City Council Meeting of December 3

The agenda packet for the City Council meeting of December 3rd is now posted on this page of the City's website:
http://www.sonomacity.org/default.aspx?PageId=50

At this meeting, the oath of office for newly elected Councilmembers is scheduled, as well as the annual selection of a new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.

Assistant City Manager Carol Giovanatto appointed as new City Manager of Sonoma

On November 19th, the Sonoma City Council announced out of closed session their agreement to appoint current Assistant City Manager Carol Giovanatto as the next City Manager of Sonoma, effective December 13, 2012. The Council’s appointment of Carol Giovanatto is subject to formal adoption of an employment agreement at the City Council’s next regular meeting on December 3, 2012.
 

Carol Giovanatto has been with the City of Sonoma for 11 years, and is currently Assistant City Manager/Administrative Services Director, serves as City Treasurer and head of the Finance Department.  Carol will replace current Sonoma City Manager Linda Kelly who was recently appointed as the Town Manager of Windsor.

Mayor Joanne Sanders stated, “The appointment of Carol will provide much needed continuity during a time of transition. I have had an opportunity to work with her for eight years and I have full confidence in her ability to meet the fiscal challenges ahead.”

Carol stated, “I am extremely honored to be chosen by the City Council to lead the City of Sonoma organization.  I am focused on continuing the high standards set by my predecessors in providing exemplary service to the citizens of Sonoma.  The appointment as City Manager is the pinnacle of my 37-year career in local government and I value the confidence the Council has shown in me.  I look forward to working together to preserve Sonoma’s economic vitality while protecting its historic character.”

Public Works Director accepts position in Washington State

Sonoma Public Works Director Milenka Bates has accepted the position of Administrative Division Manager for Public Works for the City of Bremerton, located in Washington State. She will be resigning her position as Sonoma’s Public Works Director effective December 7, 2012.  She has served the City of Sonoma Public Works Department since 2002 in various assignments. Milenka is originally from Washington and is happy about the prospect of moving back home.

Milenka stated, “I am so proud of everything Public Works has accomplished; we have grown, evolved and despite the economy and budgetary constraints continued to provide top notch customer service and provide the residents and visitors a beautiful place to live and visit.”

City Manager Linda Kelly added, “Milenka’s skills, abilities, and initiative have been key to managing the diverse range of services provided by Public Works day in and day out, including parks, streets, water, and cemeteries. Her commitment to serving our community has been outstanding and she will be sorely missed. We wish her well and know she will be an asset to her new city.”

City Manager Kelly will soon be considering appointing an interim Director, and recruitment options for the Public Works position.

Transitions!

We have a number of transitions taking place in the City at the presesent time!  Today I am making posts regarding three significant transisions. Here is the first press release:

Sonoma City Manager Linda Kelly appointed as Windsor Town Manager

November 7, 2012 – Sonoma City Manager Linda Kelly has been appointed as the Town Manager of Windsor, effective December 13, 2012. Linda has served as the City Manager of Sonoma since January 2008, and has worked with the City Council and staff in managing through the recession and its impacts on the Sonoma economy.

“I am so proud of this community in how we have come together to face the recession and the loss of redevelopment funding. The passage of the Measure J local sales tax and the creation of the Sonoma Tourism Improvement District show commitment to finding locally-based solutions to our economic challenges. These measures represent the foundation for a stable future for Sonoma,” Linda stated. “I have appreciated the strong support of the City Council and the talented and dedicated staff of the City. Together, I feel we have strengthened the organization and our ability to implement community priorities such as public safety and infrastructure.”

Sonoma Mayor Joanne Sanders stated, “Linda has done a great job managing us through tough times. We understand this is a positive opportunity to further her career. Selfishly, I wish it wasn't happening the same time as my term is ending. We wish her well, know she will be a tremendous success and Windsor is lucky to have her!”

Drop-in Business Assistance hours for 2012

Due to the holiday season, the Economic Development Program Manager's regular drop-in hours at City Hall will be held on Wednesday, December 5th from 1pm to 5pm.

Any questions regarding assistance for existing businesses and for those wanting to open a business may be directed to the Economic Development Program Manager Laurie Decker.

Individuals unable to attend her drop-in hours may call her at 327-7338 and set up an appointment.

More information regarding the City's Economic Development Program can be found at www.sonomavalley4biz.com.

November 19th City Council agenda

The agenda packet for the City Council meeting of November 19th is now posted on the following page of the City's website:
http://www.sonomacity.org/default.aspx?PageId=50

Veterans Day

Don't miss the outstanding display of the Vietnam Memorial Wall Replica - America's Traveling Tribute, sponsored by VFW Post 1943 in Sonoma, at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall. For more information click here: http://vfwpost1943.org/page36.html
The City thanks the VFW and all of the organizations and volunteers that made this amazing event possible.