2024/08/13 City Council Resolution 2024-070 RESOLUTION NO. 2024-070
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
OPPOSING MEASURE J AND AFFIRMING SUPPORT OF AGRICULTURAL
OPERATIONS AND RELATED BUSINESSES IN ROHNERT PARK AND SONOMA
COUNTY
WHEREAS, on August 21,2023,the proponents of an ordinance filed with the
Sonoma County Registrar of Voters Office a notice of intent to circulate an initiative petition
of an ordinance to phase out existing and prohibit future Concentrated Animal Feeding
Operations (CAFOs) in most unincorporated areas of Sonoma County; and
WHEREAS,the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters Office verified that sufficient
signatures supported placing the Initiative, known as Measure J, on the ballot at the November
5, 2024, Presidential General Election; and
WHEREAS, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors certified the results of the
Registrar's examination on April 16, 2024, and modified ballot language on May 14, 2024, for
Measure J to appear on the ballot of the November 5, 2024, Presidential General Election; and
WHEREAS, if approved by a majority of voters, Measure J would prohibit,
outside of the Coastal Zone, farms and other animal production operations that meet the
definition of a CAFO, as defined by federal regulations; require phase out of existing
CAFOs over three years; authorize daily financial penalties for violations; and require,
among other things, the Agricultural Commissioner to create a job retraining program for
CAFO workers; and
WHEREAS, if approved by a majority of voters, the changes imposed by Measure J
could force the permanent closure of 15 poultry and six diary operations in Sonoma County;
disrupt what amounts to 41 percent of California certified organic diaries and 13 percent of the
nation's organic milk; create gaps in the county's open space; amount to estimated losses in
agricultural products ($259 million) and in affiliated businesses ($121 million), spending
reduction through the region($38 million), and the loss of one job in the Sonoma County
economy for every job lost in the county's livestock and poultry production sector, according
to reports; and
WHEREAS, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, the City of Petaluma,
and the boards/commissions of the Sonoma County Farm Bureau, Sonoma County Farm
Trails, and Sonoma County Family Farmers Alliance, among others, have taken formal
positions against the passing of Measure J;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Rohnert Park adopt a resolution opposing the passing of Measure J and affirming support of
agricultural operations and related business in Rohnert Park and Sonoma County.
DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED this 13th day of August, 2024.
C Y OF HNERT PARK
ATTEST: san H. Adams, Mayor
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Resolution 2024-070
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