Cotati public meetings in 2025
24 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council Meeting
The council introduced a zoning ordinance to create the SANTERO WAY and Transit Oriented Communities districts, removing unbundled parking and ordering a case study on impacts. It also approved the consent calendar items, selected Mayor Sylvia Lemus and Vice Mayor Susan Harvey, and adopted several resolutions including the 2026 proclamation schedule and a new cross‑connection control plan. All votes were unanimous (4‑0).
- Approved corrected minutes from the Nov 18, 2025 special meeting (4‑0)
- Adopted consent calendar items: ordinance amending Title 14, water/sewer funds transfer, annexation intent, minor construction agreement, professional services amendment (4‑0)
- Approved Mayor Sylvia Lemus (4‑0)
- Approved Vice Mayor Susan Harvey (4‑0)
- Introduced ordinance amending Title 17 to create SANTERO WAY and TOC zoning districts, removed unbundled parking, ordered case study (4‑0)
- Approved 2026 proclamation schedule (4‑0)
- Adopted Veronda‑Falletti Ranch workplans and Sandy Loam license extension (4‑0)
- Adopted new cross‑connection control plan (4‑0)
City Council Special Meeting
The City Council unanimously approved the meeting minutes from Oct. 28, 2025. It also adopted a cancellation of the Nov. 25, 2025 council meeting, approved an updated park use and special event permit policy, and approved a consulting agreement to evaluate a tax increment financing district. All actions were approved by a 5-0 vote.
- Approve Oct. 28, 2025 council minutes (5-0)
- Cancel city council meeting scheduled for Nov. 25, 2025 (5-0)
- Approve updated park use and special event permit policy (5-0)
- Award consulting agreement for evaluation of a tax increment financing district (5-0)
Planning Commission Meeting
The Commission approved the minutes from the November 3, 2025 meeting by a 4‑0 vote. It then adopted a resolution recommending that the City Council approve preliminary and final design review, variances, and a tree‑removal permit for a mixed‑use development at 8150 La Plaza, subject to three specific conditions, also by a 4‑0 vote.
- Approved November 3, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
- Adopted resolution recommending City Council approve design review, variances, and tree‑removal permit for 8150 La Plaza mixed‑use project with conditions (4-0)
Planning Commission Meeting
The commission approved the September 15, 2025 meeting minutes by a 3‑0 vote. It adopted the Santero Way and Transit Oriented Communities rezoning ordinance without parking unbundling (no votes recorded). It then adopted the same ordinance with staff recommendations by a 2‑1 vote.
- Approve September 15, 2025 minutes (3-0)
- Adopt Santero Way & TOC rezoning ordinance without parking unbundling (0-0)
- Adopt Santero Way & TOC rezoning ordinance with recommendations (2-1)
City Council Meeting
The council approved the October 14, 2025 meeting minutes (5‑0). It adopted consent items 6B (streetlight refurbishment agreement) and 6D (park rules and permit procedures ordinance) (5‑0). The council introduced an ordinance to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code and approved agreements to repave the Delano Park pathway and to assess city sewer lift stations, each with a 5‑0 vote. Council also directed the Water Advisory Committee member to support a statement of interests for the proposed new Eel‑Russian water facility.
- Approved Oct 14, 2025 minutes (5-0)
- Adopted consent item 6B: agreement with Streetlight Restoration Specialists, Inc. (5-0)
- Adopted consent item 6D: ordinance updating park rules and permit procedures (5-0)
- Introduced ordinance amending Title 14 to adopt 2025 California Building Standards Code (5-0)
- Approved resolution with PJM Landscape to repave Delano Park pathway and amend budget (5-0)
- Approved professional services agreement to assess sewer lift stations and well sites (5-0)
- Directed Water Advisory Committee member to support statement of interests for new Eel‑Russian facility
City Council Meeting
The Cotati City Council approved the September 23 minutes and adopted three event resolutions for the 2025 downtown farmers market, holiday tree lighting, and Candyland. It also approved the 2026 Cotati Accordion Festival resolution and introduced a draft ordinance revising park conduct and animal licensing rules. Additionally, the council adopted a resolution supporting the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund legislation.
- Approved September 23, 2025 council minutes (5-0)
- Adopted 2025 downtown farmers market, holiday tree lighting, and Candyland event resolutions (5-0)
- Approved 2026 Cotati Accordion Festival resolution (5-0)
- Introduced draft ordinance updating park rules and animal licensing (5-0)
- Adopted resolution supporting polluters pay climate superfund legislation (5-0)
City Council Meeting
The council adopted the consent calendar items A and C‑F, including the 2025 Girasol Day of the Dead event and an agreement to update the Nexus study. Council members approved the downtown parking lot lease renewal (3‑0) after Mayor Ford recused himself. The council also appointed Mayor Ben Ford as the voting delegate to the 2025 League of California Cities conference (4‑0) and approved an extended leave of absence for a councilmember (3‑0).
- Approved consent calendar items A and C‑F (4‑0)
- Adopted downtown parking lot lease renewal (3‑0, Mayor Ford recused)
- Appointed Mayor Ben Ford as voting delegate to LOCC conference (4‑0)
- Approved extended councilmember leave of absence (3‑0, Councilmember Sparks recused)
- Removed Item 6B from consent calendar (unanimous removal, no objection)
Planning Commission
The Commission approved the August 18, 2025 meeting minutes by a 3‑0 vote. It then made courtesy votes to Commit or Refer the proposed policy changes for the SANTERO WAY Transit Oriented Communities rezoning workshop and to Commit or Refer the official zoning code interpretation, each passing 3‑0. No public comments were received.
- Approve August 18, 2025 minutes (3‑0)
- Commit or Refer SANTERO WAY TOC rezoning workshop (3‑0)
- Commit or Refer official zoning code interpretation (3‑0)
City Council Meeting
The council approved the meeting minutes unanimously (5‑0). It also approved four consent‑calendar resolutions covering affordability agreements for Cotati Village 1 and 2, the FY 2024‑2025 development impact fee report, the 2025 street improvement project, and an ordinance updating inflationary indices for development impact fees (5‑0). Additionally, the council directed staff to proceed with an aggregate surface for the Laguna de Santa Rosa Class I pathway maintenance project.
- Approved meeting minutes (5‑0)
- Approved affordability agreements for Cotati Village 1 & 2 (5‑0)
- Approved FY 2024‑2025 development impact fee annual report (5‑0)
- Approved 2025 street improvement project (5‑0)
- Approved ordinance updating inflationary indices for development impact fees (5‑0)
- Directed staff to use aggregate surface for Laguna de Santa Rosa Class I pathway maintenance
City Council Meeting
The City Council approved several items unanimously, including the amendment to the Veronda Falletti Ranch Barns design contract and a fire impact fee agreement with the Rancho Adobe Fire District. It adopted resolutions eliminating development impact fees for deed‑restricted affordable units and high‑quality lodging projects, modifying the affordable‑unit percentage to 25%. The council also changed the square‑footage threshold for impact fees from 400 sq ft to 500 sq ft and approved the unaudited quarterly financial update. All actions were approved with a 5‑0 vote.
- Approved August 12, 2025 minutes (5-0)
- Approved amendment to schematic design contract for Veronda Falletti Ranch Barns (5-0)
- Adopted fire impact fee and development coordination agreement with Rancho Adobe Fire District (5-0)
- Adopted resolution eliminating development impact fees for deed‑restricted affordable units, changing 15% to 25% (5-0)
- Adopted resolution eliminating development impact fees for high‑quality lodging projects (5-0)
- Adopted modification of impact‑fee square‑footage threshold from 400 sq ft to 500 sq ft (5-0)
- Approved quarterly financial update for FY ending June 30, 2025 (5-0)
- Approved all agenda items with unanimous votes (5-0 each)
Planning Commission Meeting
The Cotati Planning Commission approved the minutes from the May 19, 2025 meeting with a 4‑0 vote. No other actions were decided at this meeting. Commissioners discussed the design of the 120 E. Cotati affordable housing project, but no decision was made.
- Approved May 19, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
City Council Meeting
The council adopted a resolution approving the Development Impact Fee (DIF) Nexus Study and recommended fee policies. They also introduced an ordinance to consolidate inflationary indices for future fee adjustments. Additionally, the council approved the annexation of property to Community Facilities District No. 2017-01 and adopted a broad consent calendar covering affordable‑housing agreements, subdivision improvements, sidewalk repairs, urgent water repairs, and minor construction projects. The council further adopted a resolution establishing backflow testing charges for FY 2024‑2025 and approved the revised scope of services for the Highway 116 and West Cotati Avenue safety improvements project. All votes were 5‑0 in favor.
