Name: Petaluma Planning Commission meeting, Apr 9, 2024
Start: 2024-04-09
Location: City of Petaluma

Planning Commission

Tue, April 9, 2024

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Agenda items

Vote records

Discussion summary

Transcript

Meeting summaryAI-generated

Joint Planning Commission & Climate Action Commission — April 9, 2024

This was a joint meeting of the Planning Commission and Climate Action Commission held at Petaluma City Hall, focused primarily on the ongoing General Plan Update process. The session ran well past 10:30 p.m., requiring two procedural votes to extend the meeting. Commissioners Heidi Bauer and Rick Whisman were absent.

Approval of Minutes — March 26, 2024

The Commission approved the minutes from its previous meeting without amendment. Commissioner Mozes abstained.

Vote: Carried 5–0 (Mozes abstaining; Bauer and Whisman absent)

General Plan Update Study Session

Special Projects Manager Heather Hines opened the presentation, followed by an extended multi-part presentation from the City's General Plan consulting team — Ron Whitmore and Troy Reinhalter of Raimi and Associates (land use planning), Matthew Ridgway of Fehr & Peers (transportation), and Derek Braun of Strategic Economics (economic analysis). The session covered two main topics: (1) an overview of how the Planning Commission is being asked to engage with draft policy frameworks and land use alternatives, and (2) a review of the guiding principles, assumptions, and input from the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) that are shaping those alternatives.

Commissioners engaged in several rounds of questioning across multiple presentation segments, with all five present members — including Council Member Janice Cader Thompson, who sits on the Commission in her capacity as a district representative — actively asking questions of staff and consultants. A short break was taken mid-session.

Public comment included one written submission from Susan Kirks and in-person comments from Veronica Olsen and Doug Ledeboer, though the minutes do not detail the substance of those remarks.

No formal action was taken on this item, consistent with its study session designation. The discussion is intended to guide staff and consultants as they refine draft land use alternatives for future Commission review.

Vote: No action taken (study session only)

Establishment of Two Ad Hoc Committees for General Plan Policy Framework Review

Planning Manager Andrew Trippel presented this item, which proposed creating two ad hoc committees to allow smaller groups of commissioners to conduct more focused reviews of draft General Plan policy frameworks. No questions were raised by commissioners. The commissioners selected their respective ad hoc committee assignments during the meeting, though the specific membership assignments are not detailed in the minutes.

Vote: Carried 5–0 (Cader Thompson moved, Mozes seconded; Bauer and Whisman absent)

Amendment to Rules and Regulations — Officer Term Limits (Item 4)

This item, which would have amended Section 3.303 of the Planning Commission Rules and Regulations to allow the Chair and Vice Chair to serve a maximum of two consecutive officer terms, was postponed to the next regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting. No discussion or vote took place on the substance of the item.

Procedural Notes

Given the length of the meeting, the Commission voted twice to extend the session — once to allow consideration of items past 10:30 p.m. (5–0), and again to continue past 11:00 p.m. (5–0). The meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m.

Key Takeaways

The General Plan Update is entering a critical review phase. The Planning Commission received a detailed study session presentation on draft land use alternatives and guiding principles, setting the stage for formal policy framework reviews to come.

Two ad hoc committees were established to allow commissioners to more deeply engage with specific General Plan policy frameworks before full Commission consideration.

The officer term limits amendment was postponed and will return at the next regular meeting.

The meeting ran over five hours, reflecting the complexity and depth of the General Plan Update discussion; two procedural votes were needed to keep the meeting going past 10:30 p.m.

No binding land use decisions were made — all substantive items were either study sessions or administrative in nature.

AI-generated summary from voice-to-text transcript. Not the official record. Verify important details with the source documents linked above.

Agenda items (4)

Procedural (1)

1ProceduralApproval of Minutes for the meeting of March 26, 2024.

Public Hearing

2Public HearingStudy Session – Recommendation to the Planning Commission to Receive a General Plan Update Presentation, including (1) an Overview of Requests to the Planning Commission to Review Draft Policy Frameworks and Land Use Alternatives and (2) a Review of the Guiding Principles, Assumptions, and General Plan Advisory Committee's Input that Inform Development of Draft Land Use Alternatives, and Provide Staff with Input and Recommendations for both. No action is being taken on this item; therefore, a CEQA determination is not required. THIS ITEM WAS PUBLISHED ON 04/05/2024

3Public HearingAdministrative Action – Recommendation to the Planning Commission to Establish Two (02) Ad Hoc Committees for the Purpose of Facilitating Requests for Review of Draft General Plan Update Policy Frameworks. The establishment of ad hoc committees is not a “project” pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 15378, as the action is considered administrative. THIS ITEM WAS PUBLISHED ON 04/05/2024

4Public HearingAdministrative Action – Recommendation to the Planning Commission to Introduce A Resolution Amending Section 3.303 of the Planning Commission Rules and Regulations to Allow Chair and Vice Chair Officers of the Commission to Serve a Maximum of Two (2) Consecutive Officer Terms. Amending the Rules and Regulations is not a “project” pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 15378, as the action is considered administrative. THIS ITEM WAS PUBLISHED ON 04/05/2024

Additional votes recorded in minutes

Approve minutes of March 26, 2024

aye 4 · absent 2 · abstain 1

Blake Hooperaye

Darren Racusenaye

Heidi Bauerabsent

Janice Cader Thompsonaye

Jessica Mozesabstain

Rick Whismanabsent

Roger McErlaneaye

Motion to consider Meeting Item 3 after 10:30 PM

aye 5 · absent 2

Blake Hooperaye

Darren Racusenaye

Heidi Bauerabsent

Janice Cader Thompsonaye

Jessica Mozesaye

Rick Whismanabsent

Roger McErlaneaye

Motion to continue meeting past 11 PM

aye 5 · absent 2

Blake Hooperaye

Darren Racusenaye

Heidi Bauerabsent

Janice Cader Thompsonaye

Jessica Mozesaye

Rick Whismanabsent

Roger McErlaneaye

Establish two Ad Hoc Committees for General Plan Update Policy Frameworks review

aye 5 · absent 2

Blake Hooperaye

Darren Racusenaye

Heidi Bauerabsent

Janice Cader Thompsonaye

Jessica Mozesaye

Rick Whismanabsent

Roger McErlaneaye

Verbatim transcript available

5 transcript segments indexed

CITY OF PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA JOINT MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION City Hall Council Chamber 11 English Street Petaluma, CA 94952 MINUTES Tuesday, April 09, 2024 CALL TO ORDER – (6:00 PM) ROLL CALL PC PRESENT: Blake Hooper, Darren Racusen, Janice Cader Thompson, Jessica Mozes, and Roger McErlane ABSENT: Heidi Bauer and Rick Whisman GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT – (6:01 PM) During General Public Comment, the public is invited to make comments on items of public interest that are within the Commission’s subject matter jurisdiction and that are not listed on the current agenda. Public comments are limited to up to three minutes per person. Depending on the number of persons wishing to address the Commission, time will be allocated in equal shares totaling no more than twenty minutes, subject to the Commission’s discretion (Cal. Gov’t. Code §54954.3(a), Petaluma City Council Rules, Policies and Procedures, III). Chair Hooper opened general public comment. - None Chair Hooper closed general public comment. Chair Hooper closed the Meeting Item and continued with the agenda. PRESENTATIONS – (6:01 PM) Chair Hooper announced there were no presentations during this meeting. Chair Hooper closed the Meeting Item and continued with the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – (6:01 PM) 1. Chair Hooper announced Meeting Item 1 – Approval of Minutes for the meeting of March 26, 2024. Chair Hooper opened Meeting Item 1. Chair Hooper invited the Commissioners to provide amendments. No amendments were provided.

Chair Hooper requested a roll call vote. A roll call vote was taken: Vote: Carried 5-0 Yes: Cader Thompson, Chair Hooper, McErlane, Racusen No: None Absent: Bauer and Whisman Abstained: Mozes Chair Hooper announced that the minutes were approved by a vote of 5-0. Chair Hooper closed Meeting Item 1 and continued with the agenda. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION – (6:02 PM) 2. Chair Hooper announced Meeting Item 2 - Study Session – Recommendation to the Planning Commission to Receive a General Plan Update Presentation, including (1) an Overview of Requests to the Planning Commission to Review Draft Policy Frameworks and Land Use Alternatives and (2) a Review of the Guiding Principles, Assumptions, and General Plan Advisory Committee's Input that Inform Development of Draft Land Use Alternatives, and Provide Staff with Input and Recommendations for both. No action is being taken on this item; therefore, a CEQA determination is not required. THIS ITEM WAS PUBLISHED ON 04/05/2024 Chair Hooper announced this item was not a public hearing and did not require disclosing any ex-parte communications. Special Projects Manager Heather Hines presented on Meeting Item 2. Chair Hooper opened Meeting Item 2 to questions for staff. Commissioner Racusen Commissioner McErlane Commissioner Mozes Chair Hooper General Plan consultants, including Raimi and Associates’ Ron Whitmore and Troy Reinhalter, Fehr & Peers’ Matthew Ridgway, and Strategic Economics’ Derek Braun, presented on Meeting Item 2. Chair Hooper invited Commissioners to ask questions of staff and General Plan consultants. Commissioner McErlane Commissioner Mozes Commissioner Racusen Council Member Cader Thompson Chair Hooper A short break was taken.

