2021/01/07 City Council Agenda Packet"We Care for Our Residents by Working Together to
Build a Better Community for Today and Tomorrow."
ROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL, ROHNERT PARK FINANCING AUTHORITY (RPFA),
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A SPECIAL MEETING
will be held on Thursday January 7, 2021
Open Session: 12:00 P.M.
* COVID-19 NOTICE *
Consistent with Executive Orders No. N-25-20 and No. N-29-20 from the Executive Department of
the State of California and the Sonoma County Health Official’s March 17, 2020 and March 31, 2020
Shelter in Place Orders, this City Council Special Meeting will not be physically open to the public
and City Councilmembers will be teleconferencing into the meeting via Zoom Video Communications
software.
How to observe the Meeting:
To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the
public can observe the meeting on Cable Channel 26 or by visiting meeting central on our website
https://www.rpcity.org/city_hall/city_council/meeting_central
How to submit Public Comment:
Members of the public may provide public comment by sending comments to the Clerk by email at
publiccomment@rpcity.org Comments are requested by 10:00 a.m. on the day of the meeting, but can
be emailed until the close of the Agenda Item for which the comment is submitted. Email comments
must identify the Agenda Item Number in the subject line of the email and should be a maximum of
350 words, which corresponds to approximately 3 minutes of speaking time. The comments will be
read for the record, with a maximum allowance of 30 minutes of total public comments, subject to the
Mayor’s discretion. If a comment is received after the agenda item is heard but before the close of the
meeting, the comment will still be included as a part of the record of the meeting but will not be read
for the record or considered in connection with the agenda item.
American Disability Act Accommodations:
Any member of the public who needs accommodations should email the ADA Coordinator at
vperrault@rpcity.org or by calling 707-588-2221. The ADA Coordinator will use their best efforts to
provide reasonable accommodations to provide as much accessibility as possible while also
maintaining public safety in accordance with the City procedure for resolving reasonable
accommodation requests. Information about reasonable accommodations is available on the City
website at
https://www.rpcity.org/city_hall/departments/human_resources/a_d_a_and_accessibility_resources
City Council/RPFA agendas and minutes may be viewed at the City's website: www.rpcity.org.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: Council/RPFA may discuss and/or take action on any or all of the items listed
on this agenda. If you challenge decisions of the City Council or the Rohnert Park Financing Authority
of the City of Rohnert Park in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone
else raised at public hearing(s) described in this agenda, or in written correspondence delivered to the
City of Rohnert Park at, or prior to the public hearing(s).
RIGHT TO APPEAL: Judicial review of any city administrative decision pursuant to Code of Civil
Procedure Section 1094.5 may be had only if a petition is filed with the court no later than the deadlines
specified in Section 1094.6 of the California Code of Civil Procedure, which generally limits the time
within which the decision may be challenged to the 90th day following the date that the decision
becomes final.
SIMULTANEOUS MEETING COMPENSATION DISCLOSURE (Government Code Section
54952.3): Members of the City Council receive no additional compensation as a result of convening this
special meeting of the City Council and the Rohnert Park Financing Authority.
1. CITY COUNCIL/RPFA/SUCCESSOR AGENCY JOINT SPECIAL MEETING - CALL
TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
(Adams_____Linares_____Stafford_____Elward_____Giudice_____)
2. DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC
PRIORITIES
A. Public Comments
B. Facilitated Workshop on Strategic Priorities
C. Council discussion and direction
3. ADJOURNMENT
NOTE: Time shown for any particular matter on the agenda is an estimate only. Matters may be
considered earlier or later than the time indicated depending on the pace at which the meeting
proceeds. If you wish to speak on an item under discussion by the Council which appears on this
agenda, after receiving recognition from the Mayor, please walk to the rostrum and state your name
and address for the record. Any item raised by a member of the public which is not on the agenda and
may require Council action shall be automatically referred to staff for investigation and disposition
which may include placing on a future agenda. If the item is deemed to be an emergency or the need to
take action arose after posting of the agenda within the meaning of Government Code Section
54954.2(b), Council is entitled to discuss the matter to determine if it is an emergency item under said
Government Code and may take action thereon.
AGENDA REPORTS & DOCUMENTS: Electronic copies of all staff reports and documents subject
to disclosure that relate to each item of business referred to on the agenda are available for public
inspection on https://www.rpcity.org/city_hall/city_council/meeting_central Any writings or
documents subject to disclosure that are provided to all, or a majority of all, of the members of the
City Council regarding any item on this agenda after the agenda has been distributed will also be
made available for inspection on our website following the day of the meeting.
CERTIFICATION OF POSTING OF AGENDA I, Sylvia Lopez Cuevas, City Clerk for the City of Rohnert Park, declare that the foregoing agenda was
posted and available for review on January 4, 2021 at Rohnert Park City Hall, 130 Avram Avenue,
Rohnert Park, California 94928. The agenda is also available on the City web site at www.rpcity.org
Executed this January 4, 2021 at Rohnert Park, California.
Sylvia Lopez Cuevas
Office of the City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL GOAL SETTING WORKSHOP
AGENDA
JANUARY 7, 2021
NOON TO 5 PM - ZOOM
Objectives for the Retreat:
•Develop consensus on how the Council wishes to govern together
•Understand Councilmembers’ interests and staff’s perspectives
•Establish Council priorities for the coming year
•Strengthen teamwork
1.Welcome by the Mayor
2.Public Comments
3.Comments from the City Manager
4.Review Today’s Agenda
5.Learn More About Each Other and Set Foundation for Governing Together
§Share answers to two questions: (a) Someone who influenced me early in life
and (b) A successful team is one that…..
6.Set the Context for Goal Setting:
§Review Accomplishments, Challenges, Current Initiatives and Opportunities
7.Discuss and Establish Council Priorities
8.Discuss How to Stay on Course with the Priorities
9.Wrap Up and Next Steps
Resource Materials:
●“Attributes of Exceptional Councils,” by the Institute for Local Government
●Consolidated List of Councilmember Priorities
ITEM 2
December 26, 2020
City of Rohnert Park
Consolidated List of Councilmember Priorities
For Discussion at Council Retreat – January 7, 2021
This table contains a consolidated list of priorities for the coming year as shared by individual Councilmembers in their interviews with facilitator
Jan Perkins in preparing for the January 7, 2021 retreat. The priorities have been categorized into two sections: (A) Established Council
Priorities and (B) New Initiatives or Items Needing Council Direction. Following this table, a list of projects is provided containing existing City
commitments requiring substantial allocation of staff resources.
Councilmembers’ Priorities
Staff Comments
A. Established Council Priorities
1. Navigating through COVID
§ Help small businesses and the community get
information they need about resources available
Council held a special meeting to provide direction on this item on Dec. 15,
2020, and will consider again on January 12, 2021.
2. Financial health
§ Ensure sound fiscal policies and budget practices
Staff will continue to practice fiscal responsibility and share anticipated fiscal
impacts of potential decisions.
3. Labor negotiations due this year All bargaining groups are up for new agreements. Per the agreements
bargaining must begin by Feb. 1
4. General Plan Update Ability set policy for development in the community for the next 20 years.
About 18 months left on this project including environmental review.
5. Infrastructure, maintenance and beautification
§ Ensure all areas of the community are served
Infrastructure: Staff contributes technical criteria for suggesting projects.
Council contributes community criteria for selecting projects.
Beautification: Council may direct if and where to focus major beautification
projects.
6. Attract housing at all income levels Inclusionary housing code, inclusionary housing fees, development agreements,
and partnerships with Housing Land Trust all help Rohnert Park to continue to
develop housing at all income levels.
Page 2
December 26, 2020
7. Make progress on the Downtown Progress on the downtown is largely controlled by the property owner at this
point. The pandemic is negatively affecting development of retail, office, and
transit focused housing. Staff will continue to look for ways to support the
project.
B. New Initiatives or Ones Needing Additional Direction
1. Climate change
General plan update offers opportunity to create long term impact. Goals
regarding changes to City operations should be specific, achievable, and funded.
2. Police/community relations
§ Restore law enforcement image, build trust between
community and public safety, and ensure
accountability
We want positive image of Rohnert Park law enforcement. We are committed
to building trust between Public Safety and the community. We need to ensure
accountability.
3. Services for unhoused people
§ Create a “hub” for services to the unhoused
§ Do more to engage nonprofits, businesses
We’re looking forward to hearing more about this.
4. Increase accessibility of information and engagement with the
community, including at Council meetings
We’re looking forward to hearing more about this.
5. Reflect changing diversity
§ Update documents; cultural awareness training
We’re looking forward to hearing more about this.
6. Foster strong relationships and partnerships:
§ Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR)
§ County, State and Federal elected officials
§ Sonoma State University
This is an extremely important role for councilmembers.
Staff’s Suggested Initiatives
A. New Strategic Plan Update or confirm the mission, vision, and values for the organization.
B. Council protocols for governing citywide while being elected by
district
Determine interests regarding appointments, data and projects reported by
district.
Page 3
December 26, 2020
Existing City Commitments of Staff Resources:
The following list was provided by staff regarding significant projects requiring a commitment of staff resources.
a) Enterprise software replacement (significant time required)
b) Redistricting (when Census data is available; April 2021 – April 2022)
c) Opening Fire Station 3 (construction, examine best way to use all three stations)
d) Racial profiling data (inhouse training component, collaborating with other police agencies)
e) Ongoing emergency preparedness and emergency management (significant resources allocated two to four months of the year)
f) State mandate to collect food waste (SB1383 Solid Waste Organics)
g) Urban water management plan due June 2021
h) Large capital projects list
i) Four major development agreements
j) Agreements with Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria for casino
1
Leading public organizations and governing with colleagues on a council is a challenging art of
community service. The Institute recognizes that many aspects of leadership and governance are not
intuitive. This piece is intended to provide councilmembers and city managers insight into the attributes of
exceptional councils as well as provide practical tips to help them become exceptional.
1. Exceptional councils develop a sense
of team – a partnership with the city
manager to govern and manage the city
The mayor, councilmembers and city manager see
themselves and work as a team as they undertake a
series of tasks to further their common purpose. The
individual team members work in a coordinated and
collaborative manner with a high degree of respect, tru st
and openness. The team values diversity in style and
perspective. The team thinks and acts strategically as it
examines issues/situations and decides on a course of
action serving their city’s mission and goals.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
Successfully transition from candidate
to a member of the council.
Become a champion of the city. Make
decisions based on the needs and
interests of the community at-large / the
greater good.
Develop, communicate and support
policy goals and council decisions.
Demonstrate a willingness to work
collaboratively (as a team) and have a
citywide perspective.
BEST PRACTICE TIPS
Build capacity to create a more effective team. The governance team (mayor, councilmembers and
city manager) should get to know each other; how each person approaches issues, decision making
style and so on. This can be accomplished at annual meetings or workshops through-out the year.
In the event that councilmembers disagree, clear ground rules (norms of behavior and practice) can
help quell acrimony before it becomes a problem. It’s important to remember that trust is built
around understanding and respect, not necessarily agreement.
Attributes of Exceptional Councils
Attributes of Exceptional Councils
2
2. Exceptional councils have clear
roles and responsibilities that are
understood and adhered.
Exceptional councils understand their role is to serve as
policy maker - to represent the values, beliefs and priorities
of their community while serving in the community’s be st
interest. They carry out a variety of responsibilities including:
developing and adopting a vision for the city; focusing
and aligning plans, policies, agreements and budgets in
furtherance of this vision; and holding themselves and
the city manager accountable for results.
Exceptional councils understand that the city manager
is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city.
The city manager is responsible for undertaking and
accomplishing the policy objectives of the council.
Exceptional councils recognize the subject matter expertise
of staff and utilize their knowledge and experience to
guide and inform decision making.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
Understand the role of local
government and their responsibilities.
Know their role- to set vision and policy,
avoid micromanagement.
Councilmembers should strive to be
informed about the issues facing the
city and be prepared to ask questions of
staff and each other.
BEST PRACTICE TIPS
Create a shared understanding of the city manager’s role and the council’s expectations to optimize
the working relationships. This shared understanding is informed by local charter and ordinance
provisions that provide the overall framework for the relationship. The council should make time to
have conversations during retreats and or study sessions to define and/or reveal and refine their
role and responsibilities. Since role clarity between the city council and city management is critical to
mutual success, having clear protocols helps avoid misunderstandings.
Attributes of Exceptional Councils
3
3. Exceptional councils honor the
relationship with staff and each other
Exceptional councils understand that a good working
relationship with staff is vital for the city to be run
successfully. Exceptional councils treat each other and
staff with dignity and respect. They act with civility and
a high level of professional decorum. Councilmembers
build trust by not playing the “gotcha game” and strive to
have a no secrets, no surprises approach as an operating
norm. Finally, they respect the diversity of styles and
perspectives among their colleagues and staff and are
open to new ideas.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
Councilmembers have the ability to
respectfully disagree (to disagree
without being disagreeable).
They are able to leave it at the dais;
debates are about policy, not
personality.
Exceptional councilmembers reflect
positive decorum/model of leadership
by providing respectful tone with
colleagues.
Establish a set of behaviors ahead of
time, potentially documented in a code
of conduct, to help promote civility and
respect.
BEST PRACTICE TIPS
Set council priorities and strategic goals at an annual meeting; these goals and priorities are a tool
to guide the city manager and staff on where to focus their efforts. This annual meeting provides
time for the council to reflect on community priorities as well as offer an opportunity to discuss their
decorum and their relationship among each other and the relationship between the city
manager/staff and the council.
4. Exceptional councils routinely conduct
effective meetings
Open and public meetings are central to democratic
decision-making. Exceptional councils master the art
of effective meetings. They develop and adhere to meeting
protocols and processes. They spend time planning and
organizing the agenda with the aim of having a more
focused meeting. They allocate the council’s time and
energy appropriately (focused on the council’s role and
responsibilities) and meeting short- and long-term priorities.
They honor the public’s participation and engagement
and they generally start on time and are held during
reasonable hours.
Exceptional councils use public meetings not only for their
intended purpose, information sharing and decision-making,
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
Councilmembers are respectful of each
other, the public and everyone’s time.
Councilmembers use engaging body
language as a way to demonstrate
respect.
Issues are not personalized, thoughtful
dialogue is the objective.
Agenda packets are read,
councilmembers come prepared and
have an open mind
Respect is demonstrated for varied
opinions.
Everyone strives to be civil and act with
decorum.
Attributes of Exceptional Councils
4
but they also use the meeting to demonstrate respect and
civility for each other, staff and the public. Exceptional
councilmembers prepare in advance of the meeting, remain
focused on the city goals and objectives and mindful of their
role and responsibilities.
BEST PRACTICE TIPS
Develop and adopt (with regular reviews and updates), guidelines for conducting meetings and
making decisions. These governance protocols typically address meeting procedures (agenda
preparation, how to put issues on the agenda, debate and voting procedure s (parliamentary rules)
and standards of decorum (civility)). As part of a regular self-assessment, councils should evaluate
their meetings and their effectiveness and adjust behavior and practices for better results .
5. Exceptional councils hold themselves
and the city accountable
Exceptional councils operate openly, ethically and work to
engage the community in a myriad of decisions impacting
the prosperity and well-being of their community. Toward
that end, exceptional councils consistently provide short-
and long-term strategic direction and goals, as well as
provide budget, program and policy oversight.
Exceptional councils hold themselves accountable for the
conduct, behavior and effectiveness of the council. They
establish clear priorities and goals and hold the city
manager accountable for results. And finally, they embrace
accountability as a process and tool to calibrate ongoing
efforts to address and meet policy and program objectives.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
Councilmembers operate ethically and
with integrity.
Councils conduct team building / goal
setting exercise to track progress
towards mutually agreed upon goals
Councils taking responsibility for the
results (good and bad).
Councils celebrate success.
Councilmembers hold themselves
responsible for adhering to operating
protocols and codes of conduct.
BEST PRACTICE TIPS
Annually evaluate council and city manager performance toward achieving the city’s priorities and
goals (consider having this be part of an annual goal setting meeting). Council should consider
assessing its own behavior and effectiveness as part of its annual self -assessment.
Attributes of Exceptional Councils
5
6. Exceptional councils have members
who practice continuous personal
learning and development
Governance is not intuitive. In addition, the policy and
economic environment impacting cities are ever changing.
Exceptional councils continually provide the opportunity
to build their knowledge and skills, to enhance their
understanding of key issues, increase their awareness
of best practices and sharpen their leadership and
governance skills.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
Stay informed on key issues
Gain key insights and knowledge on all
aspects of governing, from budgets to
plans and everything in between.
Learning to listen is sometimes more
important than learning to give a
speech.
BEST PRACTICE TIPS
Seek out national, state and local professional growth and educational opportunities. These
opportunities can focus on the nuts and bolts of governing to helping you gain valuable information
and/or insights on key policy issues facing your city. In addition, city run orientations for newly elected
officials provide a good way to acclimate new m embers to the council’s norms and protocols as well as
the budget and key policy issues.
1
Avila, Mia
From:Pete Gang <
Sent:Saturday, January 2, 2021 4:18 PM
To:
Cc:Teresa Barrett; D'Lynda Fischer; Mike Healy; Kevin McDonnell; Dave King; Brian
Barnacle; Dennis Pocekay; Peggy Flynn; CityClerk; Patrick Carter
Subject:City of Petaluma's support for State-level climate action
Attachments:(2021-1-2) THE CLIMATE CENTER Reso..docx
EXTERNAL EMAIL
Esteemed members of the Petaluma Climate Action Commission, Mayor Barrett, Vice Mayor Fischer, and
(equally esteemed) members of the Petaluma City Council,
With 2020 finally in hindsight, we look ahead at a rough road littered with challenges. The climate emergency
is one among many that we ignore at our collective peril.
In May 2019 the City passed a Climate Emergency Resolution that called for “...emergency action at all
levels of government to restore a safer climate, safeguard against the results of climate change,
and support the just transition to a sustainable economy with good-paying, high-quality jobs.”
The Climate Center (formerly Center for Climate Protection) is soliciting endorsements for Climate
Safe California, its suite of state-level policies to achieve “net-negative emissions by 2030.” [2030 is
also the target date in the RCPA’s Sonoma Climate Mobilization Strategy].
Climate Safe California calls on Governor Newsom and California legislators and regulators to enact the
following:
1.No later than 2022, commit to accelerating existing state policy timelines to achieve 80% below 1990
levels of greenhouse gas emissions and net-negative emissions by 2030;
2.Secure a just transition for workers and their families whose livelihoods depend on fossil fuel industries;
3.Close the climate gap when enacting climate-safe policies to ensure lower-income communities are no
longer disproportionately harmed;
4.Enact by no later than 2025 the suite of policies required by science to achieve net-negative emissions
by 2030 including:
a. Accelerating the phase-out of fossil fuel development, production and use
b. Increasing carbon sequestration;
c. Investing in community resilience; and
d. Generating the public and private funds needed for speed and scale climate action.
In addition to endorsements by individuals, local businesses, organizations, and local government
representatives, Climate Safe California has been endorsed by State Senators McGuire, Stern, Mitchell, and
Wiener, State Assemblymembers Chiu, Levine, Rivas, and Wood, and U.S. Representatives Huffman and
Thompson.
The Climate Center requests the City’s endorsement of Climate Safe California, ideally in the form of a
Resolution templated off the attached.
Item 2 Supplemental
Item
2
Respectfully,
Pete Gang, on behalf of The Climate Center
3
Avila, Mia
From:Wayne Morgenthaler <
Sent:Monday, January 4, 2021 2:42 PM
To:CityClerk
Subject:Goal Setting Meeting January 2021
EXTERNAL EMAIL
I urge the City of Rohnert Park to join its neighbors and the larger world community in acknowledging the
climate crisis. 1) put climate issues at the top of the list of goals and priorities, 2) pass a meaningful Climate
Emergency Resolution, and 3) take meaningful action to ensure a stable climate for all future generations.
Wayne Morgen
thaler
Sonoma County Pachamama Alliance
282 Skillman, Petaluma CA 94952
Text & Voicemail
4
Avila, Mia
From:Veronica "Roni" Jacobi <
Sent:Monday, January 4, 2021 3:01 PM
To:CityClerk;
Subject:Climate emergency resolution and top priority
EXTERNAL EMAIL
Dear Councilmembers,
You have an important opportunity. Please make climate solutions
PROGRESS a top priority. Please leap frog and surpass the other
jurisdictions near and far with action at the speed and scale needed.
