City Council

ask the interpreter currently on the Spanish channel to come in strict interpretation of the meeting. For those just joining that meeting, live interpretation in Spanish is available and members of the public or staff wishing to listen in Spanish, enjoying the Spanish channel by clicking on the interpretation icon in the to a bar. It looks like a glove. If you are on your cell phone or tablet locate the 3 dots, captain Ledley and put a check mark on your preferred language. Put down to activate and begin the interpretation. Would you join the Spanish Channel? We recommend you shut up the main audio. So you only hear the Spanish interpretation. Claudia, will you please restate this in Spanish? Yes, thank you. >> asked how to stop those be many of knows to be shows the professional, but got to be When you listen we do will nominate Ashley more you. But at the Nasdaq, Cisco Ice case could avoided if he had a parting put your month. Get in my view, final thought little of that You see where the moon don't sleep Couldn't pick and they say, quote, no His cause by a topsfield being delayed twice by said Pecan. And you know, my Spaniard. It MAY coming to Putin that it is the one in a spying on the nomination finding out. He stepping a school? Don't think that's any of these 2. Motion not a complete. IPad is. But I know that Facebook post in part of I know that each other. But I mean, I people who are the you know that he

chose put Yeah. A wholly those final that will not allow I could mask in us by a little more. I in English pretty. But public even levels in Lancet, you Look, we can design the heat place spend peak in this poignant in many of them and they win it. Chad want that in his opinion, which he some come up before Thank you very much. Back to you. >> Hello and welcome everyone to our AUGUST 6, 2024 center of the City Council meeting. It is now one. 31 and we will be starting our meeting saying a quarter. City clerk, MAY you please call the roll. Thank you, Councilmember Chris Rogers Councilmember Okrepkie Councilmember MacDonald Air Councilmember Fleming Councilmember Office. >> Vice Mayor stop here. Mayor Rogers PRESIDENT, let the record show that all council members are present with the exception of Councilmember Alvarez. Thank you. We will now proceed to 3, which is our a 3.1 conference with Labor. >> Negotiators City clerk. Can you please facilitate public comment on this item? >> Thank you. We are now taking public comment on item 3.1. If you are in council chamber him like to comment but have not yet provided a speaker card or your name. Please make your way to the podium. You have 3 minutes and a countdown timer will or at the end of that period as you approach the podium, please state your name for the record. If you choose to do so. Speaker on the sector and please go ahead. >> My name is Sam Hole on the vice PRESIDENT. 14 0, fresh firefighters know county. I was here 2 weeks ago. She guys are thrilled to see But I'm here to just tell you guys, we've worked very, very hard last 2 weeks negotiations table and come up with substantial concessions. They're in the hands of your negotiators. Now. This is real

money. Real that I'm sure members deserve. But we're making every effort we can to bargain in good and that's something you guys to see today. Not, please ask about we can negotiate Obviously in good news. That's not council's We're asking from us and for the city seem actually negotiate beyond just the bare number of the pattern. Bargaining number. We're kind of in a cycle where the city council go-ers have different roles, obviously, But we can't pass the buck back before Thursday. Need for real negotiations take place? As we all know, our city talks about a comparable cities That's how it's supposed to be done for us. It's been done that way with all the other city that I'm aware of. Also been done that way with Citi executives. This is an important foundation of how these labor negotiations are supposed to go. Need for you guys is authorization for that process to actually If the negotiators are bound by a hard and fast number that everybody else has gotten, we cannot have those good negotiations occurrence or ask the guys that. Come up with the to make that happen and authorize the negotiators to do This is not something that can be swept under the rug at this point. You you guys, all her firefighters be couple weeks ago since Senate one of my everyone absolutely, you know, still got that meeting. I'm expecting that if you're something good from their friends and as time passes and we will continue to respond to emergencies out of contract. I'm not pressure is growing and I'm feeling it. You know, this is something also the public is going to feel and that the city council members are going to feel you heard the senator apartment,

not just our employees. It's causing his recruitment, retention issues. It's something that needs to be fixed. I understand is a lot of questions because are super complicated. It's kind of weird because we have this thing. We don't deal directly with the city. Steve and I are happy to respond any questions. Have. We can actually get, you know, very as longer than those bargaining rules. The bottom line here is that you're our elected officials here in And that's not the negotiations. Team is not city executives. You guys, we know that you can make the right decisions. We trust you to make those decisions. Understand it's not easy. It's not easy to hold elected office and have people coming to your balance, the budget personnel and doing the right thing by employees. The good news is there is a path forward financially responsible path and path to keep the faith with your firefighters. Look for it here for Thank you. >> Thank u next. Because the head. >> Mary Council, thank you for your time. And Stephen Oporto, director of Centers of Firefighters. I do want to thank everyone for listen to the firefighters last I know there's a lot of us and there's a lot of passing spoken at that meeting. And I can tell you every day that we've been out of contract, that passion and turning into frustration is growing every you know, we've a lot of hard work like like Sam was saying on the job and to be out of contract. Now, while we're still coming in every day and doing that work starting to. Certainty that the members a lot, it's not the not the passion for a job or the work we're doing. I'm sure everybody up Altavista can attest to the to the hard work

that our members did that day to save those homes up But it is still there. I want to ensure to the council that we are unified in our stance that we deserve a fair contract. Are going with the comparable cities. That's what we deserved. That's what every other units been allowed to. And that's what we're going to fight for that we have that contract using our comparable cities. I just like to encourage the council to take unbiased look at our current counteroffer. It's with the negotiating team now and hopefully will be presented to you at closed session. Negotiating team did work hard like we just previously said to bring we consider a very fair contract for Something that does work for both sides get this deal done and get everyone back on track. While every every person and every employee of the city provides a valuable service. Each unit has its own needs. You know, it's it's impossible to compare each unit each other and put it all in one box. One unit might need the other one, maybe even a different area. And you really don't. We don't believe the city can work in that over everyone supposed to get the same thing and we can't allow we need to. We need out there bargaining between each unit in our unit is no different. We really would appreciate that. Their bargaining bargaining doing with this contract keep this short and Just like Sam's that I'm looking forward to hearing from city for negotiations. The mall after the closed session today and really, really do see about 4 beers and hopefully all see that We could get it done. Thank >> Thank you, Mary. See no one else approaching the podium for closed session. Public comment. And with that, we will recess into closed

session. >> All right. Welcome back, we will now be reconvening are. >> Is 6 2024 Santa Rosa City Council meeting. It is now to 31 in seeing the Koran city clerk MAY please call the roll. Thank you, Mayor. Councilmember Chris Rogers, you're kept key here. Councilmember MacDonald here, Councilmember Fleming. Council member for us. Vice Mayor stop Mayor Rogers, PRESIDENT, but their records show that all council members are present with the exception of Councilmember Alvarez. Perfect mix. We will now proceed to item 4 hours. Study sessions for day that all handed over to MADAM. City manager. >> Thank you, Good. Good afternoon. Mayor members of council I do 4.1 is a development services strategic plan. >> Good afternoon, Mayor vice mayor members of the council gave has burned director of planning and economic development. And joining me today is Aaron back early from Matrix Consulting group, both air and I are very excited to present our draft development services strategic plan today. This particular plan is really focusing on development services. And when we look at development services, it really focuses on the individual services provided by multiple departments and divisions within the city to support private land development. That includes general customer service. It can include the processing. Obviously there's plan review an inspection that are part of that as well. So this is really looking at that in totality. And it's looking at how the city holistically provides that service to residents in this community. So obviously one of the

challenges in this exercise is because it does go across departmental lines. Really, what we're looking at is more of a collaboration with our partners and other other departments and divisions and really understanding how we can build a solid foundation for development services that maintains continuing the process. Consistency and we're really delivering those services and uniform fashion across all those specific divisions throughout the city. So this is really critical to how development services are provided the future in Santa Rosa, what we're looking at here obviously is a 3 to 5 year strategic plan the implementation will be laid out within that timeframe in alignment with council goals. So we're factoring that into the process. And it really, as I mentioned, it's going to focus on a lot of those foundational elements and we build from that moving forward. There is a bit of a difference between a process improvement plan and a strategic As I mentioned, a strategic plan is building the foundation and hopefully that foundation allows for capacity to due process improvement moving forward. But imagine as part of the public process, we will hear about unique services that are provided in the department the community MAY want to see improved. Our MAY think and benefit from little tweaks here and there are more than happy to accept that feedback as part of this presentation. So kick it off with a very quick I will be talking a bit about the background of development services, how it's formed and how we deliver Plainview inspection services throughout the various divisions. We'll talk a bit about goals and project approach. When we went down this avenue to develop this plan, we had a defined set of goals and what we wanted to hopefully accomplish with this. Also talk about key findings and issues a

strategic plan, focus areas and recommendations and then we'll get into next steps and feedback. I just want to point out that documents attached today's presentation are fairly robust. We want to provide as much information as possible to the public there was a lot of community engagement both internally and externally that was done as part of this process. And it's highlighted in that as well as this moves forward for adoption will shrink it down to a more concise and very direct strategic plan over that 3 to 5 years. Look at development As I mentioned, this is really planner view inspection is the easiest way to look at for the totality of applications that are submitted to the department. And that could be very large residential development applications or it could be homeowner initiated exercises. So we looked at all those as part of this process. And really we tried from development services to have a one-stop shop or a singular counter. So most of those activities go through planning and economic development. We take in the permits. We quite few of those permit applications directly through our engineering planning and building divisions. And then when the subject matter expertise gets into other departments, those applications are referred out so planning and economic development is really the lead. But the department shown underneath that play a very, very critical role to some of our larger development applications. The water department has authority over the review of the water wastewater and stormwater systems. So as projects either expand or modify that infrastructure that's referred to the Water Department for review. They also manage their demand fees or connection fees for new development and the new connections to the water and wastewater systems. The fire Department also plays a

very critical role. Obviously, with new developments are looking at access and being able to protect that building. That's physical design of the building. But it's also fire protection systems that go into the building. The fire department is a bit unique that they actually do issue their own permits that are a companion to larger development applications. So that is handled directly to the fire department. The Transportation Public Works Department time very to the design and the proper design of streets Destrehan connectivity, street lighting and general streetscape. So we coordinate quite a bit with the traffic engineering team to make sure that projects are incorporating those requirements. And then also the recreation Parks Department plays a pretty critical role in It's a bit unique that they're only brought in when parks are But as developments are required to build public parks or pay mitigation fees for that, we work very closely with recreation and parks on the court nation about effort. So look at development It's changed quite a bit in the city over the years. There were times when there very defined and large development services divisions that existed in the departments and they had authority to produce really from start to finish. And there were times when customers where we're going between multiple counters in the city to actually basically get that atalyia permits needed for the development application. It was a significant effort to really sort of reorganize those services and consolidate those services. In 2009, 2010, there was a lot of engineering and consolidation that happened that created engineering development services that now

exists within planning and economic development that moved to very much a centralized counter. Also along that time, we had a pretty significant recessions. So there were budget reductions that took place and we reduce staff as part of that process. So really we we had small teams that were in planning and economic development that we're very focused on a particular item. And there wasn't much redundancy in that process. So it would be one person that was dealing with process. And that was due to really the merger and then also the reduction that took place as part of that. So what we saw a really after the recession is that was a gradual increase in development 3, 2014 to 2017, we saw some minor staffing increases that went along with that to keep that demand but it wasn't a huge jump to the totals that we've seen in the early 2. Thousands, a very gradual increase. And then of course, we have a temps fire in that really change the process for us. We managed entirely different division just to manage the Tubbs Fire response. We saw a lot of activity move to the Tubbs fire. So there was a deployment of resources in a different way. But most development outside of the fire rebuild was slow at that time. And we saw a really a dramatic increase in 2018. The outside of the fire rebuild area, but also inside. And it has really drawn development activity up. And we've seen some of the highs development totals the city has ever seen as far as total permitting amounts and really how we respond to that. We did see a

growth and staff, but it was really a shift in culture to more of a Brian, some professional services. And those are consultants so we typically have consultants to plan. Review consultants can do staff augmentation, such as administrative assistance inspection. Pretty much all the touch points throughout the development overall process. We've used consultants for so heavy reliance benefit with consultants as it becomes a really found the can go on and off as permits increase and decrease. So really when we look at large this doesn't really play out on some of the smaller development applications. But it shows you the interaction of the various staff. So we typically have 3 phases in development review. There are the planning approvals often known as entitlements. We have construction drawings and permitting others are generally you're building permits or engineering permits with actually construct physical work. And then we have the management of that construction process through inspection to the end of the project. So planning approvals are run by Lee Division of Planning. When you get into the construction permits. It depends on where it is in the public right of way. Our engineering team takes lead if it's building its building, if it's fire, it's fire and then inspections. It becomes very specific to what the individuals and leads are really the same as the permitting wear it. If it's the fire department there conducting those inspections. But then we have quite a few support departments and divisions that go into that. So when planning approvals come in, we have our engineering are building team. Our traffic team Materials lab in tp wr storm. Our team for prevent prevention and parks are all really rallying around

that application type to meet those timelines. But as you can see, a lot of those same teams are actually working on the construction phase as well. And reduces down a bit on the inspection. But we have overlap there as well. And what we run into a healthy development scenario is the team is running around to those 3 buckets trying to meet the timelines. So really looking at efficiency and process understanding the structure of the staffing determining how we work with those departments to not overly burdened them, especially when their responsibility MAY exist as a higher priority somewhere else because they're smaller teams. So really, it is taking this very dynamic universe and trying to put a very concrete and inconsistent approach to it. And that was really the goal of what we want and want to do with this plan without really going into the specifics. That was our strategy really moving forward. So at this point, I will hand the presentation over to MISTER Beverly and he will talk a bit about the strategic plan goals. Thank you. A game. >> Council and mayor pledged to be here. Aaron Baddeley makers consulting group. And I just want to they just haven't really to the strategic plan goals for development services across the various cities departments and the strategic plan goes really focus on these 5 key areas of defining and realigning development service calls or bridges between the various players and development of u arena looking at solutions that are focused on equipping empowering a developing staff to make decisions that are appropriate at there, their level within the organization to facilitate a fish and effective process throughout weathers entitlement, the permitting side his special Also, there's a great opportunity to align resources, technology and organizational needs to

provide more predictable customer experience throughout the process. And this goes both internally and externally with the customers that you served in the community. Also look at strategies to divine improvement to the development services operations and efficiencies around those areas. And then also at 3 to 5 year implementation strategy to align with goals that have been adopted by the council under strategic goal most recently with that and so lining the strategic plan to align with those service calls that you have identified as a council priorities at this year and into the future as well. As we go to the next slide, it's just going provide an overview of our project approach over the last 15 to 17 months as part of this strategic plan development. We break our process down into 2 phases, the input phase and then the analysis space, the input phase included a combination of interviews, both one-on-one conversations group's focus, sections of focus group Sessions with staff across planning and development and several other departments as well who are involved in this is gave mentioned earlier with that. And we also did extensive data collection list as part of this and employee survey to gather input from all individuals involved and the services arena here in the city of Santa Rosa. Secondarily, we also reached out pass customers of the city's past clients submitted applications received permits are I had a special completed as part of This conducted in a 2 phased approach on the first-base was an online survey to get some standardized feedback that went out to about 5500 active email addresses and receive about 10% response rate to that. About 545 responses for

that. And then in addition to the survey, we did focus group meetings, one-on-one conversations, focus group meetings with some of those prior customers with also Matt with representatives from the North Coast Building Exchange and some of chamber members as well to understand the small business community, some of those professional building communities well, to get that input. And then a final input phase was a U.S. Walk, which is a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges assessment that we did with all hands on meeting with staff last SEPTEMBER and just to get their input understand their perspectives and to have a large group discussion. And it was a great and possession with all staff to get their input on the trains, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges are threats to the provision development services. I was in the city of Santa Rosa also as part of that, we had a mission and vision setting session to talk about what they thought the mission division should be of the provision of development services within the city. And another survey to get feedback based on some of the feedback we received and that meeting as well. The next talk about that second base analysis phase of. Our study and developing the strategic plan for the provision development services within the city of Santa Rosa. We did a practice assessment of where our team prior former development officials across the country and we've worked with over 50 agencies in the last 5 years alone. So we have developed a comprehensive best practices listed in a fight. The current that development services teams have related to the provision of these services, but also opportunities for improvement. That led into announces a recommendation

based where we had a lot service levels, customer service approaches, performance goals, timeline, workload, communication, collaboration, and technology assessment to analyze those and do a deep dive develop recommendations with that. And then that culminated into a draft that he plan which was attached to your agenda, which is gave mention, was about 100 pages of strategic plan and on 2 set out about 35 to 45 goals for prison development services. I just some of the key input feedback that we received as part of this. As I mentioned, we did external stakeholder feedback outreach. As we mentioned, this went out to prior customers for the last 2 to 3 years engage with. Either the entitlement, the building permitting our inspection process with the city. And this survey went out last in 2023. As I mentioned, we had 522 responses. And I think one thing to note of the respondents who their 46 and a half percent identify these are as a business owner are home are and often those individuals are not well versed in a development process in the city. They're coming in their opening. A business is the first time they've ever really engage with the development process within the city. And so they often are not experience incoming in receiving a permit or a fine for an application or not well versed in this often times. And so we would like to look at that and break down analysis to see what it is because you got somebody who's a frequent flyer. They're going have a different perspective. Then those individuals who are coming in for that fence permit or to help in that building, that new restaurant in your

downtown core. Something like that. Overall, the external feedback was generally positive skew more positive than negative as a feedback. But some of the areas that they didn't identify for improvement were sitting in meeting time on expectations Amazon affect. Everybody expects free two-day shipping. And if you don't get on that second there you have to pay for shipping. You're not meeting expectations anymore. And that's related to timelines of see that across the country doesn't matter how robust your time lines are. If you're not meeting them, always identifies opportunity for improvement. Other areas for improvement, including information available online and then understanding cities roles within and within the greater process. And I think that graphic that was presented earlier with just a number of departments and divisions and teams involved in development, permit inspection process really give credence to that where it's hard to understand roles. If you're outside the organization of the various divisions are teams and a part of since can range from 2 or 3 up to 6 or 8, depending on the type of project that you have. The graph here. This is transitioning to the employee survey and some in the internal feedback that we had on the streets of the organization from employees within the various. Development services departments and teens related to this. Some of the key areas that were Dana, 5 trains for related to their colleagues. Attitudes added to the department and 2 staff communication staff, knowledge, leadership and processing teamwork. It's clear there's a collaborative