- Adopted resolution annexing property to Community Facilities District No. 2017-01 (5‑0)
- Adopted consent calendar items covering affordable housing agreement, subdivision improvement plans, sidewalk gap closure, urgent water repairs, and minor construction agreements (5‑0)
- Adopted resolution approving the Development Impact Fee (DIF) Nexus Study (5‑0)
- Introduced ordinance to consolidate inflationary indices for fee adjustments (5‑0)
- Adopted resolution establishing backflow testing charges for FY 2024‑2025 (5‑0)
- Approved revised scope of services for Highway 116 and West Cotati Avenue safety improvements project (5‑0)
City Council Meeting
The council directed the Water Advisory Committee representative to conditionally support the proposed water supply agreement between Marin Municipal Water District and Sonoma Water, provided the Petaluma aqueduct construction provision remains in the MMWD agreement. The motion passed unanimously 5‑0. Several consent‑calendar items, including city vehicle replacements, a park‑improvement contract, and a new salary schedule, were also adopted.
- Adopted consent items B, C, D, E, H, I (5‑0)
- Adopted consent item F parcel exemption (4‑0, Savage recused)
- Approved engineer's report for landscaping & lighting assessment district (4‑0, Savage recused)
- Approved microgrid project update (5‑0)
- Conditionally supported water supply agreement with MMWD (5‑0)
- Directed Vice Mayor Lemus to support Sonoma Clean Power expansion to Lake County
- Approved 2025 Cotati Accordion Festival and street closures (5‑0)
- Continued sidewalk gap closure project to next meeting
City Council Meeting
The council approved the meeting minutes and waived further reading of the resolutions (5‑0). It adopted the FY 25/26 SB1 project list, an ordinance combining commercial/industrial zones, a storm‑water services agreement, and the 2025 Nixon Family Celebration event, each with a 5‑0 vote. Council members also asked staff to revise the council rules and bring a new version for adoption at the next meeting.
- Approved meeting minutes and waived reading of resolutions (5-0)
- Adopted FY 25/26 SB1 project list as required by Road Repair and Accountability Act (5-0)
- Adopted ordinance to combine commercial/industrial and general industrial zoning districts (5-0)
- Approved annual storm water support services agreement (5-0)
- Approved 2025 Nixon Family Celebration of Life event in La Plaza Park (5-0)
- Requested revised council rules be presented for adoption at next meeting
City Council Meeting
The council approved the meeting minutes and a series of consent‑calendar items, including salary schedules, financial policies, appropriation limits, and a street‑improvement budget amendment. It also adopted a resolution to move forward with the landscape and lighting assessment district and approved a zoning ordinance to combine commercial/industrial and general industrial districts. Finally, the council adopted the city’s FY 2025/26 and 2026/27 budgets.
- Approved meeting minutes (5‑0)
- Adopted city‑wide salary schedule for FY 2025/26 (5‑0)
- Updated financial policies (5‑0)
- Approved annual appropriations limit for FY 2025/26 (5‑0)
- Approved budget and contract amendment for 2025 street improvement project (5‑0)
- Adopted resolution of intent for landscape and lighting assessment district (4‑0, one recusal)
- Approved ordinance to combine commercial/industrial and general industrial zoning districts (5‑0)
- Adopted FY 2025/26 and 2026/27 budgets (5‑0)
City Council Meeting
The Cotati City Council approved support for SB‑749 protecting mobile home parks and a resolution naming priority conservation areas (5‑0). It adopted updated water and sewer rates, introduced amendments to the municipal land‑use code, and approved data‑retention rules for automated license‑plate reader cameras (each 5‑0). The council also directed Mayor Ford to support two committee appointments.
- Approved SB‑749 support and priority conservation areas resolution (5‑0)
- Adopted updated water and sewer rates (5‑0)
- Introduced draft ordinance amendments to land‑use code (5‑0)
- Approved ALPR camera data retention and sharing policy (5‑0)
- Directed mayor to support Susan Adams (primary) and Stephen Zollman (alternate) committee seats
Planning Commission Meeting
The Commission approved the minutes from the April 21, 2025 Planning Commission meeting with a 5‑0 vote. It also adopted a recommendation to hold a public hearing and propose a resolution to combine the Commercial/Industrial and General Industrial zoning districts into a single district, also by a 5‑0 vote. No other actions were taken.
