things such as he by >> prostitution. They got a little spicy in there which I love because it encompasses cities from all over California. And there are a lot of different viewpoints. I was able to advocate for what I thought was best for our area in our region. >> going to those policy committees. Loitering was another one. E-bike says definitely a big one. And there's more to come with that this past week in Santa Rosa had their spring fest at Findlay, which I was able to. >> outdoor activities are projects. They had a big, huge slide that I actually went I would have got your video. But, you know, it's not a sight I want you to see, but I have fun >> so thank you to our Neighborhood Services program. Staff are pulling that off. There are a lot of smiles and happy faces. The black chamber also had an hunt at mlk Park, which I was able in a could at church unstoppable and an additional festivities and lunch. And then I wrap to my very busy day with the power of word from the new being
collective, which is an event to hear spoken word and it was to celebrate my Angeles birthday. Yesterday, APRIL 6, thank you to our mayor for Green to step in. And I thought I had an emergency, but I was able to 10 are special tack meeting Sonoma Water presented the proposed fiscal year 2026. 2027 water transmission system budget in rate very similar to the a presentation that they gave here at council and the whack unanimously recommended the proposed budget and rates which will go to Sonoma Water board of directors later this month. And Sonoma Water staff provided a water supply update noting that despite lower than average rainfall to date regional water supply remain in good shape due to carry over storage and investments from our bureau. That allows Sonoma Water to store additional water in the reservoirs and in staff provided and Russia in Project Authority, and the decommissioning pg e's Potter Valley Project Update on the progress and what's happening with that. And then that concludes my whose was longer minor, Carol. And yours, man. I'm busy mayor, you have me doing a lot. >> The group is a Thank you. Thank you for that update. Those Vice Mayor. Thank you, MR. Mayor, just 3 quick things on the 25th Measure. H Oversight Committee met and saw the first report including all of the individual reports from various fire districts
and fire departments. We'll be meeting again at the end of this month before approving in recommending to the Board of Supervisors will see it on JUNE. 2nd. And it was very interesting. This kind of make the plane, as we're flying, says something that nobody's ever really done before. And so we're trying to figure out as we go. The committee, the committee oversight committees really good, had some really great members. And I think we're doing a great job on the 27th. I was honored to be asked to speak at the Santa Rosa Police Department awards banquet. I was joined by Councilmember MacDonald at that. It was really cool event. Not only because we our police department, but also because we don't always have. Press releases about the work they do and sometimes because there's so much work to do and sometimes because they can't share things because of confidentiality ongoing investigations. But to see some of effort that our department put puts including things where. Like a regular traffic stop turns into the seizure of a kilo of fentanyl. It's really cool to see and hear about the work that they do. So I really appreciate the police for that. And then on Friday, past Friday, the 3rd I did a 12 hour right along at station one with the fire department. That's engine one truck, one and injured 9. I've joked about this before with both police and fire that I am the embodiment of the ride-along curse. I'm proud to say I kept Santa Rosa mostly safe through that 12 hours is that those 2 engines and a
truck had 3 total calls in 12 hours. And before police department chimes in about their friends at fire within 20 minutes of me leaving there was 2 fires, storm drain rescue and 2 major accidents. So feel like I'm in the wrong line of work to keep terrorists safe. I have my own personal cursed with or blessing. However you choose to look at it. So does a great time. Got to know the members of the fire department on on those rigs. It was a it was very informative and enjoyable. Thank you. Good a case as well. I will add just today. There's know, there's been a day-long celebration at the airport and actually at Kendall Jackson estate. >> To celebrate at long last, the fact that Southwest Airlines has finally begun flights to our county, the very first flight arrived this afternoon. I think at 3.55, and this morning, what Ms Rogers, MISTER Crappie, I I and MR. Osborne were there, as part of a large group just along with the Southwest Airlines leadership to celebrate the fact that they're here, they're clearly committed. They want to expand its gonna be a great thing for the county and it's a testament to the good economic development news that we have going on right now, which is also testament to the work of that our team is doing. Thank you very much, MR. Osborne for the all the work that you and your team did along with the chamber and is Santa Rosa and Sonoma County tourism. It was a group effort, but it's really it's really paying dividends. And as as a coda, the pilot for the flight that is that was that was making
the inaugural journey to the county who would like to announce where that pilot were. That pilot went to school. >> As as you like. >> We have multiple ssu alumni here. Thank you. Yes, Carolina. Yes, gave. All right. So as as he was and says he was represented even on that flight. All right. That concludes our updates. Any public comment on the any updates that you've heard. Seeing none. We'll close that item and move on to item 12 approval of minutes. Let's see. We have one set of minutes. The MARCH 24th 2026. Minutes. Any edits. Any adjustments. >> Mayer. Those minutes were continued and tell next meeting. >> There they are. I did not re all the way through. Thank you very much. MADAM City Clerk. Alright. So those those meetings will be continued. We'll we'll talk about those at our next meeting, which brings us to consent. We have 13 consent items today items, 13.1 through 13.13. Are there any questions from council, any items with the counselors wish to pull? It's been way loss. >> Thank you, Mayor. I just have a question. I guess a point of clarification 13.13. >> I know this is the second reading for the ordinance. >> Civil immigration. And I just I just had a question for a Authors the folks that we're working on at our assistant manager in City attorney. You know, based on our last meeting on this topic, I just want to make sure I know this is the second reading and we want to get this on the books. I understand that. But I also remember us talking about bringing back either bringing
back an amendment or bringing back another. >> Ordinance that is stronger. I do like this one. But I know I feel like we need more when I'm out in the community. That's all I hear is that we need more. So the things interim city manager talked about which I thought were really good idea was to have something additional come or is there something that we need to do to make that happen? In it? Looking at areas no cooperation, know, collaboration and no data sharing at that. That I think her suggestion and I don't mean that she meant we had to have those. But just a suggestion which I thought was a really great idea. But anyway, I just want to know what would be the next step in order to do something like that? Yes, thank you for the question. Very much. >> We are this. This ordinance is coming back to just the way that you introduced it last time so that it can proceed on on the books. We will be bringing back another ordinance to address those issues. We are in the process of drafting them and making sure that we have all of the pieces aligned. We don't have those quite the upcoming meeting. Less list yet because we want to make sure that we have addressed all of the issues that could come up along the way. But I would anticipate probably sort of the late MAY or early JUNE meeting that would come back at that point in time. So we are under way with drafting. Thank you. Appreciate that. Any other concerns? Courageous. All right. So will open up to public comment. Any members the public wish to comment on any consent items?