At least 1,863 governments around the world, including 38 nations and major cities — Boston, Chicago, Miami, Oakland,
San Francisco, and San Jose among them — have acknowledged the climate emergency that we all face. The City of
Rohnert Park needs to join all the other jurisdictions in Sonoma County in passing a meaningful Climate Emergency
Resolution.
‐‐
Thanks, Roni
Veronica "Roni" Jacobi, former Santa Rosa Councilwoman and Founder OurGreenChallenge.Org
5
Avila, Mia
From:Dena Allen <
Sent:Monday, January 4, 2021 4:35 PM
To:CityClerk
Subject:Rohnert Park- please act now on Climate Change
EXTERNAL EMAIL
8 of the 9 cities in Sonoma County — plus the County of Sonoma and the Regional Climate Protection
Authority — have passed Climate Emergency Resolutions. Rohnert Park is the only jurisdiction that has not
yet done so. Time’s up! We need to make climate issues our #1 priority and get to work on transitioning to a
carbon neutral world as quickly as possible.
I urge the City of Rohnert Park to join its neighbors and the larger world community in acknowledging the
climate crisis. 1) put climate issues at the top of the list of goals and priorities, 2) pass a meaningful Climate
Emergency Resolution, and 3) take meaningful action to ensure that a stable climate for all future generations.
Dena Allen
Sebastopol resident and member of the Sebastopol Climate Action Subcommittee
6
Avila, Mia
From:Eileen Heinrich <
Sent:Monday, January 4, 2021 4:42 PM
To:CityClerk
Subject:Climate crisis issue for Thursday's Rohnert Park goal setting meeting
EXTERNAL EMAIL
I urge the City of Rohnert Park to join its neighbors and the
larger world community in acknowledging the climate crisis. 1)
put climate issues at the top of the list of goals and
priorities, 2) pass a meaningful Climate Emergency Resolution,
and 3) take meaningful action to ensure that a stable climate
for all future generations.
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
7
Avila, Mia
From:Shirley Johnson <
Sent:Monday, January 4, 2021 8:20 PM
To:CityClerk
Subject:Goal Setting Meeting January 2021
EXTERNAL EMAIL
I urge the City of Rohnert Park to join its neighbors and the larger world community in acknowledging the climate
crisis. 1) put climate issues at the top of the list of goals and priorities, 2) pass a meaningful Climate Emergency
Resolution, and 3) take meaningful action to ensure that a stable climate for all future generations.
8 of the 9 cities in Sonoma County — plus the County of Sonoma and the Regional Climate Protection Authority
— have passed Climate Emergency Resolutions. Rohnert Park is the only jurisdiction that has not yet done
so. Time’s up! We need to make climate issues our #1 priority and get to work on transitioning to a carbon neutral
world as quickly as possible.
1,863 governments around the world, including 38 nations and major cities — Boston, Chicago, Miami, Oakland, San
Francisco, and San Jose among them — have acknowledged the climate emergency that we all face. The City of Rohnert
Park needs to join all the other jurisdictions in Sonoma County in passing a meaningful Climate Emergency Resolution.
Respectfully,
Shirley Johnson
8
Avila, Mia
From:Ann Edminster <
Sent:Monday, January 4, 2021 8:44 PM
To:CityClerk
Subject:Goal Setting Meeting January 2021
EXTERNAL EMAIL
Esteemed City Council members,
I am writing to urge you to join all the other cities in Sonoma County, along with the
County itself and the Regional Climate Protection Authority, in passing a Climate
Emergency Resolution. It's time to make climate the city's top priority and begin the
critical work of transitioning to a carbon neutral society.
Sincerely,
Ann V. Edminster
Design AVEnues LLC | | www.annedminster.com
Petaluma, CA
9
Avila, Mia
From:Claudia Cleaver <
Sent:Tuesday, January 5, 2021 10:08 AM
To:CityClerk
Subject:“Goal Setting Meeting January 2021
EXTERNAL EMAIL
Will Rohnert Park be the only municipality in Sonoma County without a Climate Emergency Resolution?
I urge the City of Rohnert Park to join its neighbors and the larger world community in acknowledging the
climate crisis. 1) put climate issues at the top of the list of goals and priorities, 2) pass a meaningful Climate
Emergency Resolution, and 3) take meaningful action to ensure that a stable climate for all future generations.
We tend to get lost in the day to day matters and loose sight of long term looming disasters like pandemic and
climate collapse.
Lets all prepare for our future. We can do this. We must do this.
Claudia Cleaver
10
Avila, Mia
From:Mackenzie Mackling <
Sent:Tuesday, January 5, 2021 4:28 PM
To:CityClerk
Subject:Goal Setting Meeting January 2021
EXTERNAL EMAIL
Hello,
I have been a resident of Rohnert Park since 2017, and live with my fiancee who has lived here his whole life. Despite
both of us working full time and having salaries well above minimum wage, we find it a struggle to live here. It truly is
unfortunate that a child who grew up here in Rohnert Park, who graduated from Rohnert Park Schools, that wants to build
his own family here, can't see such a future here due to the housing market. The idea of owning a House in Rohnert Park
seems so unattainable, and we are not the only ones in this boat, demonstrated by the growing exodus of Californians
moving out of state. I really believe that the City Counsel needs to make Affordable Housing a priority. How can a
community thrive when their own have to leave because of the expense? Affordable Housing, Renter Rights and Climate
Change needs to be taken seriously by this city, and I hope that these issues will be prioritized on your agenda.
Thank you,
Mackenzie Mackling.
11
Avila, Mia
From:Suzy Karasik <
Sent:Tuesday, January 5, 2021 4:41 PM
To:CityClerk
Subject:Climate Emergency request for upcoming meeting…
EXTERNAL EMAIL
“I urge the City of Rohnert Park to join its neighbors and the larger world community in acknowledging the
climate crisis. 1) put climate issues at the top of the list of goals and priorities, 2) pass a meaningful Climate
Emergency Resolution, and 3) take meaningful action to ensure that a stable climate for all future generations.”
"8 of the 9 cities in Sonoma County — plus the County of Sonoma and the Regional Climate Protection
Authority — have passed Climate Emergency Resolutions. Rohnert Park is the only jurisdiction that has not
yet done so. Time’s up! We need to make climate issues our #1 priority and get to work on transitioning to a
carbon neutral world as quickly as possible."
“1,863 governments around the world, including 38 nations and major cities — Boston, Chicago, Miami,
Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose among them — have acknowledged the climate emergency that we all
face. The City of Rohnert Park needs to join all the other jurisdictions in Sonoma County in passing a
meaningful Climate Emergency Resolution.”