approach within these various departments are working for the provision development services both internally and externally with this. As we go to the next slide, it discusses the opportunities for improvement for staff. While communication was a second greatest streams. The flip side here is. Communications. Also the greatest opportunity for improvement. And this goes both internally within the various departments and team, but also a way of their top. City council city manager as well. And that was really feedback on this, but also some of the opportunities for a number staff processes, documentation and technology, area's employees identified for improvement opportunities here. And so you'll see some of integrate into the various recommendations teaching plan to address some of the opportunities for improvement, but also to play off the streets of the organization to build on some of the positive momentum that staff feel is in place. Some of the key findings and that came out of the study, whether it was through employee surveys employee interview, stakeholder feedback or challenges with the best management practices is that is clear that with the current approach in the number department's number teams that are involved in development review process under significant autonomy between review disciplines while even within planning and economic development, you have 3 primary groups that facilitate a lot of that development. There's a lot of autonomy and kingdom's within that within that department and not necessarily lot of

collaboration. Between the various review disciplines with that. Number 2, I key finding was related to there's not really a single individual over the entire development review process. And Gary Gabe, overseas planning and economic development, which is a lot of the process. But he's a department head. But there's also department heads and Cheryl, several other departments with that. And so there's no single individual who really understands and overseas entire developer of the permitting inspection process. There's no permitting is our developments are here. There's no single entity that when you have a question for you, go to the size of city manager and is it filter down? There's not somebody who's really overseeing that get a pulse on that because department has a different focus areas that they're they're doing and directors board in many different directions. Wanting with this is staff often have a limited understanding outside of their core discipline and that's related to the autonomy of each of the review disciplines with that They do their job very well and they have a good grasp of what their role in that process is. But there is limited understanding outside of that core area that they focus And that is challenge that is has rippled through various areas. Another key challenge was technology negatively impacts There's why a lack of cohesiveness and permitting a software systems within the city. Different use between various divisions and teens related to it. Different experience, different levels with that. And that impacts operational efficiencies as

well. And this after an shift in priorities has limited productivity and lower staff around. This is one of the negative areas. It came out. Employee survey conversation is a lot of staff turnover. A lot of movement. Lot of organizational changes and that has limited pro productivity and a lot of shifting priorities and a lot of fires to put out, which has impacted efficiencies within various teams providing development services. As look at some of the focus areas that are our really address some of these key findings and challenges with it. We really budgeted the the focus areas and the 4 areas. And this was to really unite Development Services team around a single operational We talked about a mission vision statement. You'll see a couple examples that we provide it in there on to really help to find that and to be a rallying point and a rallying cry for the various teams involved in development services. Also another strategic plan. Focus areas was improved predictability for the public and staff but internally and to have a predictable process. Predictable Set those expectations and meet expectations. But their bucket that we looked at was implement a culture that emphasizes customer service. While believe there's a lot of strong customer within the city these various teams is inconsistent and customer service needs to be consistent as best it can everone approaches in our opinion and how we address things. And that is perfectly But to really focus and has some key performance metrics around customer service and some and key points to to really equip staff to be able to have some of challenging individuals who MAY submit an application. We are not or who has issues with that. And then the 4th one is

leverage technology to improve operational efficiencies. Staff are really working with one hand behind your back right now on a lot of areas because a lack of technology or systems that are up today are really having the tools to work efficiently and effectively. As we transition from these focus areas of some of the key recommendations. There's there's several, many more in the report. But we just want to focus on some of the key ones are better. Are the major ones here that are some of the Harper are these and we group recommendations and to several buckets in the first one being management administration. And circling back to one of the key previously is each review just mentioned. Define specific goals to make your strategic plan efforts. How to how are they going to increase their knowledge about their service? Here is how are they going to bridge the gap between their division and other divisions there? How are they going to be to the mission and vision that city has adopted for the provision development services. Did a bill to do. That is really number to establishing regular schedule, functional team and development services all hands on meetings. I Remember last year were sitting in one of the conference rooms and a lot of review just wonders came together and somebody always such a pleasure to meet you. They've been here 9 months and they had communication e-mail back and forth. Even I think team meetings. But yet they never met in person and they did very similar things into different departments. I think really how it is some of the economy that wasn't within various teams and some of the challenges said that are there with the provision of services. Also as part of this, overcoming some of the solid, the fact is really training training materials to provide an overview development review process and

the roles and responsibilities of the various teams. As I mentioned, one of the challenges is a lot staff turnover over the last few years and having morning materials as a training. So staff when they come in, they get to know what their role is. But also what part they are the broader development review process and what that looks like and how they integrate into larger team and a holistic view point. The provision of development services within the city. Also as part of equipping staff and is a need to create succession planning and cross training of staff for all teams he respected that gave mentioned some of the challenges coming out, the Great Recession and early teens was you has single individual suing a lot of that just head down. Folks know one thing that was a lot of cross training said that person left the organization or retire. I did. You might have challenges Backfilling dad and you have the institutional knowledge that walks out the door. So there's a significant opportunity to Belmont implement succession, planning strategies for all teams and also the quitting your your staff to continue to do a great job and to grow as professionals. And number 5 here, this was for is going to sting a little for for council is really city elected and appointed should refrain from input on the day-to-day operations. You know, we need equip you as well. So you understand what the process is and when you get a question from Ascension so you can build answering, provide that level of service immediately. Is that having to go through the city manager and go down through gave and go down to to get some different answers on some Was something not getting done or what is going on here. And so really equipping you and to be prepared to answer that or provide the resources, say, hey, you know, we've got a lot of great information on the website. We'll talk about that in a minute. But providing the information out

there. Where the department really run the day-to-day and focus on the main points providing a provision services in a timely and effective manner. A few other that is this key that are missing right now is establishing and before and monitoring performance expectations. There's a lack of information out home before Munson workload and what teams are doing. How quickly are they turning around now? Patients quickly here today, turning around the permit, your team's doing a lot of great work and showcase at the show that when you do get a complaint of a want to take my application 6 months to get through, you have information say, hey, unfortunately, you're an anomaly or conversely, hey, we had it for 30 days. Architect or engineer Tad for 5 months. Have that to have that. If you have those reports that are out there that can be easily found and that resource can do then, a vigil condition self a research themselves and see the application portal say my engineer. That's not on the side the city. And also training center. Performance reports, right? Internal and external yewtree others dashboards out there. I know some of that's being worked on right now. Think that's critical to what you're doing and how your performances ebb and flow improves or maybe not improve over the last few months and to provide that out there both internally and externally that very transparent on that performance expectations and whether or not your meeting that or not. Another area of improvement is formalize on boarding and in-service training program to mention a little bit about this to quitting your staff, getting them onboard center as the

training that is out there. So Steph are quick jump right into their job. And once they've been here, I I there's a lot along to your employees within the city. So Santa Rosa must be a great place to work, but continuing equipment to do their job, providing that professional, great professional developed with his in-service training opportunities, standardize that so they can continue to do in their profession and Service, both city and community that they serve. Another area. We talked about this earlier, specific customer service training program and service customer service, a vacation. The finding that establishing that an equipment staff to be able to some of those more challenging and difficult conversations, how to properly approach it, how to no, no, hey, this is something need to go to my supervisor to get a manager for the past at all. That's well outside of the area that they need to be addressing with. Couple of final years. And the management is implement more formalized hovered for policies to enhance internal collaboration. And there's a few tools as staff mentioned that would make their life much easier and and the environment that that the city allows and to maintain operational efficiency and effectiveness. And then finally, the area that ties this is always challenging and is often heavy lifting. The beginning. But once you start this, really makes life a life here. Israeli review and update to zoning engineering design center's infrastructure designed Sanders every 3 years on a rotating basis. As we all know, technology is evolving quickly and rapidly. And so as a built environment and what is especially sustainability, cause environmental issues.

Estate legislation come out, Sacramento, it's important to really ensure that zoning and design standards up to date and really reflected type of. New technology, new integration, new design approaches that are to fit that built environment. So things align with that person's been inception. And so updating those every 3 years on a rotating basis can maced staffs life a lot easier and more efficient and effective. And you get desire. I built environment out there in the community that you will. Other areas. As I mentioned, I key recommendations focus on technology and there's a lot of autonomy and and silo effect in the technology systems that are deployed across the various development services teams. And there's a need to create implement a development services. Technology master plan to get that strategic visioning for the technology systems that are in place to also allow council due to budget for some of these technology upgrades that are needed out there to work more efficiently and effectively across the various development services team. Also a single person in head are elsewhere in the organization should serve overseas development services, technology platforms in conjunction with it step. As as we mentioned, there's no single person over the development review process is no person over development services. It is really looking at holistically in seeing the touch points and house a new system. I integrate between planning and building our fire. So having an individual focus on will be very beneficial to both city staff, but also the public that you

serve. Talked to nutty updates, offering harbor systems to increase operational efficiencies and collaboration between various teams. I know there's an effort under way looking at for many software system, which is a primary platform and that's a film services team will use as well. In addition to have a new technologies as we get training to really quit staff on how to use those officially effectively. We all care on smartphones. We always hated when a new update is pushed out to us and then it changes something in future that we like. And then same thing with this offer assistance for developing services inspections. Have a training program to onboard new staff, but also update is pushed out, would go from version. 2.1 to 2.2 to provide internal training to staff, but also that opportunity to have external training for users of that saw for how to use new portal online. If when that is released or something like that, where you quit them said they're not calling staffing and bombarding questions when they have an issue and they're trying put a new application with that. And then finally, this is the one staffing recommendation we did make to hire temporary position to digitize historic development files. There's Treasure trove development files, plat maps building plans, etc, that are out there and there's opportunity digitize too. Get out storage on to keep that But also to have that readily accessible to your staff when you're reviewing applications as center as it continues to grow redevelop as well. So with that, I've got one more slide to talk about securing commendations on customer interaction and a couple opportunities as as you know, as you do in your own personal

life, you can go to website first for much check out what is out there. There's opportunity. Create a digital one stop shop online. City's Web page related to all things development review in the city. And so there's a need to create that one. Stop shop online. But in conjunction with that, also, each on the Bartman or division need to to update on development services. West Web pages for greater consistency in the information has provided how Spurs Energy Center. Another area that could be beneficial as develop an interactive development brought project Web page for your major projects that are going on. You major subdivisions, new commercial redevelopment, new commercial shopping center going in or Hartman complex going in. Have interacted developed a Web page. We'll drop down the street and say, hey, what's going over there to be great to know really what it is going on there. If you had resource out there and the public and check and oh, yeah, that's a that's a new apartment complex going in over there. It's great to see what it is where they don't have to call staffer it. You of say, hey, what's going on on Main Street and First Avenue. Just an opportunity to prepare a comprehensive additional development, handbook, super type of and book to provide an overview of the development services process here in the from pre application to And then another opportunity is I know there's been a developer found table in the past and has met Sporadically. And that can be a great resource to the a great resource to staff. It can be a great resource, effort to proactively outreach to those individuals as part

of that. And so I think modification to the approach of the door round table and holding regular schedule such as quarterly meetings with that as a Both the development staff. It gives an opportunity to practically talk about what's going on, potential co changes issues that you might be having things that inspectors are noticing out the field. You can have that dialogue and a neutral setting and to go work back and forth on to share was going on for the city's respected, but also receive feedback. From the development here in Houston. Maybe they're not coming in here at a city council meeting or kitchen. You're at the grocery store complaining about something that occurred recently with them. And then there's opportunity. Bill collaboration between the developed review functions in the city and the city's community engagement department to practically outreach to the community as well to have enhanced public engagement in that The recent efforts that city is And so with that, I turn it back over to gave to a lot of talk about next steps. >> Thank you. And obviously our next steps in this particular case is to continue engaging the We really wanted to be have this be honest feedback opportunity to really talk about some of the challenges that we deal with in this environment. It can be very fast pace. It's very dynamic. It has to handle the workload of one per month to 1000. There's no ratcheting them back. So we really want to have a conversation with the staff to understand the morale issue, the development community to understand just the culture of us in to be an inviting place for the development community to come in and we will continue to do that. And it was interesting when Aaron provided this a lot

of these items, we were already working on and it really sort of solidified the need to address some of these core elements. And sometimes as we do development services or any process for so long, sometimes you forget that makes sense to go back and look at those foundational element. So this is really good exercise to basically revisit that and understand the direction moving forward next 3 to 5 years so what will be Any comments we receive will be incorporating those into a final draft will be looking at some of the things that we're working on shifting some of the recommendations based on feedback. We will be returning to the council to adopt that document will take the 100 page document shrink that down to something that's a bit more concise and direct. So I promise we'll do that as part of the next step. But as far as today goes, what we're really doing, obviously, we wanted to present the highlight of the recommendations were happy to accept any feedback about those recommendations, any areas that the council things that we might have missed this part of this analysis? We're really anything that the council members are hearing from the community as far as concerns regarding process that we can then factor into this next step before we move forward. So with that, I would like hand it over to the council for any questions. >> Thank you very much for that presentation. Looking to counsel to see there are any questions and we'll start off with Councilmember MacDonald. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you for the presentation. I just have a couple questions one of the bullet points you talked about bringing back zoning and

design standards every 3 years to review. Do you have any I guess my goal would be to make sure that we're looking at anything that had to do with these as well. So we saw like very large gaps recently with. >> I'll just use the cultural heritage, the increase because it had been so long since we've looked at that ordinance and those fees. Is there any desire to implement that as part of its strategy so that we're looking through all of them on a more frequent basis so that when we do adoption, it's not this long span. And then we have. You know, lack of a better term sticker shock because we're actually up to date. >> Yes, absolutely. So one of the challenges when we do a really holistic change because for lack of a better term, the documents to become stale due to age is it's a really robust exercise. It dominates a significant amount of and availability to move that forward. So I what a Matrix is recommending is sound practice. So generally you catch up and then you do smaller incremental changes and the relationship between the Thi and the code is a really important one. When we look at the feet, especially when the fee is full cost recovery, which is the model that we've moved forward. Efficiency in changing process can reduce fees. So as we go through the code and to find new processes that are more streamlined for the community, we re-evaluate that internally. We apply the staff hours to and dresses the fee. So that's typically how we would package those together on a smaller scale. When it's a larger scale, it's a little more problematic to do that because they're on their independent track. But in a perfect world, if we're able to achieve that model are making small incremental changes, we can look at totality of that package for

the change, which would include the fees. Great. >> And I appreciate thought about streamlining process, making it simpler for community members to use our process and anything we can do around that. And that goes to my second question around your customer service bullets. You had that a couple times it's something that I know I've shared with city manager feels like we need a centralized customer service number for the city of our size. So somebody is having problems figuring out it could be myriad of different and issues. But like to know what your thought process is on. How do we centralize? I is it through community engagement office says it through had where somebody in the city of Santa Rosa has a problem with anything that they can call somebody and then get dispatched to the proper person I feel like it's frustrating for them. Then council obviously gets those e-mails because they want to make sure that they're getting him to the right department. Don't know how that kind of vetted out three-year process or what your recommendations are. And if it's something only and pad, is it something we can actually make broader for the entire city? Phil feel free to direct that to the city manager. If you need to. >> From our perspective on customer service really looking at the developer's services provisions that we didn't look holistically at the city and what the customer service philosophy is outside of what it was within the development services arena. So fortunately, a look at a with that. But I will say that it is great to see that when you

walk in to department. Welcome to the customer service counter. There is a person there to greet you. We had that this morning and got great customer service with that from individual who had no idea who was. And so that was great to see that. So I will have to it. >> Yeah, and I would like to add looking development services in general. One of the things that we looked at from when you actually have a very diverse set of responsibilities, oftentimes agencies respond to that with a very complicated phone tree and it can be very frustrating for someone to navigate that. So we remove the phone Our admin team did an amazing job of figuring out how to avoid going to voicemail and waiting. So you talk to somebody in the goal is obviously as the subject matter, expertise, increases or shifts, then there's some shifting and direction of that phone. But we try to keep it really at that second layer. So it's really equipping and empowering that first layer response to customer service to understand the issue and then to appropriately interact in the community is usually very comfortable with that when they get to the right person. And I think although, you know something like that becomes a bit more challenging and I would defer to the city manager on this. I think that can lay a good framework for potentially expanding out. But I think that some of the more positive feedback that we have received in the department has been based on very simple things like changing phones are developing a 24 48 a response time for emails. But that's really what it is. Something a lot of times

people just want to get to a live person. And when they don't develop that level of frustration and then that's when they go through different So really basic things that we focused on there. But I do think that those are translatable. Thank you so much. >> All right. And next, we'll go to vice mayor Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. Get there. And it was really interesting to to redo this Lot of excellent ideas and suggestions. >> insights into what's currently happening or process ease. Was wondering if you could see a bit more about the developer. Roundtable in terms of how how we're going to make that more useful as a source of information and cetera. >> Yes, absolutely. I've been in the department since 2017. I've seen a variety different ways that we try to develop around table concept in many situations. It rallies around a core goal from a development standpoint. So if housing is the goal and then the developer roundtable becomes dominated by housing. Builders of affordable housing is the goal and becomes affordable housing builders. And I think that's really needed. But it also leaves out the plumber or the electrician that's generally using our services. So my my strategy for this is to really expand that out to basically develop almost a community advisory group that just works on our day-to-day services. And we have a rotating schedule where people sit on the meetings when I was on the engineering side, did this with a lot of the affiliated engineering groups? We just had monthly meetings where we can talk through issues was a great opportunity for us to bounce ideas off the community have a lot of times they would they would get positive feedback for good

direction, but they would be open about things that could be better and we could make those smaller incremental changes based on that feedback. So really, the developers Roundtable really identifies the I think, you know, sometimes developer leaves out homeowner. It leaves out the smaller. Kind of complexity projects which are actually smiling. So we're going look at the strategy for making sure that that's all encompassing that we have good representation and that understanding a frequency for that. But it would really be that feedback channel that people can bring ideas and that we talk to the community about what we're working on. And we would in that collaborative approach work out solutions together. And keeping with the theme of communication and transparency. I heard the idea kicked around, especially with larger projects. We get all the stakeholders, all the different from areas around the table with the with the project managers. >> And talk through what the scope of the project was going to be like. Are we still are we still thinking about implementing something like that? >> That is excellent feedback. We do that in a pre application setting. And so developments are forming, they haven't submitted jet that we will sit down with all the review disciplines and all the individuals in the department that will be involved in that review. Really the high levels of the management positions are often there. Provide as ch feedback as possible to that potential development. What we have looked at and I think as part of this process we will be analyzing that is how do you expand that similar set up to the various review routes. So as a applicant is going through the review comments, how do they have the opportunity to sit down with everybody and work through it together? Because oftentimes what we MAY see is that a change on the building side

MAY affect fire in the water department. And when they're hearing that together, they're able to talk through that. So the developer gets that feedback. So really what we had looked at in the past is allowing that for larger development projects because it actually it advocates a significant amount of the review staff time to provide that level. But we did a return on investment analysis in the past to really show for those larger projects. If you invest that our 2, it actually saves time long term because you're getting that really concise. Unconsolidated feedback loop both from the developer and the review team. They're going back and forth and resolving issues. So that's excellent feedback. That is something we will look at as part of this process. Expanding that out. >> I'm glad to hear that as well that that makes up the bulk of what I've heard, especially from the developer community. It's that start and stop. Make sure the uncertainty some being able to incorporate that subsequent rounds and would be great. I'm Erin, you made a and at one moment during during your presentation where you very correctly observed that city council should avoid creating additional challenges and hassles for city staff. I'm sure we're all on board with Most of that, most of the constituent questions that that arrive on my desk are genuine misunderstandings or differences of opinion or something that requires some kind of adjudication. I would I would ask either game in the city manager. What should the process be so that it sufficient for staff are also addressing constituent

concerns? >> vice-mayor anti someone is Well, any backup wants to address constituent wants to address and issue I would first say you want to reach out to one of the assistance. And then from there they can reach out to the directors as well. Oftentimes I MAY not be available. Assistant city manager not are dense to MAY not be available. So it is always helpful to reach out to the directors because you want to make certain that you're getting accurate information because oftentimes we MAY have a little more information. Then we would like to do is just to make certain that we are communicating accurate information because sometimes it's not always, you know, when people are doing the work every day there, sometimes there's parts of the puzzle that's missing. So if staff or you have can sit constituent concerns, it's helpful to reach out to seems first and to to the directors. Perfect. Thank you. That's it for me. >> Councilmember overs. >> Thank you, MADAM Mayor. So I really appreciate help of the focus is customer service. You know, it's not really words that we associate bureaucratic into the so we definitely appreciate the efforts and in doing so you know, think about the food industry when asked this question entrepreneurs, sometimes you not know what needs might arise with growth with success. I'm wondering if if hoping that part of this process could involved. A matching the word. Restaurant

and a couple boxes underneath that word that says hours of noise outside encroachment, such as we we were created by the covid situation where a lot of our local restaurants are thriving because of the outside sitting area and the pretty much educating the applicant on what all the permissible uses can be sought for in the initial application process opposed to run the business. And one year later, a leading a permit that now becomes more more and cumbersome for for them. The shop owner and even for the city. So I guess is the productivity aspect of how can we educate the applicant, what can be in the future as well. >> Yes, councilmember, that's an excellent point. And I I think as we go through our development services trapped planned. It also dovetails into our economic development wrapped plan and a lot of efforts that were put on that front. And I think both are very critical to work as especially for business support and that very situation when we have either a business owner, there really doesn't understand the requirements or doesn't understand as they gain success. What the next steps are is somewhat similar to how we have a homeowner that doesn't understand how replace dry rot or something with their house. But it's different. So what we have worked out is really 2 separate channels that were working on. We have our counter that can handle the homeowner request on the economic development side we're looking at are on but some and approach where we'll have an individual that's very specific to small business

support that is actually working right now to better understand the planning permitting requirements so they can explain what it looks like now, but also in the future. I think also from a process standpoint, there's also the ability to look at flexibility for businesses. So when they go through the approval process, how can you ensure that they understand that they have flexibility to expand those in the future or create a path where they can. And I think it's really to basically create that dedicated point of contact. People feel comfortable with. They feel safe with that actually is able to connect the dots. And when we have that, and I think we found that our phone a little bit, they're ok with the handoff and they have to go with somebody else. But they always know they can go back to that person. So I think that's really critical. That challenge, obviously is how do you create sort of tactical redundancy when you have one person providing process where you have enough of a low that you need more people in the mix. But once we figure this process out, it's just a matter of scaling it. And that's a different conversation. But I think that's a really important point. And I think it shows how economic development does really dovetail into development services because that plays such a critical role in meeting business timelines and creating that safe space where they feel like they can successfully operating a business and expand in the future. If need be. >> Councilmember for me. Thank you to appreciate the feedback and information. One of the things that you brought up is just that that you get increase from council. And I think that's been touched on by a number of folks here. I

do think it's unrealistic to hope that we're not going to be able to that. We discontinue advocating for our constituents in the way that that they ask us to do what I do think might be helpful. And this is gonna turn into a question of the moment. Is if you would a flow chart to the city manager's point of. Of who should get, what kinds of concerns. And that can be, you know, including fire planning economic development, roads, streets, parks, whatever. And I think that that could be helpful And then other thing would be like some simple answers to common questions. And that could be something that the council could rely to help reduce some of the strain on a new guys. I think that we would need some support to support you in that way. My question is, do you think that would be reasonable request from the council to you? I think that's absolutely reasonable request. And I think as MISTER Bagley mentioned, you know, just faq isn't simple descriptions of process. So you understand what it is a high level. >> I think that provides more of a universal benefit. But really some of the assistance that that you all provide with resolving these issues is actually helpful. It's helping the property owner move forward. And I think that and I the communication channel. And so you understand who to contact as the city manager mentioned is important. But I think also to equipped with some basic information to understand the process, to understand the universe. I think more than happy to do that. Like I said, I think that has a universal benefit

because that same faq might address the property owners issue and not have that property to reach ok, glad to be part of the solution where possible. >> And look see if there any more covid. Seeing none. I excited in the direction that we're going. I'm excited that it's going to >> our residents. But also it's going to help staff. And I when we look at them going hand in hand, I think it just makes it more efficient. For everyone so anyway, that we can help in support and we're excited to continue to get reports on what's going on and how we're moving forward. And with that, MADAM City, me. The conduct public comment. Thank you, mayor. We're now taking public comment on item 4.1. If you are in the chamber and wish to provide comment but have not yet provided a speaker card or your name. >> Please make your way to the podium. We'll have 3 minutes and a countdown. Timer will alert at the end of that period. As you approach the podium, please state your name for the record. If you choose to do so. The first speaker will be Callum. Please go ahead. >> Generation just a quick no, I'm actually first and foremost. Thank you so much is very comprehensive. Great I actually don't have much to say in terms of feedback. The only thing out a request because I think it might be useful not only for our work for other folks as well is if we can get, you know, quarterly or biannual updates, the recommendation summaries. So we kind of know where you are. You know, obviously priority ship throughout the year. You never know what can be thrown at you. Things are chaotic. So just getting kind

those regular updates and making sure like this awesome kind of just summary that you created is is publicly available easily accessible and updated on the court. Nearby base is I think would be really great. >> And then the exhaust and that you guys are connecting the recommendations to the council goals. It's really important we can achieve the overall vision that we all want realize here in Santa Rosa. So I just really appreciate that. The timelines, it's it's it's it's excellent. So thank you so much. Really appreciate it. >> Thank you, Mary. See no one else approaching the Putin for public comment on this item. Thank you. Bring it back to council to see it. Don't smile me like that. Bringing it back to council see if there any additional comment. And with that, thank you very much for being here and thank you for the presentation. Now I look back over to City manager. >> Item 4.2 Vision, 0 implementation plan. Update. >> Good afternoon. Vice Mayor Director Transportation Public Thank you for the opportunity to talk about our Vision, 0 plan and updates to It adopted this a couple years ago, but my first chance to get to talk to about it. I'm excited for the conversation today. >> talk a little bit about what you saw on the past 2 summers What that plan entailed, what we've been doing about it, current efforts that are ongoing and then upcoming action today's item is not a coincidental on the consent agenda item. 13.5 is asking for your support for our participation and the cta grant application to the

federal for Safe streets for that program might raise proxima eyebrows up because we have already applied to that this year for the bicycle pedestrian The way that it's organize this year is that there are 3 separate deadlines for 2 different pieces of the program. We me involved in both parts as long as we're not the prime applicants. So I want to assure you that we are not competing against ourselves. Our projects are not being evaluated against each other. And in fact, we will hear about the bicycle pedestrian overcrossing before this application is submitted. And in JULY of the Sonoma County Vision, 0 Action plan was presented to all of To many of you. And was adopted with very little conversation by unanimous we shared at the time our implementation plan, which go over a little bit later again, unanimously adopted. The Vision, 0 Action plan began. The process began OCTOBER of 2019 as a collaboration between eta and the Sonoma County Department of Health Services. An advisory committee was formed from participating jurisdictions for us. We had members of the traffic engineering, transportation planning and city bus participating and it has a very simple goal. It's eliminate traffic deaths since of it and severe injuries by 2030, Vision. 0, a is a longstanding practice in Europe. They came to the United States in 2014. The first New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, adopted it. I 2014, 33,000 people were killed. A United States on We have not made much progress 2022, that

number is raised to 43,000. So we're we're working against time in a big way. And we'll talk a little bit about why that later in the presentation. Vision, 0 as hard as a data-driven Takes the locations. The primary crash and looks for causes of crashes and systemic ways to reduce them. The crashes that are shown on the map and are part of the database are the ones that are reported and the ones that result in injuries or We do not have great about property damage. Only crashes. We do not have any data about and reported crashes, perhaps obviously. But the injury crashes are the focus cta maintains this dashboard from a combination of a state database uc Berkeley mapping conveniently titled the Transportation Injury Mapping System. Why these crashes in Sonoma 62% crashes or because of unsafe speeds and conflicts between different users of the roads. We have to separate people and space and time. We have to reduce speeds. It's a simple as that where we're fighting laws of physics and geometry. And that brings me to this point. This is this will be the most important thing we talk about today. There are 2 key factors why crashes result in severe injuries and fatalities. And that is mass of the vehicle hitting the other object and the velocity. You can do anything about the vehicles are getting bigger. The same model vehicle. Today's 20 to 30% heavier than it was 10 to 20 years ago. The same model vehicle today. That's an

electric vehicle is 15 to 20% heavier than its kind of same vehicle today is taller. Then it was 10 to 15 years ago vehicle that hit me in the hip sends me up a vehicle that in the shoulder sends me down. That has different results from So so again, where we have we got fight this and again. Either reduce the likelihood that it happens by separating people or reduce the severity by lowering speeds. Right now in Sonoma 93% of people commute to work by private Serious injury fatal 82% of those are in private vehicles. But those numbers are flipped for walking or on a bicycle. Just 4% commute by walking our our bicycle. 11% of crashes that result in serious injury or fatalities of all crashes from those modes. But 24% of the fatal and severe injury crashes are pedestrians and cyclists. Again, that kinetic energy chance for the human body is not designed to withstand it. Only thing we can do to prevent is to a decrease speeds. Through this process. And methodology was created to identify a high injury network throughout Sonoma County. You will see that Santa Rosa is a very well and though they're exactly where you would guess wide roads, fast roads, fast, speed limits. High volumes particularly important part of this discussion now is the equity considerations by overlay mtc is equity priority communities on top of this, you'll see that these roads

are primarily located in communities where the people who can least afford to be hit. Are being They have the amount of resources to combat And yet we subject them to traffic violence through roadway. This not a problem. The specific to us. This is the top shows that a national study of housing and transportation costs as push people farther away from city they're subject to longer commutes. Their transportation costs go up, even as their housing costs go down. It ends up being a wash. But there. Much more subjects to traffic violence as a result of that increased on roadways throughout our communities. Specific to the city of Santa We have for the last 10 years between 30 and 50 of these fatal and serious injury crashes a year in that 11 year period. 74 people died across 73 Another 535 were seriously injured across 367 crashes. Each of those 610 people have dozens of people who love them and care about them. And this trauma gets throughout our community. And as as felt a couple of independent researchers have tried put a value on this for the mostly for the purposes of things like cost benefit analysis is an understanding how to prioritize this with other potential capital They've considered things like emergency services excuse me, medical services, insurance costs traffic congestion related to legal fees, property damage quality of life The 3 different sets of independent researchers

essentially came to the same conclusions that, you know, this was fatal. Car crashes have. Cost estimates in the 8 figures. The severe injuries in the 7 figures and all other injury crashes in the 6 figures. When we lay that over that crash statistics that I shared previously. Those just those 600 crashes that have resulted in serious injury or fatalities have cost the city of Santa Rosa. 1.3 billion dollars in the last 10 years. The pedestrian crashes along. There's 140 of them half a billion dollars this is preventing these has a huge, huge benefit cost ratio. Out of the Vision. 0 action plan came 6 goals. I bolded the ones that directly within our safer speeds designing better streets. I'm trying to reduce private vehicle use. Those are things that we can effect through the built environment. The implementation plan that we created listed. 47 different action All of which are very good, many of which have a lot of effort required to influence the individual behavior of a few people transitioning to my next this is from the cdc. This is the health impact period and the hierarchy of controls that they use for how to prevent the spread of disease. And you see the reaching out to individual people and meeting them when they've already gotten sick. At the top of the pyramid, that's those are the hardest things to actually prevent disease. Those are the most labor intensive ways to try to prevent disease. A look to build things and systemically to try to prevent You might think of this as you know, why 7 billion people

don't have polio right with why they required vaccines. Specific to transportation safety. The cdc has followed up on that research to apply it specific to traffic safety and a similar measure in right now might might be something like the seatbelt that in the 1960's was an optional feature until it was made. Not optional. And then in the states began requiring the wearing of seat 1000. Now, 49 of the 50 states have a ordinance requiring seat belt we're looking for those built environment factors have a huge impact without having to reach out individuals and try to do this systemically. So where does this responsibility in MARCH of this we had a woman named Diana. Peter Dai on College Avenue walking across the Santa Rosa High School class of 71 Water Ski year. Gardner, though she was keeper in the community and passed away for the scent of crossing the street. When I looked up the headlines for the reporting on that I was struck by how passive the role of the driver was in articles. I'm struck by truck hit by truck killed by Diana's the subject of all of those It's not driver of a vehicle strikes woman. It's woman fatally hit by vehicle as though the vehicle that it itself. That framing is wrong as part of our societal issue around this by this continues. Even articles that do a better You know, this is not suggest that the police report was filled out incorrectly that the driver of the vehicle was speeding. But to suggest that speed was ruled out, it was

not a factor in her death is incorrect. Speed absolutely was a factor whether it was legal or not so the you know, who is the responsibility on person crossing the street or the person driving a multi town metal box that speeds that can kill someone. In order to reduce those. We have a number of things and process right now that hopefully make streets safer. Hopefully you've seen some of those recently through the steel and pilot projects through the change conditions on 4th street and other safety improvements throughout the city. Cleveland Avenue have as series of grant some successful in one in right now that would transform the street from Hopper Avenue down to the future bicycle pedestrian overcrossing that would connect to the Hopper Avenue redesign process project. That's part of the fire recovery projects. Avenue similarly has a process projects that is designed and is looking for funding right now. We have a grant application and with the state of California for that, we've recently the project that will improve Sonoma Avenue adjacent to Montgomery Village to create that separation between cyclists and buses and shorten pedestrian crossings for everybody again, giving everybody their own space. Talk about individually because they relate to state in couple of weeks on AUGUST. 20th, you will be presented with a series of speed limit reductions for consideration. Assembly Bill. 43 allows us to further reduce speeds was previously allowed I'm really, really proud of the team for they've targeted. The high injury decreasing speeds on a more than 40 segments of

roadway by 5 miles an hour chief Cregan is committed and forcing traffic sending a message earlier today saying much more they've done in the last couple years. You know, I I'm looking forward to this is part of a reinforcing cycle that we can lower speeds. And change street designed to reflect the speeds and get the outcomes that we want. You know, the signs themselves only do so much we we ask for compliance, but we need to design it too. Again, hopefully this becomes reinforcing cycle. Another bill and I'm really excited became law on JANUARY 1st of this And this is to what's called a light intersections. So if you've driven around town, you pull up to a stop Bharara crosswalk and not be able to see around the corner frequently because of parked vehicles. This law says that now in the state of California parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk marked or unmarked is illegal. We can't expect the police department to enforce that. We camps. There's not enough red paint in the world to get to every intersection in the city but what I am hoping that we can do is use this as an excuse to put in some infrastructure to prevent this type of parking and help everybody see each other better. Give everybody more reaction. Time and increase the amount the margin for error that everyone has. Our safety is application is to do that is to create more space for pedestrians at intersections to create more sight distance for everybody. I'm showing a couple of different examples from around the country here of different projects that have placemaking elements to them. There could be room for benches for public

art for lemonade stands. I don't care. We can do whatever we want with it. I just want everybody to be safe. So that's what the application is for. Where would we do it everywhere across the 48 miles of Santa Rosa roadway. There are 529 intersections. Every one of them would get reviewed for these kind of treatments to determine if their space too give 20 feet back to people so they can see each other better and make the streets safer. All of these projects is part of as part of the grant program are required to be quick, build implementation, meaning no heavy civil design can be removed, can be tinkered with. And that would be our strategy. Test out different materials. See what works. Remove it. If it doesn't work, if it needs to be we don't want to spend months and years and design on this. We want to go out to the field with some string and some chalk mark spots but stuff in the ground. See if it works. Does great. If it doesn't, we'll pull it out. Adjust. It will. Or remove it if necessary. What I'm really asking for today and hoping that this is at least somewhat convincing for is that. Frequently we have to negotiate. A lot of changes to city streets. And I think that this traffic violence epidemic is such that we need and clear action. With as few constraints on us as possible. And I hope this is somewhat convincing have your support for that. Pilot project will also allow us to work with fire department with transit with mask to refine any specific treatments in the field. We don't have to spend months and months negotiating again. This is a reminder the energy chancery and decrease the likelihood of that

decrease the severity of it. That's what we're trying to do. And then everything that is part of this grant program is tailored around that is making people at crosswalks safer. But really what it does make everybody safe or it's focused on the pedestrian areas. But all those interactions all those intersections, are where vehicles interact with one another also. And so this would make although speeds decrease make everybody each other and reduce the likelihood and severity of those crashes. So what else is on We have active transportation planning process. We will be getting recommendations from the consultant on projects that will be included in that come later this month at the AUGUST 29th meeting of the Bicycle pedestrian advisory board. They will get a preview of those projects they vie active transportation plan will be presented to you for adoption early next year. In 2 weeks. I'll be back in front of you to talk about Capital Improvement Project prior station. You probably will not be surprised to hear that. I plan to talk about this again. We have a number of street design standards that our interview right now to change and make the default option safer. We have more ideas for what additional standards could be created. So that, again, we're building safety into the system. So that no matter who's designing at, they're just looking up things we've deemed as the safest potential option. And then your support for the grant application would be very, very helpful to move this With that. I'm happy to take any questions. Thank you. Thank you for that presentation. Looking to council to see if there any. >> Questions councilmember for

me. Yeah. MISTER Hennessey, you mentioned that you'd like to have our support. Can you be specific about what kinds of you need to hear from us in order to move forward? >> So 2 items really one is that please pass the resolution attached item 13.5. The second thing is that while we're all going to get calls and e-mails about this, when we implement it, there's going to be a subset of people that are not happy that we're slowing them down. And we've got to have the resolve to do The cities that have done this really well. There are a couple cities that have are going on 6, 7, years of no fatalities in their cities. And the number one thing that they're local transportation leaders credit is there. Public official commitment. Knowing that you have our back to implement these types of things will be very, very helpful. And again, we're going get some of the wrong. We're going to get was going to be a hassle. We're going to implement some of these incorrectly. That's all purpose of this initial pilot project is that we can adjust. We can refine. We can understand what our standard should be. So that we can move off of the high injury network and to the second set of streets that deserve these types of treatments. So that's the type of commitment that I'm hoping to have your support for. It's super helpful for you to be really clear with us. Weathers during the last presentation when staff that, you know, when you when you ask us always questions for people, does slow things down or for you to say. >> What you need really clearly, I think that we're people who want to do the right thing.

>> And having it laid out like and I'll just say for for my my colleagues that >> we've had in my district on Steel lane and then on 4th street, some really a pilot and the really big change. And there are a couple people who who do reach out and there are few people are really upset. But the great majority of people. You know, with once they understand it will work on down and you don't I don't hear anything but gratitude or nothing at all when that when that's the case, though. My comments afterwards. Appreciate that. Thank you. >> Councilmember MacDonald. >> Thank you, Mayor. Thank you for the presentation. I just have a couple comments and feedback one. I think appreciate the lessening kinetic energy. I appreciate those bullet points and always willing to learn. And I think the equity piece of the importance of making sure that it's safer for children to walk and ride to school is so key in this presentation. That's what stands out to me. So a couple of things that I noticed on reducing the speeds in this specific areas. I'm not sure if we have looked at, you know, the safe routes to school program in the federal and state grant money. I don't know if there's any available at the state or federal level any longer, but at the state level, it was targeted for k 12 and at the federal level. I think it was Kate a tour of ice for. So one of those things. But it really was able to look at certain streets and on take Calistoga Road as an example since we just had an email about that area. Safe routes to school, specifically and making sure that we lower

those zones to a thing. 25 or even lower when children are present, how we looked around the city of Santa Rosa explicitly where children are walking in writing to school to be able to at least reduce peas. If we're not able to get the bike lanes in place for some time as we go through in and change or infrastructure, just to make sure that every area we possibly can around that piece of legislation were able to lower speed limits. And yes, I get the complaints about it. I get the complaints about not having like 2 lane roads anymore. And so I'm I'm ready for those as well. But my my questions were really around the safe routes to program. And if we've looked at that, yeah, thank you for So safe routes to school is. >> Run through a group of advocates right essentially present recommendations to us. Our staff works with them. I'll be very honest with you. We don't have the staff to. Actively work with. I don't even know the number of schools in Santa Rosa. That's something I should and probably but it I've seen upwards of 50 reports on different schools that all have a laundry list of I think that would be a great thing to discuss in 2 weeks. Only talk about capital improvement, prioritization >> so yes, there there's say emphasis and active review of those zone specifically and what else we might do to be a little bit more. >> Aggressive and making drivers more passive. >> Thank you. I know Sonoma County by coalition has worked to specifically with parent parent groups to help them actually get that data together. There's so I would just ask that we potentially reach out to some of those

groups and the parent groups that have done the research and data that show us those zones so hope I know it's not an ab something, but if it's an if we're able to kind of streamlined that process lower those I think would be really helpful and encouraging children to walk and ride to school as we're going back to school in another week or so. That would be something I'd like to see us look towards. And I understand the you know, short falls in that particular arena. But and if there's anything that I think we can do from the council's perspective are helping outreach to parents or families and those communities are connecting you to the 2 would be really helpful. Thank you again for the presentation and your support to saying that is very, very useful. Thank you. >> Looking to council to see if there any additional comments in seeing MADAM City clerk, can you please facilitate public comment on this item? Thank you, mayor. We're now taking public comment on item 4.2, if you're in the chamber would like to comment but have not provided a speaker card or your name. Please make your way to the podium. You'll have 3 minutes and a countdown. Timer will alert at the end of that period. As you approach the podium, please state your name and for the public record. If you choose to do so. The first speaker will be heiress followed by Abby column Callum. Part me. Go ahead. Hi, I'm there's executive director of the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition. And I think this MAY be the first time that I have sat. >> In city council chambers and listens to a staff report

and nodded my head continuously the entire time. I am a overjoyed with where the city is going with all of this. I've been on the Vision 0 Advisory committee since the very beginning, a county wide and it's been at the source some frustration for me that so much of the time is spent was spent putting together data dashboard with data that already exist many of the other projects in the safe streets for all grant are more studies and more plans and one to actually let's get something done. And as was mentioned since 2020, when everything was down because of the covid shut down every single year in the county, we've had more. Traffic collisions and the percentage of those collisions that have been fatal or high injury have continued to go up. And another thing that's been going up, that the data is really hard to find is hit in runs. And the vast majority of the victims of hit and runs are pedestrians and cyclists which is a really scary thing for those of us out here. So I am so happy to this focus on quick build. Let's get this stuff done and focusing on the engineering. >> We do a really good job on the education and the and the encouragement. But you guys are the only ones who can do the engineering part and change the actual design of the streets in such a way that changes people's behavior. MISTER Hennessey has all of our support and I hope has all of yours as well follow down this road and make our streets

safer. Thank Thank you. The next speaker will be Abby followed by Kellam. >> Good afternoon. My name is Abby Arnold and I am on Board of the California Streets Initiative which publishes Streetsblog as well as being a resident of Montgomery Village neighborhood. And I'm like the previous speaker. I was really excited and inspired by the presentation that you just add it's well past time, too. Stop accepting the morbidity and mortality. That happens from the interaction between cars. More close. Okay. I'm sorry. I'm here to encourage your rapid and assertive implementation of Vision. 0 plan as presented today >> these in these improvements will really, truly save lives. And we need to remind ourselves and our constituents. >> That that's what this is about. As someone who is on the elder end of the population. I hear from a lot of my peers complaints about traffic is so bad. It's so hard to get across town. When I take the time to educate them about the lives that saved by slowing down and allowing space for bicycles and pedestrians to to move safely they start to come around and change their way of thinking which leads me to notable part of the presentation that was made earlier, which was the use of a public health model in public health we look for many ways of passively changing behavior, but that is followed up with changes in knowledge,

attitudes and behavior that comes from educational campaigns. And so I think it would be really helpful. You know, as was pointed out by some of the council members, you hear from your constituents with complaints about planning Department or slowing down of traffic. If people, if if all of us could be educational campaign that was consolidated to start changing people's thinking about the changes to traffic. I think that we can change the way that that people behave and the way they feel about those behaviors. I look at a city like Davis where for many, many years that's been the bicycle capital of the world nobody lives in Davis thinking that they can zip without having to be slowed down by traffic. And let's let's educate ourselves and our constituents and our neighbors. While we're making these incredibly safe and healthful improvements to our streets. Thank you. Thank you. The next speaker will be Callan. Callum weeks. But speaking as a resident, the Junior College neighborhood thank you. >> It's appreciated. And a board member of the Summit County Bicycle Coalition. Oh, my GOD, so much better. Going to happen. Praise 10 real quick and just say, wow, amazing higher in both and to Reno. They've been wonderful to work with and really just exemplary employees and really glad to have them here in the city of Santa Rosa. Please don't leave we hear we need

you guys. And I will note, though, that one of things that didn't include as reporters, that same one-month window around that woman getting struck Orchard. There was 2 for car accidents. They observed. Between Beaver and Orchard. I don't even know how that's possible. Inside one week one month. 32 for car accidents. And there's been multiple times where I've almost been struck where people just quite frankly don't give a c# # # when you're walking across the street is not dangerous. That safe colleges is not safe. It is not I score into to stop pedestrian oriented. We need to definitely invest more in creating those that words that we can have that that level of comfort as we're working through our city moving through our city quite honestly, I'm not entirely certain hiring more law enforcement officers is the solution and hope Chief Cregan side listening to this. I think there's better Got right there. I'm sorry, Don't hate there. There are other op opportunities and solutions such as redesigning our streets and potentially and I I it's unfortunate we can be a part of this pilot program. But there was a pilot program that the state actually think launch the beginning of this That is going to explore putting a speed trap cameras in the state. And I know there's mixed reviews on those. There's a lot of, you know. There's a lot of concern about But I can say from my own personal experience in dc I got hit 3 times in at $3.40, tickets and as a poor graduate student, I slowed down real quick. So I have to believe there's there's some level of efficacy that could be achieved through these. So hopefully, you know, maybe

open up more opportunities for pilot programs in other jurisdictions before this 5 year pilot program concludes, but it says something worth considering because I know obviously we're in a bit of a squeeze financially. So anywhere where we can find some level of cost savings is obviously in, you know, you know, create more safety. Obviously, our community is is something that's worth exploring. So again, thank you for your work, printed and this is and can't wait to how we move forward. Thank u next speaker. Please. Can I go ahead. I was just waiting for the clock to restart. >> Hi, I'm Alexa force or the bikeable Santa Rosa. We sent you a letter. And so I'm not going to repeat the points on that. But just to echo the praise for Director Hennessy and the whole transportation staff for really opening their minds and thinking of this in a way that had it hasn't been thought of a lot in Santa Rosa. A couple things I wanted to mention with the slide that says the top causes of crashes high, you know, high fatality All of those are user causes. We are blaming the people who are using the designs. There is not an option for police when they fill out the report on what caused the accident to site road design. But Rowe design is the main factor. If you look at our highway high injury network, it is the way those roads are designed. It's not just a random cluster of bad user behavior. It is the combination of high speeds with lots of entry and exit

points. And these in cities where they have moved away from these, we call them strobes traffic fatalities of all for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, everybody plummeted. So really focusing on street design is in addition to the enforcement and education piece is important. I wanted question. I don't know the answer to this. I think we should all be curious. Does lowering speed limits actually increase or sorry? Lowering speed limits actually increased trip times. I don't think it necessarily does. If you're traveling, if you're booking along at 45 miles an hour, but you still have to wait at a 3 minute stoplight. You're going to get to your destination in the same amount of time as if you are going at 35 miles an hour and only had to stop for 2 minutes. And my understanding is that the timing of the lights is relative to how fast speed goes. I would actually just like to see data. How long would it take to get across Santa Rosa? If the speed limits? Alright, 35 instead of 40 or 20 instead of 25. And then the one other thing I want to say about what the council can do there will be people who complain we have as bikeable looked at examples of infrastructure strain changes in cities across the country and the world. There is always 3 months of people calling to complain and then the complaints. Pretty much die down. Nobody remembers how the street was before and life goes on as normal. And if you are worried about this kind of proactive thinking and I promise I'm not a Reddit unit user, somebody sent this to me. But on Santa Rosa's,

Reddit, somebody praised 4th street, the new redesign and it got 100 up votes and no buddy complaining. So the public is behind these kinds of changes and we are behind this direction. The Transportation Department is taking. Thank you. >> Thank you, mc no one else wishing to speak on item 4.2. Thank you very much bringing it back to council. >> Or comments, Councilmember Rogers. >> First of I want to say the same thing that we heard from any of the public comments. This was I think, a really good not just data-driven approach to what we're trying to achieve, but also I think you articulated very clearly the values that we're trying to express in the city and how public policy decisions, particularly around our built environment can be to help push us in that direction. It not only meets our Vision, 0 plan. That also helps us to drive our climate goals. It's quality of life whenever somebody can walk, instead, take a car. And then to the point that was made, if you have a walkable, bikeable community, it actually is more convenient for people that having to get in the car and sitting in traffic. So I really appreciate it. I'm happy to continue to answer those phone calls from folks. We've been had exactly the same thing that folks were talking about when we first started redoing a Santa Rosa Avenue just south of here. A lot of comments from people about how it was slowing down their trip. Not a whole lot of comments from people now that it's almost completed and is being implemented. So I think overall, I think it's a good thing for the city. And I really appreciate you driving this forward. I look forward to the cip conversation coming

up in a couple of weeks. Cookie. Thank >> that you can tell you have an emotional investment in >> I really appreciate undertaking something like this that have passed councils approved that I >> feel this council is going to support having somebody who is doing more than just their job but actually doing something they care about is is extremely important. What strikes me as odd as that is the juxtaposition that people move from all over the world in all the country to come here for cycling into Sonoma County and then once you get in. City limits becomes less than ideal. We just can't have that and I it, you know, we look at our city staff here. You have a dpw director. You is the city manager that the former tp w directory of the city manager that the former dpw director. >> And so I think safe to say that wind direction is on this. And when feedback is given that it's going to be something everybody takes very seriously. As we all should, because you could have switched out all of headlines for one that to reflective of one of her own family members here in the city. That was. Thankfully but was also hit by a vehicle while walking his dog and we should all take that very seriously because it can happen to any any co-workers, anybody that we care about. So I appreciate that. And in terms of the negative feedback we're going to get I'm fine handling emails and phone calls from somebody who had their burrito. They bought an Uber

for show up to minute I'm happy if it means saving lives. Happy to support this. Vice mayor stunt. Echo all the positive Both present rate presentation, Director Hennessy and the comments made by the public. >> take very district to approach a district to Southeast. Santa Rosa has had a number of very high profile and very sad pedestrian accidents in recent years. So will say that among my constituents, the people reaching out to me there is a call to make our streets safer, including some of the streets that you highlighted in your presentation. We also had a very high-profile project along summer field where we reduce the number of lanes. That was a project that they've got a lot of public feedback that that was at first negative. I don't hear anything about that anymore. When I see a lot of people out biking and walking. So to your question about about the support received from counsel, please add my name to the list of council members who support you and then tear on the line question of having additional leeway in flexibility to undertake the kinds of projects you're suggesting certainly anything we can do to give our staff the ability to be more creative, more flexible in how they approach these issues and support of that and on that note, I like your presentation. How you focused on lower cost quicker implementation projects, even at the end with the intersection simply painting the intersections making across marks more visible can have such a big impact. Thank you very much for focusing on that kind of low-cost, quick implementation approach. And I'm fully supportive of moving forward. Those ideas.

>> Councilmember Fleming. You know, one thing that I think is so interesting about our streets and roads is that there probably our largest by volume and most valuable capital asset that we own here in the city. I think it's a city manager that pointed that out a few years that they're the largest asset we have. But they're also the most expensive thing that we own. And they're the largest piece of real estate. I mean, that's pretty incredible. If you think about it that the public owns that much real estate. And to think that it is. By design. Not being optimized for the public safety is just beyond the pale right? And so my eye and fully in support of this public asset being made safe for the public. My north star here. On a personal note. You know, I picked I was having coffee with my my daughter's father last week and she switch into new schools. Going to go to French American this next year. And my parents live right off. Reagan and Talbot and 3 blocks not far, but you got across Sonoma got across Montgomery and he was telling me that his mom has real significant concerns about her walking home. And I just thought, you know, that is so close so close that she could walk my parents and I can get or when I'm done with work and that we live in a community which know it's safe. People are good. They're not going intentionally harm a child anywhere in our town. I don't think I think we're a town

full of good people, but that that MAY have to drive across town to pick her up to be another metal box on the road rather than letting her do it. Kids of my generation previous. We had smaller cars and slower streets that all the time, which is just, you know, walk So thank you for your efforts. Means a lot to me that the passion with which you bring this in the word that Terry has done as well as it does not go unnoticed. Last thing is the community. Has sustained losses. And they have come out in force year after year to our goal setting to our meetings, 2 funerals. And he's made it really clear that this is a goal. We cannot put up the public, the political show of force necessary for this change without the work that you all do to support us in this. So thank you very much. All right. So my turn. Thank you very much for the the presentation like 10 times over. >> Thank you for your passion. You are reading it. But you actually have passion, which was definitely an attention. Rather. I do want to say, I think you have support from all of us you do have grace and implementation. I know that it's not going to be perfect, but we're going to Try it. We're going to work on it something doesn't work. Guess what? Go back to the drawing board will do it again right? Also. I will mention that 3rd crosswalk on 3rd Street coming from Courthouse square. Someone told mentioned that she uses it every day and she says she thinks it's very dangerous that people can't

see There's been some near misses. So I know this assistant city managers like, oh, GOD, because already told him that. >> and then also, I want to say that implementation and someone said it during public comment changing of behavior. >> Is really important. And I I know the chief is here and when we have time and we can because it's so important. And I know our motorcycle officers have been doing a lot of this, but more traffic stops because that is how we change behavior. And it's really important. It's like a lot of people know, and it's not that they don't know. But it's really hard to change the behavior. But when you get a ticket, are you get stopped? Then you're on your p's and q's a little bit more all say that because I right along we stopped a bunch cars. We stopped a lot of cars, but not all of the cars received tickets, but all of them received education in warning. They were warned. They pd for what they're doing, but also we're going to need some collaboration with the changing of behaviors. So I think that sums it up in it again. Thank you. Thank you so much. And we'll see you when you come some more fun. Thank you all very much for your support. Meant a lot. So because it is for 13. We will be going into our regular meeting. And we'll start off 6, which is report closed

session. So council did meet in closed session, but there was no reportable action. Take MADAM City Clerk, can you please facilitate public comment on this item? Thank you. You're now taking public comment on item 6. Report out on closed session items. If you're in the chamber would like to provide comment but have not provided a speaker card or your name. >> Please make your way to the podium. You have 3 minutes and a countdown timer will alert at the end of that period. As you approach the podium, please state your name for public record. If you choose to do so. Mayor mc no one approached the podium. Thank you. We have no proclamations to present today. So moving on to item 8. >> Staff briefing, MADAM City manager. 0.1 is the competing community Empowerment update. >> Good afternoon, Mayor Vice mayor and city Council. I'm on a boat that community engagement manager with the communications and Intergovernmental Relations Office also known as seal today and we provide would be providing you with the community Empowerment Plan. Update. To say at the 6 the Senate to police department is hosting the National Night out Beaks good spy cannot on Cleveland Avenue from four-thirty to 07:00pm National Night Out is a nation. One community building campaign that promotes police and community partnerships. The Violence Prevention partnership and Senator was a fire department will also be tabling. The event. On Thursday 6 senators to fire department will be present with percent and informational station and resource fairs with the Sonoma County Youth

