City Council
City Council
Mon, May 6, 2024
Agenda items
Vote records
Discussion summary
Transcript
Meeting summaryAI-generated
City Council — May 6, 2024
This was a regular meeting of the Petaluma City Council and Petaluma Community Development Successor Agency (PCDSA), called to order at 6:34 p.m. Councilmember Healy was absent throughout. The meeting was adjourned at 10:12 p.m. in memory of Tom Baker.
Proclamations and Presentations
The Council issued proclamations recognizing National Peace Officers Memorial Day & Police Week, National Preservation Month, and Affordable Housing Month. Representatives from the Petaluma Police Officers Association, Petaluma Museum Association, and Generation Housing accepted and briefly addressed the Council. The Sonoma County Library JPA delivered its annual report, and Finance Director Jessie Gooch presented a draft of the FY 2024–25 Budget Book.
Consent Calendar (Items 1–8)
The Council approved all eight consent items unanimously without substantive discussion. One member of the public, Ashmi Chokshi, commented before the vote. Items approved included:
Minutes of the April 15, 2024 meeting
The tentative agenda and significant items for May–July 2024
Acceptance of completion of the Manor Lane Tank Rehabilitation Project by Unified Field Services Corporation
Purchase of Carnival Dual Waste Receptacles from Spruce and Gander for public downtown locations
A contract with Rebuilding Together Petaluma for rehabilitation of a home at 10 Pistache Court
A one-year time extension for the Riverscape Townhouses Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map
Purchase of a Level 3 Electric Vehicle Charger for the Public Works & Utilities Department via the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program
Second reading and adoption of Ordinance 2888, amending the Municipal Code to allow the Director of Public Works and Utilities to approve plans and specifications for public works projects (in addition to the City Council's existing authority)
Vote: Carried 6–0 (Healy absent). Moved by Vice Mayor Cader Thompson, seconded by Councilmember Barnacle.
Workshop: Howard Street Improvements Project
Mayor McDonnell recused himself and left the chamber for this item (no reason stated in the minutes). Project Manager Bjorn Griepenburg presented the staff report on proposed improvements to Howard Street. Eight members of the public spoke: Nickola Frye, Martin Van Tassell, Gary Hegenbart, Maureen Highland, Ginnie Haas, Rory Keller, Michael Schwerz, and Rich Johnson. Councilmembers asked questions of staff. As a workshop, no binding vote was taken; the purpose was to gather feedback and provide direction to staff. The specific content of public comments and Council direction is not detailed in the minutes.
Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) Established
Police Chief Brian Miller presented a staff report on forming the PSAC. No public comment was received. City Attorney Eric Danly requested a clarifying edit to the resolution's language to make explicit that the committee consists of six community members plus one City Council liaison, for a total of seven seats. The Council adopted the resolution as amended.
This action formally establishes the Public Safety Advisory Committee and also received an addendum to a prior Independent Police Auditor (IPA) report.
Vote: Carried 6–0 (Healy absent). Moved by Vice Mayor Cader Thompson, seconded by Councilmember Nau.
Master Fee Schedule Updated
Finance Director Jessie Gooch presented updates to the city's Master Fee Schedule, which sets fees and charges for a wide range of city services. No public comment was received. The Council adopted the updated schedule.
Vote: Carried 6–0 (Healy absent). Moved by Councilmember Barnacle, seconded by Councilmember Cader Thompson.
Speed Limit Reductions Near Schools and Downtown (Second Reading)
Deputy Director of Operations Jeff Stutsman presented the staff report on this ordinance, which had previously received its first reading. One member of the public, Wayne Echstrom, spoke. The Council gave final approval to Ordinance 2887, which:
Reduces the enforceable speed limit from 25 mph to 15 mph within 500 feet of school zones
Reduces the speed limit from 25 mph to 20 mph in the Business Activity District
These changes are authorized under California Vehicle Code Sections 22358.4 and 22358.9. With this second reading, the ordinance is now adopted.
