Council Passes on Chain Store Legislation, Stricter Limits for Leaf-Blowers

Despite community protest and signed petitions, the Sonoma City Council declined Monday to issue legislation that would block the onset of Staples, 14,000-square-foot building on West Napa Street, which formerly housed a Ford dealership.

Fearing legal reciprocity - the city formerly faced a $25 million law suit for an interim ordinance filed in 2007 - the council declined to ban big box chain stores , which requires 4-5 vote and is only issued in times of severe concern for public safety and well being.

"I am a mom in the mom and pop equation of this business community, and we are steadfast in our support of other local businesses," said Mayor Pro Tem Joanne Sanders, who also penned an op-ed on the subject on the Bolt Staffing website.

"Let's just do it," said Chuck Holder, the owner of the space staples will move into, who expects Staples to be a profitable addition to the Valley, investing over $1 million in a remodel and creating about 20 jobs.  According to Holder, Staples has taken a 10-year commitment for the property along with a 15-year option. Staples will have a 10 year commitment, then another 15 years of options, and will be investing over $1

Several members of the public cited the high unemployment rate, and hoped that a large store like Staples would bring extra work to the Valley. 

"People who shop Sonoma, are still going to patronize Sonoma - I'm going to go to Patt's Copy World, I'm still going to drink local coffee," said Morgan Sanders. "These people are not going to go somewhere else just because Staples has come to town. People are looking for work, and here's a job opportunity just sitting there."

Councilman Ken Brown was skeptical of such a statement. "I am going to take people at their word that they will continue to shop at the local stores and providers," said Brown, "But my practical nature just really doesn't swallow that."

Beyond concerns about the future of office supply products in the Valley, residents commented that they were frustrated that the municipal process had not allotted them time to comment before the Staples opening was a "done deal."

"It's not about Staples or Starbucks, its about do we love a small town, and let's build a system in place where we can keep it," said Paul Martin.

Mayor Laurie Gallian responded to the numerous requests, issuing a request for staff to look into options that would allow the residents time to comment on future big-box openings.

"The public has spoken and the public has said that they want to have information on the process," said Gallian.

In addition, the council voted to further the and other power equipment. In a three-part ordinance the city lowered the noise levels of all outdoor power equipment - from 90 decibels, measured at 50-feet away, to 70 decibels, placed further limitations on hours of use - including a ban on Sundays and major holidays and required that leaf-blowers display a registration posting, to allow the public to complain effectively.

 "This is not a ban on leaf-blowers, but it does place significant limitations on their use," said Sonoma City Planner David Goodison.

"If you want to have a party in Sonoma it is almost impossible with the present noise level," said one member of the public. "Banning them on Sunday would help tremendously."

"When I look back on my career as a councilwoman this has been a tough one for me, because I just find leaf-blowers so annoying," said Sanders. "But this is one of those balancing of American rights to do what we want, when we want to do it."

             New Leaf-blower Regulations: