City Council
City Council
Mon, February 3, 2025
Agenda items
Vote records
Discussion summary
Transcript
Meeting summaryAI-generated
City Council — February 3, 2025
This was a regular meeting of the Petaluma City Council and Petaluma Community Development Successor Agency (PCDSA). All seven councilmembers were present. The meeting ran past 11:00 p.m., requiring a vote to extend, primarily due to a lengthy public hearing on the Lucchesi Park playing field replacement.
Proclamations
The Council opened with two proclamations. The first recognized Black History Month, accepted by Faith Ross, Vice President of Petaluma Blacks for Community Development. The second honored Henry Chenault, a local historical figure; Carol Eber, Faith Ross, and Petaluma Historian John Sheehy accepted the proclamation, and city staff presented a ceremonial "Chenault Way" street sign.
General Public Comment
Eleven members of the public addressed the Council on items not on the agenda, including JoAnne Rundle-Cameron, Dave Alden, Janis Barker, Tim Porteous, Chris Parker, Bert Botta, Jorge Arango, Katherine Bobrowski, Maureen Gottschall, Annie Stuart, and Joanna Paun (read into the record by Councilmember Cader Thompson). The minutes do not detail the specific subjects raised.
Consent Calendar (Items 1–5)
The Council approved the following routine items without discussion:
Minutes of the January 27, 2025 regular meeting
Tentative agendas for the February 10 special meeting, February 24 regular meeting, and significant agenda items through April 2025
Contract award to SDM Construction, Inc. for an acoustical retrofit of the Finance Office as part of the City Hall East Wing remodel
On-call concrete contract to Greg Nelson Construction, Inc. for ADA and sidewalk repairs citywide
Engineer's Report acceptance for the Oak and Water Street Benefit Assessment District No. 2020-1, supplementing the original report from March 2020
Vote: Carried 7–0 (moved by Councilmember Barnacle, seconded by Vice Mayor Nau)
Advisory Committee Appointments (Item 6)
City Clerk Caitlin Corley presented a slate of applicants to fill vacancies on three advisory bodies. No public comment was received. Following council discussion, the following appointments were confirmed:
Rob Izzo — Groundwater Sustainability Advisory Committee (Regular Member, term ending 6/30/2025)
Jason Meyers — Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee (Regular Member, term ending 6/30/2027)
Dave Alden — Transit Advisory Committee (Regular Member, term ending 6/30/2026)
Vote: Carried 7–0 (moved by Councilmember Cader Thompson, seconded by Councilmember Quint)
Regional Body Appointments (Item 7)
City Clerk Corley also presented nominations for seats on regional boards and commissions through the Mayors' and Councilmembers' Association. No public comment was received. The following appointments were confirmed:
North Bay Division LOCC Executive Board — Jackie Elward
Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Citizens Advisory Committee — Alex DeCarli
SCTA Board — Janice Cader Thompson
SMART Commission (SCTA Seat) — Ariel Kelley; (Non-SCTA Seat) — Alex DeCarli
Bay Area Air Quality Management District Board — Brian Barnacle
Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District — Gerard Giudice
Sonoma County Consolidated Oversight Board — Jackie Elward
Vote: Carried 7–0 (moved by Councilmember Shribbs, seconded by Councilmember Quint)
Lucchesi Park Playing Field Replacement (Item 8)
This was the most substantial and contested item of the evening. Parks and Recreation Director Drew Halter and Senior Civil Engineer Josh Minshall presented options for replacing the aging synthetic turf multi-use field at Lucchesi Park. The Council was asked to choose between two paths:
Option 1: Replace with a new natural grass playing field
Option 2: Replace with a new all-weather synthetic turf system, including subsurface upgrades
Thirty-five members of the public spoke — one of the largest public comment turnouts reflected in the agenda. Speakers included community members, youth sports advocates, and environmental voices. While the minutes do not detail individual comments, the volume and breadth of public participation — and the eventual 5–2 vote — suggest meaningful disagreement in the community, likely centered on concerns about synthetic turf materials and environmental health versus the practical year-round usability and cost advantages of synthetic turf.
The Council voted to direct staff to proceed with Option 2 — All-Weather Synthetic Turf Field Replacement with Subsurface Upgrades. Councilmembers DeCarli and Vice Mayor Nau voted against, indicating a preference for the natural grass alternative or other reservations.
Vote: Carried 5–2 (moved by Councilmember Quint, seconded by Councilmember Shribbs; No: DeCarli, Nau)
Key Takeaways
Lucchesi Park will get new synthetic turf, not natural grass — a 5–2 decision that drew dozens of public speakers and extended the meeting past 11:00 p.m., reflecting significant community debate over the choice.
Three advisory committee vacancies were filled, placing Rob Izzo (Groundwater), Jason Meyers (Pedestrian/Bike), and Dave Alden (Transit) on their respective bodies.
Petaluma's representation on regional boards was updated, with Councilmembers DeCarli, Cader Thompson, and Barnacle among those taking on seats at SMART, SCTA, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
City Hall East Wing remodel moves forward with a contract awarded to SDM Construction for acoustical improvements to the Finance Office.
The Council honored Black History Month and local figure Henry Chenault, with a street sign unveiled in his name.
AI-generated summary from voice-to-text transcript. Not the official record. Verify important details with the source documents linked above.
Agenda items (8)
Consent Calendar
1Consent CalendarMinutes of the City Council/PCDSA Regular Meeting on January 27, 2025
The council will approve the official written record of its meeting held on January 27, 2025.
Adopted unanimously · 7-0
2Consent CalendarTentative Agenda for City Council/PCDSA Special Meeting of February 10, 2025, Regular Meeting of February 24, 2025 and Significant Agenda Items for Feb April 2025
The council will confirm the dates and general topics for upcoming meetings scheduled for February 10, February 24, and March through April 2025.
Adopted unanimously · 7-0
3Consent CalendarResolution Authorizing Award of Contract to SDM Construction, Inc. for the Finance Office Acoustical Retrofit as Part of the City Hall East Wing Remodel Project (C11202226)
The city will hire SDM Construction, Inc. to improve the soundproofing in the Finance Office as part of renovating the east wing of City Hall.
Adopted unanimously · 7-0
4Consent CalendarResolution Awarding the Award of Contract for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Sidewalk OnCall Concrete Contract to Greg Nelson Construction, Inc.
The city will contract with Greg Nelson Construction, Inc. to perform concrete work for sidewalk repairs and accessibility improvements as needed throughout the city.
Adopted unanimously · 7-0
5Consent CalendarResolution Accepting the Final Confirmed Engineer’s Report and the Revised Cost Certification Report for the Oak and Water Street Benefit Assessment District No. 2020 1, which Supplements the Previous Engineer’s Report Adopted March 20, 2020
The council will accept updated cost estimates and a final engineering report for the Oak and Water Street Benefit Assessment District, which funds improvements in that neighborhood through a special property tax.
Adopted unanimously · 7-0
Public Hearing
6Public HearingResolution Appointing Individuals to Groundwater Sustainability Advisory Committee, Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee, and Transit Advisory Committee
Residents will have a chance to comment before the council appoints community members to three advisory committees that focus on groundwater management, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and public transportation.
7Public HearingResolution Recommending Appointments to the Mayors' and Councilmembers' Association to Fill Vacancies on Regional Bodies
Residents will have a chance to comment before the council recommends Petaluma representatives to fill open positions on regional government organizations and associations.
8Public HearingAdoption of a Resolution Providing Direction to Staff on the Preferred Option for Removal and Replacement of the Existing AllWeather, Synthetic, MultiUse Field at Lucchesi Park with Either a New, AllWeather Synthetic Turf System or Design and Construction of a New, Natural Grass Playing Field Alternative – AMENDED AND PUBLISHED 12925
After hearing public input, the council will decide whether to replace the all-weather synthetic turf field at Lucchesi Park with a new synthetic field or a natural grass field instead.