Vote: Carried 6–0 (Healy absent). Moved by Councilmember Barnacle, seconded by Councilmember Cader Thompson.
Key Takeaways
PSAC formally created: The Public Safety Advisory Committee is now established, comprising six community members and one Council liaison — a step toward structured civilian oversight of public safety in Petaluma.
Speed limits reduced near schools and downtown: Drivers should expect new enforceable limits of 15 mph near schools and 20 mph in the Business Activity District following adoption of Ordinance 2887.
Master Fee Schedule updated: City service fees have been revised; residents and businesses interacting with city services should check for changes affecting applicable fees.
Howard Street improvements under review: The Council received public input and staff feedback on proposed Howard Street changes, but no final decision was made — further action is expected at a future meeting.
Public Works Director gains new approval authority: Ordinance 2888 streamlines public works project delivery by allowing the Director of Public Works and Utilities to approve project plans directly, without requiring City Council action for each.
AI-generated summary from voice-to-text transcript. Not the official record. Verify important details with the source documents linked above.
Agenda items (12)
Consent Calendar
1Consent CalendarMinutes of the City Council/PCDSA Regular Meeting of April 15, 2024
The council will approve the official record of minutes from its April 15, 2024 meeting.
2Consent CalendarTentative Agenda for City Council/PCDSA Regular Meeting of May 20, 2024 and Significant Agenda Items for May July 2024
The council will confirm the agenda for its May 20, 2024 meeting and review major items planned for May through July 2024.
3Consent CalendarResolution Accepting Completion of the Manor Lane Tank Rehabilitation Project by Unified Field Services Corporation
The city is accepting completion of repairs to the Manor Lane water tank, which were performed by Unified Field Services Corporation.
4Consent CalendarResolution Authorizing Purchase of Carnival Dual Waste Receptacles from Spruce and Gander for Public Downtown Locations
The city will purchase dual waste and recycling receptacles from Spruce and Gander to be placed at downtown locations.
5Consent CalendarResolution Approving the Contract with Rebuilding Together Petaluma for the Rehabilitation of 10 Pistache Court, Petaluma, CA, Assessor Parcel Number 006630 016000
The city is approving a contract with Rebuilding Together Petaluma to rehabilitate a home at 10 Pistache Court.
6Consent CalendarResolution Approving a OneYear Time Extension of the Riverscape Townhouses Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map (PLET 20230005)
The Riverscape Townhouses development project is receiving a one-year extension to move forward with its subdivision approval.
7Consent CalendarResolution Authorizing the Purchase of a Level 3 Electric Vehicle Charger for the Public Works & Utilities Department through Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Program and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute all Documents Necessary to Complete the Purchase
The city will purchase an electric vehicle charging station for the Public Works & Utilities Department using a cooperative purchasing program.
8Consent CalendarAdoption (Second Reading) of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Petaluma Amending Chapter 3.04 of the Petaluma Municipal Code to add Section 3.04.065 which will Provide the Director of Public Works and Utilities the Authority to Approve Plans, Specifications and Designs for Public Works Projects, Which is in Addition to City Council’s Authority to Review and Approve Plans, Specifications and Designs WORKSHOP
The council is updating city code to allow the Public Works director to approve engineering plans for public projects, in addition to council review.
9Consent CalendarReview and Provide Feedback on the Howard Street Improvements Project
The council will review and provide feedback on planned street and sidewalk improvements to Howard Street.
Public Hearing
10Public HearingResolution Establishing the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) and Receiving an Addendum to the IPA Report.
The city is establishing a Public Safety Advisory Committee and will hear an update to a prior independent police practices report.
11Public HearingPublic Hearing on Changes and Updates Related to the Master Fee Schedule and a Resolution Establishing a Schedule of Fees and Charges for City Services
The council will hold a public hearing to discuss and approve changes to fees and charges for various city services.