Thanks for providing this info to the council. I am also a member of Citizen’s Climate Lobby and hope that you will
consider contacting us if you have any questions, we’d be happy to meet with you and present the benefits.
https://citizensclimatelobby.org/energy-innovation-and-carbon-dividend-act/
Most sincerely,
Suzy
Suzy Karasik, MA, DCN, CIHP, CMT, CPD
Specialized-Systems.com
Guard your health and the health of our planet as if your life depends upon it, because it does
12
Avila, Mia
From:Martin Kupferman <
Sent:Tuesday, January 5, 2021 3:36 PM
To:CityClerk
Subject:Highest priority for climate issues in Rohnert Park in 2021!
EXTERNAL EMAIL
I urge the City of Rohnert Park to join its neighbors in addressing the climate crisis in its planning for 2021.
So for example: 8 of the 9 cities in Sonoma County — plus the County of Sonoma and the Regional Climate
Protection Authority — have passed Climate Emergency Resolutions. Rohnert Park is the only jurisdiction
that has not yet done so. Time’s up! We need to make climate issues our #1 priority and get to work on
transitioning to a carbon neutral world as quickly as possible.
Please start by passing a Climate Emergency Resolution similar to the other cities in and the county of Sonoma
Sincerely,
Martin Kupferman
Cell:
13
Avila, Mia
From:Sarah Griffith <
Sent:Tuesday, January 5, 2021 6:16 PM
To:CityClerk
Subject:Goal Setting Meeting January 2021
EXTERNAL EMAIL
Hello,
I hope to have these goals considered for the new session of city council:
🌱Sign onto the Climate Action Plan
🌱Create a Climate Commission
🌱Add Climate‐focused language into the General Plan
🌱Eliminate the use of synthetic pesticides in the City
🌱Readdress the Listening Sessions results and update the public on them and the next steps
🌱Update the public on the Sensitivity and Inclusion Training that was supposed to take place
🌱Commit to a Police Oversight Committee for RP
🌱Fix the gerrymandering in the new by‐district districts (particularly around D Section)
🌱Allocate Foundation Funds to help residents (COVID)
🌱Fireworks — allow or ban due to fire danger (hot topic)
Thank you,
Sarah Griffith
L Section
14
Avila, Mia
From:
Sent:Tuesday, January 5, 2021 11:31 PM
To:CityClerk
Subject:Goal Setting Meeting January 2021
EXTERNAL EMAIL
Dear Rohnert Park City Council,
I work with a group of environmental leaders who are trying to pass Climate Emergency Resolutions (CER)
in our Marin cities. Here in Marin we have been so proud of the fact that 9 of the Sonoma County cities
have passed a CER. I hope to hear that Rohnert Park becomes the 10th! In doing so you are setting a
model for Marin and other counties to follow.
It is so important that we all consider climate a top issues and that we take appropriate actions to ensure
a stable planet for everyone.
Thank you for considering my request.
Marilyn Price
15
Avila, Mia
From:Amelia Packard <
Sent:Wednesday, January 6, 2021 1:40 AM
To:CityClerk
Subject:Goal Setting Meeting January 2021
EXTERNAL EMAIL
“I urge the City of Rohnert Park to join its neighbors and the larger world community in acknowledging the
climate crisis. 1) put climate issues at the top of the list of goals and priorities, 2) pass a meaningful Climate
Emergency Resolution, and 3) take meaningful action to ensure that a stable climate for all future generations.”
16
Avila, Mia
From:Matt Renner <
Sent:Wednesday, January 6, 2021 11:00 AM
To:CityClerk
Subject:Goal Setting Meeting January 2021
EXTERNAL EMAIL
Dear Mayor Giudice, Vice Mayor Elward, and distinguished Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge the City Council of Rohnert Park to join the community of local elected leaders in Sonoma
County by 1) putting climate issues at the top of the list of goals and priorities for the city; 2) passing a
meaningful Climate Emergency Resolution putting the city on a rapid decarbonization path and clearly stating
alignment with the goals of climate justice and Just Transition; and 3) keep working to enact every policy action
within your powers to slow and then reverse the climate emergency, including advocating at the state level for
emergency-speed climate policy leadership.
8 of the 9 cities in Sonoma County and the Regional Climate Policy Authority have passed Climate Emergency
Resolutions. Your city is the only one that has not joined this movement with real local roots — it's time to
change this.
There are brilliant climate leaders in the county and in the greater Bay Area who are ready to assist Rohnert
Park with policy design and implementation if you are ready to move into mobilization. There is no time to
waste.
Thank you,
Matt Renner, Executive Director of The Climate Mobilization and Climate Mobilization Project
Richmond, CA
Matthew Renner
Executive Director, The Climate Mobilization and Climate Mobilization Project
Text or call: (510)
Click here to schedule a call with me.
Climate change is an emergency.
Let's act like it. Let's mobilize.
17
Avila, Mia
From:Wayne Yamagishi <
Sent:Wednesday, January 6, 2021 1:11 PM
To:CityClerk
Subject:Goal Setting Meeting January 2021
EXTERNAL EMAIL
"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better".
NOW is the time for the City of Rohnert Park to create a CLIMATE EMERGENCY RESOLUTION !!
Be a part of this urgent solution.. Make climate action a priority. Be a learner and leader and be a part of the
solution...Begin NOW to make climate a Top Tier
goal for 2021 and beyond. We will all thank you🌎
Wayne Yamagishi
18
Avila, Mia
From:
Sent:Wednesday, January 6, 2021 4:43 PM
To:CityClerk
Subject:Goal setting meeteing January 2021
EXTERNAL EMAIL
City Clerk,
Please pass this message on to the RP city council:
Please take swift action to add Rohnert Park's name to the rest of Sonoma County and all the other
jurisdictions by passing a meaningful Climate Emergency Resolution (CER) in order to put Rohnert Park on
record as recognizing the seriousness of what we are facing.
As you go through the general planning process, put climate at the top of your goals and priorities. Please
continue to make all decisions through the lens of the climate crisis. We can't let the other guy take care of this.
Many thanks, Mike Turgeon
19
Avila, Mia
From:Janina Turner <
Sent:Wednesday, January 6, 2021 6:51 PM
To:CityClerk
Subject:Goal Setting Meeting January 2021
EXTERNAL EMAIL
Hello,
My name is Janina Turner and I have lived in Rohnert Park for the past ten years. In my time here, I have not
seen any action regarding climate change and adaptation. With a new slate of city council members, I am
looking forward to more leadership around environmental and climate justice in this community.
Currently, 8 of the 9 cities in Sonoma County — plus the County of Sonoma and the Regional Climate
Protection Authority — have passed Climate Emergency Resolutions. Rohnert Park is the only jurisdiction that
has not yet done so. As you all may know, we only have a few years left to make drastic changes to how we
operate in this world before we face even greater climate destruction than what we see today. Not only does
Rohnert Park need to pass a Climate Emergency Resolution, but it needs to adequately reduce our emissions
down to none in a timely manner. I suggest the city council work with local climate organizations and leaders to
write this resolution and pass it with haste.