>> Good afternoon. My name is Miriam Michaels and I was here in MARCH when you discussed item 13.13. At about 9 o'clock at night. And I'm here today to say thank you to everyone of you who this and so intently to the snow. Will county sanctuary coalition concerns? The way after your bed times? And they are taking this to heart. It's very important. You are doing due diligence in this area. And it great thanks. I am a member of the Senate McKinney, Sanctuary community. >> Thank you very much. And thanks to the coalition for for all the work. That was a late evening indeed, seeing no other members of the public who wish to speak will close public comment and alternative vice mayor for a motion. I will move to adopt consent items. 13.1 through 13.13. We have a motion. We have a second by MISS Rogers. MADAM City clerk. We can call the vote whenever whenever you're ready. >> Thank you. Mayor Councilmember Rogers, Hi, Councilmember MacDonald. I councilmember Fleming. Yes, Councilmember Ben. Well, yes, Bres is absent. Vice mayor cooking. I mayor step yes. Let the record show this past of the 6 affirmative votes. >> Alright, I will be taking over as our mayor has to leave for a previous schedule of engagement. So we it is 5 o'clock. So we will move to item 14 public comment non agenda matters. This is the opportunity for the public to speak on any item. Not a Gen
dies. Is there anyone, Fred, when you are ready? >> Good afternoon. I moved to Santa Rosa about a year and a 30 going And I really like it job. I'm very happy live here and I'm also a connoisseur of public meetings and, you know, being involved in the public give is a meaningful activity for me and hopefully through being thoughtful, I can move the needle where that but I want to compliment the council on the on the MARCH meeting. I was very favorably impressed with with the council and the staff with everybody stepped up. It was like the Warriors. It was like strength in numbers. And so that makes me feel really good. Sometimes when I see everybody hitting it and making good comments going through the items inside just wanted to compliment the city on your your really good performance. I quite make it to the and there. I think it was 10, 31. I left. But Tom, I I tried to stick it through. And also I wanted to mention that I'm also very favorably impressed with Chief Cregan and Santa Rosa. Please. I I watched the county and then kind of the more tense relationship between county law enforcement and the county body. And so I'm really happy you live in Santa Rosa were icy. The pleas, you know, more aligned with with, you know,
what I feel like is North Bay are or Bay area values. And I just wanted to I wanted to that's going to maybe write you a letter. But I thought it would be nicer to just say it in person. And so nice job. Thank you. Thank you, Fred. Appreciate that. You are a connoisseur of public meetings and don't sell yourself short. Staying 30's longer than a lot of people made it that night. So. >> kudos to you as well. Is there anyone else who liked comment on non agenda matters. Seeing none. We will close public comment non agenda matters and because it is after 5 o'clock, we will move on to our public hearing for the evening item. 16.1 conditional use permit streamlining and I believe that is deputy director Jones and director Osborne. >> Okay, good afternoon. Thank you. Vice mayor key members of the council. My name is Jessica Jones and deputy director of our Planning Division. So the item before you is a proposal for an amendment to our zoning code to streamline our existing conditional use permit process. The goal of this initiative was to create a more predictable and less costly process for businesses. Han sing the city's economic development efforts and providing a more streamlined review authority process to better allocate city resources. So in APRIL of 2024, as the council recall, you approved a 5 year economic development, strategic plan that included a vision for business growth and economic vibrancy. One of the actions within that plan is to review and amend the zoning code to align with the economic strategies. Then you're seeing
an act. FEBRUARY of 25, the council set 5 strategic priorities for fiscal years. 2025 through 2027, one of those was to promote citywide economic development in JUNE of 25, the council adopted the general plan 2050 and that includes support for economic development strategies. One of the actions within that plan is to ensure alignment between the general plan, the zoning code and all city policies and plans, including our economic development, strategic plan. In JULY and AUGUST of 25 city staff presented this initiative to our downtown business owners as well as commercial brokers to collect early feedback on our existing conditional use permit process ideas for improvements to that process. Then in JANUARY of this year, project website was posted and the draft amendments were added to that notices were sent out via social media as well as 2 e-mails through the Metro Chamber. The downtown action organization Railroad Square Association visit Santa Rosa. A business owners and brokers that attended the meetings that I just mentioned as well as to all of the business license holders within the city which amounted to just over 10,000 emails. So in that the community was invited to go to the website and review the draft amendments and provide feedback. And then on MARCH, 12th of this year, the Planning Commission reviewed the proposal that is before you now and unanimously voted to move it forward to the council. So the proposed amendments, I'm not going to go into detail on them, but
certainly happy to answer any specific questions that you might have just going go over main points of them. So they really fall into 3 buckets, if you will. The first was the creation of a director level conditional use permit process. This would allow a process for administrative review of use permits rather than having them go through either a public meeting or a public hearing and that would reduce the timeline for projects that still need a little bit of review. But what also maintain that oversight as needed and through that process, there would be a notice to 14 days prior to action on the director. Little condition is permanent. The second element of this is a reducing the conditional use permit level for certain uses. So with that process, we took a look at the existing land use tables and all of our zoning districts and the current conditional use permit requirements and really looked at it from an economic development lens to determine what uses could be dropped down from major use from it down to a minor from a minor down to a director. And in some cases down 2 permitted by rate as appropriate. And that really, again, was looking trying to reduce timelines costs and provide efficiencies in that process. And then the final element of this was creation of a temporary use permit or sorry, excuse me, amendments to existing temper use for its action. And that was to look at allowing a broader range of temporary activities, including pop-up
retail and interim activities for are vacant and underutilized sites and buildings really to look at supporting activation and encouraging reinvestment in those sites. And then also what is before you in addition to the ordinance amendment is a resolution that would fee for the director level use permit. And the feed that is proposed is in line with the existing director use per Park City director level process for our designer view as well as the non resident director level Limerick, alteration permit process. So in putting this together, we made sure to analyze to make sure that the proposal was consistent with both the general plan as well as our economic development, strategic plan. And and we found that really this process for others, many of the goals policies and actions within both of these plans and in particular, you know, looking at attraction and retention of new businesses, expansion and support of existing businesses and released just supporting economic development throughout the city. So as I mentioned, posted the draft amendments on the website in JANUARY of this year. We did receive numerous emails since that time looking at questions about the process as well as some suggested edits. Those were addressed and incorporated into what is before you today. And we also received a number of letters of support, including from the North Bay Leadership Council. And there was also one email that was not in support. It was just general opposition to streamlining of city permitting process is in general. And then we did receive a recent e-mail from a local broker that while supporting the efforts that are being brought before you
today did not feel that the process goes far enough. We did meet with that person and indicate that this is really just a piece of the pie in this economic development, strategic efforts that we're working on. So while this may not feel like it goes far enough, we've got a lot other things that we're working on to kind of bring this all together. So with that, the planning Commission and the Planning and Economic Development Department to recommending that the council introduce an ordinance with the proposed amendments and also adopt the resolution to set the feed for the director level conditional use permit. And I'm happy to answer any questions. Thank you very much. Are there any questions from my colleagues, Councilmember MacDonald? >> Thank you. Thank you for the presentation. I'm sure it's somewhere in all the pages of these documents. But I thought I'd just ask it. We've had a couple different appeals lately. And I just wondered if you could clarify where those conditional use permit or those usually under a major conditional permit. I remember there was some differences. So could you walk me through how that would work in this new process? Yes. Thank you, COUNCILMAN, for the question. >> So the >> the last appeals that came before the council, one of them was for housing project that included both an appeal. The designer due process as well as the conditional use process. And I believe that that conditionally Israel was a major conditionally is rent because it was housing located within office. And I have to look to see. I think that we
are actually bring it down there while this effort focus primarily on economic development, there were some opportunities for us to take a look at some housing things. So because office is intended for office use is we still felt that it needs review. But my recollection is that we're dropping that down to a minor use permit. And then the last project that came before people ducking for the council was for a minor conditional use permit. Thank you. And just for clarification as well, if anyone had no appeal process, if it was done through director, how with that that change anything? I don't believe so. But I think that's important for the public to know. They always have that right? Yes, certainly so. Yeah. The appeal process for any director level determination it is to its use related. The appeal goes to the planning Commission in design related. It goes to the Today Interview Preservation Board. With those ultimately come to council the appeal would would stop there. The only time that an appeal at that lower level would come to the council is, for example, with the item. The came for council last last time. It as a minor use permit. The normally would go to the zoning administrator, which is appealable to the planning commission. And that item was elevated to the planning Commission for its first review. And so then they peel body became the council. But yeah, if that if kept at the the regular director level, the appeal body would be the planning commission and that's where it would stop. I think it's just important for the public to know that usually we have another body can go to if
