2024/03/28 Planning Commission Minutes CALI FCLRN
Minutes of the Planning Commission Meeting
of the City of Rohnert Park
Thursday, March 28, 2024
6:00 P.M.
130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Matthew Epstein called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Chairperson Matthew Epstein.
3. READING OF THE LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The City of Rohnert Park acknowledges Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards
of the land. Let it be acknowledged that the City of Rohnert Park is located within the
traditional homeland of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, comprised of Coast
Miwok and Southern Pomo peoples.
4. ROLL CALL
Present: Matthew Epstein, Chairperson
Charles Striplen, Vice Chairperson
Fanny Lam, Commissioner
Absent: Marc Orloff, Commissioner
Tramaine Austin-Dillon, Commissioner
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR- ADOPTION OF MINUTES
6.1 Approval of the Draft Minutes of the Planning Commission Regular
Meeting of March 14,2024.
ACTION: Moved/Seconded (Striplen/Lam) to adopt the Minutes of the Planning Commission
Meeting of March 14, 2024.
Motion carried by the following (3-0-2) roll call vote:
AYES: Epstein, Striplen, Lam, NOES: None; ABSENT: Orloff and Austin-Dillion
7. AGENDA ITEMS
7.1 MASTER BANNER SIGN PROGRAM
Assistant Planner, Suzie Azevedo presented a detailed PowerPoint outlining a proposal
submitted by Sonoma State University (SSU) for a Two-Year Pilot Master Banner Program to
establish guidelines and procedures for the placement and design of banners on specific
streetlight poles throughout the City. The banner program would enhance the overall aesthetics
of the area, support community-focused organizations, and improve neighborhood identity.
Additionally, establishing a pilot program will help create policy, to assist with the city's
Downtown development, by exploring streetscapes, designing imagery for streetlight poles, and
helping to identify and implement best practices that would ensure community enhancement and
safety as it relates to installation processes and procedures.
Discussion was held between staff and the Commission. Commissioners provided the following
comments:
• Concerns about exclusive use of streetlight poles only by Sonoma State University;
perception of individualizing one group; the program should allow for other non-city
partners, including nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations.
• Concerns that the proposal included an excessive number of banners; need to scale back
display.
• Need for additional program structure and MuniCode incorporation.
• Quality of life concern; public may not be in favor.
• Two-year period is too extensive.
• Support for workshop/study session to gain input from community and potential
stakeholders.
• Explore alternative advertising for SSU, freeway marquee sign, use of freeway, and off-
ramp exit signs.
• Overall support for SSU within the Rohnert Park community.
The applicant, Neil Markley, Associate Vice President of Finance was recognized and responded
to Commission questions and concerns. Mr. Markley noted that during recent discussions with
the City's Leadership Group, exploration of ways to improve connections with Rohnert Park and
Cotati has been a priority. SSU was supported and was encouraged to apply for the banner
program to improve upon this connectivity. He emphasized the importance of promoting SSU,
sharing information about the university, extending a warm welcome to students, and
highlighting the university's role within the City and community. Mr. Markley indicated they
would consider reducing the number of banners displayed and limiting the frequency of
showings to twice a year.
Further discussion was held. Associate Planner, Elliott Pickett, was recognized and stated that
the pilot program would provide an important interim step between the City's current practice of
informally placing signs and codification of specific standards and that staff desired to find a
mutually agreeable approach to achieve that step. Additionally, he stated that the proposed pilot
program would initiate and implement General Plan Policies about strengthening relationships
and connecting the community with Sonoma State and enhancing community character and
placemaking.
Chairperson Epstein suggested tabling Resolution 2024-04 and for Planning Staff to conduct a
study session to present to the Planning Commission taking in consideration for all comments
and concerns.
ACTION: Moved/Seconded (Striplen/Lam) to deny Resolution 2024-04 for a Two-Year Pilot
Master Sign Program and policy for the placement of banners on selected poles throughout the
City of Rohnert Park, directing staff to conduct a study session incorporating all comments and
concerns as noted for streetlight pole banner installation throughout the City.
Motion carried by the following (3-0-2)roll call vote: AYES: Striplen, Epstein, Lam,
NOES: None; ABSENT: Orloff and Austin-Dillon.
8. ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION
None
9. ITEMS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES STAFF
None
10. ADJOURNMENT Ar-There bein no . business, Chairperson Matthew Epstein adjourned the regular meeting
at 6:4
M. hew Epst- n, Chairperson Recording Secretary—Clotile Blanks