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Resident withdraws criticism, urges support for interim city manager; plaza e-bike safety raised
Summary
Public commenters told the Sonoma City Council they support the interim city manager after a critic said he had reconsidered, and another speaker urged action on fast-moving e-bikes in the downtown plaza after a near-miss involving his young child.
A local resident who had published a critical letter about the council’s appointment of the interim city manager told the council he had changed his view and now supports making her permanent. "I was wrong. You're right, and you made a good decision," Martin Laney said during the public-comment period, describing a cordial follow-up conversation and additional research that altered his perspective.
The statement underscored community divisions over personnel decisions but provided the council public support for the interim manager at a time the city is transitioning in leadership. The mayor responded, "Thank you for your comments," and the council proceeded to the remainder of the agenda.
Separately, Tanner Sarf raised public-safety concerns about e-bikes operating at high speeds in the plaza. Sarf said his 4-year-old nearly was struck by a fast-moving rider and urged the council to consider signage and enforcement: "Maybe we need to add a disclaimer, something to the effect of no e-bikes or you will be ticketed or arrested." He suggested keeping e-bikes off the plaza and roads where young, unlicensed riders may be present.
The council did not take immediate action on e-bike enforcement at the meeting; the mayor closed the public-comment period and moved on to scheduled council business.