College Corp from 9 to 10:00am. On Saturday 10, I was 10th. The Violence Prevention partnership with intern and show them. I of the Montgomery High School alumni car show and go the high school campus parking lot from 10:30am, to 02:30pm. This event is free and open to the public. Also in AUGUST and from 10:00am to 02:00pm. The Rosa Fire Department is hosting the annual Wildfire Eddie's resource. Fair. The fee only community center. The Wildfire Eddie's Resource Fair provides valuable information and resources to help individuals, families and the community stays safe and resilient in the face wildfires. The Rose, a police department in Syria will also be participating in event. Last month. The Violence Prevention partnership. The senator the police department. The center is a fire department and Co participated in this summer in South Park event. And Martin Luther King Junior Park. Despite the warm temperatures, community event was well attended. In addition during the month of JULY, the Rosa Police Department held the youth community. Police experience with 20 a youth participating in the program. Finally the following to block glass be sent programs for underserved youth is now available, featuring know and cost no, and no cost tease for Anderson youth and families in Santa Rosa. They creation and parks department and the violence prevention for these

after school sports and recreation programs to help a stronger community for more information, please visit Santa Rosa cd. Don't o# # # , Slash neighborhood services and that concludes the community Empowerment Plan update for AUGUST. Thank you. >> a very robust report. Thank you, Anna. Bring it back to council for any questions or comments. All right. City clerk, would you please conduct public comment? >> Thank you. Vice mayor. We're now taking public comment on item 8.1. If you're in the council chamber, it would like to comment but have not yet provided a speaker card or your name. Please make your way to the podium. You'll have 3 minutes and a countdown. Timer will alert at the end of that period. As you approach the podium, please state your name for public record. If you choose to do so. Vice Mayor mc No and approach the podium for public comment on this item. Thank you. >> We'll move on to item 9 and thank you. One item 9, the city manager and city attorney reports. >> Yeah, thank you. Vice mayor so registration is underway for classes in programs included in our fall. Winter Activity guide. And this is the first time the diet is both available in English and in Spanish. So residents can rouse the guide and Register online at Santa Rosa Rec dot com. Our pick up a copy Findlay are Stilling community Center. And I believe we also have copies upstairs as well. I am pleased inform you that the paving operations for the neighborhood Road Disaster Recovery project are nearly completed in the Coffey Park

Park area. So before paving begins in the Fountain Grove area, the city's going to host a community meeting on Wednesday, AUGUST. The 21st to discuss the paving process and respond to some questions and concerns from our residents. Individuals can go to neighborhood road recovery dot com to get some additional information. The city's parking division in partnership with Metropolitan Transportation Commission is seeking community input to help reshape the city's parking policy as we rematch in the The future mobility vision for downtown Santa Rosa. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the survey. We often receive a lot of comments regarding downtown parking. So if you can get the word out to your that would be great. Individuals can go to sr City Dot org forward slash as our downtown survey. I will send that out to you by e-mail as well. So you send that out to your constituents. The survey is going to be open until AUGUST. The 30th. And I'm just conjunction with some of the information that director Hennessey reported out. So to further improve, walking, biking and driving safely adjacent to the Steel Lane Elementary School this week, the city's traffic engineering team implemented phase 2 of the Steel Lane Elementary pilot study. The focus is going to be on

traffic calming measures along the south side of still between Myers in row. A survey is also The surveys going to be open until NOVEMBER. So residents can let us know about their travel experiences during this time. Individuals can go to sr City dot org forward. Slash still laying pilot study. Those are my updates for the evening. Thank you. >> city attorney. Do you report? >> I do not have any reports this evening. Thank you, MADAM Mayor. >> Thank you so much. Before handed over to MADAME City clerk. I just want to say very happy. >> City manager that the it's in Spanish and English. It probably is something that we should have already had. But I'm happy that it's being done now. And then also the survey for council Their little q Postcards. >> If you want to carry it around and have people scan with their phone and they can take the survey. And with that, MADAM City clerk, a new police facility. Public comment. >> Thank you, mayor. We're now taking public comment on item 9. If you are in the council chamber would like to comment but have not yet provided a speaker card. Or your name. Please make your way to the podium. You have 3 minutes and a countdown. Timer will alert at the end of that period. As you approach the podium, please. State your name for the public record. If you choose to do so. And I see no and approaching the podium as Mayor. Thank you so much. Moving to item 10 statement of abstention by council members. >> I will say that I will be

abstaining from item 15 point 2. I forgot exactly what the city attorney told me to say. But I own a second home, which is a conflict of interest on this item. So I'll be abstaining and we'll go to council member out for us. Thank you, MADAM Mayor. >> I will be abstaining from item 13.6 the tobacco as I am involved, cannabis industry and the conversation has touched on prior. Thank you. >> If I MAY, MADAM Mayor. If I MAY, MADAM Mayor, >> MADAM City, Councilmember Alvarez has a correction. >> Yes, also on item for 2.1. I believe it is. I should also be standing from that item as I do on a rental property. >> Councilmember through the mayor or through city attorney. I believe it's item 15 point to the ballot measure proposed for the business license tax, not the transient occupancy tax. Is that correct? City attorney? Yes, that's correct. So >> So with that guns and will remove that abstention from the item. >> For correction. For the record, the city attorney has advised to recuse on 15.2. >> In which case I will really comes in from item 15.2 due to owning a rental property. >> Thank you. That was rough. Councilmember flowing. Thank into owning a rental property. I will be recusing from Ryan. 15.2.

>> Moving on to item 11. Councilmember and mayors reports. Councilmember >> Yeah. Just one quick I along some city staff was able to tour the old helping property up off of a Round Barn Boulevard. And I think I can speak for all of us when I say how surprised we were to see how far along it was in it's not officially going to be held its just being it's being rebuilt. We don't know what flag face as they say. It's going to flood its can fly above it, but it would be great to have all these hotel rooms back have a restaurant meeting space back that we lost 7 years ago they are very far along tend to be open next year. >> Thank you. Councilmember Fleming. As thank you, I came across as thank you to Robin Stephanie, the executive director of their neural Enterprise district. >> a few fun facts about the renewal Enterprise district. I thought I would just take a quick moment to to let the public and and anybody else who's interested. Know as a reminder, it's we don't talk a lot. We say the red. We say there are no enterprise district and was just thinking I don't know how many folks really know that is so real Enterprise district, which I sit on with Councilmember Alvarez. And then Supervisor Rabbit and to revise or Corsi was formed in 2018 following the fires that has fired. And it was started as an idea of a way to accelerate housing in the downtown transit oriented housing. That was bikeable walkable near transit. Transit oriented. It really wasn't clear whether or not it was going to It's a joint joint agreement between city and the county and when the city and

the county both prevailed along with other jurisdictions in our lawsuit against pg and each of these 2 entities and historic agreement capitalized this fund to the tune of 20 million dollars. 10 million from each jurisdiction is really quite something. And over the years. >> Are the nonprofit housing fund arm has deployed this to both market rate. >> And affordable housing units within the downtown boundaries. Fund also has the ability to engage a yet are essential function, bond, which would us to help other cities to buy and and as well as the city of Santa Rosa. We so wanted to to buy properties that could be put into trust eventually as affordable housing is as a part of a preservation program, which is really interesting. But I thought I would share a fun few facts with the guise of things that it has its this renewal enterprise housing, Arnold Enterprise District has achieved in the few years that we've been operational with your support. We have saved an average of $780 per month per household. Our our tenants who have taken residency a total rental savings is $711,000 $100,000. A year. The lifetime projected earnings per child who benefits from these units is $47,000 we're 71 metric tons of co 2 per year due to the proximity near transit. The jobs per year supported. It's 50 as 50 and the wait is in business. Income generated is 2 million per year. And finally, my favorite, the state and local taxes

generated from this activity. It's $520,000 a year. I want to thank the people who envision are former executive director Michele Whitman, our current one. I'm Robin, Stephanie and the people of the city and county city of Saint Rose in the county of Sonoma for your support, as well as our amazing legal team for winning that lawsuit. Councilmember over. Thank you, MADAM Mayor. >> I want to invite everyone to on on AUGUST. 15th at 06:00pm Rosen community Group will be holding a meeting to discuss business and community It's-it's, a newly formed organization that's really important. Community and look at the gender. Another one of the issues there will be food truck. The buffer zones as well as of the things that I know that the city, this committee, when it comes to supporting our business businesses Roseland pretty poor Those findings and our next meeting. Thank you. >> Thank you. Councilmember MacDonald. >> I just want say thank you to Catholic Charities for hosting their back-to-school event at Kara Village and all of the staff that was there that day to support this great event. I was there along with mayor and Vice Mayor Stapp and we're getting backpacks to kids. This is really the best part of doing this job. But they had stations set up for children to get hair cuts and face painting. And Mary Rogers was on a bike to make

smoothies so it was just a really great day to be able to see families supported. And I'm not sure what other organizations were involved in those efforts. But I just want to say thank you to them for making sure that children that are going to school have new backpacks and supplies in their backpacks. It was really an honor to be part of that. Vice Mayor step. Thank you, Mayor. I just want to continue my to my tradition of celebrating the Sonoma County Fair, which is in town right now and running through next weekend. >> While it's technically as a county fair, it brings 130,000 people into the city limits Santa Rosa it it awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to taken to kids going on on college and a promoter aeg Education. So a huge thanks to the Sonoma County Fair Board. And so the county Farm bureau excuse me, if you have affair already, please check it out. Thanks. >> All right. Doesn't it? >> Councilmember MacDonald's, just, you know, one of businesses that was there was West Coast cuts and they're cutting all of the children's hair. So that was really nice. My report. JULY, 24th, the Homeless coalition board. We receive presentations >> counties, safety Net System initiative called Access an omen. Established to break down silos across county departments and improve service delivery to vulnerable residents. So not show what that means is there are services that are being provided. But we need to

streamline the process. Streamlined the process, not only for are vulnerable community that needs the process, but also for providers so they can talk amongst each other. And make that go more effortless. And efforts of the racial equity work group income >> came in gave a a presentation on systemic and institutional institutional discrimination in the system of care that is currently going on and they will be coming back for future agenda items that we can see what we can do. So that we can minimize that occurring in our community. On AUGUST the Water Advisory Committee met and we received update on water supplies both reservoirs continue to be in good shape. With Lake Sonoma at almost 100% of storage capacity. And Sonoma water staff provided an update on the development of the new Russian River. Biological opinion and noted that the National Marine Fresh Fishery Service is finalizing the document and it's expected to be released later this month. The new biological opinion, which will have new requirements for Sonoma Water and the Army Corp, the relation to management of the Russian River. And then the Sonoma Water staff also provided an update on the il Russian project authority and noted that pg and e requested the Federal Energy Regulatory

Commission approve. I'm a changed to pg and e's license surrender schedule, which will allow for pga need to include in their license, surrender application changes that will allow for the continued to version of ill river water to the Russian River. If anyone knows anything about water, this is pretty interesting. And if you don't, I would start to pay more attention to what's going on with wider advisory committee because there are definitely a lot of changes that are going on with our water. And the water Advisory elected as Vice chair John Foreman from Valley of the Moon Water District. And I'm proud to say that I became the chair of the water. Advisory committee. So I will be giving you regular updates. And with that MADAM City Clerk me, please facilitate public comment. Thank you, Mayor. We're now taking public comment on item 11.1, if you are in the chamber would like to comment but have not yet provided a speaker card or your name. Please make your way to the podium. You have 3 minutes and a countdown timer will or at the end of that period. >> no one approached the podiums. Mayor on 11.1. Thank you very much. Will now go to a lab in point to designation of voting to look at it. >> And alternative for the League of California Cities annual Conference. So in order to vote at the annual business meeting at the League of California Cities

Twenty-twenty for annual conference, each member city must designate a boating delicate in up to 2 alternate delegates. This year's conference will be held in Long Beach from Wednesday, OCTOBER 16th through Friday, OCTOBER 18th, the delegates must designated by the City Council and the voting delegates and alternates must be registered to attend the conference. So with that, I would like to look to our council members to see who plans to attend this conference. OCTOBER 16th through OCTOBER 18 in Long Beach. All right. So I think that's almost everyone with the exception of the out. You're You're not going yeah. With the exception about us. MADAM City Clerk, can you please facilitate public comment on this item? We are now taking public comment on item 2011.1. If you're in the council chamber room would like to comment but have not provided a speaker card or your name. >> Please make your way to the podium. You'll have 3 minutes and a countdown. Timer will alert at the end of that period. As you approach the podium, please state your name for the public record. If you choose to do so. Mayor, no one's approaching the podium and 2011.1. Before hand it off to Councilmember Rogers. Is there any discussion? From council members? Seeing none Councilmember Rogers me please make a motion >> I make a motion for the mayor to be our primary voting member, the vice mayor to be the alternate and then Crappie to be our designated survivor

voter of last resort. >> Second motion made by Councilmember Rodgers in a second by Councilmember MacDonald and Adam City clerk. Can you please facilitate the vote? Yes. Thing. Councilmember Rogers, I Kentucky Councilmember MacDonald. I Councilmember Fleming. Yes, councilmember of or as vice mayor step. I. >> Mayor Rogers, let the record show that passes unanimously >> thank you. Moving on to item 11.3 matters from council regarding future agenda items at the 7/24/2024. City Council meeting Council member MacDonald requests to future agenda item to discuss a reconsideration of these recently adopted related to historic landmark alteration permits. These were historic districts in those additional fees identified by director was born so long as the reconsideration does not negatively impact those currently within the permit process. And this was taken in by myself. Are concurred with the request by myself. Is there any discussion from council on these items on this item? All right, seeing none city clerk. Can you please facilitate public comment on this item? Thank you, mayor. We're now taking public comment on 3011.1. You're in the chamber like to comment but have not provided a speaker card or your name. Please make your way to the podium. Not going to restate it because I haven't seen the door open for the last couple minutes. So mayor, I am not seen anyone else approach the podium for public comment on

this item. All right. Thank you very much. Councilmember MacDonald, can you please make a motion? Thank you, Mayor. I moved approved placement of agenda item for reconsideration of specific fee increases within that the schedule adopted. >> On MARCH 5th 2024, second. Have a motion made by Councilmember MacDonald in a second by Councilmember Fleming. >> city clerk, can you please facilitate Thank you. Councilmember Rodgers Councilmember Okrepkie councilmember MacDonald. I councilmember Fleming. Yes. Councilmember of runs Vice Mayor. Stop. >> I Rogers, let the record show that pass of the 7 affirmative votes. >> Thank you. Moving along to item 12 approval of the minutes, we have one set of minutes, JULY 23rd 2024, which was a regular meeting. Councilor there. Any corrections to the minutes. Seeing none. MADAM City clerk, a new police facility. Public comment Thank you, mayor. We're now taking public comments on item 12.1 JULY 23rd 2024 regular meeting minutes. If you'd like to comment, please make your way to the podium. Again. Mayor mc no one approach to put him on this item. All right. The minutes will be adopted as presented. Continuing with item 13, our consent items. I'm city clerk. Can you please read the consent items? Thank you, Mayor. Just so, you know, when I pause like this, it's usually because my computers not keeping up with the pace of the meeting. It's not always me. We're ok, thank

you, John. Okay. Item 13.1. Resolution, administrative costs recovery lean against the real property located at 1, 5, 9, 7, West Avenue. Santa Rosa, California, and 9, 5, 407. >> Item, 13.2 resolution, administrative costs, recovery leaning against the real property located at 6, 1, 6, Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, California, and 9, 5, 401. Item. 13.3 resolution approval to further extend the term of the exclusive negotiation agreement as amended between the city of Santa Rosa and rogue. All projects for the real property located at 6 to 5, 6, 3, 7, 3rd Street Santa Rosa, California. Item 13.4 resolution approval of Second General Service Agreement f 0, 0, 2, 1, 4, 5, for a one-year extension, an increase in compensation with Waterworks Industries incorporated. Item 13.5. Resolution, safe streets and roads for all grant program. Sonoma County Transportation Authority application. Item 13.6 ordinance adoptions. Second reading ordinance of the council, the city of Santa Rosa amending chapter 6 of the Santa Rosa Municipal code and adding a new chapter 6 dash 20 entitled Regulation of Retail, Tobacco Sales. That concludes the reading of the consent. >> Thank you very much for bringing it back to council to see if there are any questions on any of our consent items. Seeing city clerk please facilitate public comment. Thank you. Mary are now taking public comments on the consent calendar. If you would like to

provide comments on item 13.1 through 13.6, please make your way to the podium. You'll have 3 minutes and a countdown. Timer will alert at the end of that period. >> As you approach the podium, please state your name for public record. If you choose to do so. The first public comment will be from Mary Lu followed by Craig than Michelle. >> Council members. I'm here as a representative from Tobacco-Free Sonoma County Coalition also is retired nurse who has worked in a cancer research center. I would like to thank you for your consideration of the tobacco retail licensing ordinance for Santa Rosa. Know, knowing that is often difficult for to please, everyone when it comes to eat affecting rules that affect people's individual decisions on how they like to live their lives. Unfortunately, with tobacco and nicotine addiction, those individual decisions have a large impact on communities both financially and health-wise. He's us particularly the impact now the rate of vaping in our young children. 2022 national survey to 7% of our 8th graders in 14% 14% of our 10th graders. Vape. A more recent study shows that vaping in high school is in nationally. This is. Has slightly decreased tower. Vaping in middle school has increased, which is alarming statistic. Vaping leads to nicotine addiction. That can last a lifetime. It's good for big tobacco. Not so good for your health care system and

for our children. I and the members of Tobacco-Free Sonoma County Coalition would like to thank you for you considering this ordinance and which which helps establish consistency throughout our county. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. The next speaker will be great, followed by Michele. >> City My name is Greg Damron and I am a volunteer with Tobacco-Free Sonoma County Community Coalition. By day I work for Blue Zones, Project Lake County, the sister project to the Petaluma Blue Zones part of our. Mission is to make the healthier choices, the easier choices. And that's driven by all kinds of data that shows that are zip codes have a more to do with our longevity and health. Then does our genetics. Thank you for prioritizing youth and children, safety health and healthier futures for them through this innovative ordinance. In Lake County. I just come today from a first reading from county unincorporated for also looking at a tea around clear will be considering one in the next month. We're at the Lake County paying attention to what's going on here in Santa Rosa, we appreciate your from the beginning. Some of you have talked about a regional outlook. We've seen the map were there are strong against the ravages of big tobacco. And it's so exciting to have my hometown and a place that's dear to my where I lived until just 2 years ago joined that cadre of leadership. And I

really hope you will there's a warm and invitation extended. To help support that movement and continue that movement solving the number one cause of preventable disease and death and engineered corporate engineered epidemic. Thank you again. We really appreciated. We appreciate your leadership and I'm looking forward to this being adopted. >> Thank you. The next speaker will be Michelle McGarry. You can hear me. Yes. Okay. Okay. I just want to say. >> Thank you. >> You know, I think about said a visits educational visit, we did with council members back even a year ago. Brought project true. I talked with Mayor Rogers with a group of community health workers. And we just explain to you that there was a big issue around the sale of apes to underage. Folks of our community. I thank you that you moved it. During the first reading isis 8. That first reading Thank you. I appreciated but also want to say that this shows that you have. At your heart, a commitment to our young people in this community. And that's really why I'm here. That's really why most of the people. On the health and while beans side of this issue, we're here is our young people have enough. To deal with. And if we can just. You know, minimize the access to these products, these very addictive products. You know. That speaks volumes to our