Housing justice is also another important issue to tackle in Rohnert Park. Housing and rental prices within the
County are unmanageable for many of us. Landlords and property owners hold immense power over renters as
many of us tenants are financially and mentally suffering from the on going COVID pandemic. It is imperative
that Rohnert Park City Council ensure tenants are not evicted from their homes, as it is a direct health risk
during this pandemic. There is absolutely no reason why anyone in this city should be without affordable, safe
housing.
I look forward to climate and housing justice being top priorities in the City Council's goal setting.
Thank you,
- Janina Turner
20
Avila, Mia
From:jennyb <
Sent:Wednesday, January 6, 2021 7:21 PM
To:CityClerk
Subject:Goal setting, January 7, 2021
EXTERNAL EMAIL
Dear Rohnert Park City Council members
I urge the City of Rohnert Park to join the County of Sonoma and eight of its nine cities, and 1,863 governments around
the world, to acknowledge the climate crisis and pass a meaningful Climate Emergency Resolution, to make climate
issues the top priority and to make every decision for its residents through the lens of climate change.
Sincerely
Jenny Blaker
22
I work with a group of environmental leaders who are trying to pass Climate Emergency
Resolutions (CER) in our Marin cities. Here in Marin we have been so proud of the fact that 9 of
the Sonoma County cities have passed a CER. I hope to hear that Rohnert Park becomes the
10th! In doing so you are setting a model for Marin and other counties to follow.
It is so important that we all consider climate a top issues and that we take appropriate actions to
ensure a stable planet for everyone.
Thank you for considering my request.
Marilyn Price
23
Avila, Mia
From:Kevin Conway <
Sent:Wednesday, January 6, 2021 7:45 PM
To:CityClerk
Subject:Climate Crisis
EXTERNAL EMAIL
Dear Council Members,
Please do the following to address the climate crisis in a meaningful way:
1) put climate issues at the top of the list of goals and priorities, 2) pass a meaningful Climate Emergency
Resolution, and 3) take meaningful action to ensure a stable climate for all future generations by looking at all
the decisions you make through the lens of the climate crisis.
Thank you,
24
Avila, Mia
From:
Sent:Wednesday, January 6, 2021 9:33 PM
To:CityClerk
Subject:Goal setting January meeting
EXTERNAL EMAIL
To the City of Rohnert Park:
I'd like to contribute this to the meeting regarding CLimate Emergency
resolutions:
I urge the City of Rohnert Park to join its neighbors and the
larger world community in acknowledging the climate crisis.
1) Put climate issues at the top of the list of goals and priorities
2) pass a meaningful Climate Emergency Resolution
3) take meaningful action to ensure a stable climate for all future
generations."
4) I urge you to join your neighboring cities and condemn all use of chemical pesticides, which have proven severe
consequences for the ecosystem, putting already endangered species at risk of extinction.
5) I also want to put a halt to unnecessary felling of trees, especially redwoods, in favor of developments. An example
of this was the horrific pillaging of redwoods at the large corner lot at Expressway and State Farm a few years ago, for a
development that didn't even come to pass. THis was heartbreaking. No new trees have been planted to replace all the
mature redwoods that were cut down.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Laurie Eisler
Cotati
25
Avila, Mia
From:SoCoCAN! <
Sent:Thursday, January 7, 2021 12:53 AM
To:Public Comment; CityClerk
Cc:SoCoCAN!
Subject:Goal Setting Meeting January 2021
EXTERNAL EMAIL
On behalf of the Sonoma County Climate Activist Network (SoCoCAN!) we urge you to make
climate change your top priority. Every other local municipality as well as Sonoma County have
passed Climate Emergency Resolutions. It's long past time for Rohnert Park to pass a CER of your
own. Your top goals should include an urgent plan for becoming carbon neutral and taking
meaningful action to ensure a stable climate for all future generations.
The Sonoma County Climate Activist Network (SoCoCAN!) is a strong and active network of
50+ local climate change groups and over 200 individuals. We are climate activist groups and
individuals working together to address and reverse climate change.
You are invited to join our climate summit this Sunday at 2:00 on Zoom. For more information
go to https://www.SonomaCountyCAN.org.
We are available as a resource to you as you make wise choices for our future here in Sonoma
County.
Sonoma County Climate Activist Network (SoCoCAN!)
https://www.SonomaCountyCAN.org
https://www.facebook.com/SonomaCountyCAN
https://twitter.com/SonomaCAN
26
Avila, Mia
From:Terri Moon <
Sent:Thursday, January 7, 2021 1:14 AM
To:CityClerk
Subject:Priorities for RP
EXTERNAL EMAIL
Dear Rohnert Park City Clerk and Members of the City Council,
As a resident of Rohnert Park, I urge city Council Members to put our current climate crisis issues at the top of its list of
goals and priorities for 2021 and into the future. I implore you to pass a meaningful Climate Emergency Resolution and
take immediate action to reduce greenhouse gases and reverse the occurrence of the now annual wildfires, record‐
breaking winds and power outages we've experienced over the last several years. Taking action now is imperative if we
are to provide a safe and sustainable planet for future generations, wildlife and habitat.
Rohnert Park is the only jurisdiction of the 9 cities in Sonoma County that has yet to pass a Climate Emergency
Resolution. The County of Sonoma and the Regional Climate Protection Authority have also passed Climate Emergency
Resolutions. Rohnert Park needs to join with these other governing bodies and make climate issues our first priority‐and
yesterday. Let’s do our part to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025!
With gratitude for your leadership and proactive actions, Terri Moon
27
Avila, Mia
From:creek shade <
Sent:Thursday, January 7, 2021 8:47 AM
To:CityClerk
Subject:Climate Change Discussion, Thursday, January 7, 2020
EXTERNAL EMAIL
Respected Members of Rohnert Park City Council,
As a long-time resident of Rohnert Park and as a Rohnert Park resident who has served Sonoma
County in the capacity of teacher, environmental inspector, volunteer, and Sonoma County Poet
Laureate , I urge you to join our neighbors in the County, California, our nation, and the larger world
community, in acknowledging the current climate crisis.
As of 2020, 9 of our 10 jurisdictions in Sonoma County have passed some sort of Climate
Emergency Resolution. As we are fortunate enough to have Sonoma State University present in
our City, passing such a resolution becomes even more meaningful to young people and others at the
university who are turning to you, our leaders, for your good example. Rohnert Park represents the
only remaining part of Sonoma County with no statement acknowledging the climate crisis.
Your discussion today is important to us all. Please can you support us all by:
1) putting climate issues at the top of the list of goals and priorities,
2) passing a meaningful Climate Emergency Resolution, and
3) taking meaningful action to ensure that a stable climate for all future generations.
As one of the organizers of the Sonoma County Climate Summit 2021, I will be willing to volunteer
and assist you in any way you need.
