HISTORIC RAILROAD SQUARE ASSOCIATION -COMMUNITY BENEFIT DISTRICT

RRSQ Association Board Meeting                                                                                                               Thursday November 20, 2025                                                                                                                           Courtyard Marriott Hotel Conference Room: 175 Railroad St.

AGENDA

  1.  Call to Order: Mike Montague, President, called the meeting to order at  8:40 AM. Those present:  Noelle Hermann, AJ Trombetta, Curt Nichols, Paul Quattrocchi,   Ann Galantine, Danielle Nelson, Theresa Tommasi, Dee Richardson , Amanda Janik.  Absent: Jim McCalligan, Gunner, Pauline Block, Tom Buckley    
  2. Public Comments on non-agenda items
  3. Guest Speaker:  James Castro, Jeremy Gundy, City of Santa Rosa, spoke on the need for stronger presence in the downtown area and increased maintenance starting in January with the goal to have staff available 7 days/week working on beautification. They will service the Prince Greenway 3x/week with mini-sweeper and work with Brightview for upkeep in 3rd St medium. James encouraged those present to contact them for any issues.

Caroline Banuelos , City Council member representing RRSQ, commented on keeping track on what was taking place at the Soup Kitchen.

  • Consent Item:  Minutes for November 20, 2025 were moved by Danielle Nelson, seconded by Paul Quattrocchi and accepted.
  • City update – Scott Adair – City Liasion made comments on following:                                           
  • Wayfinding signs program has been worked out
  • Issue of traffic running stop signs at 4th & Davis to be looked into
  • Prince Memorial signs moving toward fabrication
  • Scott will meet with Ann to talk about the assessment format
  • City has a $25,000 grant to use for RRSQ security projects
  • Council will be working to develop a Tourism Strategic Plan
  • Sculpture Walk art installations completed including the ‘Play Panel’ in Courthouse Square and 2 installations in RRSQ.
  • Discussion continues on Entertainment Zones concept
  • 610 Wilson (soup kitchen) has 17 conditions for operations, and Code Enforcement is talking with manager about requirements
  • City Manager – an interim City Manager will be announced later today
  • Scott has been accepted into the Leadership Santa Rosa program which conflicts with our Board meetings.
  • More discussion followed on Soup Kitchen operating on an Emergency Order, but does not have a City permit at this time.
  • There will be a meeting in January that RRSQ needs to be involved in.
  • Mike suggested a joint meeting with all involved, especially since we are being impacted from 4 different social service agencies within our district.  Catholic Charities cutting back on their services. Clients being sent to Santa Rosa from other Bay area shelters that are being closed.
  • There is a Police sub-station in the Mall and the Mall has also hired extra security to deal with the increases challenges.
  • Caroline Banuelos, City Council member, mentioned that Measure O funds should be distributed and the City is lobbying the County.
  • President’s Report/ED Report:  Mike reported that the new restaurant Aromas in the old Jack & Tony’s building will change their name to BEsame Mucho to avoid conflict with the existing A’Roma Roasters.    Wayfinding program settled.  Wilson Street new barbershop business encouraged to make use of the City’s My SR app. Mike complimented Amanda on her good work!
  • NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Dee Richardson reported that ½ the board is completing their 2 year term, ending Dec 2026. The other ½ of Board is interested in serving for another 2 years.  The Board will have 10 members for 2026, but will continue into 2026 to add another board member.  Four board members are leaving the Board this year:  Rafael Rivera, Pauline Block, Gunnar Vole and Jim McCalligan. They will all be missed. Members up for re-election are Curt Nichols, Dee Richardson, Ann Galantine, Danielle Nelson, Noelle Herman, Tom Buckley. Scott Adair will be the City liaison replacing Rafael Rivera as a non-voting member.
  • FINANCIAL REPORT: Ann Galantine has been working hard to tie up loose ends in the budget and will give a full report at December meeting.  Action Item to vote on 2026 Budget was postponed until December.
  • 2025 Committees and Projects:
    • Marketing – Action Item: Danielle Nelson reported on Banner replacement bids and decision to go with Fast Signs – $12,000 all inclusive, to start before the end of the year. It was moved by Curt Nichols, seconded by Ann Galantine and accepted by Board.

 9.2 Festivities on Fourth joint promotions put on hold for this year.

 9.3 Events – Carriage Rides enjoying their 36 year every weekend and Christmas Eve day.  Free to the public.  Music and entertainment each weekend. Light Up a Life, Providence Memorial event in the Hotel La Rose Event space Sat. Dec. 6th. Brainstormed other activities- Cocoa with a Cop, Fire Truck with Santa…..

  9.4  Business Development – AJ Trombetta explained the proposal by the City for Entertainment Zones downtown which would allow for carry-out alcohol with specific guidelines within a pre-determined area and under specific conditions.  More to follow.

 9.5. Security- currently exploring alternatives to current security company and street services.  City of Arcada has a system that hires City employees to fill those roles….

9.6 Infrastructure- Curt Nichols reported need to see what the budget will allow. Mike spoke about the Watertower. Currently researching if it can be saved or…..? Committee in the fact-finding stage.

9.7 Sidewalk repair-Noelle has been coordinating property owners on north side of 4th to jointly repair their sidewalks in January.

9.8  Wayfinding signs- currently all full

9.9  By-laws- the revised by-laws are being reviewed by local attorney.

Mike Montague closed the meeting at 10:30.

 Dee Richardson, Secretary