you're not happy he was the outcome. So it's one make sure that that process is clearly laid out in the news. Yes, yeah, absolutely. And just to be clear, as I mentioned, that there's a noticing process for the director So 14 days prior to taking action and notice will go out to adjacent property owners within 600 feet. That notice will outline. So while this is an administrative process, it would be done at the director level without meeting. There is an opportunity for people to request a public hearing if they want that. So and notice will outline what that process would be. And that would be prior to any potential appeal. Great. Thank you so much. And thanks for the presentation. >> All right. Any other questions for my colleagues? Have to. >> First, think I've ever heard in my time and I don't I don't think any my colleagues have ever heard anybody say that they would want to slow down the permitting process in the city of Santa Rosa. That's unique piece of feedback that I've heard. But as are going for fish and see, I think one of the important things is transparency to maintain of the fact that keeping open with a director level as we move towards the director level approvals. How do we maintain transparency and protect neighbor compatibility want still improving efficiency? Because this is for a use permit, it would be it's it's not designed related. So we don't necessarily look at character compatibility. >> Well, like I in a way we do. You know, when looking at, you know, a light industrial uses wanting to go in next to a residential We certainly look at compatibility there,
but as far as transparency is concerned in that process, that's where that noticing opportunity comes and provides an opportunity for folks to get more information and request meetings as as necessary. And if I can add, Vice mayor gave Osman director of planning and economic development. I think MISS Jones outlined it fairly well. But I think it's important to note that director level use permits are fairly minor in nature. >> And the same finding that the director makes would be the same finding that the zoning administrator or the Planning Commission or any board or commission makes. I think an important exercise here is to really reduce time, which also reduces money to the applicant, but then also to preserve the same level of transparency that we get out of the public process. So that noticing becomes critical. The ability to elevate to a public hearing becomes critical if individuals in the community have issues with the specific use. So we we try to best to preserve that but also recognize that a lot of these are really churn through them because they're fairly minor in nature. And those are the ones that affect tenancy. They they affect the timelines. Associated with business is occupying a space. But I think it's important to note that the findings are really the same and anybody that sits in the director role is really tasked with making the same findings. The Planning Commission. >> Thank you. And then from larger aspect, bag, it's the, you know, 30,000 foot view. How does allow years allows staff to focus on more complex issues while still providing appropriate oversight? >> So as director has been mentioned, so really we're looking uses that are less intense that have tended tend to have a less of a concerns
brought about by the community but Sorry. Can you repeat the question? >> I was just from a staffing point of view. How allow the euro your department to focus on more complex issues? Also providing the same side as a Sari? >> Yeah, thank you that I appreciate that. It really allows us to take the smaller projects that don't necessarily require the same interview and do it. And I'm in a more expedited manner, leaving the limited staff that we do have at the time to delve into the more complex projects that do have more impacts on the community and and focus on those and address those concerns. But it still allows that opportunity to, as director has been mentioned. Look, from the perspective of the findings that have to be made and and ensure that there is compatibility and and oversight rather rather than the prior use. That would be allowed by rate. That doesn't have any analysis at all. It gives us that opportunity shorter time frame with less need to write staff reports and complicated resolutions and go before a public meeting but still provide that analysis. Great. Thank you. I appreciate that. >> If there's no other questions, we will go ahead and open the public hearing. That's fun. I like that. If there is anyone that wants to speak on this, please. >> David to prefer the clock. Ok? Thank you. Well, I did not review this in advance of this meeting, but there experience
with conditional use permit to been primarily in the nonprofit field, churches and other nonprofits. So my question to our weather, there MAY be a different fee structures because they're not looking for these use approvals because of their profit might be, you know, childcare something on a institution site in. So far. That's the one thing occurs to me that maybe there should be a separate fee schedule for him. Use being issued a nonprofit. And I'm a little confused is I mean, there hasn't been an ongoing process with the zoning administrator having authority over some, but it's not getting mentioned here. And you're talking about major minor director and by right is zoning administrator. Now no longer it one of the sources of approval of conditional permits. And that's unclear. And to me here and the other question I would raises. You know, this is complex enough saying that maybe there should be provision that this should be revisited in x number of years or something. You know. To really know they did. We'll probably need attention. In with that attention coming to fruition sooner rather than later. If it's needed. You notice a pair of thing that could have a sunset x number of years are call for a particular time in which changes to the process would be reviewed. Because I mean, there's got to be a lot of examples of other jurisdictions have made these kind of adjustments, I assume, and they will be in the process obviously going to be
learning process here locally as well. So those are my comments for today. Thank you. It's my mic Yeah, good evening. My name is Eleanor mom. With the metal to Free Park. >> I just want to speak out in support of the presentation by the staff. We've been working with them actually. And use permits. And so we we've been operating under temporary use permit. So this is a great thing, I think for the streamlining both and only for us, but for other small businesses in the city and for economic development. So I we we do supported this will shorten the process for a very rude. What I call routine projects like ours. We hope to apply for this directors. Conditional use permit, you know, take it from down 2 days for weeks and months. Previous we think it's a good thing. Boost not only for us, but for Justin General, for economic development, for small businesses in the city. And I would encourage them not to stop here to keep looking at other streamlining efforts. We've been playing for a what I would call routine building permits. It's taken us really quite a long time to get those. And we're still working with that. So I would encourage them to look at other streamlining and other areas like building permits, for example. But we wholeheartedly support the work of the staff and the changes that the recommended here tonight. Thank you. Thank you, Fred. Go ahead. >> Yes, I have a couple of 10 gentle comments. Huron related to idea of all compatibility and I've deep into the South Santa Rosa specific plan. And I noticed there was a retail commercial centers planned there. And so as a result of that eye, I live in mobile home park near Mission ace there on Highway 12 in Brush Creek. So I walked up to a
mission highway 12 walked over to. Summerfield area and over that in there and took an inventory of the type of businesses that there were there that and job, you know, apropos of of planning. Idea of walkability and walkable neighborhoods a big part of the planning meme. And so I would it's sort suggest that that staff and the council maybe try put some intentionality in terms of the compatibility of of things like in that area. Maybe don't need 3 car washes. You know, not that I'm against 3 car washes, but I mean that that would be an example of how how, you know, the planning could direct what what would be a a suite of actual neighborhood serving businesses in a neighborhood that you could walk to. And so when I walked up there, I saw a lot of pizza liquor stores, nails, you know, things things that that tended to to to come in. And convenience stores and pet food pet peeve. A lot of people have Pet food is a big fan. But, you know, maybe the city could could develop a suite of of retail services that you would cultivate the tenants to kind of fill those spots like hardware store post office pharmacy things. Things that you know, that would be really neighborhood serving so that it would the walkable neighborhood would mean you could actually walk to shopping. And it wasn't just walking for the sake of walking because what I walk down to Montgomery Village or are those other places in my neighborhood? The only thing I
go to is the hardware store in the post office and there's all these other stores. So I mean, there's sort of like a lot of great to it is shopping. But there are, you know, maybe essential retail services so that in terms of compatibility and intentional choosing a business, I don't even know if that's possible. But I think staff could develop a suite of retail and then try to cultivate retail tenants to come in and fill those spots so that this city would really serve the neighborhoods because you don't necessarily need more pizza and convenience stores and liquor stores. All right. Thank you. Is there anybody else who would like to speak on this item? >> Seeing none. >> We'll close the public hearing comeback for final comments or questions. That's been with us. >> Just want to say thank you for the presentation. I think this is great. Anything that's going shorten the time frame for potential businesses I think good I think you mentioned because know one of the questions from the public was about fee schedule and if I'm not mistaken, you correct me if I'm wrong. Think you all mentioned that these will look, this will lower costs by doing it in this fashion. That is correct. Most of the uses that are rain brought down to a director level use permit average currently require minor use permit. >> I don't have the exact in front of me but a minor use from it approximately $10,000 and and takes, you know, upwards of, you know, 3 to 4 months could be more depending on, you know, the process and the use. This process is expected to take 6 to 8 weeks and the cost it's in the resolution, but it's 800 something dollars, which is again, consistent with the
other director level processes that we have. Great. That's and tested news. So overall, I think this is wonderful thing and thank you for all your work on this. All right. Thank you. McConnell. Thank you. Thanks to the presentation. I love streamlining process to get rid of red tape specifically in the government. I think we have a lot of it. So I appreciate that. >> We're going into this. I just had a quick question and it's maybe a bit rhetorical. But on Page 11, you say that you can streamline a process for large musical equipment or instrument businesses, but not small ones. I'm just wondering if it's. Specific to only like Drum said, sir, what do you is it? Is it any kind of musical instrument store? I don't know if it's necessary to call it out. On Page 11 of the staff report of the staff report. It was just a weird one. So I'm making a little weirder. Anyone second, like okay. Now to get to that hearing. Talk about the where we talk about furniture and furnishings. So with this one. >> the >> we had a request come in from a member of the public who deals with industrial areas the leasing of industrial. And so they wanted some additional language added specifically to allow. He >> selling of of larger things like furniture and appliances and such that would also have storage is part of it. And so really we're trying to do with this was to address that person's concerns in adding
some additional language and to land use table. And so what it what it's doing is it's taking our existing definition of furniture furnishings and appliance and adding it as a permitted use in the business park and the light industrial. Okay. That makes more sense. Thank you so All right. Just 2 quick things for me. I'm just >> for the public. Can you briefly cover where the zoning administrator now lies within this entire process? Yes, so the permits weathers a minor use permit minor designer view. Any of our minor process is. >> Go before the zoning administrator. That is the review authority. Okay. Thank you very much. >> And then one of the comments that was made and I tend to agree that on some of these more bold ambitious initiatives is revisiting it. I do want to condition or anything like that or change anything like that. But I think it might be useful for your team and maybe. 18 months or so, too. Building your work plan, whether it's just come back with consent item. Everything's great or, you know, come back with a review of like, hey, here's where we found some issues you might want to change it. I said I do want to change anything now, but that leave it up to to use the director and the deputy director of planning. If you think that's appropriate. >> Yes, thank you. Vice mayor and I can add to that. I think that's somewhat of a best practice when we make the solid course corrections Israeli. We make our best attempt to understand how we're benefiting the community. We need to see what that benefit looks like and then revisit it in some certain time frame. And that is different based on the ordinances. But I think what the council is seen with our fee schedule with the massage ordinance. Those are all examples of testing it out for
a period of time in coming back with smaller amendments that are responsive to the needs either internally through staff the community. So I will say that we we stand that up is a best practice. It is a bit based on what the staffing level is at the time. But I do agree that's a that's the best way to look at these ordinances because they're never perfect out of the gate. >> And I will just add to that, you know, we will continue to work with the community as we're starting to implement and take comments as we go through it. So and as director has been mentioned, you know, as we hear things like we did with these other items, we we can quickly bring back recommended changes as needed. So nothing that's in here is set in stone. Great presentation. I would say in 18 months because sometimes what happens is we want to see it come back. But we've moved on to like 20 other things. So today, if we say we would like to have an update in 18 months, then you guys can put that on your calendars for for 18 months that we just get an update about how how it's going. >> Completely. Okay. Unless there's something drastic. The need to be changed really quickly. Yeah, I'm okay with that. And we are happy to accept that feedback. All right. Great. Thank you. And then I think we're going back to Councilmember Rogers for the motion. Thank you. >> I would like to make a motion introduce an ordinance and adopt the resolution as presented by stuff away for the reading of tax. Thank Okay. >> All right. We have a motion by COUNCILMAN Rogers in a second by Councilmember MacDonald. MADAM City clerk. When you're ready. >> Thank you. Vice Mayor Councilmember Rogers, I
Councilmember Macdonald, I councilmember Fleming Councilmember Ben Yes, Councilmember Alvarez is absent. Councilmember. Part me, Mayor step is also absent. Vice mayor. I let the record show this past of the 5 affirmative votes. >> Thank you very much. And thank you for the presentation. We will now go back in the agenda to our report items with the first one being 15.1 to report on homelessness Solutions. Strategic plan Year 3. >> I believe that Sasha Brown. All right. When you're ready. >> Good afternoon. Vice Mayor Crappie members of the council. I'm Sasha Brown program specialist for Housing Community Services. And here with me today is Kelly Keck in all housing, community services manager. The Adam in front of you today is the homelessness Solutions Strategic plan Year through your point for 2025. On NOVEMBER, 15th 2022 council approved the homelessness Solutions strategic plan for the 5 year period beginning JANUARY of 2023, DECEMBER of 2027. The strategic plan provides 3 key strategies and action items to improve the city's response to homelessness in alignment with the Sonoma County Homeless coalition. The local continuum of care. The goal is to 0 homelessness by 2027 to achieve functional 0 homelessness. Persons experiencing homelessness should be rare, brief and non reoccurring. To operation allies. The strategic plan staff developed annual implementation plans. The implementation plan provide prioritizes key actions and to tears and identifies our regional initiatives. The plan was updated throughout 2025 and made available on the
city's website. Strategy. One in the strategic plan is to improve the city's homeless response with our regional system of care in 2025. We continue to lead the implementation of the 3.9 million dollar homelessness prevention pilot program keep people housed. Sonoma. We participated in the Sonoma County, homelessness, working group focused on prioritizing resources in a coordinated proximity, 20 agencies. The Santa Rosa specific by names list enhances outreach, coordination and housing placement efforts for individuals experiencing homelessness in our community. We continue to ministrations of the 2.3 million dollars from home. Arp. Extending a contract, a Catholic charities to provide financial assistance and other support of services to qualifying Santa Rosa residents. Strategy Strategic plan is to expand service oriented responses to unsheltered homelessness in 2025. We continued ministration of the 3.8 million Dollar Grant from round 2 of States in camera resolution fund. This provided comprehensive services for individuals residing in encampments in the southeast and southwest portions of the city. We were awarded $979,040 from the county of Sonoma, Department of Health Services to continue operations of our safe parking program through next fiscal year and the continued implementation of the city encampment team to proactively address the health safety and environmental concerns associated with encampments. Strategy. 3 in the strategic plan is to continue and enhance collaboration with regional partners and 2025 we completed the year 3 implementation plan. We improved the in client engagement and feedback process through incorporating additional reporting requirements in our homeless services contracts. And we
presented findings to council on investments in homeless services, affordable and supportive housing. And we developed our year for implementation plan for 2026. Santa Rosa continues to make progress through strategic investments between 2022 2025. The first 3 years of the strategic plan homeless just decreased in Santa Rosa by 31%. We went for and 1650, a person's on the 2022 point in time. Count to 1140 in the 2025 point in time. Count. The first 2 years. The plan the city invested approximately 5 million dollars annually. Plus for homeless services. Plus one time funds from local, state and federal resources to augment these efforts. This was reduced last year to 4.3 million dollars annually city-funded programs continue to span across street services, emergency shelter, safe parking Housing Assistance, homelessness prevention, supportive services such as mental health and harm reduction and coordination of the Santa Rosa paintings list. I just wanted elaborate on the first bullet. The 31% decrease in homelessness. Sorry, can you pulled out a little bit closer? Better. Okay. I just wanted elaborate on the first bullet point to 31% decrease in homelessness over a three-year period and >> acknowledge that this is a team effort and requires a collaboration of many partner. So first, I want to acknowledge our dedicated homeless service provider community and the city's investments in affordable housing. One time funds which have enabled us to do a lot of this work in addition to City Re resources. And Sasha has touched on some of those funds
thus far in the presentation. Sasha also mentioned the by names list and she is the coordinator of that and is a fabulous, fabulous job. And then also aberration. We can't do this without our partners. So that's the county, our continuum of care, councilmember Ben Willows sits on that board as well as our cities throughout the region. All right. Back to in fiscal year 2024. 2025. 718 individuals were house through city sponsored programs. This is a 24% increase over the prior fiscal year. We have strategically invested in key people has Sonoma, which in its first year he's already prevented 245 households from falling into homelessness. Additionally, our city encampment team, which started in 2022. Has continued to successfully prevent the formation of large encampments with 10 or more dwellings. We've also cut the total number of encampments citywide nearly in half. Additionally, the team's proactive approach, coupled with our safe parking program, has reduced the number of occupied vehicles, including rv's and trailers by 95% citywide. Just want to take a moment to acknowledge think Hammond team. So it is housing income, you services. But it is also several city apartments that we have the police department. We have the fire department. We have public works planning and economic developments. Could enforcement division and our parks team also our contracted outreach provider that Catholic most homeless outreach services team. So it's a multi depart collaboration today get everyone okay. Good. And then before moving to the next slide, I just want to acknowledge also that and the 3 years of our strategic plan so far, this has been our best year so far in terms of housing placements that's highlighted in the first