Best wishes for 2021,
Maya Khosla
2020 PEN Oakland / JOSEPHINE MILES AWARD for All the Fires of Wind and Light
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is
the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead
Sent from Maya's iPhone
28
Avila, Mia
From:christine hoex <
Sent:Thursday, January 7, 2021 9:58 AM
To:CityClerk
Subject:“Goal Setting Meeting January 2021”
EXTERNAL EMAIL
To the Members of the Rohnert Park City Council,
Please consider the urgency of the climate crisis on it threat to our county in from of drought, wildfires and floods. You
should note that 8 of 9 cities in Sonoma County plus the County BOS have passed Climate Emergency Resolutions. Only
RP has not done so. Please do it today!
Respectfully,
Christine Hoex
With the Steering Committee for 350 https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fSonoma.org&c=E,1,PJZxO‐
kCKkOhxksix3TxsogpIU9hjwf6GKYWkic9bZrzXh1nS7rMJCOMvksOEhK7uuXxkd0uIwfRmBtzpMvmu3AL0tmjmUhilydgbrvm
R‐AA3A,,&typo=0
From:Lopez, Sylvia
To:Avila, Mia
Subject:FW: Climate-Safe CA local support resolution Dec 2020.pages
Date:Wednesday, January 6, 2021 2:45:26 PM
For tomorrow’s meeting
From: Jake Mackenzie [mailto:
Sent: Wednesday, January 6, 2021 10:55 AM
To: Lopez, Sylvia <
Subject: Climate-Safe CA local support resolution Dec 2020.pages
EXTERNAL EMAIL
Sylvia ,
I would ask that this document be made available to the Council prior to Thursday ‘s meeting.
I will be submitting an email under public comment which will reference this document.
Thanks ,
Jake Mackenzie
Sent from my iPhone
Jake Mackenzie,
CLIMATE-SAFE CALIFORNIA RESOLUTION
WHEREAS California is experiencing the beginning of a climate emergency with cli-
mate-change-fueled, record-breaking heat waves, drought, wildfires, smoke storms,
rainfall and flooding occurring more regularly; and
WHEREAS climate change impacts are rapidly worsening with nine of 15 global tipping
points already activated and on par with the United Nations climate scientist panel’s
worst case scenario; and
WHEREAS the economic cost of maintaining the status quo is much greater than the
cost of action, with damages from delayed greenhouse gas reductions in the US costing
an estimated $600 billion per year as of 2020, and insured and uninsured losses totaling
$80 billion in California in 2019 alone due to wildfires; and
WHEREAS the Paris Agreement of 2015 calls for preventing average global tempera -
tures from rising more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursing
efforts to keep warming below 1.5 Celsius; and
WHEREAS attempting to remain below 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming requires mas-
sive and rapid reductions in greenhouse gases as well as major progress on sequestra-
tion as well as major progress on sequestration of warming compounds already in the
air; and
WHEREAS to reach the necessary targets California must invest in providing compara-
ble jobs with transferable skills and workforce training to those currently working in the
fossil fuel sectors; and
WHEREAS investing in GHG reduction will create secure jobs in a sustainable econo-
my, utilizing the skills and experience of current trades as well as expanding career
paths for a new generation, especially members of disenfranchised communities; and
WHEREAS addressing climate change will promote equitable health outcomes for front-
line communities disproportionately impacted by climate change including low-income
communities and communities of color who suffer from climate change impacts with
significantly lower life expectancy as well as higher rates of asthma, cancer and other
diseases than those in wealthier communities; and
WHEREAS California has taken numerous steps to reduce greenhouse emissions and
successfully reached its 2020 target of 1990 levels of emissions four years early; and
WHEREAS the state has initiated investments in pilot programs on natural land man-
agement and restoration for sequestration; and
Climate-Safe California www.climatesafeca.org Rev: Dec 7, 2020
WHEREAS these efforts, although recognized nationally and globally, are inadequate to
meet the existential climate change threats; and
WHEREAS California can lead the nation and the world towards a more sustainable,
equitable and vibrant climate-safe future; and
WHEREAS (add appropriate climate actions that CITY OR COUNTY has taken)
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT (CITY OR COUNTY) endorses the overarching
goals and concepts of the Climate Safe California platform and calls on Governor New-
som and California legislators and regulators to enact the following:
1.No later than 2022, commit to accelerating existing state policy timelines to
achieve 80% below 1990 levels of green-house gas emissions and net-negative
emissions by 2030;
2.Secure a just transition for workers and their families whose livelihoods depend on
fossil fuel industries;
3.Close the climate gap when enacting climate-safe policies to ensure lower-income
communities are no longer disproportionately harmed;
4.Enact by no later than 2025 the suite of policies required by science to achieve
net-negative emissions by 2030 including:
a.Accelerating the phase-out of fossil fuel development, production and use;
b.Increasing carbon sequestration;
c.Investing in community resilience; and
d.Generating the public and private funds needed for speed and scale cli -
mate action.
SIGNED and DATED:
Climate-Safe California www.climatesafeca.org Rev: Dec 7, 2020
1
City Council Goal Setting Workshop
January 7, 2021
Item 2 Power Point Presentation
2
Comments from
City Manager
Darrin Jenkins
Workshop Objectives
Develop a consensus on how the
Council wishes to govern together
Understand Councilmembers'
interests and staff perspectives
Establish Council priorities for the
coming year
Strengthen teamwork
3
4
Workshop
Agenda
Learn more about each other and set foundation for
governing together
Review accomplishments, challenges, current initiatives
and opportunities
Discuss Councilmember priorities and reach agreement
on priority goals as a Council
Discuss ways the Council and staff can stay in alignment
on the priorities and foster teamwork
Wrap up
5
Suggested
Ground
Rules for
Today
Listen to understand
each other’s points of
view
Seek consensus
Assume good intent Speak up if we need
course correction
Stay focused
6
Bike Rack
•Things to discuss at another time will
be tracked separately
•Time management tool
Councilmembers'
Hopes for the
Workshop
ü Establish Goals
o Develop consensus on our priorities
o Have a clear plan –a collective roadmap for the
coming year
7
Councilmembers'
Hopes for the
Workshop
ü Establish a Good Working Relationship
o Get to know each other
o Move from campaigning to governing
o Work from “our” collective Council agenda rather than individual agendas
o Agree we are all here to make our city better
o Listen to each other
o Build synergy
o Agree on process for having discussions at Council meetings 8
9
Getting to Know Each
Other Better
Someone who influenced me
early in life
A successful team is one that……
10
How We Want to Work
Together on Behalf of
Rohnert Park
üWork on a collective Council agenda
üMove from campaigning to governing
üListen to each other
üAssume good intent
üUnderstand each person has an equal
voice and vote
üShow respect to each other and to staff
üRespect the different roles of the Mayor,
Council, City Manager and staff
11
Exceptional City Councils…
1.Have a sense of team -a partnership with
the city manager to govern and manage the
city
2.Clear roles and responsibilities that are
understood and adhered
3.Honor the relationship with staff and each
other
4.Routinely conduct effective meetings
5.Hold themselves and the city accountable
6.Have members who practice continuous
improvement 11
12
1)Maintain a citywide perspective, while being mindful of our districts.
