HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-17 CC MinutesCITY OF UKIAH
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Regular Meeting
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS
300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, CA 95482
Virtual Meeting Link: https:llus06web.zoom.usIY87542445328
September 17, 2025
5:15 P.M.
1. ROLL CALL
Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on September 17, 2025, having been legally noticed
on September 12, 2025. The meeting was held in person and virtually at the following link:
https://usO6web.zoom, us/j/87542445328. Mayor Crane called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. Roll
was taken with the following Councilmembers Present: Mari Rodin (arriving at 5:21 p.m.), Heather
Criss, Juan V. Orozco, Susan Sher, and Douglas, F. Crane. Staff Present: Sage Sangiacomo, City
Manager; David Rapport, City Attorney; and Kristine Lawler, City Clerk.
MAYOR CRANE PRESIDING.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Orozco.
3. AB 2449 NOTIFICATIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
4. PROCLAMATIONS/INTRODUCTIONS/PRESENTATIONS
a. Receive PresentationjoftExceptional, mployee.R_epognition Awards.
Presenters: Sage Sangiacomo, City Manager; Ralph Randal, Police Sergeant; Neil Davis,
Community Services Director; Dan Buffalo, Finance Director; and Mayor Crane.
The Employee Recognition Awards were received by. -
Christian Ballestrazze, Police Officer, Police Department: Christian Ballestrazze was dispatched
to Safeway for a report of shoplifting. Officer Ballestrazze obtained video footage of the incident and
determined that two female subjects stole approximately $600 worth of items and fled the area and
likely drove to Covelo. The Mendocino County Sheriffs Office had stopped the vehicle based on a
request from Officer Ballestrazze. 15 minutes prior to the end of Officer Ballestrazze's shift, he drove
to HWY 162 which was approximately one hour away. The two subjects who stole the items were
placed under arrest. Officer Ballestrazze transported the subjects to jail and returned all the stolen
items to Safeway. Officer Ballestrazze's determination and willingness to complete an investigation
for a simple shoplift call resulted in two felony arrests, drug charges, and the ability to return $600
worth of stolen merchandise. The Safeway Store Manager was extremely grateful.
David Burton, Museum Director, Community Services Department: David Burton has been the
Director of the Grace Hudson Museum for the last six years. During his tenure, he has guided the
Museum on a path of ever-increasing professionalism and national recognition. He has cultivated a
deepening relationship with Native American community members, most notably seen in the
Gathering Time exhibition, the first ever exhibition curated by and featuring Native American Artists.
Though not a job requirement, Mr. Burton has served on both the Visit Ukiah Board and the Greater
Ukiah Business and Tourism Board. More importantly, he has promoted and expanded the statewide
recognition of the Museum through his service on the California Association of Museums Board,
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City Council Minutes for September 17, 2025, Continued:
serving on the executive committee, the bylaws committee, and chairing the governance committee.
Mr. Burton works long hours, including weekends and evenings, in his pursuit of excellence.
MaryJo Reynolds, Senior Financial Services Specialist, and AJ Johnson, Financial Services
Specialist I, Finance Department: This spring, the Accounts Payable (AP) team successfully led
the transition from paper to paperless invoice processing —a major shift they embraced with
persistence and a commitment to improvement. Most recently, a retirement in Accounts Receivable
(AR) created staffing gaps. Without hesitation, both AP staff stepped up to help: one split time
between AP and AR to support the temporary hire, while the other took on additional work and even
offered to postpone a planned vacation. Despite increased pressure, they remained positive and
focused. Their flexibility, teamwork, and dedication have been critical to keeping operations running
smoothly during a time of transition, and it has been truly appreciated.
Staff Comment: Christian Ballestrazze, Police Officer; David Burton, Museum Director; MaryJo
Reynolds, Senior Financial Services Specialist; and AJ Johnson, Financial Services Specialist I,
Finance Department.
b. Council to Receive Presentation on the Ukiah Valley Golf Course 2025/2026 Capital
Improvement Plan.
Presenters: Maya Simerson, Project and Grant Administrator and Jake Burgess, Community
Services Supervisor.
No public comment was received.
Presentation was received.
5. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
City Clerk, Kristine Lawler, stated that all communications had been distributed.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. Approval of the Minutes for the September 3, 2025, Regular Meeting.
Motion/Second: Criss/Orozco to approve Minutes of September 3, 2025, a regular meeting, as
submitted. Motion carried by the following roll call votes: AYES: Rodin, Criss, Orozco, Sher, and
Crane. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
7. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approval of Budget Amendment in the Amount of $126,000 for Cybersecurity with Convergent
Computing (CCO) — Information Services.
b. Notification to Council of a Billing Error that Affected the Retention Amount on the Kirby
Construction Company Contract for Specification No 24-04, Electric Service Center Tenant
Improvements and Fire Damage Repair — Electric Utility.
c. Consideration of Adoption of Resolution (2025-46) Appointing Chantal Simonpietri to the Public
Spaces Commission — City Clerk.
d. Consideration of Additional Funding for the Proposed Ukiah Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Project, and Approve Corresponding Budget Amendment — Electric Utility.