bullet point on this line. I don't expect to be in front of council next year with the same level of outcomes just because we are seeing some shifts in the community. We've been monitoring our data this year so far and we are seeing a decrease in housing placements. That's due to a number of factors. One is the number of affordable housing units coming online is beginning to decrease. And I'll touch on that more in the next slide. And then also kuz to homeless services funding. And I know Councilmember Ben Willows touched on that early on her report out. Recent update that discussed at the continuum of care board and then also the city made cuts to its homeless services budget this year and they're happening and happening at other levels in the community. So we don't know the impact of those cuts yet. I think we'll know more when we see the results of the 2026. Homeless count later this year. Next slide is mine. And this touches on strategic investments made by the housing authority over a two-year period. These investments have contributed pretty significantly too. The overall reduction in homelessness throughout the community as well as our increased housing placements that Sasha covered on the previous slide. So over the past 2 years, the housing Authority is invested approximately 40 million dollars in affordable housing. In addition to local services that funds or resources that includes funding from the state and the federal government that the city of ministers we've completed more than 500 affordable housing units most of those units have our have been Leigh Stop. We have one project that's currently currently leasing up and that's Burbank Avenue Apartments. Of those 500 units. Approximately 80 of those are permanent supportive housing. Or housing, dedicated for formerly homeless
households. And those are spread across 3 projects that includes Burbank Avenue, Apartments, South Park comments and the cannery. We have over 100 units currently under construction. We have an affordable housing pipeline. We update monthly. I checked that earlier today and we actually have 142 units that are under construction. We also have approximately 100 emergency housing vouchers. Those are administered through our rental assistance Division are Section 8 program. And those are vouchers for formerly homeless households or those at risk of experiencing homelessness. So as I mentioned in the prior slide, just seeing a decline the number of affordable housing units coming online. The housing authority has a tremendous job in the last few years. But we have exhausted some one-time funding, namely community development block grant disaster recover disaster, recovery funding that the city received. And as I mentioned, we just about exhausted those funds which would contribute to seeing fewer affordable housing units, cdbg, Dr, provided financing for approximately 200 of the 500 units noted in the slide. So I don't want to discount the progress that the homeless service team is made or the housing authority. But we can't continue this work without additional resources from outside the city. So Steph has developed year for implementation plan for 2026, area's include continued administration of the ERs and home Arp funds continued operation of the safe parking program with the one-time funds from the county overseeing year. 2 of people how Sonoma our homelessness prevention program continued coordination of the Santa Rosa by names list and the city in Cam team. Want to add that
where we will be applying for and can't resolution fund round 5. That was just announced about 2 weeks ago. So those applications are due JUNE 30th, intentional, be working on an application and hopefully we're successful with that application. And the Housing Community Services Department recommends that council received year 3 report for 2025. On the implementation of the Homelessness Solutions Strategic. >> And for 2023, 2027. This item has no impact on the current fiscal year budget. This concludes our presentation and we're happy to answer any questions. You have. We'll start with cat. Is it me? Start with Councilmember MacDonald. Thank you. Mayor, thank you for the presentation. And I just have a few comments because I think when people look at slide number 8, when we see 39.4 million in local contributions. A question I get asked a lot is how much does the city of Santa Rosa spend on homeless services? And when I kind of have a job down before, it's actually not nearly as much as people things. But I think it's important to break that number down so that a lot of community members understand that it comes from a lot of different sources and how those reductions are going to impact. Does versus what we're doing, even as the city's. So could you just give a brief of what comes out of our general fund for homeless services? >> So for homeless services, there's a slide and I think it is. Slide. But is that 6? Our current budgets? About 4.3 million dollars. That is from a variety of funding sources. And I don't have the breakdown
in front of me this evening. I apologize for that. >> I can certainly get that to the council were. As you all know, in the middle of working on the budget for next year. But the 39.4 million dollars that you mention for affordable housing are no fall last year for affordable housing was 3.5 million dollars. Again, that's from a variety of funding source. Is there some real property transfer tax? And there? But the bulk of that 39.4 million dollars over the two-year period is that community development block grant disaster recovery money that I mentioned. So, you know, affordable housing kind of a pie, takes up high of resources to bring projects to fruition. The Santa Rosa pretty small slice of that pie. You know, over a two-year period about 7 million dollars and in local resources and the balance of that. 39.4 would be outside federal and state resources. >> And just to kind of drill down Moreno, we're going into budget sessions. I think it's important to show people how the pie works. We get resources from this bucket and this is what makes up this slice. And we can only use it on these services because sometimes it gets a little commingled that they think we could use it for other services. The other thing that I noticed in this particular and presentation was how many people we kept housed versus moving services. It was 265 people already been able to keep housed. Maybe it's more than that. If I don't remember correctly apologize. I I think it's also important for council to know if not in today, but in the future,
specifically around budget time is how much does it costs us to not continue to house them? And fee that we don't get broken down to us who are making decisions. I think it's important to know. Yes, we have to invest this much, but we will have to invest this much more if they become homeless and how that affects the community, specifically families and children that are affected by those being displaced. So I appreciate this. The work that's being done than 95% reduction in rv's that are on the streets. And we know that that's a collaborative effort as well. But it also has an environmental impact and everything overall. Thank you so much. I just coming back and a budget would like a little bit more detail if you don't mind. We go into that. Thank you again. Thank you. Councilmember been with Thank you. Vice Mayor. >> Thank you so much. Both session Kelly. And people need to know Kelly's the one helps me write my well. She actually writes The My reports from homeless coalition. And i mentioned that because if it was up to me alone, my report would be so much longer. So that making its a sink. So thank you, Billy. Thank you for all your As I think I mentioned a few weeks ago, when you all came out to our homeless meeting over at Findlay, how much I learned about all the teams that work on homelessness for the city
of Santa Rosa, both the Santa Rosa pd code enforcers. You all. I mean, it's it's quite impressive. What the work that you do and, you know, we see these numbers in the decreases and I think what folks need to realize how much work goes into that to make that happen. It's it's really phenomenal. And and so I just want to thank you for all of that. And I also really impressed with the keep people housed program. So speak. I think that's also so important because I think that's really one of the ways that you stop homelessness is to make sure that folks that on the edge don't become homeless to begin with. And anybody can anybody, you know, you lose your home, you've your home goes into foreclosure. And, you we always say that there by the grace of GOD I go. That's all of us, especially right now in this economy. So I want to thank you for all your work. I you know, I understand while the work that goes into these numbers. So, yeah, of course, when we get to our budget talks, it is true that people are going to ask us you know, where the money is coming from. And I just want to say it is a former provider. I've I've put together nophah and I know how much work that again, I don't think folks understand what goes into doing that kind of work and putting it out there and hoping that your grant gets accepted because I remember spending days on numbers and data and then not getting accepted and having a
homeless program go away. That was very valuable to the community. So I just want to thank you for all your work. I have an idea of what you do. And I think as we go forward, we really are gonna have to keep an eye on what happens with us, particularly at the county level at the state level do what we can to make sure that we can continue to provide the services that we're providing. So thank you. Councilmember Rogers. Thank you very much for the >> Feel the same about gas and food in all the expenses that are going up. Some of us early a paycheck away from being and how so. Thank you very much. I did have a question about. How many Boucher in if you said it, I apologize. How many vouchers are assign without units or even if you don't have a specific number around. In the presentation. I 100 emergency housing vouchers and those are the ones that are specifically for households that were formerly homeless or at risk of homelessness. >> It for a specific area wanting more detail on just kind of the general vouchers. >> So emergency emergency homeless vouchers, those they because they're in an emergency. You've assigned them. But does that 100 don't have places to go? Those are all the stop. They're all currently being used. And those came out of covid like covid era times and we don't have any new vouchers. New emergency housing vouchers. It's a >> carve out of our voucher program. >> And then how do we? >> Educating the public who I know you were saying like next year MAY look different. I'm asking because he's an extra