2)Move from I to we, and from campaigning to governing.
3)Work together as a body, modeling teamwork and civility for our community.
4)Disagree agreeably and professionally.
5)Listen to one another. Communicate with each other. Seek to understand.
6)Assume good intent.
7)Demonstrate respect, consideration and courtesy to others.
8)Share information and avoid surprises.
9)Keep confidential things confidential.
10)Respect the Council/Manager form of government and the roles of each party.
11)Communicate concerns about staff to the City Manager; do not criticize staff in public.
12
Example
Norms for
Governing
13
Agreeing on
How We
Will Govern
Together
1.Work on a collective Council agenda.
2.Move from campaigning to governing.
3.Listen to each other.
4.Assume good intent.
5.Understand each person has an equal
voice and vote.
6.Show respect to each other and to staff.
7.Respect the different roles of the Mayor,
Council, City Manager and staff.
13
Ø Are these sufficient?
Ø Are any from the example
norms relevant?
Ø Consensus?
14
Break –
10 minutes
Discussion Process
o
o
o
o
o
Accomplishments Highlighted by Councilmembers
Good things
happened in a
challenging
year
17
ü New homes, including affordable housing, progress in
meeting RHNA goals
ü Rohnert Park Leadership Program –helps transparency
ü Parks and infrastructure projects
ü High community satisfaction as shown on our survey
ü District elections
ü Handled emergency evacuation zones well; social media
ü More funding for unhoused; outreach programs
ü Fire station
ü Approved our priority development areas
ü Strong financial practices (balanced budget, paying down
unfunded liabilities, reserves)
ü Staffing of public safety
Are any key accomplishments missing?
Challenges Highlighted by Councilmembers
18
vMaintaining fiscal health and reserves
vGrowing number of unhoused people
vCOVID impact on small businesses, jobs, renters,
homeowners
vBuilding trust with all sectors of the community
vKeeping community informed, increasing
transparency
vClimate change
vPublic safety
Ø Building trust between community and public
safety
Ø Being able to recruit and retain officers in a
challenging recruiting environment
v Downtown development
v Relationships with Sonoma State University and
the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR)
v Getting more funding from county, state and
federal governments
v Reassessing district boundaries with results of
2020 Census
v Implementing districts for the first time, while
maintaining a sense of Rohnert Park as a whole
community
v Building working relationships and a team with the
new Council, creating good Council/staff relations
Are any key challenges missing?
Information From Staff
19
Pandemic
Approach
Impacts of the
Pandemic
Existing
Commitments
Homelessness Opportunities
Pandemic Approach
20
ü Help Employees
•Avoid the virus, access resources, manage testing when exposed, implement Federal and Cal OSHA requirements
ü Help Businesses
•Access resources, provide information, assist with outdoor operations, keep public safe, comply with State and County requirements
ü Help Residents
•Minimize exposure to virus, provide information, access to resources, make regular wellness phone calls, hold distanced community events
Impacts of the Pandemic
21
ü COVID-related work changes
ü Pandemic response is tying up staff
who could be doing revenue
producing work
ü Some normal work not being done
ü Different type of outreach –not as
much in-person
ü Uncertainty with City finances
Existing City Commitments
22
ü Enterprise software replacement
ü Redistricting (April 2021 –April 2022)
ü Full, comprehensive update of the General Plan
ü Labor negotiations (4 units)
ü Opening Fire Station 3
ü Racial profiling data collection
ü Ongoing emergency preparedness and emergency management
ü State mandate to collect food waste (SB1383 Solid Waste Organics)
ü Various agreements: development; Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Casino
•Regional work
•Continuum of Care homeless funding board
•Expansion of services in Rohnert Park
•Which programs and vendors
•Study session/workshop/part of Council meeting on
Homelessness 1A
•How to spend $1M on a focused and unique housing
project
23
Homelessness
Opportunities
•Business Email List
•We now have this tool for communicating with business community
•Leveraged some relationships
•General Plan
•Policy discussion about issues to include
•Layout the implementation plan
•New Strategic Plan
•Council Protocols for Governing Citywide While Being Elected
by District
•Determine interests regarding appointments, data and projects
reported by district
24
25
Comments and
Questions
Discuss
Councilmember
Priorities
A.Ongoing-Current Council
Priorities
B.New Initiatives or Items
Needing Further Direction
26
Councilmember Priorities –Category A
27
A. Items That Are Ongoing, Current Council Priorities
1.Navigating through COVID (Help small businesses and the community get information they need about resources
available)
2.Financial health (ensure sound fiscal policies and budget practices)
3.Labor negotiations
4.General Plan Update
5.Infrastructure, maintenance and beautification
•Ensure all areas of the community are served
6.Attract housing at all income levels
7. Make progress on the downtown
Councilmember Priorities –Category B
28
B. New Initiatives or Items Needing Further Direction
1.Climate change
2.Police/community relations (restore law enforcement image, build trust between community and public safety, and
ensure accountability)
3. Services for unhoused people (create a “hub” for services to the unhoused; do more to engage nonprofits, businesses)
4.Increase accessibility of information and engagement with the community, including at Council meetings
5. Reflect changing diversity (update documents; cultural awareness training)
6. Foster strong relationships and partnerships:FIGR, elected officials, Sonoma State University
Staff Suggestions
A.New Strategic Plan
B. Council protocols for governing citywide while being elected by district (determine interests regarding appointments,
data and projects reported by district)
Existing City Commitments
29
ü Enterprise software replacement
ü Redistricting (April 2021 –April 2022)
ü Full, comprehensive update of the General Plan
ü Labor negotiations (4 units)
ü Opening Fire Station 3
ü Racial profiling data collection
ü Ongoing emergency preparedness and emergency management
ü State mandate to collect food waste (SB1383 Solid Waste Organics)
ü Various agreements: development; Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Casino
Break
30
31
Creating
Consensus on
the Council’s
Top Priorities
for the Year
Voting on Councilmember Priority Areas of Focus
32
INITIATIVE VOTES
1.Climate change
2.Police/community relations
3. Services for unhoused people
4.Increase accessibility of information and engagement with the community, including at
Council meetings
5. Reflect changing diversity
6. Foster strong relationships and partnerships with FIGR, elected officials, Sonoma State
University
A.New Strategic Plan
B. Council protocols for governing citywide while being elected by district (determine
interests regarding appointments, data and projects reported by district)
33
What Will
Aid Council
and Staff in
Achieving
Priorities
How to operationalize these priorities and
stick to them?
What tracking and updates will be
provided?
When new requests arise that will take
staff off the priorities, how will those be
handled?
Should these priority setting be held annually
or every two years?
34
Wrap Up
o Next Steps
v Workshop report
v Council meeting to formally
confirm priorities
v City Manager’s next steps
o Closing Comments
Thank you!
Jan Perkins, Vice President
Claire Coleman, Senior Management Analyst