Planning Commission finds 18 FY25–26 capital projects consistent with Santa Rosa General Plan 2050; resolution passes 5-0

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission voted unanimously June 12 to adopt a resolution finding the 18 proposed projects in the fiscal year 2025–26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) consistent with the City of Santa Rosa General Plan 2050.

Sheila Walski, city planner with Planning and Economic Development, presented the annual consistency review required by government code and described the 18 projects, which span water, sewer, transportation, parks, public-safety facilities and infrastructure-management tools. "This is a five-year financial plan to look at infrastructure improvements in the city," Walski said.

Notable projects listed by staff included: water and sewer pipe replacements in the Montgomery Village neighborhood; a new traffic signal at Ninth Street and Morgan Street; two roundabouts near Santa Rosa Plaza (at Sixth/Seventh and Eighth streets); participation in the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All program; contingency funds drawn from the Utility Impact Fee Fund, Measure DD and Gas Tax (2107); seismic and maintenance repairs to multiple reservoirs; a project to convert existing emergency wells to production wells; repairs at the Laguna Treatment Plant (including a replacement gate and bypass piping); pump-station vibration monitoring upgrades; an upgrade to the city's CIP management software; a reclamation-valve condition assessment citywide; a permanent fire station at the existing Fire Station 11 site at 550 Lewis Road; replacement of a natural play area at Bear Park; and an environmental assessment to inform a master plan for the Youth Community Park at 1701 Fulton Road.

Walski told the commission that each listed CIP project will undergo its own environmental review as required when the specific project proposals are developed. She said the commission's general-plan consistency determination is not treated as a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), citing CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 and the city's staff report.

Deputy Director for Traffic Engineering Rob Sprinkle answered commissioner questions about the transportation projects, explaining that the roundabouts were long‑planned projects associated with earlier linkage efforts and adjacent development while the Ninth-and-Morgan location is constrained and lacks room for a roundabout.

Commissioner Sisco moved the resolution; Vice Chair Duggan seconded. In a roll-call vote Commissioners Carter, Sisco, Horton, Vice Chair Duggan and Chair Weeks each voted "aye." The motion passed 5–0.

The Planning and Economic Development Department recommended that the commission adopt the resolution finding the listed projects consistent with the General Plan 2050; the commission did so and waived further reading of the text.

Staff and commissioners discussed that the Youth Community Park environmental assessment will likely be an initial, site-level study to inform later design work and any subsequent CEQA compliance. Walski said she expects most follow-on approvals for specific CIP projects will include separate and project-specific environmental review and, where appropriate, design-review board consideration.

The commission adjourned after confirming there was no business to report under the remaining agenda items.