MAY look different. How do we educate the public if they have units how to get involved, the importance of getting involved in the exit extra support that MAY be provided. To people when they do rent a unit. To then do we have a program that does that are? I feel like it's a community we all need to do our part as a community. So as community members that MAY have rentals, what do they do in order to say I want to step up. I want to help. Thank you for that question. I would say that they can reach out to our department >> let our section a team know that they have a rental that they that's available that they would like to make available to someone with a voucher looking for housing that's of housing and community to services department. Thank you. >> All right. There's no other questions. We will go to public comment on this item. If you have comment on the side and we'll give you 3 minutes. Go ahead. Thank you very much. It was quite a while ago. We see in the movies some of these cops go walking around a farmers market somewhat just toss them an apple or just saw from some nice food. >> And we've gotten ourselves all. Goofed up and so much of a married of allusion Arie problems. And I believe that the answer isn't magic. And this is a magical town in a magical. County. This is where Luther Burbank, the wizard. Of Plants, did some amazing things, including with Cactus. And back in the 90's. Started with the 2 Navy vets. >> And that's not all. They
were both named Paul. One was black and one was way we did our best to do what was right. And we started the homeless mentor program in the concept was based on. The concept was based on creating an opportunity for certain amount of the homeless to work with the starting a lot of gardens. The other ones were to build garden boxes because I believe back then I believe today. That's town called Santa Rosa should have more roses per square mile than any other city in the country. Quite almost embarrassed that it's not it should be. We could have roses everywhere and it gives something for people to do. And the one thing everybody does, whether you're rich or poor homeless or not. Is you eat. And Martin Luther King said one man's wrongfully incarcerated. So are we all? And he saw the promise land. That means we're somehow still a bunch inmates and we're all sort of really homeless. Just saw those have 4 walls surrounding us. We have this wonderful opportunity to start doing. Luther Burbank talked about Cactus Pete is suggesting that you have the power to one way or another implement tied together with Luther Burbank and that some of these other gardening groups and simply find arenas to start huge gardens. There's nothing more they're appealing than that. And there is no reason in the world from my perspective for there to be all these big, you know, corporate stores in these towns. I mean, you're in Luther Burbank counting and you got safe ways at the very least. The Safeway should be turned into arenas where it's the homeless, can have or the gardeners forget the homes that they're going to be. The gardeners working with Safeway. So instead of safely importing all this stuff from all over the place, they are providing the best vegetables
and fruits right here. In the stores. Change the dynamic. You have that ability. You have the contacts. And it certainly is the time. And there's nothing better than that that I could see. That would be a benefit that would support everyone, including law enforcement because you know what, they should be getting those free apples and free salads. And so should all of us. So that's my share from my heart to yours. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Peter. Is there anybody else like to comment on this item? Seeing none. We will close public comment and bring it back to Councilmember Ben Willows. Thank you. Vice Mayor. >> I move that we approve receipt of year. 3 report 2025 on the implementation of the homelessness Solutions, Strategic plan. 2023 to 2027 second. >> All right. We have a motion by COUNCILMAN Lows and a second by Councilmember Rogers. Is there any further discussion? >> Seeing none. MADAM City clerk when you're ready. >> Thank you. Vice Mayor Councilmember Rogers, I Councilmember Macdonald, I councilmember Fleming. Yes, Councilmember Ben Yes, Councilmember Alvarez is absent. Mayer's dep is absent. Vice Mayor. But the record show this past the 5 affirmative votes. >> Thank you very much. Thank you for that. Really appreciated. And with that, we'll move on to item 15 point to the police department annual military equipment
report. And that will be Lieutenant Hearne and chief Cregan. >> Good evening. Vice John Craig. Our chief of police here for the city of Sarah's. I'm joined tonight by Lieutenant her and lieutenant her and serves as our tactical commander. Cesar to subject matter, expert, both those are swat team and hostage negotiation team not overseeing both of these teams, but also the equipment and the resources they need. So he's going to go through tonight. Our annual report from the Assembly Bill, 4 81, which overviews our equipment that was deemed and this ordinance as being military equipment. And this is part of the statue that once a year that we come before council and discussed are the 3 major problems of this, which is the funding of that equipment acquisition of that equipment and the use of that equipment will go through that tonight. I'll turn it over a little end of Thank Vice Mayor Councilmembers to staff. First and foremost, I want to make sure, sir, there's a clear correction that when they a document that you received today for the resolution, specifically in the resolution, you read the word several times, renew as regards to renewing the ordinance associated with a b 41. I apologize. That's erroneous. And the way it's described what you're actually doing with the resolution and the Ask of Council tonight is that you were not amending or making any changes to the ordinance as it as it currently stands. We can't renew any ordinances. You can just amend them or make those changes were not asking you to do that or ask us to to not change the ordinance. That brings us together every year for the same exact topic. So when you see that and if you
approve that, it's going to provide, believe with the amendments and then we'll have that updated with the correct version tomorrow to register. So if can just clarify, so you'll be by resolution determining that if you accept staff's recommendation. >> That there will not be any amendments or changes to the ordinance. >> And chief said mime is Chris Minor and I'm a lieutenant with the police department for many years. I was actually on our agent. He team. So a lot of my background comes from a negotiator and a de-escalation lens. So now that I oversee both the tactical teams, the first an agent. He that's where a lot of my experience comes in that you're going to as part of this presentation as well. So first and foremost, few things are going to go over just some of the things that are required by state law on this bill came into effect in 2021, it requires us to discuss for the any funding or acquisition or use of any equipment that the California legislature has deemed as military equipment. Additionally, some of the requirements that are part of this assembly bill, are that prior to meeting with you? We're expected to meet with the community and hold a community meeting about the report itself. And the report has to be posted online. The report itself was post online the beginning of JANUARY. Anyone still has access to its still up there. It will be up for the entire year and it doesn't get change to. The new report is done for the 20 20th year as well. Our meeting was held in JANUARY. We had just about 30 community members that came in chief and myself are both there for about an hour and a half. That meeting. Is it much about engagement
about what we're doing? Some what we're doing now. What kind equipment we have an answering probably about 45 minutes worth of questions that community had about it and clarifying any misconceptions about the equipment that we use, how we use it. And when we use it, additionally, it was end part, which is probably my favorite kind show and tell we bring out a lot of the items so people can see them everything from a rapid response vehicle to our armored rescue vehicle to some of the other tools that our teams use. So people can actually see them hold them and really understand what they are in a real-life situation versus a power point presentation or just taking our word for it. They can actually manipulate some of those things and see what they are. Additionally, we have to seek council approval every year on the ordinance and part of preparing the and a report which includes how they use or how we use all the equipment, how we maintain and use it. The quantity we possess our internal audit and the the community input or questions that we got. And then like said, the require council approval for more acquisitions. There's 15 different categories for the equipment that falls into this category. The police department itself. We only have 8 of those categories. Of the 8 categories you'll on tap as well. I'll go through them individually. So won't read this entire slide. 2 of them going to repeating it multiple times and I want to do yourselves. So we're gonna go through those pretty quickly. If you have any questions, I'll be here for those as well. First and foremost, our projectile launchers. These allow us to use chemical agents and kinetic energy tools. So there you some similar looking to like a shock and sort of kind of tool they use. These are specifically they're using,
like less lethal blue tip rounds or foam tips. Oftentimes these are used. One individual is armed or behind a barrier that we can be able to use to kind of take away that advantage of theirs and from de-escalate the situation without using lethal force and usually get them to comply without additional force being used as well. Typically called spun. Drones will use them for and the only used and those kind of scenarios we have barricade individuals are but individuals with weapons individuals that are threatening to officers or other people in the area. This is an example of what it looks like. The top part of the launch itself. The bottom part is the blue tipped round were discussing a second ago. Chemical munitions or diverse. Any devices. Those are everything related to our gas items that we have. We have several different kinds of gas that we use. Some of them. The most common kinds are calling a fair around. Those are used if someone's a barricaded with a weapon or has victim in a vehicle with them. This allows us to actually break the window to implement gas and there, but also ventilating the space as well. So no one's ever stuck in space was no ventilation. When I guess goes in very similar to a house. If we had a consent with somebody inside of a house was barricading has a victim in there with him as well. This will go through the window. He's not a lethal if it was to hit somebody. But then also ventilate the space to allow aired in and out, but also have gas in there as well. Rcs gases are more like a handheld device. We can news of projectiles shoot them into the room, but they don't go through walls. They don't go through windows. These are
