Update to water service moratorium
The council voted unanimously to approve an update to a policy adopted in 1976 outlining restrictions for properties outside of city limits hooking up to the city water supply.
Toni Bertolero, city engineer, said she recently received seven applications for homes just outside city limits for connections to city water. Five said their well had gone dry and two related to previous agreements. City staff was surprised to receive so many applications, given the average is usually only one or two a year.
The owners basically have to prove that they don’t have any other way to access water. They must prove they don’t have a functioning well. They are also required to have low-flow toilets and showers, amended to also have low water-use landscaping and efficient irrigation.
Proclamations for Mentoring, Human Trafficking Awareness and Abraham Lincoln
The council proclaimed the months of February and March 2009 as Abraham Lincoln Months. Mick Chantler, a teacher at Sonoma Valley High School, requested the proclamation. February will mark the bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth. There will be events commemorating the president’s legacy over the next two months. “With the events yesterday, you could say in a way that Lincoln’s work has come to fruition,” Chantler said.
The council declared January to be Human Trafficking Awareness Month. “This is not just something that happens in some foreign land,” said Kathy Hargitt. She said California is home to trafficking of both foreigners and nationals. Several county organizations are working together to combat trafficking in the county.
The council also declared January to be Mentoring Month, in recognition of the work of Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance. “We have 415 mentor/mentee matches, but we have 140 children on a waiting list who ask us every day if we have a mentor for them,” said Kathy Witkowicki, executive director of the nonprofit.
Response to Grand Jury critique of election cancellation
The Sonoma County Grand Jury prepared a report after someone complained about Sonoma City Council having the election planned for November.
After receiving just two applications for two seats on the Sonoma City Council, the five sitting members voted 3-2 to cancel the municipal election. The action saved the city between $7,000 and $8,000.
The city attorney said the letter didn’t have specific recommendations but they should respond to the letter in some fashion.
The council tabled the agenda item at the last meeting so that councilmember Sebastiani could write a dissenting opinion.
“I just want to go on record saying that no harm was intended,” said councilmember Sanders, who as mayor cast the deciding vote that resulted in her appointment to the council.
Councilmember Gallian said that everyone needs to reach out to potential councilmembers and encourage them to get involved in city commissions.
Sonoma firehouse to be redeveloped
In spring 2008, the Sonoma Community Development Agency received proposals for the development and reuse of the former Sonoma firehouse located at 32 Patten St. On Wednesday, the council entered into an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Foothill Partners.
Appointments
The council appointed Robert Felder to the Planning Commission. Holly Carlson was reappointed to the Design Review Commission.
