Politics & Government

Council: City Moves Closer to Acquiring Montini Preserve

The city has completed environmental review on the 95.5 acre parcel

At their Monday night meeting, the City Council will consider taking the next step towards acquiring the 95.5 acre Montini Preserve.

Read the meeting agenda, at right. Download the relevant documents from the city's website.

Encompassing a large portion of Sonoma's hillside to the North of the Vallejo Home, the Montini Preserve is in the midst of an ownership flux.

Find out what's happening in Sonoma Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It's currently owned by the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation, who typically partner with organizations to transfer their acquisitions, since they're not set up for long-term property-management.  Originally, the District tried to transfer the majority of the property to the State Park system – to be included in the Vallejo Home State Park – but they declined, due to ongoing budget problems

The Council has already signed a statement of intent, completed environmental review, and current plans have been approved by the Planning Commission and the Sonoma Valley Citizens Advisory Committee.

Find out what's happening in Sonoma Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

On Monday, the Council will consider passing a finding of negative declaration – which affirms the environmental review hasn't found any negative impacts – and amending the "General Plan/Sphere of Influence" to include the preserve.

Currently, the Sonoma Ecology Center is signed on to manage the preserve: After their three-year contract with the Open Space District runs out, the project will cost $15,000 per year, which will be taken out of the city's general fund.

The City hasn't decided what access will be available to bikers and dogs.

Also on Monday's agenda:

  • A presentation on Clean Power feasibility study from the Sonoma County Water Agency.
  • Discussion and possible adoption of a uniform fee waiver policy
  • More discussion of a community swimming pool, and a review of the swimming pool feasibility studies
  • Discussion of rules protocol for City Commission and Committees (and another discussion of creating a 'Mayors Office of Protocol')
  • A proclamation declaring the day after Thanksgiving, (aka 'Black Friday') as “Shop Sonoma Day

The Sonoma City Council meets in open session Monday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room at the Sonoma Police Department. The Council meets in closed session at 5 p.m., in conference with several property negotiations – including the Patten Street "Old Fire House" development.


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