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City Council Minutes for September 17, 2025, Continued:
e. Authorization for the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute an Amendment to the Contract
(2021-181-A3) for Medical Control Oversight with Dr. Brandon Begley, Extending the Contract
to the End of the 25126 Fiscal Year and an Increase in the Amount of $51,600 — Fire.
Public Comment: Chantal Simonpietri.
Motion/Second: Rodin/Orozco to approve Consent Calendar Items 8a-8e, as submitted. Motion
carried by the following roll call votes: AYES: Rodin, Criss, Orozco, Sher, and Crane. NOES: None.
ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
9. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS
Public Comment: James Gore — Running for Senator, introducing self.
10. COUNCIL REPORTS
Presenter: Councilmember Orozco.
11. CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS
Presenter: Sage Sangiacomo, City Manager.
• FEMA Floodplain Maps
12. PUBLIC HEARINGS (5:30 PM)
a. Conduct a Public Hearing and Consideration of the Lookout Peak Trail Project Including
the Adoption of a Resolution Adopting the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (ISMND) Prepared for the Lookout Peak
Trail Project; and Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate a Donation of Trail Construction
by the Ukiah Valley Trail Group.
Presenters: Neil Davis, Community Services Director and Katherine Schaefers, Planning Manager.
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 6:09 P.M.
Public Comment: Kylle St. Pierre (handout given), Paul Outin, Fred Conklin, Paul Outin
(speaking for a second time), Jason Strnad, Carol Mordhorst, Dennis Aseltyne, Mike Cannon,
Fred Conklin, JoAnn Henrie, Eileen Russell, Joseph Sorenson, Sean White (speaking as a
citizen), Andrea Davis, Dean Richards, Chess, Chantal Simonpietri, Kylle St. Pierre (speaking
for second time).
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED A T 6:48 P. M.
Motion/Second: Criss/Rodin to adopt a resolution (2025-47) adopting the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (ISMND) prepared for the
Lookout Peak Trail Project. Motion carried by the following roll call votes: AYES: Rodin, Criss,
Orozco, Sher, and Crane. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
Motion/Second: Criss/Sher to authorize the City Manager to negotiate a donation of trail
construction by the Ukiah Valley Trail Group. Motion carried by the following roll call votes: AYES:
Rodin, Criss, Orozco, Sher, and Crane. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
RECESS: 7: 02 — 7:12 P.M.
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City Council Minutes for September 17, 2025, Continued:
b. Proposition 218 Protest Hearing and Consideration of Adjustments to Sewer Service
Rates by Resolution.
Presenters: Dan Buffalo, Finance Director and Mark Hildebrand, Hildebrand Consulting.
Staff Comment: Sean White, Water Resources Director.
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 7:28 P.M.
No public comment was received.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:29 P.M.
Motion/Second: Rodin/Sher to adopt a resolution (2025-48) adjusting sewer service rates, with the
first increase effective October 1, 2025. Motion carried by the following roll call votes: AYES: Rodin,
Criss. Orozco, Sher, and Crane. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN. None.
c. Conduct a Public Hearing to Receive Public Comment; Discuss Final Grantee
Performance Under State Community Development Block Grant 21-CDBG-NH-20004;
Adopt Resolution Confirming Project Closeout and Reimbursement of Grant Expenses
from the California Department of Housing and Community Development; and Approve
any Corresponding Budget Amendments Required as Part of the Grant Closeout Process.
Presenter: Jim Robbins, Housing and Grants Manager.
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 7:34 P. M.
No public comment was received.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:34 P.M.
Motion/Second: Rodin/Criss to receive report on final performance related to State Community
Development Block Grant 21-CDBG-NH-20004, adopt a resolution (2025-49) acknowledging
accomplishments, confirming activity completion, and confirming approval for receipt of grant
reimbursement funds from the State, and approve any corresponding budget amendments required
as part of the grant closeout process. Motion carried by the following roll call votes: AYES: Rodin,
Criss, Orozco, Sher, and Crane. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
13. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Continue Hearing to Resolve Bid Protests Received for Specification No. 26-04 for the
Remodel of 601 South State Street, and Approve Final Award.
Presenters: Myles Fisette, Purchasing Manager and Matt Keizer, Chief Building Official.
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 7:59 P.M.
Public Comment: Casey Cupples and JR Da Silva.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 8:10 P. M.
Motion/Second: Crane/Criss to adopt the proposed decision to reject the protest submitted by
Cupples and Sons Construction Inc., accept the counterprotest from DMR Builders, waive the
irregularity in DMR Builder's bid, and award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, DMR
Builders, in the amount of $3,487,850 for Specification No. 25-04, Remodel of 501 South State
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City Council Minutes for September 17, 2025, Continued:
Street. Motion carried by the following roll call votes: AYES: Rodin, Criss, Orozco, and Crane.