community. Not just me, not just others that come here and tell you about this. But 2, our youth who are here in last meeting and I hope you receive their email 6 telling me. Thank you. I just want to say thank you again. I hope we get her done today. It's been a long time coming and I totally understand. You're willingness to be fair to the business community. I I really do me personally. Everybody else is me personally. I get it. That's a good group of council members for our city. >> Thank you, speaker of the West Sector. And please go ahead. >> Hi, my name is Michael Helber. And I'm sorry, I chance to get in the car. But I want to comment I read up on it and it has to do a fine of $3,500 for To Greek letter property in the Roseland area. And one thing that stood out to me was that the complaint appears to be a hoarding situation. You know, we've probably seen and neighbors and family and relatives and can the type of them. You know, mental health matter. So the point I want to make his And we shouldn't be. You standoff about this. We try to make sure that we make a face to meeting with property owner to. You know, to get a read on the person cause a person might to leave. That might cognitively impaired or who

knows what You know we just go punishing people like putting liens on their house I do appreciate you know, the the face to face and got a read on the situation too. We don't abuse people who suffering a mental health issue. Thank you. >> MAY see you at the podium. Would you like to speak on the consent calendar? >> Away from the correct clock. >> Hello, my name is doing to it. I'm from Rosen. 13.1. I go by West Avenue almost every day. Sometimes 2, 3, 4 times a day. I do not believe that these folks really intend to be a difficult situation for the city. I believe they've encountered some difficulties in their lives. The site MAY not as pristine as MacDonald Avenue. But I don't believe these folks who probably of lower income should be hit so hard with a situation such as a lead. The league could actually cause them lose their property. You know, when I was thinking about this, I was thinking about one of the downtown business people here who's been able to essentially bamboozled the city council into thinking he's helping. When he made an agreement for the att building over here. He got himself a 1 million dollar discount. Because that property was owned by redevelopment at the time. And it was like, oh, we can't do the stuff we need to do so will work with this guy and will help him out to get housing. That's what that

building was supposed to be for now, it's being called the museum on the square. And you know what? It never came to what it was supposed to be. And you never get the money back from that guy. That million dollar loan, if you might call it or grant perhaps somehow or another that person could take a million away and you don't put a lien on his situation. I hear these folks. We're probably facing hard times. Up against $3552. And you want to put a lien on her house. That's never good. It's a matter of fact. It frequently ends up with people losing their houses to governmental agencies and then maybe even become homeless. And I know the city's plan. There's a housing crisis. Believe it. Because I've seen the city tear down houses. I just wanted to dozens of houses in Roseland have been destroyed by the city of Santa Rosa coming through, say it's progress for make better. And those people didn't have a place to go. So ask you today. Table this to item number 13.1 and not charge these folks right now with a lean and asked them if you can work out some sort of a loan payment plan. So that there's no for them losing their house because we know the city's heartless. We know that victim disabled ladies from houses, they have been destroyed. That's undeniable. It's a fact. People never met me before. I have no financial gain any way, shape or form. Trying to save this house. I'm just here because I think it's the right thing to do. Yes, mercy. Things like that. Sometimes the government needs

to show I mean, the red, all the kind. >> Thank you. Mayor doesn't look like anyone else is approaching the public or the podium for public comment on consent. All right. So >> the city manager is there anyone available? >> Pull to give us a quick overview of the process that we take before where we put a lien on. I know that every situation is different. But what are some of the proactive measures and what are some of the measures that we take prior to putting a lien on someone's property and what exactly does it mean to put a lien on someone's property? Does that mean we're kicking them out of their home to make them homeless? >> Good evening, Lou. Kirk Assistant chief building official so in a nutshell, this is a culmination of one of many enforcement tools that we have as you know, you've heard me say before that we we always start with education. We did have face-to-face meetings. We determined that there were in this case significant threats to the So their personal safety by virtue of the condition of the living in uninhabitable areas and even habitable areas by their condition. That have problems. We progress through enforcement process. We start with with the with the education we hope that that works. It often does. We move on to other tools in this case. You also heard me say that violator will often dictates dictate the course and duration coach Jason. And that's what we're seeing here. Simply were not getting compliance. We still don't have compliance. So we work

through these tools. We exercise these tools the tool we've got to was the hearing. So we have the hearing, which is a stepping stone to other actions, which could include receivership. Which is much more drastic, a way to go, which we prefer not to go. But again, the violator dictates the course and we're dealing life safety issues. So at the culmination of that hearing, the hearing founded the City act appropriately costs of those costs comprised of cost to the hearing. Officer himself and actual cost that stuff it incurred trying to gain compliance. That's the total you're seeing before before you tonight. Dance. Your question about the lien itself, the lean goes against the property on the county assessor's role. The property owners have an opportunity to make payments. I believe 5 equal payments to pay that off. Its like any other assessment that one might think her up on their property. I don't know any properties have been lost because of this process in Santa Rosa. I've not heard of and we will work with people to the extent we're able to. But at the end of the day, our job is to obtain compliance. And again, we're still attempting in this case, compliance reporting. I would hate to wake up in the morning and find out fire started because of those conditions or or some other issue. And we've all seen that happen in our communities. So that's an overview of how we got where we are. And I'm happy to

answer questions you MAY have. >> When we look at schools >> I know that you guys are not social workers by any means, but you do have direct contact with public. So when we look at tools, if someone is in need of U.S. Social service, are we able to Cole ap a help them to get connected or have someone come out there that can help I want to give you work. That's not yours because I know you guys are social workers. But I know that you do a really good you go above and beyond weigh duty calls and you you are doing this. I just want the public to know certainly good and you're right, we're not social workers, but we've >> awful lot of institutional knowledge from working alongside social workers. We do report to aps we report to cps when we need to and we're very alert to situations where that is required. >> Thank you very much. Thank you for answering those questions. I just wanted to clear up some things. Certainly. >> Any additional questions from council members councilmember over us. >> It states that. >> One of those the residents to not. Were not present. He on the staff reports. I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Go >> It's entirely possible. We we advertise We invite people to attend and participate. We emphasize the importance of of being there and understanding the process that they are a part of. But sometimes they do

not up here. I I don't personally recollect in this case if they were there or not, that if if you saw something that indicated that they weren't them and the fall, the other question have is I notice that a lot of the dates PRESIDENT As 2023, but in the background, this case actually goes back always 2018 doesn't? Yes, it does. And again, >> violators are the people that cover attention at the time. For whatever reason they do dictate the course of the case. How long it takes, how expensive it becomes for them. Ultimately and how much how resources we have to throw at the problem to fix it. And I indicated, we're still in that process. This case is still open. >> It doesn't look like we have any additional questions or comments. So thank you very much. And with that, vice mayor stopped, can you please make a motion? >> Thank you, mayor, for my first motion. I will move that that we approve items. 13.1 through 13.5. >> Have a motion made by Vice Mayor stop in a second by Councilmember MacDonald. City clerk, please, please call the Yes. Councilmember Rogers, I Crappie, Councilmember MacDonald. I councilmember funding. I councilmember offer as vice mayor step. I Mayor Rogers, I but the records show that item 13.1 through 13.5 passed unanimously. >> My second motion. I will move that. We approve item. 13.6. >> motion made by Vice Mayor stop in a second by Councilmember Okrepkie MADAM City per please call Councilmember Rogers

Councilmember Councilmember MacDonald. I Councilmember Fleming. I Councilmember Alvarez had to recuse from this item. Can vice mayor stopped by Mayor Rogers by? Let the record show this passes 6 affirmative votes and Councilmember Alvarez recusing. Thank you. And with that, we will continue to item 14 first public comment on non agenda. >> Matters. MADAM City clerk. Thank you, Mayor. We are now taking public comment on item. 14, not agenda either items. This is a time when any person MAY address the council on matters not listed on the agenda, but which are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the council. If you're in the council chamber would like to provide comment but have not provided a speaker card or your name. Please make your way to the podium. You will have 3 minutes and a countdown timer will alert at the end of that period. We will take 12 speakers under item 13 or pardon me under item 14 if more than public comments are made under item 14, the remaining speakers will be able to provide comment under item for 18 non agenda matters. The first public comment will be from Colleen, followed by Michael than Dwyane. Good afternoon. >> It's been quite a while since I've spoken to this body. And it's been a year since I met with and spoke to MADAME Mayor and City manager. I apologize. It is taken me years to follow up. But I look forward to proceeding with the process the law enforcement oversight that we began and council members. MISTER

Rogers, MISTER Alverez. Congratulations on your current success. And with your future endeavors. My telephone number is included my speaker card. And I look forward to communicating. MISTER. Jeff, I'm not going to try to pronounce your last name yet, but I think maybe I recognize your name for having something to do with the Tubbs Fire. And if that is correct, I would definitely like to follow up. The reason I started coming to speaking to bodies of people who swore the oath of office. As I did. Ran for U.S. Senate 3 times challenging Dianne Feinstein to stop unconstitutional. Warned that spending and I look at your agenda and I see that you speak of the League of California cities and I know there's a national organization. So that's when you can consolidate your power to use your oath of office to change what isn't working for us. In my various ways to try to stop unconstitutional. We're in debt spending and I came to your body in 2010 and I played on my laptop. A video called collateral murder. I know that's a hard word to hear. That's what got Julian Assange put in prison. If you go watch that video, collateral murder. What set that? Into place? And look for a video on pbs recently. Those people who were shot a service member went to go help. The young boy in 3 year-old girl who were harmed in a forever changed him. This documentary maker put them together. The boy and the service member who

insisted him. To have a healing. Create forgiveness. But that situation hasn't changed. And we are in debt spending. We're in proxy, unconstitutional wars of choice and it's not helping the retirement. Your solvency for the retirement for any one here. And I want to thank everyone who works for the city. That's the police department your office who is patiently and politely listened to me. Talk about all of my trauma. And I wanting to get to the bottom and resolve But in the meantime, this is your power. When I ran for office, there was no expiration date on swearing an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. Article one Section in Congress to can declare war. And they're supposed to pay the debts. Neither one of those things have happened since World War. 2. >> Thank you for >> Thank you. The next speaker will be Michael followed by Dwayne. I was going to put a on this project are, but I see out of order. >> So anyway, I guess 3 pictures and like to submit them for the record. After I'm done speaking to them. So just trying to hold up. I don't know if you can see But this is a picture of guy that your chief of police to Israeli. He knows him by name. He's a guy so dressed in red. Looks like the smoking a joint. And he's got a fist for $100 bills. The understanding is that these $100 bills come from peddling methamphetamine. And also. Even though he's a white guy, you apparently claims be

affiliated with an rt news. You know, your police chief knows this guy. He's Rosa. Here's a picture of him. You, too, can guess posing next to a fence with the graffiti Norton, Newark de on Here's another I know he stays that like the motel Cleveland sometimes I don't know where he actually lives, but he's around. There's a picture just so I don't know if you're if you're police chief knows him really well. And these tons of money methamphetamine. What you we just he just being allowed to run around Houston. Police department is and the issuing permits depend on mass. Are they? You know, I'm really concerned. You know, I feel like him. Been let down. >> Thank you. The next speaker will city, MISTER. Do it. >> Roseland I had wanted to also show you something with the projector. I'll just read something to you that I was going to put up. It's from a package of a product that says unique moments of smooth taste and a gift for your senses. That's a cigarette package from out of the European Union where they actually force them to put on the package. Smoking causes fatal lung cancer. And inconvenient truth. They went so far as to actually summarized even better and say smoking kills. I've been a respiratory therapist since 1974. California license. And I just really feel. That when you make a business decision and you say, oh, we have to help those business people keep their license and do it. They're going to do you also

have a moral obligation to take care. >> what we call the health. >> Safety and welfare of a community. Now I want to thank MISTER Alvarez because he's having a community meeting on the 15th of AUGUST. What the rose and business owners, he's inviting them to be there. It's a really good thing that he's been reaching out and doing more for us. And Rosen than anybody ever has before. You can take that to the bank. Folks have been following for 30 long years where Roseland has not been treated fairly. Now, recently, you've got some money from thing called the American Rescue Plan Act. You got a lot of money and one would thought that it could have helped us get sidewalks, curbs gutters along the streets where the children and mothers pushing carriages have to walk out in traffic. Sometimes. But no, you've got this other plan. You're going build yourself a nice, big building for some well paid employees and you're going to call it a community of Well, it's not for the community. It's for those well paid employees. The community has been asking for decades. For amenities, swimming a better library up in Roseland on Sebastopol Road were we were promised to get that. But now I've been told by County Library, folks, it's the city that wants the library out there in the Bill View District. I'll point to away

from the existing library. I bet if I would ask a city person they say will know it's the county that wants it. Should be like that should give us the news to use. And i do believe that's what MISTER Alvarez will be doing on the 15th. Any news we can use are we really like? We appreciate it. >> Thank you, Mayor. Mc no one else approach to Putin's for public comment on non agenda matters >> thank Before we move to item 15, our report items, we will go to item 17 which are written communications. MADAM City Clerk, can you please conduct public comment on this item? Certainly we're taking public comment on item. 17.1 notice of final map. If you're in the council chamber him and like to take comment but have not yet provided a speaker card or your name, please make your way to the podium. You'll have 3 minutes and a countdown timer will alert at the end of that period. Mayor mc no one approached the podium on 17.1. Thank you. So now we will proceed with 15.1 15.2, which are are report items city manager. I don't team 0.1 transit occupancy, tax ballot measure. Thank you. Mayor Rogers, members of the >> This is first of revenue Staff reports that we have in hope of having items place on the NOVEMBER. 24 a general

election ballot. With item, this is for our transient occupancy tax. Give a, you know, overview of of the tax of where it is now. And and then later, get into what we're proposing. The transient occupancy tax or Tdt is a general tax which funds general government services in the city. It is charged to visitors rent rooms in lodging, establishments, which hotels, motels, short term rentals. The current rate in Santa Rosa is 9%. That rate was last set in 1993. The city also has to business improvement area assessments. One is a local Santa Rosa tourism bia it says he's a 3% of the room fee and then we have a county wide snowmen county tourism bia, has a 2% the combined dot and rates are 14%. So mentioned the bia is an overview of The city joined the county wide snowmen County tourism, bia by entering into a contract with Sonoma County tourism in 2004. As I mentioned, it's a 2% to lodging operators with more than $350,000 of revenue. So it goes to hotels motels, but not to short term rental establishments. The revenue to

Sonoma County tourism, 100% of that revenue, although there is a a 2% administrative fee that the city retains the full fiscal year there was approximately 1.2 million dollars collected through that assessment that when to Sonoma County And then the city for the Sonoma or the Santa Rosa tourism bia in 2010, that's a 3% assessment to lodging operators. And this does go to short term operators as well as hotels and motels. The amount is a shared with the city and the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber. However, it is not does not go into the general fund, the city's portion 30% of the revenue goes into the city Economic Development fund and then 70% goes to the chamber and over that same period, there was approximately 2.2 million dollars collected that were split to those 2 areas. And this revenueoes to various county and local programs promote tourism destination, marketing events and it helps drive economic growth in tourism in Saint Rose in the county as a whole. Why are we here in end asking for a you to approve revenue measure to go on the ballot. We are in

the middle of a a structural deficit with our general fund. Its forecasted for the foreseeable future in last fiscal year, the 20's 3.24, fiscal year we are projecting too close. The year in a deficit. This is very rare occurrence and not a particularly good one. And the current fiscal year we adopted a 13.3 million Dollar Jevan General fund deficit. Now this is. Is bad, Andy. A lot of cities in California and I think even nationwide are going through these the same There are a result of rising a non personnel operating cars, but also rising labor costs and the loss of one time federal and state grant funding. They went to service programs. With no changes, a deficit like ours will grow progressively each year and in order and will eventually erode our reserves the way that that that happens is that we use reserve dollars to plug the budget We have a deficit. We use those sources to be able to have a balanced budget as required by Constitution. We have fiscal stability reserves. Those will be under our current pace by 25. 26 and with general fund and he signed reserves by 27. 28. So what are we trying to do to this council made stability its number 2 goal just behind

economic development. We are taking a long term broad approach that new ongoing revenue sources. Ongoing expenditure reductions and foundation of economic development to help keep a sustainable over the long term. So we are very much in the next 2 fiscal years. The current one in the next one. As those We need to make a course correction. There in order to keep our reserves from depleting what we're doing so far is that we've we've already required over the last 2 years, have departments general fund departments absorb. Increased costs of contracts and that we have a put in the a hiring freeze. We've been gun at other types of expenditure reductions with more cuts coming in this current fiscal year, but significant, a Lee and the next but year's budget development. But in addition to that, like I said, it's this is kind of like a three-legged stool. So we have the expenditure reductions on one side. We also need to have the ongoing revenue. In addition to long-term economic development and growth there. That if these can really over take the other, we need to do all of them it in balance. So what we're proposing to do is to increase the tea ot rate

from by 2% to go from 9% to 11. We estimate that this will generate approximately 1.2 million dollars of additional revenue to the general fund we are proposing no changes to either of the bia a's and in doing so. This will bring the total amount of taxes and fees paid by using Santa Rosa establishments from 14% to 16%. And at 16%, it would tie us with Hill's Burge has got the highest rate in the county. On. Here is a is a rate comparison. Illustrates I should add that at 9%. We are the lowest in the county we get up to being at 14%. When we add the bia Ys in 14% is about for the county. 11%. We would still have one of the trt rates in the county. But the combined amount would bring us up to the top. So the benefits of this, as I mentioned the revenue generated will go into the general fund to fund essential services and those services such as road repair and maintenance and and the like are beneficial to promoting tourism and economic development. Folks want to come to a clean and safe downtown and these funds help toward that. The increase in rates does keep pace with the cost providing services or at least it allows us to add

toward that cost providing service. And I'm like I said before, unless. Some unfortunate evening you find that the bathroom in your one-bedroom one-bathroom house doesn't work. You. End up going to a local a hotel for the most Santa Rosa residents do not pay this tax is paid by visitors, ensuring that they contribute to the funding of essential services. Would be remiss if if I didn't also include some of concerns that were raised by the Hospitality Association in some of the hotel operators, we did do rather extensive outreach meetings in the month or so and there is concern that if we increase the t o t that that could a slowdown, tourism or that actually tourism is already slowing down and that that would further impact that industry. So I wanted to point that out as as a as and note that you MAY hear later where that you've certainly read in communications. And with with this item, this is a it's it's a tax measure. So there's a a special resolution because with it, resolution is necessary to place the tax measure on the ballot for the NOVEMBER 2024 election. The resolution contains the wording of the tax measure as it will appear on the ballot. It directs the city attorney to prepare an impartial analysis and allows for the