- Approved April 21, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
- Adopted recommendation to combine Commercial/Industrial and General Industrial districts (5-0)
City Council Meeting
The council voted 5‑0 to approve the preliminary design review, tree‑removal permit, parkland dedication, and vesting tentative map for a 178‑unit mixed‑use project north of Redwood Drive and State Route 116, adding three specific conditions. It also approved a city fee‑schedule update and adopted a resolution supporting Assembly Bill 564, each by a 5‑0 vote. The minutes from the April 22, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously.
- Approved 178‑unit mixed‑use development preliminary design review (5‑0)
- Approved city fee schedule update (5‑0)
- Adopted resolution supporting Assembly Bill 564 to halt cannabis tax increase (5‑0)
- Approved minutes from Apr 22, 2025 meeting (5‑0)
City Council Meeting
The council approved the meeting minutes and the consent calendar items. Items A‑C were approved 5‑0, and Item D – a letter requesting state funding support for the California State University system – was approved 4‑0 after Mayor Ford recused himself. The council also approved an update to its rules of conduct, a list of potential discussion topics for the Sonoma County Mayors and Councilmembers meeting, and letters opposing SB 634 and AB 647 while supporting AB 650, each by a 5‑0 vote.
- Approve meeting minutes (5‑0)
- Approve consent calendar Items A‑C (5‑0)
- Approve consent calendar Item D letter to CSU (4‑0, Mayor Ford recused)
- Approve update to Council Rules of Conduct (5‑0)
- Approve potential discussion topics for Sonoma County Mayors and Councilmembers meeting (5‑0)
- Approve letters opposing SB 634 and AB 647, supporting AB 650 (5‑0)
Planning Commission Meeting
The Planning Commission approved the minutes from the March 17, 2025 meeting by a 5‑0 vote. It adopted a resolution recommending the City Council approve the Redwood Row preliminary design review, tree removal permit, parkland dedication, and vesting tentative map for a 178‑unit mixed‑use project, also by a 5‑0 vote. The commission likewise adopted a recommendation for the City Council to approve a draft Code Clean‑Up Ordinance amending Title 17, again with a 5‑0 vote.
- Approved March 17, 2025 minutes (5‑0)
- Adopted Redwood Row project approvals – preliminary design, tree removal, parkland dedication, vesting map (5‑0)
- Adopted recommendation to approve Code Clean‑Up Ordinance amending Title 17 (5‑0)
Budget Study Session #2
The Cotati City Council approved the meeting minutes and waived the reading of all resolutions and ordinances introduced under this agenda, with a 5‑0 vote. No actions were proposed in the budget study sessions on enterprise funds, capital projects, special revenues, or internal service funds. The meeting then proceeded to closed session and adjourned.
- Approved minutes and waived reading of all resolutions and ordinances (5-0)
City Council Meeting
The council approved the 2025 Farmers Market event in La Plaza Park, adopted a letter of opposition to Assembly Bill 306, adopted updates to the City Council Rules of Conduct, and approved the award of the 2025 Street Improvements Project. All four actions were approved by a 5‑to‑0 vote.
- Approve 2025 Farmers Market event in La Plaza Park (5‑0)
- Approve Assembly Bill 306 Letter of Opposition (5‑0)
- Adopt updates to City Council Rules of Conduct (5‑0)
- Approve award of 2025 Street Improvements Project (5‑0)
Budget Study Session #1
The Cotati City Council approved the minutes from the February 18, 2025 special meeting and waived the reading of all resolutions and ordinances introduced under that agenda, with a unanimous 5‑0 vote. The meeting also set up a study session to review the city’s strategic plan and General Fund budget for FY 25‑26 and FY 26‑27, but no further actions were taken.
- Approved Feb 18, 2025 special‑meeting minutes and waived reading of all agenda items (5‑0)
City Council Meeting
The City Council unanimously approved the meeting minutes and adopted the annual cancellation of council meetings and holiday closure of City Hall. It also re‑appointed Commissioner Shelley Berman and appointed Sarah Sparks to the Planning Commission. The Council gave direction to the Mayor on upcoming committee appointments and discussed the annual Police Chief report.
- Approved meeting minutes (5‑0)
- Adopted annual cancellation of council meetings and holiday closure of City Hall (5‑0)
- Re‑appointed Planning Commissioner Shelley Berman (5‑0)
- Appointed Planning Commissioner Sarah Sparks (5‑0)
- Directed Mayor to support candidates for Mayors and Councilmembers Committee appointments
- Received and discussed annual Police Chief report to the community
- Provided feedback on new community newsletter and guide format
- Postponed discussion of ALPR camera item for future council consideration