Additional votes recorded in minutes
Resolution of Appointment
Aye 7
Alex DecarliAye
Brian BarnacleAye
Frank QuintAye
Janice Cader ThompsonAye
John ShribbsAye
Karen NauAye
Kevin McDonnellAye
Resolution - Board/Committee Seat Selections
Aye 7
Alex DecarliAye
Brian BarnacleAye
Frank QuintAye
Janice Cader ThompsonAye
John ShribbsAye
Karen NauAye
Kevin McDonnellAye
Option Two Approval
Aye 4 · Noe 1
Brian BarnacleAye
Frank QuintAye
Janice Cader ThompsonAye
Karen NauNoe
Kevin McDonnellAye
Verbatim transcript available
5 transcript segments indexed
CITY OF PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL & PETALUMA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY (PCDSA) City Hall Council Chamber 11 English Street Petaluma, CA 94952 MINUTES Monday, February 3, 2025 REGULAR SESSION 6:30 P.M. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M. Mayor McDonnell called the meeting back to order at 6:31 p.m. • ROLL CALL PRESENT: Mayor McDonnell, Councilmember Barnacle, Councilmember Cader Thompson, Councilmember DeCarli, Vice Mayor Nau, Councilmember Quint, Councilmember Shribbs ABSENT: None • PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE • MOMENT OF SILENCE AGENDA CHANGES AND DELETIONS (TO CURRENT AGENDA ONLY) None. PROCLAMATIONS • Black History Month Faith Ross, Vice-President of Petaluma Blacks for Community Development, accepted the proclamation and made comment. • Henry Chenault Carol Eber, Petaluma Resident, Faith Ross, Vice President of Petaluma Blacks for Community Development and John Sheehy, Petaluma Historian, accepted the proclamation and made comment. City Staff presented the Chenault Way sign. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT During General Public Comment, the public is invited to make comments on items of public interest that are within the City Council’s subject matter jurisdiction and that are not listed on the current agenda. Public comments are limited, up to three minutes per person. Depending on the number of persons wishing to address the Council, time will be allocated in equal shares totaling no more than twenty minutes, subject to the Council’s discretion (Cal. Gov’t. Code §54954.3(a), Petaluma City Council Rules, Policies and Procedures, III). Mayor McDonnell opened the general public comment. JoAnne Rundle-Cameron
Dave Alden Janis Barker Tim Porteous Chris Parker Bert Botta Jorge Arango Katherine Bobrowski Maureen Gottschall Annie Stuart Joanna Paun via Councilmember Janice Cader Thompson Mayor McDonnell closed the general public comment. COUNCIL COMMENT Vice Mayor Nau Councilmember Cader Thompson Councilmember Barnacle Councilmember DeCarli Councilmember Quint Councilmember Shribbs Mayor McDonnell CITY MANAGER COMMENT City Manager Peggy Flynn CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Approved Minutes of the City Council/PCDSA Regular Meeting on January 27, 2025 2. Approved Tentative Agendas for City Council/PCDSA Special Meeting of February 10, 2025, Regular Meeting of February 24, 2025 and Significant Agenda Items for Feb - April 2025 3. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-011 N.C.S. Authorizing Award of Contract to SDM Construction, Inc. for the Finance Office Acoustical Retrofit as Part of the City Hall East Wing Remodel Project (C11202226) 4. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-012 N.C.S. Awarding the Award of Contract for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Sidewalk On-Call Concrete Contract to Greg Nelson Construction, Inc. 5. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-013 N.C.S. Accepting the Final Confirmed Engineer’s Report and the Revised Cost Certification Report for the Oak and Water Street Benefit Assessment District No. 2020-1, which Supplements the Previous Engineer’s Report Adopted March 20, 2020 Mayor McDonnell opened the public comment on the Consent Calendar items #1 through 5, and seeing no one come forward to speak, he closed the public comment. Motion to adopt Consent Calendar items #1 through 6 made by Councilmember Barnacle, seconded by Vice Mayor Nau. Vote: Carried 7-0 Yes: Councilmember Barnacle, Councilmember Cader Thompson, Councilmember DeCarli, Vice Mayor Nau, Councilmember Quint, Councilmember Shribbs, Mayor McDonnell No: None Absent: None
Recused: None PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION 6. Resolution Appointing Individuals to Groundwater Sustainability Advisory Committee, Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee, and Transit Advisory Committee Caitlin Corley, City Clerk presented the staff report. Mayor McDonnell outlined the voting procedures for determining appointments. Mayor McDonnell opened the public comment, and seeing no one come forward to speak, he closed the public comment. Council discussion followed. The following list of appointments was determined: Name Appointed to Term Ending Rob Izzo Groundwater Sustainability Advisory Committee (Regular Member) 6/30/2025 Jason Meyers Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee (Regular Member) 6/30/2027 Dave Alden Transit Advisory Committee (Regular Member) 6/30/2026 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2025-014 N.C.S. made by Councilmember Cader Thompson, seconded by Councilmember Quint. Vote: Carried 7-0 Yes: Councilmember Barnacle, Councilmember Cader Thompson, Councilmember DeCarli, Vice Mayor Nau, Councilmember Quint, Councilmember Shribbs, Mayor McDonnell No: None Absent: None Recused: None 7. Resolution Recommending Appointments to the Mayors' and Councilmembers' Association to Fill Vacancies on Regional Bodies Caitlin Corley, City Clerk presented the staff report. Mayor McDonnell outlined the voting procedures for determining appointments. Mayor McDonnell opened the public comment, and seeing no one come forward to speak, he closed the public comment. Council discussion followed. The following list of appointments was determined: Board of Directors Appointments North Bay Division LOCC, Executive Board Regular Seat Jackie Elward Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Regular Seat Alex DeCarli Space District Citizens Advisory Committee SCTA Seat Janice Cader Thompson Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) Commission SCTA Seat Ariel Kelley Non-SCTA Seat Alex DeCarli
City Selection Committee Appointments Bay Area Air Quality Management District Board Regular Seat Brian Barnacle Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District Regular Seat Gerard Giudice Sonoma County Consolidated Oversight Board Regular Seat Jackie Elward Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2025-015 N.C.S. made by Councilmember Shribbs, seconded by Councilmember Quint. Vote: Carried 7-0 Yes: Councilmember Barnacle, Councilmember Cader Thompson, Councilmember DeCarli, Vice Mayor Nau, Councilmember Quint, Councilmember Shribbs, Mayor McDonnell No: None Absent: None Recused: None 8. Adoption of a Resolution Providing Direction to Staff on the Preferred Option for Removal and Replacement of the Existing All-Weather, Synthetic, Multi-Use Field at Lucchesi Park with Either a New, All-Weather Synthetic Turf System or Design and Construction of a New, Natural Grass Playing Field Alternative Drew Halter, Director of Parks and Recreation and Josh Minshall, Senior Civil Engineer presented the staff report. Mayor McDonnell opened the public comment. Lenée Howe MaKenzie Gittings Zaid Haba Chris Daly Lee Reposa Panama Bartholomy Annie Stuart Bob Cipolla Greg Elzerman Sean Kensinger Michael Giotis Matthew Calloway Eric Vazques Iliana Madrigal Danielle Dobson Sloane Pagal Anna Brown Pete Gang Stacey Vogel Andy Shrader Elliot Martin Nichole Warwick Eileen Haflich Ann Edminster James Norton Willa Norton Miguel Briceno Heather Gallagher Lendri Purcell Alexandra Soule
Fiona Moylan Catherine Dodd Vinnie Cortezzo Veronic Olsen Beverly Alexander Mayor McDonnell closed the public comment. Motion to continue the meeting past 11:00 p.m. was made by Councilmember Cader Thompson, seconded by Vice Mayor Nau. Vote: Carried 7-0 Yes: Councilmember Barnacle, Councilmember Cader Thompson, Councilmember DeCarli, Vice Mayor Nau, Councilmember Quint, Councilmember Shribbs, Mayor McDonnell No: None Absent: None Recused: None Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2025-016 N.C.S., directing staff to proceed with Option #2 – All-Weather Synthetic Turf Field Replacement and Subsurface Upgrades, made by Councilmember Quint, seconded by Councilmember Shribbs. Vote: Carried 5-2 Yes: Councilmember Barnacle, Councilmember Cader Thompson, Councilmember Quint, Councilmember Shribbs, Mayor McDonnell No: Councilmember DeCarli, Vice Mayor Nau Absent: None Recused: None ADJOURNMENT Mayor McDonnell adjourned the meeting at 11:10 p.m.