sub middle of rebuttals to the arguments the MAY be submitted for inclusion in the ballot pamphlet. And finally, provides the opportunity for the council to designate and individual or individuals to submit and argument in favor of the measure and a rebuttal argument on behalf of the council. And what we have here is the ballot I think I could it was included in the in the packet. So all do without reading it however, if you'd like, I can go back to the slide in. Thank you very much. And so moving on to the recommendation. It is recommended by the finance department that the city Council one introduce in ordinance to amend Chapter 3 Dash 28 of the Santa Rosa City code to increase the transient occupancy tax where t o t paid by guests at hotels, motels and other lodging establishments by 2%. And 2 approve a resolution ordering the submission of a ballot measure to voter approval of this ordinance after NOVEMBER 5th 2024. General municipal election directing related actions and designating and individuals who submitted on behalf of the City council and argument in favor of the measure in a rebuttal argument. And with that, I'm available for any come

questions. You MAY have. >> Thank you for that presentation. Looking to council to see if there any questions. Vice versa. >> couple of quick ones. Thank you very much, Allan. On behalf of the hospitality industry is my understanding, correct that as a result of recent state, John junk fees, law. Tax increases like like to to ut tax which traditionally could be to some extent hidden from consumers. Now, as we presented them up front. That's correct. Ok, I just want to highlight that which came out in the in the many conversations that that the city and city staff had with hoteliers and hospitality industry that is. And that is a change in circumstance from past tax increases it does not affect my support for this tax, but they want to highlight that. That fact for the for the industry. And then I guess the second point just wanted to highlight again, just because it came out. So clearly in our conversations. The tax rate that we're implementing now are bringing up to a 16% total tax. Sba dot combine that does that does bring us up to be tied for the highest tax rate in the county. So and feet. And in terms of looking at this area for future revenue increases probably capping ourselves out today. >> From a total potentially. >> Again, this doesn't this does not affect my support for this measure. I think it's a good and I've been impressed with with the support that we received from at least some members of the hospitality industry. But again, because these conversations are these

points remained rather bluntly to us in discussion. I want to bring them out here and make sure that we all have have this in the back of our mind as we as we review this measure today, those are my questions. >> Thank you. Any additional questions from council members seeing none. MADAM City clerk, can you please take public comment? Thank you, mayor. We're now taking public comment on item 15.1. If you are in the chamber and would like to comment but have not provided a speaker card or your name, please make your way to the podium. >> You have 3 minutes and a countdown timer will or at the end of that period. The first speaker will be Michael followed by Twain. You know, Michael, over. >> One time I stayed in a hotel Saint Rose, even more given centers and just kind for the h# # # of it. And then the moon or inexpensive ones and I see pay. $15 tax, which considered rate is more than I agree. It's a junk fee. You know. Should be disclosed for sure. You can go ahead and write about argument in favor you know, it certainly expecting argument what you come under attack. You know, this is so she was greed can It's a low hanging fruit. Your gun at people voting for 2 don't pay and things like that. 9% is more than enough. And then you've got ad county fees and all that stuff. You there's plenty of high as it That theoretically was to offset the adverse impacts of tourists like wear and tear on roads or what have you? Well, you know, that's not true at all. The torso contribute to the company. They typically, you go to pay that, you know, 10% sales pay $50 for meal times, $5 sales tax. Top of that sum. Basically they're

getting taxed you know, it's not good for business. Oakland is, you know, essentially insolvent. They have to lay off a lot police officers. You retire. So they're trying to force by attrition. He even though crime is quite high. And their deficits huge. And trying you know, keep things afloat by selling the Oakland Coliseum. You know, none of that has come work neither is neither jacking up that ut that some good work either. So I will object to this. 9 1% plenty Just forget it. >> Thank you, MISTER Dewitte. Please go ahead. >> Dayton hotels and a number of spots. It's almost a truism that lower costs attract tourists. People like to go to spots that are a little less expensive than others. One of the things that stunning about tonight's presentation is this fiscal stability reserves will be gone by fiscal year. 25 26, if this is enacted, that's a stunning statement. And then assign reserves gone by 27. 28. Difficult financial times. Here's something that was brought up decades ago and could have been followed up on. Don't Fund the Chamber of Commerce. Don't Fund the business investment type situation known as the Tourism board tourism can pay for itself. And those savvy business people who are involved in don't necessarily have to get government free advertising. So cut those costs right there. Then you're going to be better shape. And

this idea about. It's going to be used to help. Many things in the city. We'll sell off some of the selling. City properties that are such prime places, right downtown here. Prime real estate stuff that would bring in many millions of dollars, if you would. So them off. In such a way that it was the highest bidder and do it in such a way that real estate investment. Trust in others came. And invest in our community right up front without having had extra tax. You'd be surprised how well that works. Going on in many other cities. And it would revitalize the downtown. Basically is not a tourist attraction to anybody anymore if it ever was. Railroad Square made itself into a tourist attraction after poor planning decisions by the city of Santa Rosa destroyed our downtown here. And built brick block house over here. So Railroad Square became a popular place to go because we didn't hurt it. And they took care of it. And now it brings in fines. It might be too simple for you to understand that the Chamber of Commerce is not our friend. There are private business. Should not be underwriting and the tourism board as part and parcel of that approach. Uni other taxpayers. Supposed to be here for the health safety and welfare of the existence. Residents. If the House burns down, people have to go to a

hotel. Need to be taxed Extra. Thank you kindly. >> Thank you, Mayor. Mc no one else to push the podium for public comment on this item. >> All right. Thank you. I will bring it back to council to see if there any comments. >> And or questions. Vice Mayor step. >> Thank you, First, just a note of thanks. There was a lot of work done by city Staff, Allen particular. You city a number of other staff, did a nice job reaching out to the to the business community. And in this case, the hospitality community, several of had the chance to participate in those meetings. I want extend my thanks. Also to Sonoma County, Hospitality, Sonoma County tourism, a number of the individual tell owners they took the time to meet with which is never a particularly proud pleasant thing. When your discussion an initiative like this, we are in the end, adopting attack potentially adopting a tax that will affect their industry. But they were they gave honest in many cases support of feedback. And one argument that did that did help the city's case was that with a business owners have seen the improvements that the city has made. Is making, particularly in the downtown corridor, our downtown enforcement team is making an impact. People see that have additional officers. We've got feed abatement. We made a number of improvements to the way that we're serving the downtime community in our business community. And that gave us that that that guy was an argument to stand on when we're going to the business community and asking for their

partnership with this measure. But again, thank you for coming to the table There was a lot of time that this ordinance is the result of a lot of conversation. And again, I think it's a good one for the city to bring forward and I remain supportive. Thank you. >> backing Vice Mayor. I also want to thank everyone that participated forums to express your concerns opinions things that we can do to improve the measure. I would like when we talk about the bia. I would like to make sure that our our funds are being well spent. So I'm going to request that we get. I don't know if annual is appropriate for what is appropriate, but I've gone through the Sonoma County Airport multiple times and I've yet to see anything that says the city of Santa Rosa on and we're the largest city here. And I went through each one of those pamphlets and I've gone through again MAY be thinking that it was just not there. So it is something that I am concerned about. And I really want to make sure that we're we're getting our money's worth or to see where our money is going and it might be going somewhere else. But I want to see it. I want to know. >> And with that. Councilmember, a puppy. >> Thank you, MADAM We're going to take this into parts because they are. There's 2 separate things. So first, I'd like to make a motion introduced an ordinance to amend chapter 3, Dash 2, 8, of the Santa Rosa City code to

increase the transit occupancy tax dot paid by guests at hotels, motels and other lodging establishments by 2%. And What is taking that first? >> Motion made by compete in a second by Councilmember Rogers. City clerk me please call the vote. Thank you. Councilmember Rogers, I Councilmember Okrepkie I Councilmember MacDonald. I councilmember Fleming. I Councilmember Alvarez. Vice Mayor stop. I Mayor Rogers, but their records show that passes unanimously >> all right. And I moved to approve a resolution ordering the submission of a ballot measure to seek voter approval of this ordinance at the NOVEMBER 5th 2024. General municipal election directing related actions and designating and individual to submit behalf of the City Council. An argument in favor of the measure and a rebuttal argument. >> I if I air, if I MAY, MADAM Mayor. Yes, MADAM Cities, hurry. Yes. Thank you very I would make a suggestion that before e >> Addressed the motion that is on the table. There was typo in that resolution that the clerk pointed out to me that I want to suggest that you incorporate into the motion. In addition, there is a blank and the resolution that is an opportunity for the council to designated individual to draft the a for argument on behalf of the council and any rebuttal argument that like would need

to be filled and before you adopt the motion if the council's desire is not designated individual, then the city council would give up its opportunity to draft the that argument in favor of. The measure. And so if the city council wants the opportunity to have to draft that argument and any rebuttal I would suggest that the city Council designated individual for individuals to draft argument on its behalf. We can then include the names of those individuals in the motion, which then you would have the opportunity to adopt that motion with that killed The type of graphical error that I understand is in the resolution and let me pull up correct court part of it. One moment, please. Page, 2 of the resolution that hatched with agenda materials. The second to last, whereas I'm resolved. A paragraph that reads be it further resolved that the deadline for filing arguments for and against the ballot measure with the city Clerk, Shelby. AUGUST 15, 2024, I understand from the clerk that should be AUGUST 16, 2020, all for And if I have that front. Clark, I would suggest that the resolution be approved, but that change. All right. I'll amend my motion to include said correction. >> As well as put Mayor in place of the blank. >> Such a great way to say All right. So we have a motion made by council member akp in a second by Councilmember MacDonald. For believe Councilmember Rogers had the initial second. Is that

correct? >> It's fine. If you can give to Councilmember MacDonald. We we did the second motion and then clarified. But it's ok, it's With a council kept is a mover. And who is the second or? You. Councilmember Rogers. Councilmember Okrepkie I Councilmember MacDonald. I Councilmember Fleming. I councilmember offer us Vice Mayor step. I Mayor Rogers by. But records show this resolution passes with 7 affirmative votes. >> Thank you. And you can give us 5 minutes, so in transition because some of us are going to be removing ourselves from the Thank you. >> Thank For their patients. Let's move on to item 15 point to MADAME City manager item 15 point to general business tax ballot Thank you. Vice mayor members remaining members of the council >> this is the second of revenue measure >> This one is set up similarly song in a go over. Some budget items that are pretty quickly since just did that. There's same slides. Move through this. You know, the where we are with with this. So the city's business license tax or general business taxes checked or 6 Dash 4 in the Santa Rosa's city code enacted in 1990. We have since that time have done. No major reviews are changes to that ordinance sense. It. It is a gross receipts based tax. It establishes a minimum tax of $25 and a maximum tax of $3,000. There are different

depending on the business category with lower rates for those contributing to the city's tax base through other taxes. The general fund receives about 4.7 million dollars annually for this. And again, it goes to all General services. And I want to note that this would not include are the business tax structure that we're talking about here does not include the anything having to do with the cannabis industry tax, which falls under chapter 6 Dash 10 of the code. This shows us a breakdown of of business type structure, the groups that we have we we have 7, although the first 4 are the main ones that we have the last 5, 6, 7, are miscellaneous exempt and and other mainly flat fee type of businesses but you can see up here that we have the chart shows what our current rate structure is, which is $0.34 per 1000 dollars and gross receipts for group one, a group. 2 is $0.84 per $1000 of gross receipts. Group 3 is a $1.9 $1000 and grew 4 is a $1.68. Per $1000. We put in the count for in. This was for about a year or so ago. So come MAY be a little bit different. But this gives you a general illustration of how

the businesses are distributed within those categories with retail being a major business type. A general services contractors. And then, of course, the professional businesses and those are medical offices. Attorneys consultants, the like. So in JANUARY or JULY we came to the council through study session, a proposal to change to make significant changes, too. The business tax ordinance that included removing the maximum tax cap keep rates the same for either at or below the maximum tax threshold adopting a different rate structure for those that that would be over that maximum tax structure requiring short-term rental operators to pay a business tax. They currently do not so to have them pay as well as the lodging operators. And then because there would be such a significant change to our impact on businesses from a tax standpoint, at least some of the very high grossing. Once proposed to have those changes, not take effect in 2025, but a year later in 2026. There was the well. And and since that we have conducted significant public outreach. This is just

a small sample of the groups that we met with. But we wanted to hear the concerns. Try to explain how the taxes would work, but even more so to hear how the taxes would impact those businesses those meetings were I think, extremely beneficial from a staff standpoint you know, to be perfectly honest, we develop something that help our situation and we should have done a better job of understanding what the situation would have been for the businesses that would have to pay it there's a balance to this and we MISS That balance at that time. So we heard about that quite a bit in the public outreach some of them extremely pointedly. But at the end of the day, I think that they were a constructive and it helped us come up with the proposal that you're going to see soon. Some of the feedback that we received was there was a concern that we were making changes that would impede our ability to have a strong economic development program. We would not be able to either attract large businesses to come in and even worse. We could push out and lose to that tax base. We increasing the rate structure for only those above a certain threshold. And that unfair. And then even a double hit of of removing the tax cap. So there would be a larger tax burden. But then on top of that increasing the rates for

that and for those groups and then finally there, there was also a concern that there would be an unintended consequence of of our plan to expand the residential the residential property rental definition beyond to be less than 4 units. Right now, it's 4 units and above pair of business tax. Those are long-term property rentals proposed to to include units that we're one to 3 units, but that there was a concern that could have a negative impact low-income housing 80 use and the such. So we took all of that in the consideration and we started looking at different options that we can do. And and some of those we we discussed with a business groups that we met with the these option sort of evolved over that month, especially since we had the JULY study session and up until just just last week. So a lot of which we we realize that that. We we we just couldn't remove the cap. So we needed to have a maximum tax cap and so it was trying to find what the right would be for that we were looking at the minimum tax that we currently pay again. D's. You know that that minimum tax was established back in, you know, 34 years ago. So increasing it to some level that that either had would adversely impact businesses but would still bring in additional revenue to that was seen as a positive that was sent in the came out of our outreach meetings also.

And this is what a great idea is to, including a annual adjustment by cpi. Hope of that would be, you know, Jea's we should have done that way first put the ordinance together in 1990, we didn't. And but hopefully by having a way to increase by increase for inflation. It keeps us away from needing to come back and do further changes to the ordinance in the future. And then the other thing, though, that did stay constant is is that requiring short term rental operators too pay a business tax. So with all that, we came up with this in this is our proposal or recommendation that would go on the ballot. So we we keep the rates the same. So you would have the exact same rate structure. We would increase the maximum tax cap from $3,000 to $10,000, $10,000 is out. That still provides some revenue, but it's also although slightly higher it is in line. If you if you took the $3,000 in compounded are adjusted for inflation over that period. I think that amount is actually $8,000. So we came in with 10,000 still reasonably close to it. But still also provides revenue that that that would come in. We're 7 seeing tears for a r different tiers of gross

receipts. $100,000 or less would have, you know, based tax, a $200 and then that year of 100,000 to 500,000, that would be a $500 based tax $500,000 to a million would be $800 and then anything over a million dollars. You would have $1000 in then, course, that the rate calculation kicks in. And again, you're capped out at $10,000. So nothing goes over that from what we heard in talking with the businesses that this provides and and and planning of what that tax would be, that hopefully it wouldn't be too much of a on them. Even the and the tears to have while it is a it is an increse. It's it's not an insignificant or it's not a. Significant enough increase that would >> be a detriment to business operations. >> And then we we would just. >> The maximum tax cap base taxes and then flat fees that we have all by cpi. You for the Bay Area and we would put in a ceiling and a floor. So 4% ceiling and a 2% floor. What that means is that the hat, pretext of businesses from it. In case there's an

extreme rate increase like we saw a couple years ago. So they know that no more than 4% is what they would pay. And it also protects the city and that if we ever get back to a point where we're having sub inflation increases this this at least gives us a 2% floor to to be able count on. And because we're proposing something with a much lower impact on businesses. We are proposing for the implementation date to be JANUARY of 2025. What I would say, though, is that for the the business tax period, it's is from JANUARY to the end of FEBRUARY and then we have the ability to extend that to the end of MARCH. I believe we do just about every year. So filers are not hit with this on JANUARY. 1st, it's actually they need to be able to pay within the 1st quarter of 2025 calendar year. >> Allen also me we wanted to consider for those who are paying the $10,000 cap. And the reason why we created the tiers is because we wanted to take into consideration the amount of sales tax that we are receiving those businesses as well. >> Yeah, that's an excellent point that goes into the balance that we're looking at. And and if a business is contributing either from sales tax or property tax for we should be able to reflect in this. And so, you know, we think we are in that in that case. And again. This is something that came out of those meetings a as a as way

of striking a compromise I will say from the feedback that we received, I think all of the organizations understood the situation that we're in and and that the current ordinance is out date what they wanted and and asked from us. And I think what we're proposing here is something that gives us a little bit. But then also helps them as well. So I think that balance was was important and and came through with this. So should this measure pass it will Revenue. It will be a lot less than what we had originally proposed. Again, that JULY 9 study session presentation. We we kind of swung for the fences there and with Tibet that was 12 million dollars of revenue is what we're looking at under this proposal. We're looking at approximately 3 million dollars. So again, as we go through the process of writing are our General fund budget is just will balance that out with with expenditure reductions. And that was we knew that we were never going to be able to deal with all of the the imbalance to the general fund on revenues alone, that there were going to need to be expenditure reductions there there MAY be need to be more for this now, but we will at least have

revenue coming in that will help us get to where we need to be. And we I will come back in OCTOBER with the study session discuss expenditure reduction plans and some of the that we foresee going future as a result. So this is also the same language is in the end says in the last one. But I'm going to go just to make sure that it's were clear. This is a resolution is necessary place. A tax measure on the ballot for the NOVEMBER. 24 election. The resolution contains the wording of the tax measure as it will appear on the ballot. It directs the city attorney to prepare an impartial analysis and allows for this middle of rebuttals to the arguments that MAY be submitted for inclusion in the ballot pamphlet and provides the opportunity for counsel to designate an individual or individuals to submit an argument in favor of the measure in a rebuttal argument on behalf of the council this is the ballot wording. That's that's that will go on the ballot measure. With we will. Have the recommendation. Which is it recommended by fan and Finance Department. That City Council one introduce in ordinance 2 men Chapter 6 Dash o for the Santa Rosa City code

to mend the general business tax ordinance. I'm going to skip over the type those that are in that I apologize to increase large business maximum tax to $10,000 annually just business tax rates and short term in tack short term, rental businesses and 2 to approve a resolution ordering the submission of a ballot measure to seek voter approval. Ordinance at the NOVEMBER 5th 2024. General municipal election directing related actions and designating and individual to submit on behalf of the City Council in argument in favor of the measure in a rebuttal argument. And with that, I'm available for questions. Allen, thank you very much. Bring you back to council for questions. >> a matter of Donald. >> Thank you. Vice mayor. I just have one question. You mentioned the start date is JANUARY 2025, but I don't see that language included in the resolution. How will that information be going out to businesses that that will be a new update? And I believe even currently right now, if they were applying their business license, they have until MARCH first to get in is out why you extended the month. So the language would remain the same as far as tacos. >> Correct. To write the implementation is just the implementation of the ordinance so we it would become affective on. JANUARY, first 2025, we will work. We

have a business tax administrator. That's it's a consulting firm called hdl they know that they need to do the outreach to be able to not only show a businesses that that have to those that are in that 3,000 to $10,000 range, how they were calculated make sure they're calculating it correctly and not over paying because that does happen so they have the outreach in and the ability to do that. We will also use our city resources to go along with that as well. City website, those types of things, the business tax portal that we have all of that we have significant online, a business tax wet coverage and we would make sure that that well noticed. So between out and letters going out we could even do a community. Teaching events. We did that before. When first started doing business tax with with a business tax administrator. So we are. Capable of doing all of those things. Thank you. Vice mayor and city manager. If >> I can. It is cited the JANUARY one 2025. Start date is in the ordinance language. Thank you for a change on that because I'm seeing language that says DECEMBER 2025. On Page 12 of the ordinance and finding it wrong. No, I don't think you're reading it wrong. But the for are the final statement under Section 4 under 6 Dash, 0, 4.3, 4, 0 and movement. This is an effective

date of JANUARY one 2025. Allan can speak to that DECEMBER day. I believe the DECEMBER one DECEMBER of 2025. >> Will be when we adjust to the cpi adjustment >> yeah, ok? So I was just putting them together. Okay. Thank you. >> Any other questions, council member Donald? Kuzma Rogers. >> Yeah, first of and I just want to thank you for all the work over the last couple of weeks. And I know Scott Alonso and the city manager everybody's been meeting with the pretty much anybody who needed to have a meeting to try to get us to a place where we could find agreement. I had a chance to talk with some folks and one of the groups that is particularly concerned still is our medical community. And as you and I have talked about before I firmly believe in not just using taxes to raise revenue, but also as an incentive to drive policy, the direction that we wanted to go. Is there anything built into this that allows us to make decisions around tax policy to incentivize specific types of business or investment that is consistent with the there are economic development, strategic plan or other priorities from the city. So so first off, I will I will say that that if your nonprofit. >> Part of the medical community, you're exempt, you have been exempt will be exempt under under this. I do know the concerns that you're talking about. We did a meet with and I think it's Iran

