Planning Commission

Measure U Oversight Committee — May 14, 2024

This was a regular meeting of the Measure U Oversight Committee, held at Petaluma City Hall. Four of five members were present (Rosemary Hart was excused). Note: These minutes remain in "draft" state and have never been formally approved, as subsequent meetings in 2025 lacked enough eligible members to constitute a quorum for approval.

*Note: The agenda items listed in the prompt reference Planning Commission matters; the actual meeting documented in the minutes is the Measure U Oversight Committee. This summary reflects what actually occurred per the official minutes.*

Approval of Minutes — March 27, 2024

The Committee approved the minutes from its previous meeting on March 27, 2024, without notable discussion.

Vote: Moved by Committee Member Davison, seconded by Committee Member Hamilton. Passed unanimously (4–0, Hart absent).

Biannual Report for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2023

The Committee considered and approved the biannual report covering Measure U expenditures for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. Measure U is Petaluma's local sales tax measure, and this oversight committee is responsible for reviewing how those funds are spent. Chair Fishman briefly confirmed the report reflected expenditures as documented before calling for a vote.

Vote: Moved by Committee Member Sturm, seconded by Committee Member Davison. Passed unanimously (4–0, Hart absent).

Transmittal Letter to City Council

This item involved approving a letter from the Committee to the City Council summarizing the annual Measure U report — but it required untangling a procedural problem from the previous meeting.

At the March 27 meeting, the Committee had attempted to create a subcommittee to draft the transmittal letter. However, Assistant City Manager (ACM) Cochran and City Attorney Danly explained that neither the creation of the subcommittee nor the drafting work it did was properly agendized, as required under the Brown Act, which mandates that the public be informed of committee actions in advance. As a result, the subcommittee was never legally formed, and its work could not be formally adopted. Staff instead drafted a new transmittal letter that aimed to reflect the Committee's original intent and direction.

Staff Liaison Gooch presented an overview of Measure U funding and expenditures. Discussion touched on General Fund spending, staff salaries and pensions, and the Committee's broader role in educating the public and City Council about Measure U finances. Committee Member Davison asked about General Fund expenditures, and ACM Cochran provided context on positions, salaries, and budget details.

Chair Fishman proposed minor wording changes to the Staff-drafted letter — specifically around language related to employee hiring and recruiting — to better convey the Committee's intent. The Committee also discussed wanting future annual reports to include more detailed budgetary information, such as graphs and forecasts. Staff Liaison Gooch confirmed these additions could be incorporated into the current year's report as well. Chair Fishman emphasized the importance of ensuring that the City Council receives the same level of financial information that the Committee itself reviews.

One item of public comment had been submitted in advance by email (from Susan Kirks) and was reviewed by the Committee prior to the meeting. No members of the public appeared in person to comment.

The Committee approved the transmittal letter with the agreed-upon wording changes and the addition of supplementary charts and financial data.

Vote: Moved by Committee Member Davison, seconded by Committee Member Sturm. Passed unanimously (4–0, Hart absent).

Committee Member Resignation

At the close of the meeting, Committee Member Jane Hamilton announced her resignation from the Measure U Oversight Committee. ACM Cochran and Staff thanked her for her service.

Key Takeaways