Meeting Summary
Present: Stix, Whitman, Rule, Lang, Francina
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Goals and Objectives for Fiscal Year 2024-25
- Staff presented a draft policy roadmap covering communication, organizational development, and fiscal stability.
- Council discussed specific proposals including decarbonization targets, rent stabilization, and a citywide 25 mph speed limit.
- The item was designated for discussion only with no formal vote taken on the document's adoption.
Staff Efficiency
- Council Member Lang moved to request staff options regarding the implementation of Microsoft Office.
- The motion was seconded by Council Member Francina and subsequently passed by the Council.
Unhoused Encampment and City Campus
- Staff reported plans to construct tents and sheds to relocate individuals from woodland areas to the parking lot.
- Shower and kitchen facilities remain pending a state grant decision expected by month's end.
- Council Member Harvey suggested tabling infrastructure goals until after the Capital Improvement Program discussion.
Boards and Commissions
- Public comment highlighted that the Park and Recreation Commission has not met since June.
- The commission currently faces challenges in reaching its required seven-member composition.
Library Update
- The Regional Librarian outlined upcoming programs including author visits, regenerative agriculture lectures, and literacy support.
- Additional offerings include children's activities, adult workshops, and career coaching services.
Closed Session
- The Council met in closed session to consider anticipated litigation regarding Reach Codes at 401 East Topatopa Street.
- Direction was provided to staff to make an offer to resolve the matter with details to be made public if accepted.
Full summary
Public Comment
- Public comment was received on multiple topics. Regarding the unhoused encampment on Blanche Street, speakers requested an alternative permanent site not adjacent to neighborhood housing, including support services and transportation, and noted the city's reliance on county resources. On the Pickleball Initiative Petition, a speaker urged the public not to sign, arguing it would remove city control over land, affect employees with noise, and noted that 73% of signers live outside the city; the speaker also highlighted upcoming courts at Soule Park and criticized the association's refusal to collaborate. Regarding Goals and Objectives, a speaker requested clarification on affordable unit retention, suggested shifting focus from ADUs to older housing rehabilitation, and recommended blending 12 specific workshop items into the administrative report. The Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission introduced a candidate for the commission and thanked the Council for recent appointments and support for a senior plaque. Additional comments addressed the need for a city arborist, speed limit enforcement (specifically a 25 mph limit), bicycle path extensions, tourism traffic regulation, and a proposal for a City Hall campus master plan. A speaker also addressed the City's disaster council, suggesting deeper coordination with the Council and staff on phased evacuation procedures.
Closed Session Report
- The City Attorney reported that the Council met in closed session to consider anticipated litigation regarding an appeal by Mr. Scott Chasse concerning Reach Codes at 401 East Topatopa Street. The Council provided direction to staff to make an offer to resolve the matter. Details of the offer will be made public if accepted; otherwise, further closed sessions will be held.
Goals and Objectives for Fiscal Year 2024-25
- Staff presented a draft document outlining proposed goals and objectives, describing them as a policy roadmap for the next 12 months intended to be a living document integrated into the budget. The Council engaged in a detailed discussion of the draft, reviewing categories and specific items.
- Communication: Discussion included establishing protocols for public interaction, improving proactive communication with other jurisdictions, and investigating contracting for social media management.
- Organizational Development: Topics included staff compensation competitiveness, retention strategies, and the potential use of third-party evaluators for the City Manager and City Attorney. The funding of the Chamber of Commerce was debated, with suggestions that it should transition to private funding.
- Fiscal Stability: The Council discussed building a rainy day fund, pursuing grants, and the cost implications of delaying street paving.
- Emergency Preparedness: Discussion covered evacuation plans, fire hardening, backup communication systems, and collaboration with the County and School District regarding an evacuation center at Nordoff.
- Climate and Environment: Proposals included renaming the goal to prioritize decarbonization, setting zero-emission targets for city operations, requiring all-electric systems for major remodels, and exploring microgrids and incentives for drought-tolerant landscaping.
- Infrastructure: The Council discussed street paving, drainage studies, storm drain master plans, and the feasibility of a "complete streets" program, with staff recommending a phased approach due to resource constraints.
- Community Character: Topics included rent stabilization, tenant protection, regulating short-term rentals (including a proposed 90-day minimum stay), and managing pop-up markets and signage.
- Housing: Discussion covered the cost-effectiveness of a transitional housing grant, retaining land ownership for Habitat for Humanity, inclusionary housing ordinances, and home share programs.
- Public Safety and Traffic: The Council discussed speeding, the potential for a motorcycle officer position, a citywide 25 mph speed limit, and regulations for electric bikes.
- No formal motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon regarding the adoption of the Goals and Objectives document during this segment. The item was designated for discussion only, with staff indicating the finalized list would be returned to the Council for a future decision.
Staff Efficiency
- Council Member Lang moved to ask staff to bring back options regarding staff efficiency, specifically the implementation of Microsoft Office. Council Member Francina seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made to approve the consent calendar. The motion was seconded. The Council voted to approve the consent calendar. The motion passed.
Unhoused Encampment and City Campus
- Staff reported that the primary focus is constructing tents and sheds to relocate individuals from woodland and creek areas to the parking lot. Shower and kitchen facilities are pending a state grant decision expected at the end of the month. Council Member Harvey suggested tabling infrastructure goals until after the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) discussion. No formal motion was moved or voted upon regarding encampment facilities; the matter remains under staff review with an update planned for April.
Boards and Commissions
- Public comment noted that the Park and Recreation Commission has not met since June and faces challenges reaching its seven-member composition. No formal motion was moved or voted upon regarding boards and commissions.
Library Update
- The Regional Librarian provided an update on upcoming programs, including author visits, lectures on regenerative agriculture, children's activities, and adult workshops, as well as career coaching and literacy support.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned.