Sonoma adopts AB811 for energy efficiency loans

The Sonoma City Council adopted a resolution at its regular meeting Wednesday evening to make Sonoma residents eligible under Assembly Bill 811, signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger last July, for financing the installation of energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy sources that are permanently fixed to real property within the city using low interest loans that can be repaid through property taxes over a period up to 20 years.
The meeting had begun in a special study session with the Sonoma Valley Visitor Bureau. Wendy Peterson, executive director of the bureau, said, “Sonoma is open for business because of all the great partnerships in the valley. This is a tough economy but we have an amazing foundation and a plaza that’s just glowing.” She described what the bureau is doing, what they are planning and what they hope for in the future.
The mission of the bureau is: “To enhance the economic viability of our members and promote Sonoma Valley as a visitors’ destination.” Currently, they realize that while everyone is feeling the impact of the economy, Sonoma is a value destination and that the trend toward “staycations” works for Sonoma.
The bureau’s spring “stimulus” plan includes new signs welcoming visitors to the valley, radio spots on KGO, promoting ecotourism and Sonoma as a green destination and increasing Facebook and online promotions. In the future, they hope to continue their success with local businesses as well as continuing their current programs. Board member Bob Benziger commented, “We did a survey last year [at the winery] and found out that 66 percent of our visitors came through the Visitors Bureau.”
In response to a question from Peterson about what the city council would like to see, both Mayor Ken Brown and council member Joanne Sanders expressed an interest in more commerce in the evening, with the possibility of a nightclub.
Presentations for the evening included declaring April 26-May 2 National Crime Victim’s Rights Week and declaring April as Jazz Appreciation Month. Sonoma Valley High School seniors Alexandra and Melissa Carlson gave a presentation regarding their Sonoma Valley Green Schools program. They outlined their goals of reducing carbon footprints and how a school might be designated a green school. They encouraged the city to adopt such a program and elect a green schools representative.
On a similar note, four Sonoma Valley businesses were presented with green business recognition certificates: Arroyo Veterinary Hospital, Sonoma Valley Inn, Vintage House and Social Advocates for Youth.
The council decided to reimburse Friedman’s Home Improvement $125,000 for costs associated with improvements in the public rights of way during the recent renovation and expansion project at the site on Broadway at Napa Road.  The council also approved an expenditure of $768,443 for an aerial ladder truck for Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue.
The council discussed city-owned properties located at 19380 Fifth St. W. and at 650 and 726 W. Spain St. A motion to put that property up for sale failed by a 2-3 vote. A following motion succeeded on a 3-2 vote to sell only two of the properties, retaining the property at 650 W. Spain St. with the intent of donating it to a non-profit organization like Habitat for Humanity; council members Sanders and Aug Sebastiani were opposed.
The only public hearing concerned a proposed increase in the city service fees for fiscal year 2009-2010. Council member Steve Barbose said, “I have a concern about raising fees on anyone in the building industry because the economic times are very tough. I would like to explore new areas to stimulate business packages.” No action was taken.
Council member Sebastiani made mention of the day’s posting on the Sonoma Valley Sun Web site. “The Sun was poking fun,” he said, “making an April Fool’s joke about renaming Napa Street, but I think it is an interesting topic for discussion. Why is there a Napa Street in Sonoma? When I was campaigning my buddies said, ‘You’ve gotta campaign on this issue. There shouldn’t be a street in Sonoma promoting Napa.’” No action was taken to put that topic on the agenda for a subsequent council meeting.