City of CotatiSonoma County, California________________________________________________________________ 201 W. Sierra Ave, Cotati, CA 94931 | (707) 792-4600 | www.cotaticity.org | @cityofcotati 12 August 2024To: City Selection CommitteeSonoma County Mayors and Councilmembers AssociationIn Care of: Clerk of the BoardCounty of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors575 Administration Drive, 100A, Santa Rosa, CA 95403Attn: Michelle Norman [email protected] Kyreen Gonzalez [email protected] Copy To: Lauren Berges, MCA Clerk [email protected] Dear Colleagues:I am happy to submit my name for reappointment to the Measure O Oversight Committee appointee. I have been representing the Cities on the Committee since its inception in 2021.The Oversight Committee is not a decision-making body, nor does it have authority to direct county staff. Its role is to annually review revenue and expenditures from the Measure O transaction and use tax, and report its findings to the Board of Supervisors. This important function helps ensure that Measure O’s implementation matches the intent of the 68% of county voters who voted “yes.” In the last few years, this has sometimes meant making it clear to county staff that accumulating fund balances is not in accordance with the will of the voters.Even without decision-making authority, the Committee plays an important role in ensuring that Measure O revenue is expended in ways that benefit all county residents’ mental health needs (including those that live in incorporated areas), again matching the intent of the original language. As the County Health Department goes through a leadership change, my history with the Committee since the beginning might prove helpful.I am comfortable with the kind of detailed budget work that the appointment entails.I would be happy to answer any questions or to discuss further—feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 707-228-0685.I appreciate your consideration.Sincerely, Ben FordCotati City Council
CITY OF PETALUMA
POST OFFICE BOX 61
PETALUMA, CA 94953-0061
Kevin McDonnell
Mayor/ Alcalde
Petaluma City Hall
11 English Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone (707) 778-4345
Message Phone (707) 778-4525
E-Mail
[email protected]
City Selection Committee Assignments
Deputy Clerk of the Board
County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Dr, Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Attn: Michelle Norman [email protected] and Kyreen Gonzalez [email protected]
Cc: Lauren Berges, [email protected]
Re: Appointment to the Sonoma County Measure O Oversight Committee
To the Board,
I would appreciate your consideration for appointment to the Sonoma County Measure O Oversight
I have been a member of the Committee for the past two years and have learned so much about the Mental Health needs in the County and the ways that Measure O is addressing the needs.
I feel that my efforts and the value of the Oversight Committee are instrumental in keeping the public voice engaged with the staff and Board’s work.
I have a strong interest in seeing that the Measure’s funds are used wisely and being used conforming with the Measure’s mission.
Thanks for considering me.
Kevin McDonnell
Mayor, City of Petaluma
August 9, 2024
City Selection Committee
Clerk of the Board
County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Drive, Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Attn: Michelle Norman and Kyreen Gonzalez
Dear Ms. Norman and Ms. Gonzalez:
Having provided representation both in the San Francisco and Sonoma County Mental Health Systems, I am excited to be applying for a Measure O Citizens Oversight Committee position.
Having been a member of the Cal Cities Community Services Policy Committee this past year and its Revenue and Taxation Committee the prior year, I am familiar with the different mental health models used up and down the state. As an alternate to our county’s Homeless Coalition I am familiar with how our county continues to distribute federal dollars.
I am excited to implement the following recommendations that Santa Rosa’s Captain Cregan provided for us at our last Mayor’s and Council Members dinner:
- Continuing discussions on the equitable sharing of County Wide Measure O funds with local jurisdictions
- Highlighting the need for additional beds and staffing at our crisis stabilization unit to avoid visits to local emergency rooms.
- Working towards a future of creating co-responder models of trained officers paired with a licensed clinician to respond to armed or violent encounters with those experiencing a mental health crisis
- Increase mental health and de-escalation training for our officers in your local police departments.
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I would be honored to receive your support to serve in this position.
Sincerely,
Stephen C. Zollman
Sebastopol Vice Mayor
[email protected]