General Plan consultants, including Raimi and Associates’ Ron Whitmore and Troy Reinhalter, Fehr & Peers’ Matthew Ridgway, and Strategic Economics’ Derek Braun, presented on Meeting Item 2. Chair Hooper invited Commissioners to ask questions of staff and General Plan consultants. Commissioner Racusen Commissioner McErlane Commissioner Mozes Chair Hooper Council Member Cader Thompson General Plan consultants, including Raimi and Associates’ Ron Whitmore and Troy Reinhalter, Fehr & Peers’ Matthew Ridgway, and Strategic Economics’ Derek Braun, presented on Meeting Item 2. Chair Hooper invited Commissioners to ask questions of staff and General Plan consultants. Council Member Cader Thompson Commissioner Racusen Commissioner McErlane Commissioner Mozes Chair Hooper General Plan consultants, including Raimi and Associates’ Ron Whitmore and Troy Reinhalter, Fehr & Peers’ Matthew Ridgway, and Strategic Economics’ Derek Braun, presented on Meeting Item 2. Chair Hooper invited Commissioners to ask questions of staff and General Plan consultants. Commissioner Mozes Commissioner Racusen Council Member Cader Thompson Chair Hooper General Plan consultants, including Raimi and Associates’ Ron Whitmore and Troy Reinhalter, Fehr & Peers’ Matthew Ridgway, and Strategic Economics’ Derek Braun, presented on Meeting Item 2. Chair Hooper opened Meeting Item 2 to public comments: Emailed: - Susan Kirks In Person: - Veronica Olsen - Doug Ledeboer Chair Hooper closed public comment. Chair Hooper requested a motion to vote to consider Meeting Item 3 after 10:30 pm.

Commissioner Racusen motioned for a vote, and Council Member Cader Thompson seconded the motion. Chair Hooper requested a roll call vote. A roll call vote was taken: Vote: Carried 5-0 Yes: Cader Thompson, Chair Hooper, McErlane, Mozes, Racusen No: None Absent: Bauer and Whisman Abstained: None Chair Hooper announced that the motion was carried by a vote of 5-0. Chair Hooper brought Meeting Item 2 to the Commission for discussion. Chair Hooper requested a motion to vote to continue the meeting past 11 pm. Council Member Cader Thompson motioned for a vote, and Commissioner Mozes seconded the motion. Chair Hooper requested a roll call vote. A roll call vote was taken: Vote: Carried 5-0 Yes: Cader Thompson, Chair Hooper, McErlane, Mozes, Racusen No: None Absent: Bauer and Whisman Abstained: None Chair Hooper announced that the motion was carried by a vote of 5-0. The Commission continued to discuss Meeting Item 2. Chair Hooper closed Meeting Item 2 and continued with the agenda. 3. Chair Hooper announced Meeting Item 3 – Administrative Action – Recommendation to the Planning Commission to Establish Two (02) Ad Hoc Committees for the Purpose of Facilitating Requests for Review of Draft General Plan Update Policy Frameworks. The establishment of ad hoc committees is not a “project” pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 15378, as the action is considered administrative. THIS ITEM WAS PUBLISHED ON 04/05/2024 Chair Hooper announced this item was not a public hearing and did not require disclosing any ex-parte communications. Planning Manager Andrew Trippel presented on Meeting Item 3. Chair Hooper invited Commissioners to ask questions of staff. No questions were asked. The Commissioners selected their Ad Hoc Committees. Chair Hooper requested a motion to vote on Meeting Item 3.

Council Member Cader Thompson motioned for a vote, and Commissioner Mozes seconded the motion. Chair Hooper requested a roll call vote. A roll call vote was taken: Vote: Carried 5-0 Yes: Cader Thompson, Chair Hooper, McErlane, Mozes, Racusen No: None Absent: Bauer and Whisman Abstained: None Chair Hooper announced that the motion was carried by a vote of 5-0. Chair Hooper closed Meeting Item 3 and continued with the agenda. 4. Chair Hooper announced Meeting Item 4 – Administrative Action – Recommendation to the Planning Commission to Introduce A Resolution Amending Section 3.303 of the Planning Commission Rules and Regulations to Allow Chair and Vice Chair Officers of the Commission to Serve a Maximum of Two (2) Consecutive Officer Terms. Amending the Rules and Regulations is not a “project” pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 15378, as the action is considered administrative. THIS ITEM WAS PUBLISHED ON 04/05/2024 Chair Hooper stated that meeting Item 4 was postponed to the next regularly scheduled Planning Commission Meeting. COMMISSION COMMENT – (11:10 PM) Council Member Cader Thompson Commissioner Racusen Chair Hooper Commissioner McErlane STAFF COMMENT – (11:14 PM) Andrew Trippel, Planning Manager ADJOURNMENT Chair Hooper adjourned the meeting at 11:15 p.m.