Sonoma Medical Association group and they did raise rates some of that. I know that. I think what what we're looking at are ways that we can do that in in the future. These are things that once you have attacks at a certain amount, you can go down administratively. You just can't go up. Exactly the question is going ask because they did that with and so is this built in a way where we could bring those conversations, right? And I believe that that we are getting more information from them. I know some came out. So there's research that that needs to happen. Given the tight timeframe that we have to get these to the registrar on Thursday. We could unfold that in. But I think there protected under this and that we could put something like that in the future just by council action shouldn't make sense and discuss that in the economic development subcommittee. Yeah, that that's exactly where I was going to go with this. And I appreciated and maybe to She will needs to weigh in. >> And the discussion when we did do the cannabis tax, we said not to exceed so that that way the council could incentivize specific we did a manufacturing, for instance, at a much lower rate than what we were approved to do to try to drive incentive in that. I just want to make sure that when we approve something we have the opportunity to do that because whether it's incentivizing doctors who take

Medicare and Medicare, whether it's incentivizing developers who are working on housing projects that we have an ability to adjust without going back to the ballot, which is expensive time-consuming. Can pull those levers to really drive council policies and what we're trying to do for the city. And I just want to make sure I think it's in there, but I want to make sure talking to the city attorney. >> For Theresa Answers. I do believe what I had a conversation we can do that Minister Ali. We can put together any incentive package to draw and economic development. We just have to make certain that it's approved from a policy perspective. >> If I'm a vice mayor. So the ordinance in front of you is that repeal and replace that at that The your cfo has just explain to you. And so under the current ordinance, as well as the proposed ordinance, there is a provision and I will point you to that section 6 Dash, 0, 4 Dash, 3, 4, 1, which is entitled Amendment or repeal and the effect of that provision is as long as that council is not increasing taxes increasing the tax rate from above what the voters have approved. Any amendments can be made to this chapters. So you would be able to that the council would be able to prove. And and then then. Structure that reduced a tax rate for a certain category with, you know, I procreate find >> I really appreciate that. And that's what I was looking

for us to be able to say publicly. They do want us to be able to have those conversations about how best to drive investment in the city. Whether that's lowering at specific times or making sure that we are all other folks accountable who particularly our our big box stores that are not on the same competing level as some of our small businesses. >> Good clarification. Councilmember creepy. No more questions from council. What want a public comment city clerk. >> Thank you. We are now taking public comment on item 15.2. If you're in the chamber, it would like to comment but have not provided a speaker card. Please make your way to the podium. You have 3 minutes and a countdown. Timer will alert at the end of that period. As you approach the podium, please state your name for public record. If you choose to do so. The first speaker will be Warren followed by Joe and then Michael. And please get close to the microphone a little bit uncomfortably. So we've haven't reminded participants today. And please go ahead. Can you hear me? Yes. >> I am Warren Chen. I'm PRESIDENT Of the Sonoma Mendocino Lake County Medical Association. This my first time addressing this council. It's a pleasure for me to see some of the faces that I know. And I look forward to meeting some of the others as MAY know, this was measure was of great concern to the association. I appreciate the work that we that that many of the council members have.

Putin and modifying and minimizing the potential effects of the original measure. Especially like to thank COUNCILMAN Rodgers for his time and consideration. I have only too. Potential changes. That I would like to for you to consider. One was already brought up a potential exemption physicians that take medical Medicare. In this city you know, the most vulnerable population would be most affected. By physicians who are being squeezed economically. And who deal those populations. The second consideration. Would be the proposed increase from a cap of 3,000 to 10,000, which would be enacted. In this coming year. Suggest that perhaps. That increase perhaps be done in a stepwise manner. Perhaps over 2 or 3 years given that it is still a considerable increase from 3,010 1000. Thank you very much for your time thank you for your work in consideration. >> Thank you. The next speaker will be Joanne followed by Michael been dwain. Good evening. Mayor struck and city council. Thank you so much for this opportunity to speak this evening. >> My name is Joanne ceo of the North Bay Leadership Council. We are regional

employer lead public policy advocacy organization representing major employers in North Bank and many of our members weighed in on the original proposal and the proposal that you've been presented with this evening. I'm pleased to say that with modifications suggested by the Hospital Council Medical Council that we would support this revised proposal and encourage you to make the modifications and approve it this evening. Also like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank the city manager and her team for extensive outreach to the North Bay Leadership Council and the business community. We acknowledge the financial difficulty, but the governor that local governments are facing today and also makes complete sense to update integrated rate structure. We appreciated her transparency and the invitation to be at the table to work together on these solutions. We want to be part of the solution. It's really easy to say. Very difficult to say. Yes, and we want to work with you so we can get a path to yes. So, Dan, appreciate staff's invitation to work with them. Have a seat at the table and build a trusting relationship with the business community. Prior to my appointment dlc has been 3 decades working in serving in the community of Sandra practice participated in monthly business issue committee meetings with other business community and stakeholders collaborating and addressing issues that impact economic vitality in our community. That Multi-sector collaborative was very successful. If that's interest of the city Council, I'd be happy to lend a hand. Also make myself much more familiar with your economic development

subcommittee and you work that you do again. Thank you for your time. Behalf of nbl, see membership. We ask that you consider approving staff's proposal tonight with the modifications. Thank you. Thank you. The next speaker will be Michael followed by 20 minute Ina. >> Michael, go ahead. Thank you, Michael. >> you know, it's easy to say no. And you know, that's what exactly I would people, to do when they vote to say no. Hotel would be subject 11% healhty plus add-ons. Post property newly inflated business tax and taxation is to owners and the state Tell people to I also don't like the way it's structured makes me wonder about $10,000 maximum can can cap. >> How many businesses are so large that they would benefit from that? Can you know the words if the cap of 10,000 were not there? How many would be paying more than a 10,000 So that creates discontinuity you know, certain and extreme high end revenue would to benefit I'm concerned about the fairness. The overall region to know something Too high. Generally what businesses You know? They try to employees wages. Certainly that's what happened with I heard food match when when the minimum wage was raised. People are Clint complaining

that they got their hours cut so they didn't make any more money at all. One sub-minimum wage increased. Apparently this is a general tax and you have 7 council members. You only have 4 to vote on this do to reduce those. Apparently that's all you need. But mean, to easy to raise taxes and too easy to put taxes on on the ballot. And I would urge people to vote no on this. >> Thank you. The next speaker will be Dwayne followed by Dina. >> Hello, my name is Dwayne. Do it on from Roseland. One of the things about tax burdens. That our nation was founded on as we don't really want taxes. Had a Boston Tea Party to avoid taxes. No other than Oliver Wendell Holmes pointed out that if you want to have a civilization, you want to have a just society. Need to have taxes. So one of the things that I've looked at on this is the high and profitable businesses, the ones that are making millions and millions of dollars a year. They should perhaps be concerned. They're not paying is enough. Imagine that they would ever look at it go like, well, you know, making so much but we're not paying in. You know, Warren Buffett and some other people are extremely well to do pointed out that they do pay taxes and are willing to pay a fair tax burden. I believe you're $50,000 maximum tax. He's actually. Something that could be helpful and only would be up line rather well to do businesses. Let's be realistic about it. The idea

you somehow not attentive to business is a canard. Government exists for business. Most of the discussions you for business and the business organizations lead the way on most things. You won't see a typical taxpayer invited to the table to be a part of the discussion. And as you know, if you're not at the table, usually on the menu. So you need the money you need to soon as possible. We're going to go into some difficult economic times and with the change of the federal government, perhaps different administrations, things could get worse. So there's an old saying that soldiers use and that's for the worst, even as you pray for the best. And I think this is the time for you folks to be looking at this idea of the $50,000 cap and how that could help you much more. The one that you got in here with the $10,000. Be bashful about it. There's a lot of really well to do. Business is in this county. Billionaires. Lots of them now didn't used to be that many. So it's not like we're really struggling and other areas. It's actually our civil society. Actually our government that's trying to get enough money to do it needs to do for the health safety and welfare of the greater community. That's where your true responsibility lies. According to the mandate of our government. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. The next speaker will be Edina. Please go ahead. >> Good evening Council. I

would like to say that I'm absolutely against this measure and increasing taxes for the residents of the city of Santa Rosa. I see many complex behind measures for exam. Councilmember Rogers. He is the executive director to Sonoma County Conservation Action. And as you stated during inquiry earlier, he knows that these measures are about driving policy. So through his position, he's getting paid to lobby for measures and not as an absolute conflict of interest. And while that MAY be denied presently and we go other previous years, when that did happen, I can show that previous financials. And so you also hit about that. Nonprofits are talks exempt. I've repeatedly asked for local nonprofits to be audited, get he's not not happens. I you an article I wrote earlier regarding where homeless moneys one with the mother. 26 million Dollar no-bid contract. Essentially local staff and elected officials contracted with themselves. And again, if we had done those and the taxpayers would not need to pay more, it seems that the government is working with the state and federal level with some of our local council members who, for example, MISTER Rogers are running for assembly and are well connected. >> And are working on decisions that do not benefit the stakeholders but financially benefit yourselves. So I would before we approve this measure because like I say, you many

e-mails about the conflicts that extremely concerning right now that we first thought on profits. Thank you. >> Thank you. Vice Mayor ec. No one else approaching the podium for public comment on this item. >> Thank you very much. Bring it back to council for final comments. Rodgers. >> I really appreciate that again. Allan, I just want to say thank you so much for everybody on the team for their work. I know because we're trying to approve this tonight. Some of those concerns like around medical and Medicare, obviously we wouldn't want to set an exemption in here that if somebody taking one patient, we want to talk. What about what that actually means? But I'd be happy to move this forward with the commitment from the city manager and the council to come up with something in our economic development subcommittee that works for our medical community as well to continue to make sure that they're making the investments, particularly in low-income for health care it. So I think that that's my Main amendment to what we would do is just bringing that back at the same time through Economic Development subcommittee. If it's amenable to the council. Council member country. Echo Councilmember Rogers concerns about our medical community and especially those who serve our most vulnerable population. That would I love to see the sun. >> Exactly what he described to the economic subcommittee. But I do want to you know, thank you. I commend the

business community in >> for the flurry of outreach in collaboration that has gone on in the last few weeks. It was a obviously under a time crunch because to get this on the ballot. And there were I don't even know how many meetings that everybody attended individually or in pairs to hear feedback from the stakeholders that were that Karen are going to be affected by this. So that's just my last comment is is thank you so much to our community to to the stake holders in and the staff for for all the work you put in to get to this point. Councilmember Donald. >> Thank you. I want to say thank you, Allan. I know we've been talking about this proposal for these last year in the long-term finance committee and just a couple of things I want to echo what Councilmember Okrepkie as well as council member. Roger said about the medical profession. I think anyone you know, being able to work with medical Medicare patients and the low cost or their billing and the high overhead of their supplies. We need to make sure that we're we're working on that. I'm also favor. Bring that back. I appreciate the language that city attorney new cited in the ordinance itself that allows us the opportunity to come back. And I think that as businesses who have a very high cost of equipment, I think that's where when we look at the gross receipts, it was not as equitable as we originally said. So if you're looking at that car dealerships in some of these others that the high cost of their overhead when actually equal out favorably as far as what would be fair for attack. Not all of those

were in all of these meetings the last few weeks. So I wanted to say thank you to staff and those council members that were able to attend. We do have something called the Brown So not all of us can attend those meetings. I want to say thank you to the business community that corresponded with counsel because that was where I got my information from was through letters and public comment that they came to our council meetings to tell us how it was going to adversely affect us. So I want to say thank you to those businesses that reached out specifically to through those those measures. So I I do everything that you've done. Alan, I'm glad that this is going forward in a form that we've heard from the business community that they can except so that they'll be in support of this. So once we are done with comments, I'll be happy to put those motions on the floor. And I don't think I can add anything to what my my colleagues who have mentioned, I will say that I'm also support of bringing back some of these ideas to the Economic Development subcommittee. >> And looking at alterations with an economic development lands. I'm glad that we have showered both staff in the business community with thanks because it's deserved on all fronts. There's been a lot of work over the last several weeks. Allan, thank you very much for listing out some of the businesses in the industries that have been that have been participating. I just add to others and there are many more. We have northerly Association of Realtors. We had Snow, county tourism, both very much at the table. Health care groups and hospitals, media finance financial organizations.

Everybody leaned in on this one. It was a genuine community effort. And as a result, we've got much better policy. So on behalf of called Council, we can say thanks enough, both internally to staff and external into the business community and with council member all attorney for motion. >> Thank you, Vice Mayor. I'm going to take this into 2 separate motions as our last item was. So I'd like to introduce ordinance entitled Ordinance of the City of Santa Rosa. Amending Chapter 6 Dash 0, 4, the Santa Rosa City code entitled General Business tax to increase the maximum tax to $10,000 annually. Just tax rates and tax short-term rental businesses. >> Council Rogers, this is point of clarification for the city attorney. Do we write it has a maximum of 10,000 or a not to exceed 10,000. It doesn't actually matter and how it's crafted. >> How does that work with the >> I was thinking the same thing. But if if we're adjusting by cpi, if you do not to exceed, then can adjust by cpi. >> You you not to exceed 10,000 and in future in subsequent increases due to cpi. >> I defer to the city attorney. >> I'm going to take a look at the mansion now. I think what we have the proposed ordinance has the cpi just that maximum cap. And so the ordinance you're introducing you're introducing with words that describe what ordinance does. But the ordinance banks a cpi

adjustment. If you are looking to make a change to that, i think we would have to revise the ordinance and have you introduce as revise? So is that is there desire to change that cap on the cpi adjust? >> No, I think that that's fine. So long as the verbiage captures. >> The ability to a lower in certain areas. In the future by statute or by by council policy. >> Look the language in the ordinance allows council to make adjustments as you're not increasing attack, secure, increasing that tax and the tax rate need to go back to the voters. And so you would be able to effectively decrease certain categories. >> That's fine by me. >> Thank you. All right. We have motion made by COUNCILMAN Rick Donald and a second by Councilmember Okrepkie. >> City clerk. >> Thank you. Councilmember Rogers, I Cookie, I councilmember MacDonald. I councilmember for mean has recused. Councilmember Alvarez has recused. Vice Mayor stop. I? And Mayor Rogers has recuse. Let the record show that passes for affirmative votes. And then I will do a second motion. I move to approve a resolution of the resolution ordering the submission of a ballot measure to seek voter approval. >> Of that ordinance at the NOVEMBER 5th 2024. General municipal election directing related actions and designate Vice Mayor stop to submit on behalf of the city Council, argument in favor of the measure and rebuttal argument. Second. >> We have a motion made by Councilmember Donald a second by Councilmember Rogers city clerk. >> Councilmember Rogers, I

councilmember Councilmember MacDonald. I Councilmember Fleming has recused. Councilmember Alvarez has recused. Vice mayor stopped. I and Mayor Rogers has recused. Let the record show this past with 4 affirmative votes. Thank you. COUNCILMAN Rogers >> make a 3rd motion just assigning to the economic development subcommittee. The discussion a reduction in this related to medical and Medicare providers. Second. MADAM City manager. >> So I think there are many tentacles to what he's saying. So we've got the medical situation, but we also want to make certain that we're able to reduce this to drive for to offer incentives for businesses as well. So want to make certain that there is that clarification and guidance. >> Yeah, it can broad enough to include more than that. But just want to make sure that that one is stated as well. >> Thank you for the clarification. All right. We have that motion made by council Rogers and the second by clerk. >> Councilmember Rogers site Cookie. I councilmember MacDonald. I councilmember Fleming has recused. Councilmember Alvarez has recused. Vice mayor stopped. I and Mayor Rogers has recused. Let the record show that motion passes for affirmative votes. >> Thank you. All right. Moving to item 16 public hearings, which we had none. We move on to item 18 public comment on non agenda matters city clerk. >> Thank you. You're now taking public comment on item 18 non agenda matters this is a time when any person who has not previously addressed council under public comment

under item 18 on non agenda matters MAY speak to matters which are not on the agenda, but it chair within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council. You're in the council chamber in wishing to provide public comment. Please make your way to the podium. Vice Mayor mc no one approached the podium on public comment. >> Thank you very much. All right. We are alone here in the in the auditorium now. But before we adjourn, just want encourage everyone once again go to the fair a week left and with that, I'm 20 adjourned. We are adjourned.