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Cotati council authorizes mayor to sign nonbinding memorandum of understanding with Sonoma State and Rohnert Park; mayor recuses
Summary
The council approved a nonbinding memorandum of understanding (MOU) to formalize coordination among Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park and Cotati. Mayor Ford recused from the item because Sonoma State is his employer; the measure passed 4–0 with one recusal.
The Cotati City Council voted to authorize the mayor to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) establishing regular coordination between Sonoma State University, the City of Rohnert Park and the City of Cotati.
Vice Mayor Lemus presided over the item after Mayor Ford recused himself because Sonoma State University is his employer. City staff described the MOU as a nonbinding agreement intended to establish a regular meeting cadence and a framework for discussing matters of mutual interest, such as public safety, events coordination and community partnerships.
Motion and vote A council member moved to authorize the mayor to sign the memorandum of understanding; the motion was seconded. Council members voted in favor; the council approved the authorization with four yes votes and one abstention. The meeting record shows the abstention resulted from Mayor Ford’s earlier recusal.
Why it matters City staff said the MOU is intended to formalize a pattern of cooperation that already exists and to create regular opportunities for the three parties to identify joint projects and align efforts that benefit their shared communities. Sonoma State representative Jeff Keating later appeared and thanked the council for approving the MOU.
No binding fiscal commitments were included in the MOU; staff emphasized it is nonbinding and does not obligate any party to provide funding.
Ending Vice Mayor Lemus said the councils and university staff plan a joint signing ceremony if all three governing bodies approve the document; a tentative date was discussed for later in the month.
Speakers quoted or referenced in this article Vice Mayor Lemus; City staff presenter (item introduction); Jeff Keating, Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications, Sonoma State University.
