Climate Action Commission

Climate Action Commission — May 9, 2024

This was a regular meeting of the Climate Action Commission, held at Petaluma City Hall. Two members were absent (David Garti and Ann Edminster), and the session ran until just after 10:00 p.m., reflecting a substantive agenda centered on the City's ongoing General Plan Update.

General Public Comment

Two members of the public — Sherry Stern and Jack Rasmussen — spoke during general public comment. The minutes do not detail the substance of their remarks. (Note: Several agenda file attachments are labeled under the names Brisco and McGavin but no content from those comments appears in the final minutes.)

Presentation by Cool Petaluma

Deb Fox presented on Cool Petaluma's recent and upcoming activities. The minutes do not detail the specifics of the presentation, but Cool Petaluma is a local volunteer-driven organization focused on community-level climate action. No action was taken; this was an informational item.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes from the February 8, 2024 meeting were approved as presented without discussion.

Draft Transportation and Natural Environmental Policy Frameworks — General Plan Update Feedback

This was the main item of the evening. Christina Paul (General Plan Manager) and consultants from Raimi + Associates, Fehr & Peers, and Rincon Consultants presented two draft policy frameworks — one focused on transportation and one on the natural environment — as part of the foundational work for Petaluma's General Plan Update. Commissioners were encouraged to submit written feedback forms in addition to discussion. More information is available at planpetaluma.org.

Natural Environment Framework feedback from the Commission included:

Commissioners called for stronger coordination between adaptation measures across planning documents, expressed concern that wildlife corridor details were insufficient, and pushed for a more cohesive vision — citing the River Enhancement Plan as an example. They recommended making off-road bikeways greener and better lit, urged close alignment with regional efforts, and stressed the need for specificity around implementation (how, what, who, and where). Stormwater management — including first-flush pollution mitigation — was flagged as a priority to integrate into this framework. Commissioners also called for more inclusive language acknowledging Native Americans and recommended addressing fisheries management with a holistic approach.

Transportation Framework feedback from the Commission included:

Commissioners noted the document felt repetitive in places and again called for more holistic framing. On mapping, they recommended updating transit maps to include Amtrak, Greyhound, and the Sonoma County Airporter. Goal-by-goal feedback included: stronger language and green street standards under Goal 1, with a specific call to reference transportation along the Petaluma River; e-bike and scooter rebates connected to SMART train and bus service for last-mile connectivity, plus development of a public EV System Master Plan under Goal 2; wayfinding for public restrooms, consolidation of "mobility hub" and "transit hub" terminology, grant-seeking for transit infrastructure, and a Safe Routes to School policy under Goal 3; consideration of speed cameras and traffic enforcement on pathways, sidewalk safety improvements focused on elderly residents, and a Parking Policy Master Plan under Goal 4; using the airport as a transportation hub and shifting to dynamically priced parking under Goal 5; and under Goal 6, a call to deliver projects in a low-carbon manner, strengthen data partnerships, and make transit maps available at all schools.

Sherry Stern and Jack Rasmussen also provided public comment on this item, though the content of their remarks is not detailed in the minutes.

This was an advisory discussion; no binding vote was taken. The Commission's feedback will be incorporated into the General Plan Update process.

Staff and Commission Comments

Councilmember John Shribbs (who also serves on the City Council representing District 2) and Commissioners Atchley and Peters offered closing comments, details of which are not captured in the minutes. Staff member Patrick Carter provided project updates to the Commission.

Key Takeaways