usually things that we put in by hand that really is more gas into a space already when the space is ventilated appropriately to be able to get people out. There are people out encourage that behavior to leave and to surrender, but it doesn't keep the gas. And there actually air to continue to go into the space. So a very uncomfortable for individuals, but it's not lethal. These are some of the examples of the different items that we have in our inventory as well. They're just different versions of what was just talking about a second ago. Each of them does a little bit of a different thing, but still the same effect is to get a blister ended peacefully. Makes it uncomfortable for them. It is not lethal. It just makes it. So they want to come out of the space that they're and ideally unarmed and peacefully. And we've seen several and 2025, some are instances where these items were used. Were people exited the house safely and were taken into custody without additional force being used. Our committee control vehicles. This is our rapid response vehicle that's used by our negotiators, primarily. We also use this vehicle as a command post. You can see the side of it has a campers. The television on it. What that really allows us to do and me as a tactical commander, we have several drones which see slightly further in this presentation. We can live stream the drone footage that we're using during. No sorry. We have to pause for a second. Performed. All right. We have quorum back so you can go ahead and continue. So where we left off is this is our rapid response vehicle. It's
primarily used for hostage negotiators, but also as a command vehicle, the outside of the vehicle has a television where we can actually live stream all of our drone footage. And so for me at the top combat commander, the benefit of that pair with our drones, allows me to make decisions based on lifetime information that i can see and make safer decisions that are based clearly on what I'm seeing where officers are doing in the field, not a game of one radio to another to another start. Eric, kind of blind this gives live access to be able to see things as they're happening initially internally we're able to do Intel's intelligence gathering. Our negotiators meet in there and they're doing phone to phone contacts with suspects be able to negotiate them from a safe place that we corals interactions as well. The back vehicle, which is no longer in a report was a larger rv that we used to that command vehicle be sold in 2025. So it's no longer as part of our report because no longer part of our equipment. Our long-range acoustic device also known el around this in particular is a device. Looks just like this. This allows us to be able to communicate with people from a distance as well as through barriers. It's effective communication that goes and one straight direction so we can navigate our we can put her in for a the way we communicate and one direction's was not going elsewhere. It's not going further. It's really effective being able to go towards the person of the individuals that were trying to communicate with. This helps not just in tactical situations, but it really does help. If we have to do evacuations. We have other critical information that we need to get out as
fast as possible through a distance. This is something that really helps with that through the through 2021, I believe we got this. That was in our policy. There's a button on. I think you could still see it on this device itself. It has deactivated. So there's no but not creates noise at all to pastor to bother you can only be used a communication device for our officers to go to communicate with suspects. Community during evacuations are critical incidents. Specialist firearms and ammunitions. This is a little just more towards the kind of munitions our officers carry and the swat team. And this is just for their rifles and the kind of ammunition that specifically goes for those rifles. It's nothing. Various but common for operators to carry these kinds of things. Nothing too special about it. It just required by the report. Armored rescue vehicle also known as a bear count. This is what it looks like. Next year will have a photo that looks like from our back lot, not in the snow. So I apologize for that. But with this vehicle does, is it that it is armored rescue vehicle? So inside of able carry, our officers are also able to get very close to suspects who are armed to be able to negotiate with them. And again, surrender peacefully is the main concept of it. There are no weapons attached to this vehicle at all. There are no weapons inside of the vehicle. There's no weapons attached to any part of it at all. So on a daily basis, we branch commuting gauges events. Kids get in it. Our community members get it. They can go throughout it. It's just an armored rescue vehicle that allows our officers to get very close to suspects in dangerous situations to build,
effectively communicate with them. What we've learned in the era of tech not in the area of technology is everyone we think has a cell phone. Unfortunately, when a crisis happens, no one has a cell phone with them. So this allows our officers to get very close to houses, to barricade individuals and cars to build, to communicate with them with our negotiators in the passenger seat who are completely safe from a bulletproof vehicle to be able to help them be able to do that and how those negotiations. Additionally, we've had several minor incident of flooding throughout the city, in particular, on the east side of town and one and these the time for sure, we use our BearCat to be able to drive through the water to be able to rescue people, to be able do that. It's kind of fun because we can get the fire department used his vehicle to rescue people, too. So we've enjoyed that element of it. But it really is a universal vehicle that helps us and a lot of ways help with our community. It's got ports on the side that allow us to talk to the officers and our sergeants second, communicate those ports without having open large doors and making them more vulnerable to being shot at or other elements. But this vehicle in the past year has taken at least one shot at by a suspect and it was able to defend against that shot and the officer wasn't injured during that moment as well. Are breaching apparatus. These are just tools that help us be able to get into spaces are barricaded primarily through doors, whether it's the front door or bedroom doors. This is one of the shotgun rifle shotgun rounds that allows us to basically use a shotgun put up against the door handle basically shoot in there break the mechanism to be able to allow us to get in. This is a kinetic breaching tool. This
basically just goes up against that same area. It doesn't shoot a projectile. It just. Have electronic connector, kinetic breaching tool that slide up against the locking mechanism to breach the door to allow us to get in. It's actually much faster, much safer in a bit quieter. So helps walkersville to get into things quicker safer and we're not shooting a projectile that could have collateral issues associated with them. Are unmanned aerial or ground systems. This is more focused on drones and the robots that we These the main to drones. We have the top left. You can see in the bottom, senator, the top left is primarily our exterior drones that we use for larger scale events. Anything you for doing a search warrant? We'll use these to kind of help us set up perimeter with our officers. Additionally, we use that drone quite often for missing people in particular, our seniors that leave and kind of have the compensation in their lives. But they don't know where they are. They don't communicate. They don't have licked heart devices. This actually helps us be able to look for them because there's cameras associated. We can track them much easier and cover more surface area. Then just with our officers. We also use it for other large-scale events we had led to 2 years ago. Are drones twice helped us prevent against using additional force. One was a domestic violence incident where the suspect had the victim in his car with a knife to her throat at night are sergeant. That was on scene dispatch that specific drone was able to use the lighting mechanism on it to light up the inside of the car. So we could see that the suspect did have a knife. Ultimately they were you able to use that to distract the suspect? The victim was able to get out of the car? The 6 foot successfully recover her
and then be able to negotiate with the suspect to come out. The second time we used during that same time, Curry was a vehicle pursuit with the suspect actually crashed. Suspect was refusing to comply with commands to come out of the vehicle. We are about ready to send one of our trained canine dogs to go and get the suspect to come out of the vehicle before doing that. One of her students, sergeant said, why do we set up a drone first because it was night as well. They set up that drone. Same lady mechanism was able to light up the vehicle. We're able to see the suspect did have a firearm in the passenger seat of the car. But equally as important we will see because he crashed his vehicle during that vehicle. Pursuit actually penned himself in the car and was not able to actually get out. So actually change the tactics in which we used because we're able to identify in real time. That was more than just a safety issue. He couldn't actually comply physically. He wasn't being intentionally at that point of a sieve. So we're able to change the techniques that we did first get the gun out safely and then use medical to get him out instead of using additional force that would have been justified. But still not the right tool for that moment. The top right is a drug is a robot. It's currently not. We have in our I quit man. Currently not operational. Our goal is to use grant funding to find another robot that we more effective to be able to go into homes in the robots. What we do with those as we send those in primarily just like drones in bottom one particular is an interior drone. We used drones or robots to be able to go into houses to ensure that safety is officers and operators
