Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: CONSENT CALENDAR (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: APPROVAL OF A LETTER REQUESTING STATE FUNDING
SUPPORT FOR THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY
SYSTEM, INCLUDING SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
Date: April 22, 2025
Written by: Damien O'Bid, City Manager
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a motion authorizing the Mayor, or designee, to sign and send a letter to the State requesting preservation of funding to the California State University System, including Sonoma State University.
Background
The City received a request from our partners at Sonoma State University to send a letter to the State requesting that the California State University System remains funded at the level of prior commitments. A template letter is attached.
Analysis/Discussion
The City recently authorized the transmittal of a similar letter supporting Sonoma State University (attached), however this letter would still be timely if transmitted by Wednesday (4/23). Therefore, it is being brought to the City Council for review.
Financial Considerations
There are no direct impacts to the City by sending the attached letter. If the letter successfully supports additional funding to SSU, there will be likely be indirect economic benefits due to higher enrollment, more people with 4-year degrees coming into the local workforce and continued employment of some university teachers.
Environmental Issues
Where it can be determined with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA review.
This general rule can be applied to activities which could be subject to the CEQA process, but which logic dictates should not be subject to CEQA review. Therefore, based on the information provided above, the proposed resolution is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 14.03.021 of the CEQA Guidelines in that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant impact on the environment.