CITY OF SEBASTOPOL
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Meeting Date: February 1, 2022
To: Honorable Mayor and Honorable City Councilmembers
From: Councilmember Sarah Gurney (Council Liaison: Library Advisory Board for Sebastopol Regional Branch and LANTERN)
Walt Frazer, Friends of the Sebastopol Library
Subject: City Sponsorship for Friends of the Sebastopol Library Parking Lot Book Sales Recommendation : That the Council approve City sponsorship for the Parking Lot Book Sales Funding: Currently Budgeted: _______ Yes _________ No __XX___ N/A Net General Fund Cost: N/A
Amount: $0
Account Code/Costs authorized in City Approved Budget (if applicable) _N/A___AK___ (verified by Administrative Services Department) INTRODUCTION: This item is to request that the City Council Approve City Sponsorship for the Friends of the Library Parking Lot Book Sales
BACKGROUND:
Friends of the Sebastopol Library is a volunteer non-profit organization that provides support to the Sebastopol Regional Library. While the Sebastopol Regional Library is a part of the Sonoma County Library system and is taxsupported, there are many items for which there are not enough tax dollars.
The majority of the funds raised by the Friends are through book sales. Friends volunteer almost daily to sort books and set up and staff the sales. Friends also volunteer time as needed to help the library.
DISCUSSION:
The Friends of the Sebastopol Library sponsor programs such as Summer Reading, music performances, and holiday events. Funds from the Friends' book sales, membership dues, and donations enable the Friends to purchase books, equipment, and furnishings that are not available through the library budget.
A major event is the Book Sales conducted by the Friends of the Library. Typically the books sales are held within the library, but due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the group has had to look at alternate locations to hold their book sales to ensure the safety of the volunteers and the community. Tonight’s item is to request approval of City sponsorship for the Friends of the Library Parking Lot Book Sales. The location is still to be determined but would be held on City property (city parking lot adjacent to the Library or Senior Center parking lot (area under their building). Both are City property and would require approval from the City. It is requested that the sponsorship include insurance coverage as this is a small group of volunteers who are key to helping to raise funds for the Sebastopol Library and do not have the required insurance as well as to provide minimal assistance with publicity: posting on the City’s Facebook page, website and community newsletter; and placing flyers in the lobby at City Hall once it is open to the public.
Agenda Item Number 4 Agenda Item Number 4
City Council Meeting Packet of February 1, 2022
GOALS:
This item relates to City Council Goal 5: Provide open and responsive Municipal Government Leadership; Goal 4 - Maintain and Enhance the City of Sebastopol as a Walkable/Bike-able Community and Enhance the City’s Commitment to Promotion of our public’s health by Creating and Participating in City and Community Programs, Services and Policies; 4.2. Foster a Sense of Community by Providing and Encouraging Participation in Community Events, Volunteering, and working with Non Profits to Support Local Events; 5.2. - Promote and enhance utilization of community energy and skills by creating opportunities for volunteer service.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
As of the writing of this staff report, the City has not received any public comment. However, staff may receive public comment from interested parties following the publication and distribution of this staff report. Such comments will be provided to the City Council as supplemental materials before or at the meeting. In addition, public comments may be offered during the public comment portion of the agenda item.
PUBLIC NOTICE:
This item was noticed in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available for public viewing and review at least 72 hours prior to scheduled meeting date.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the recommended action tonight.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council Approve Sponsorship for Friends of the Sebastopol Library Parking Lot Book Sales. It is requested that the sponsorship include insurance coverage as well as to provide minimal assistance with publicity: posting on the City’s Facebook page, website and community newsletter; and approval of City property (city parking lot adjacent to the Library or Senior Center parking lot (area under their building).
Attachment:
None
Agenda Item Number 4
Agenda Item Number 4
City Council Meeting Packet of February 1, 2022