start to make their way into houses. It can help us clear rooms and get intelligence about what's happening before we send bodies inside of houses that could potentially get injured or worse in those moments. So those are primer interior items that we use. You can find the policies that we use associated with all this information is well swat and use of force on our website. You can also find this report itself on our website is available. Like I said, 24 7 throughout the entire year. If you have any questions or community has questions, they're always able to email me directly. I know chief loves getting e-mails is more able chief or the easiest ways to 84 81 Sr city dot order. If approved. But the recommendation it will allow us to be able to pursue purchasing these items. If necessary. You will see when you went through that council report, there are a lot of items we are not going to be purchasing all of them. This just gives us authority as we go through 2, if we need them to be able to purchase them. This is only as part of this. We're not asking for additional funding to help purchase any of these items. It's already part of only only purchase that we make our part of our current budget as well. So budget impact associated with it. It's also allows us to continue using the equipment that we're currently using. I've been using for years and the importance of why we need those equipment, kind of how we've highlighted today. And and also understanding the current inventory that we have and the needs for them, some more things in the future come up. Without approval of the department will not have access will cease to use any
of the items that are listed in. 41, all the items we talked about today as well will no longer have the tools to effectively respond to minimize risk to critical incidents. And we'll have to rely on outside agencies like the sheriff's department had a loom are even Moraine County to address critical incidents that would have to get handled right now. It's at agency because we wouldn't be allowed to use those tools to effectively take people into custody safely as possible. So the recommendation is to have counsel. I want say this. Yeah, thank you. So essentially you're going to buy resolution determined that you don't need to either repeal the existing ordinance or make any changes to the ordinance. >> Yes, thank you. Sorry. Want to mess that up with the report? All right. My thanks you. Questions. All right. Questions or anybody with questions on this report. >> COUNCILMAN Ben Willows. One or 2 questions. Thank you for the report. It's really appreciate it. >> I just wondered, mentioned that you had a community meeting and then as you said in JANUARY, what kind of feedback did you get or what? Yeah, how was that meeting? Course, one of the first questions we get asked is one of these tools. >> If any of it is allowed to be used during protests and the first First Amendment assemblies. We were very clear that almost none of these are allowed to be used for those. The only thing that we've used during the First Amendment was the drones. And during the
recent no Kings protest, the folks that organizing that reach out to me directly during this prior to that on the last month, I think I met with the organizers at least 3 times and percent and 2 other times virtually we actually tell them, hey, we have our drones. We're going to be using them for perimeter so we can see if anyone's Triton negatively impact our First Amendment rights. It's not for surveillance of you all will tell you where they are. They could see them so they knew they existed. And it was really just to help us monitor, especially because the marches. We want to make sure that cars are being used as weapons against them. So we're very forthcoming about how we're using that. They're not for surveillance of the First Amendment. It's to protect those protesters. So they were aware of that. The other items we don't use during protests. Another item that did come up on that is says questions about could any of this use with cooperation with federal resources with immigration enforcement? And so we were very clear under no circumstances whatsoever. We went over some of the basics of Senate Bill 54 and that that we're not going to be cooperating with anything. And that was just like a hot topic at the at the time. It still continues to be obviously. And we made that very clear that were not partnering with federal resources and certainly under no circumstances would be utilizing these tools for immigration enforcement. Thank you. And just have said was that no, the last no king's and I did see the drone. >> we're all like, wow, what is the to to know that but the purpose of that was nobody seemed upset about everything. But everybody noticed it. Yeah. That was the point we want to be. Didn't want people feeling. They were being surveilled. We thought it was more important to be transparent and clear about
what our intentions Pure Point Council Monday. >> We have several points of feedback from the community thing. We felt more safe to be downtown during that protest others. And if in the end, if the community comes back and says they're grateful for the way we're helping protect the First Amendment. That's the right choice for us as an organization. And thank you for that of the only other question was, I think you mentioned that you would not be purchasing these unless you. >> Needed to. If I understood that quickly, what what are the indicators of for you to think that feel that you need them? Yes. >> Yeah. So there's certain levels in which we like to keep certain equipment. So, for example, or blue tip rounds or even some gas items, for example, there are times because a lot of those items do have an expiration date and that usually about 5 years. So that's a good indicator of We need to repurchase to make sure we have inventory in case they need to be used when it comes to things like drones and the robots and rv's a lot of times that's really depend upon the technology that continues to change and evolve in our community. We have 3 different kinds of drones. There's that you that we showed you. We all saw that kite, John, that you saw on top of one of the buildings that one can stay stationary. They all have a different benefit. So that drone in particular, if it's plugged into power, can stay up there forever. So that does help us with the resources that actually takes one operator Bill to do that. Where our maneuverable drones actually take 2 officers are to staff one to fly it and want to verify, make sure it's not going to come in contact with
anything else in the area. So as technology continues to change, we look at other ways of evolving with technology with the community is another indicator of when we do purchase things and we don't purchase things. And then we also look at it. What's needed by the commuting with the community. Expectations are. So if the community expects us to be doing a certain thing and we're not prepared to do that on, that's when we look for items that we need to be able to meet and exceed those expectations of community. >> All right. Anyone else with questions seeing none. We will go to public comment on this item. Fred. All you. >> Technologies is procured from the military or is just military type technology that is procured from the same people who the military get it from. >> Anyone else. >> Yes, David, here is just you indicated one vehicle that you sold. I mean, it just rolls into your budget then. I mean, you've been talking about acquisition of parts potentially new devices, buddy, you might potentially have other devices who items that you would sell. >> Thank you very much. Is there anyone else that I can speak on this? Seeing none. We'll close public comment. I'll give you an opportunity to I'll ask the questions, indicate a back and forth. But in regards to the budgetary concern as well as the procurement for the military. Can you address those? Them separate procurement portion of that. We do not purchase any equipment that is from the military. >> As a matter of fact, councilmember been Wilson's question earlier, one of the criticisms we often get during the community meeting is that none of our equipment would
hold up in the military. So it's not actually nothing that would actually be used in the military at all. Are drones have no ability to carry anything or they used to carry anything armored rescue vehicle would not survive anything outside of law enforcement uses. And we do We are not part of the exchange program at the military had think it still is ongoing. Prior agencies have use, we can get military equipment and law enforcement purposes. The city itself does not allow for that. And the it does not have any equipment associated with that exchange program that exist. Exists now. It was popular several years ago as well when it comes time to items that we do. So, yes, there are items we have sold that were part of a be. 41 one was the command vehicle that we had was a very large rv that we use for negotiations and a command post. Additionally, we've also sold other drones that no longer have any sort of ability for us to fix them or address their issues that they had because companies have gone out of business or the software updates can't be done anymore. And those were sold in compliance with city regulations as well as part of that, there's no information that was related to any police activity associated with those drones, meaning if that drone was able to record anything, no recordings are staying on those devices. So when they're sold, no ones getting any additional information about those Thank you very much. All right. With that, we will turn to Councilmember MacDonald for a motion. >> Welcome back. After the motion. >> Thank you. Vice Mayor. I move to adopt the resolution as amended by staff. >> We have a motion by Councilmember MacDonald in a second by Councilmember Rogers Council right give a final comment.
>> Yes, I did have a comment. I wanted to say congratulations to the chief for his accomplishments. But one of the reasons why I feel so confident with our department having the equipment that they need is because I believe that we have good leadership and that's not that is ut. But it's not just you. I feel like we have a lot of good leaders that work directly under you. And we also have a lot of great staff and you're making sure that our staff are educated. They're knowledgeable and they know what they're doing when they are on our streets and so and working in the different departments. And so that gives me as a council member that has to sit up here and make decisions that gives me, you know. One is sense of pride, but also that I'm making the right decisions. When I give you the equipment that you need to go out there and key all of us safe because you know how to use it. You know what it is and you know, when not to use it. And so I just wanted to give a big thank you to the department for all the work that they have been doing despite any comments that me from people with opposition. We we address them. We listen and we proceed as as we should. So thank you so much. Thank you. Anybody else with any final comments or questions seeing none. MADAM City clerk when you're ready. >> Thank you. Vice Mayor Councilmember Rogers, I Councilmember Macdonald, I councilmember Fleming. Yes,
Councilmember Ben Willows. Yes, Councilmember Alvarez is absent. Mayor step is absent by smear. I let the record show this pass the 5 affirmative votes. >> All right. Thank you very much. We'll move on to number 17 legislative written communications. We have a legislative update that's attached the agenda we move on to item 18 public comment non agenda matters. Seeing as how there is no public. We will close public comment on non agenda matters and we will move on to a German did. We'll adjourn this meeting at 6.25, thank you, everyone.