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Council to revisit plan commission decision

The Sonoma City Council will have a short agenda on Monday with one public hearing, two proclamations, one recognition, one overview and discussion on adopting a resolution to support Proposition 37, the genetically modified food labeling initiative.

The public hearing concerns a 5-2 decision by the Planning Commission to approve an application by the First Congregational Church for a use permit to operate a school inside Burlingame Hall on West Spain Street

That hall, the recent temporary home of the Sonoma Valley Regional Library during renovations to the home facility, is one of the biggest event spaces in the city and church officials want to be able to utilize it for classes to promote “physical and spiritual wellness.” Neighbors expressed worries about noise, traffic and parking. The Planning Commission addressed those concerns by imposing conditions on a use permit, and then approved the application.

But Mayor Joanne Sanders filed an appeal of the decision, raising concerns about the noticing steps take for the commission’s public hearing, conditions of the commission’s approval and the definition used to define a school.

Sanders wants the council to consider re-noticing the public hearing, conducting a new public hearing and consider revising the conditions of approval for the school.

The two proclamations will designate Oct. 1 as Rob Wilson Day and proclaim October to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Retiring Planning Commission member Michael George will be recognized for his six years of service.

The council will conduct an overview of the governor’s pension reform package – AB 340 – at the request of Councilmember Laurie Gallian and, at the request of Councilmember Ken Brown, will be asked to consider adopting a resolution of support for Proposition 37.

The City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 1, in the Community Meeting Room, 177 First St. W. The public is invited.