The Press Democrat
Opponents of a plan to remake Cotati’s downtown into a narrower street that includes roundabouts have told city officials they will pursue a ballot initiative unless they change course. The initiative would bar the city from building roundabouts anywhere within its limits. Its backers want the city to adhere to a concept it previously outlined, a four-lane street controlled by traffic lights.
Sonoma County transportation planners Monday supported a proposal to put a $10 vehicle registration fee increase on the November ballot to fund buses, bike paths and school safety programs. “We are voting here to give voters a chance to make this decision,” said Sonoma County Supervisor Shirlee Zane. The Sonoma County Transportation Authority board also supported giving the lion’s share, 68 percent, to the Sonoma County, Santa Rosa, Petaluma and Healdsburg bus systems.
The Petaluma City Council is expected to vote grudgingly tonight to put an initiative on the ballot that would roll back sewer rates to 2006 levels, a move council members say would cripple the city’s finances. At a 6 p.m. special meeting called to deal solely with this issue, the council has but two choices: Adopt an ordinance approving the rollbacks demanded by the initiative or put it to a citywide vote on the Nov. 2, 2010, general election ballot.