Adopted unanimously · 5-0
12Public HearingAdoption (Second Reading) of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Petaluma to Reduce Enforceable Speed from 25 mph to 15 mph within 500 Feet of School Zones and from 25 mph to 20 mph Speeds within the Business Activity District Pursuant to Vehicle Code Sections 22358.4 and 22358.9
The council will reduce speed limits near schools from 25 mph to 15 mph and in the downtown business district from 25 mph to 20 mph.
Additional votes recorded in minutes
Consent Calendar
Aye 5
Brian BarnacleAye
Janice Cader ThompsonAye
John ShribbsAye
Karen NauAye
Kevin McDonnellAye
PSAC Resolution - Section Three Amendment
Aye 4
Brian BarnacleAye
Janice Cader ThompsonAye
Karen NauAye
Kevin McDonnellAye
Speed Limit Reduction Ordinance - Second Reading
Aye 3
Brian BarnacleAye
Janice Cader ThompsonAye
John ShribbsAye
School Zone Speed Reduction Ordinance
Aye 5
Brian BarnacleAye
Janice Cader ThompsonAye
John ShribbsAye
Karen NauAye
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, May 6, 2024 REGULAR SESSION 6:30 P.M. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M. Mayor McDonnell called the meeting back to order at 6:34 p.m. • ROLL CALL PRESENT: Mayor McDonnell, Councilmember Barnacle, Vice Mayor Cader Thompson, Councilmember Nau, Councilmember Pocekay, Councilmember Shribbs ABSENT: Councilmember Healy • PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE • MOMENT OF SILENCE AGENDA CHANGES AND DELETIONS (TO CURRENT AGENDA ONLY) None. PROCLAMATIONS • National Peace Officers Memorial Day & National Police Week Police Chief Brian Miller and Garret Sholin, President of Petaluma Police Officers Association accepted the proclamation. • National Preservation Month Stacey Atchley, Executive Director of the Petaluma Museum Association, and Alice van Ommeren, Historic & Cultural Preservation Committee Vice Chair & Petaluma Museum Associate/Heritage Homes & Landmarks Committee Representative accepted the proclamation and made comments. • Affordable Housing Month Calum Weeks, Policy Director of Generation Housing accepted the proclamation and made comments.
PRESENTATION • Sonoma County JPA Annual Report Paul Heavenridge, Sonoma County Library Commission Representative and Erika Thibault Library Director presented. • Presentation of Draft FY 24-25 Budget Book Finance Director Jessie Gooch presented. 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. Katherine Bobrowski Elaine Stevick Nickola Frye Sandra Shand Marco Cellario Ashmi Chokshi Mayor McDonnell closed the general public comment. COUNCIL COMMENT Vice Mayor Shribbs Councilmember Cader Thompson Councilmember Barnacle Councilmember Nau Councilmember Pocekay Mayor McDonnell CITY MANAGER COMMENT City Manager Peggy Flynn CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Approved Minutes of the City Council/PCDSA Regular Meeting of April 15, 2024 2. Approved Tentative Agenda for City Council/PCDSA Regular Meeting of May 20, 2024 and Significant Agenda Items for May - July 2024 3. Adopted Resolution No. 2024-043 N.C.S Accepting Completion of the Manor Lane Tank Rehabilitation Project by Unified Field Services Corporation 4. Adopted Resolution No. 2024-044 N.C.S Authorizing Purchase of Carnival Dual Waste Receptacles from Spruce and Gander for Public Downtown Locations 5. Adopted Resolution No. 2024-045 N.C.S Approving the Contract with Rebuilding Together Petaluma for the Rehabilitation of 10 Pistache Court, Petaluma, CA, Assessor Parcel Number 006-630-016-000