NOES: Sher. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
14. NEW BUSINESS
a. Possible Introduction of Camping Ordinance Amendment by Title Only.
Presenters: Darcy Vaughn, Assistant City Attorney and Tom Corning, Police Chief.
Public Comment: Jordan Uggla and Megan Wolf.
Motion/Second: Rodin/Sher to introduce an ordinance by title only. Motion carried by the following
roll call votes: AYES: Rodin, Criss, Orozco, Sher, and Crane. NOES: None. ABSENT. None.
ABSTAIN: None.
City Clerk, Kristine Lawler, read the following ordinance title into the record:
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH AMENDING DIVISION 7,
CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE 8 OF THE UKIAH CITY CODE, ENTITLED "CAMPING' TO REFLECT
GUIDANCE PROVIDED BY STATE OF CALIFORNIA IN ITS "MODEL ORDINANCE:
ADDRESSING ENCAMPMENTS WITH URGENCY AND DIGNITY."
Motion/Second: Rodin/ Sher to introduce the Camping Ordinance Amendment. Motion carried by
the following roll call votes: AYES: Rodin, Criss, Orozco, Sher, and Crane. NOES: None. ABSENT:
None. ABSTAIN: None.
b. Introduction of an Ordinance by Title Only and Adoption of the Corresponding Resolution
of the City of Ukiah Adopting the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code, Part 9, With
Amendments, as Well as the 2025 Edition of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code,
Part 7, Regulating and Governing the Safeguarding of Life and Property From Fire and
Explosion, and Providing for the Issuance of Permits, and Repealing All Other Ordinances
and Parts of Ordinances of the City of Ukiah Fire Prevention Code in Conflict Herewith.
Presenter: Matt Keizer, Chief Building Official.
No public comment was received.
Motion/Second: Rodin/Orozco to introduce an ordinance by title only. Motion carried by the
following roll call votes: AYES: Rodin, Criss, Orozco, Sher, and Crane. NOES: None. ABSENT:
None. ABSTAIN: None.
City Clerk, Kristine Lawler, read the following ordinance title into the record:
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH AMENDING DIVISION 6,
CHAPTER 3, ARTICLES 1 AND 3 OF THE UKIAH CITY CODE, ENTITLED: FIRE PREVENTION
CODE.
Motion/Second: Criss/Rodin to introduce an Ordinance adopting the 2025 California Fire Code and
the 2025 Wildland-Urban Interface Code, and adopt a resolution (2025-50) establishing the findings
of fact, including additions or amendments, to address local conditions. Motion carried by the
following roll call votes: AYES: Rodin, Criss, Orozco, Sher, and Crane. NOES: None. ABSENT:
None. ABSTAIN: None.
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City Council Minutes for September 17, 2025, Continued:
c. Receive Updates on City Council Committee and Ad Hoc Assignments and, if Necessary,
Consider Modifications to Assignments and/or the Creation/Elimination of Ad hoc(s).
Presenter:
No reports were received.
THE CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION AT 9:08 P.M.
15. CLOSED SESSION
a. Conference with Legal Counsel — Anticipated Litigation
(Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4))
Initiation of litigation (1 case)
b. Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation
(Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1))
Name of case: Vichy Springs Resort v. City of Ukiah, Et Al; Case No. SCUK-CVPT-2018-70200
c. Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation
(Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1))
Name of case: Vichy Springs Resort, Inc v. City of Ukiah, et al.; Case No. 24-cv-07106-JSC
d. Conference with Real Property Negotiators
(Cal. Gov't Code Section 54956.8)
Property: APN Nos: 184-080-37;184-080-36; 184-090-01; 184-090-07; 184-090-06; 184-100-04
Negotiator: Sage Sangiacomo, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: Henry's Original
Under Negotiation: Price & Terms of Payment
e. Conference with Real Pro a Ne otiators
(Cal. Gov't Code Section 54956.8)
Property: APN Nos: 170-030-05; 170-030-03; 170-010-05; 170-020-07; 170-020-11; 170-040-03;
170-020-08
Negotiator: Sage Sangiacomo, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: Project Ovis LLC
Under Negotiation: Price & Terms of Payment
f. Threat to Public Services or Facilities
Consultation with: Dan Buffalo, Director of Finance and Scott Shaver, Interim Information
Technology Manager
g. Conference with Labor Negotiator 54957.E
Agency Designated Representative: Sage Sangiacomo, City Manager
Employee Organizations: All bargaining units
Unrepresented Employee: Police Chief
No action reported, direction provided to Staff.
16. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, he meeting adjourned at 9.55 p.m.
Kristine Lawler, CMC
City Clerk
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