From: Dena Allen
To: Mary Gourley; Sarah Glade Gurney; Diana Rich; Una Glass; Nevsa Hinton; City Council; Patrick Slayter; Kari Svanstrom
Subject: Comment for June 21 city council meeting- funds for a grant writer Date: Sunday, June 19, 2022 9:42:10 PM
Hello All,
After spending the last year and a half on the CAC I feel strongly that there are actions that are on the Climate Action Framework that will need funding to be realized. Having a grant writer with the skills and knowledge base to write a good grant application would certainly increase the chances of Sebastopol being awarded grants for which they apply.
I think as the Framework is finalized and CAC prioritizes actions to promote it will be more clear where funding assistance is needed. That said I do not think we have time to waste so please put aside a budget placeholder or starter amount to employ a grant writer as needs arise in the next year.
A non-specific example of a need for funding is with Land Use. To both adapt and to mitigate the changes we are already seeing we should be slowing and sinking the rain we get to replenish water we use, to keep the soil moist longer for biodiversity and cooler weather cycling loops. We should be helping private land and public land catch rainwater (swales, rain gardens, barrels/tanks etc) and we should be stepping up the use of greywater for irrigation use and finding and stopping leaks. Neighboring cities are taking some action, Windsor is partnering with Daily Acts to educate about laundıy greywater systems and giving away kits for residents to DIY. Is Sebastopol going to need funding for these types of actions to occur? Along these lines can we adapt to and mitigate flooding by restoring the water way at the East edge of Sebastopol adjacent to the Laguna? Will Sebastopol need funding to pursue actions like this?
Thank you for your time,
Dena Allen