6. Adopted Resolution No. 2024-046 N.C.S Approving a One-Year Time Extension of the Riverscape Townhouses Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map (PLET 2023-0005) 7. Adopted Resolution No. 2024-047 N.C.S Authorizing the Purchase of a Level 3 Electric Vehicle Charger for the Public Works & Utilities Department through Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Program and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute all Documents Necessary to Complete the Purchase 8. Adoption (Second Reading) of Ordinance 2888 N.C.S. of the City Council of the City of Petaluma Amending Chapter 3.04 of the Petaluma Municipal Code to add Section 3.04.065 which will Provide the Director of Public Works and Utilities the Authority to Approve Plans, Specifications and Designs for Public Works Projects, Which is in Addition to City Council’s Authority to Review and Approve Plans, Specifications and Designs Mayor McDonnell opened the public comment on the Consent Calendar. Ashmi Chokshi Mayor McDonnell closed the public comment on the Consent Calendar. Motion to adopt Consent Calendar items 1 through 8 made by Vice Mayor Cader Thompson, seconded by Councilmember Barnacle. Vote: Carried 6-0 Yes: Councilmember Barnacle, Councilmember Cader Thompson, Councilmember Nau, Councilmember Pocekay, Vice Mayor Shribbs, Mayor McDonnell No: None Absent: Councilmember Healy Recused: None WORKSHOP 9. Review and Provide Feedback on the Howard Street Improvements Project Mayor McDonnell announced his recusal and left the Chamber. Project Manager Bjorn Griepenburg presented the staff report. Councilmembers asked questions of staff. Vice Mayor Shribbs opened the public comment. Nickola Frye Martin Van Tassell Gary Hegenbart Maureen Highland Ginnie Haas Rory Keller Michael Schwerz Rich Johnson Vice Mayor Shribbs closed the public comment. Mayor McDonnell returned to the Chamber. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION 10. Resolution Establishing the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) and Receiving an Addendum to the IPA Report
Police Chief Brian Miller presented the staff report. Mayor McDonnell opened the public comment; receiving none, he closed the public comment. City Attorney Danly requested a clarifying edit to the first section of Section 3 of the resolution, such that it would read: “The PSAC shall consist of six community members, representing diverse interests and backgrounds, and one City Council member as a City Council liaison to the committee, for a total of seven seats on the PSAC.” Motion to Adopt Resolution No. 2024-048 N.C.S. with requested changes made by Vice Mayor Cader Thompson, seconded by Councilmember Nau. Vote: Carried 6-0 Yes: Councilmember Barnacle, Councilmember Cader Thompson, Councilmember Nau, Councilmember Pocekay, Vice Mayor Shribbs, Mayor McDonnell No: None Absent: Councilmember Healy Recused: None 11. Public Hearing on Changes and Updates Related to the Master Fee Schedule and a Resolution Establishing a Schedule of Fees and Charges for City Services Finance Director Jessie Gooch presented the staff report. Mayor McDonnell opened the public comment; receiving none, he closed the public comment. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2024-049 N.C.S made by Councilmember Barnacle, seconded by Councilmember Cader Thompson. Vote: Carried 6-0 Yes: Councilmember Barnacle, Councilmember Cader Thompson, Councilmember Nau, Councilmember Pocekay, Vice Mayor Shribbs, Mayor McDonnell No: None Absent: Councilmember Healy Recused: None 12. Adoption (Second Reading) of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Petaluma to Reduce Enforceable Speed from 25 mph to 15 mph within 500 Feet of School Zones and from 25 mph to 20 mph Speeds within the Business Activity District Pursuant to Vehicle Code Sections 22358.4 and 22358.9 Deputy Director of Operations Jeff Stutsman presented the staff report. Mayor McDonnell opened the public comment. Wayne Echstrom Mayor McDonnell closed the public comment. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2887 N.C.S. made by Councilmember Barnacle, seconded by Councilmember Cader Thompson. Vote: Carried 6-0 Yes: Councilmember Barnacle, Councilmember Cader Thompson, Councilmember Nau, Councilmember Pocekay, Vice Mayor Shribbs, Mayor McDonnell No: None Absent: Councilmember Healy