From: Danielle Connor
To: Mary Gourley; Kari Svanstrom; Patrick Slayter; Sarah Glade Gurney; Una Glass; Diana Rich; Neysa Hinton; Neysa Hinton
Cc: esmeralda pinal; Paul Fritz; Lawrence McLaughlin; screaminmimis; Mario Landeros; Casey Lanski Subject: 9/20 Council Meeting Comment on Item 9 - Parklets Date: Friday, September 16, 2022 12:56:48 PM
Hi there,
I'm writing again to express my continued support for all of the parklets in Sebastopol. As you all know, I own Retrograde Coffee Roasters and share a wonderfully vibrant parklet with my neighbors at Many Rivers, Sunshine Cafe and Third Pig Bar. Since our parklet was put in place, we have seen an increase in business and heard from countless citizens and tourists about how awesome the parklets are.
It's disappointing to me that a driving accident that occured when a driver ran a red light and caused an accident is being used as a reason to remove the parklet. It's shameful that anyone would use that car accident as an attempt to manipulate the situation in their own favor, as that car accident was not caused by the parklet and was traumatizing for everyone involved, including Maraline and her team at Screamin' Mimi's. If the parklet was not there, the vehicle would have likely ended up in one of the businesses and the accident would have been worse.
While there are issues that need to be addressed, it is not reason enough to remove parklets.
Everyone, not just those directly in front of a parklet, benefit from them. The issues being brought up are valid issues: trash/street cleanliness and available parking. Considering a parklet is public city space and businesses do not own the parklets or the sidewalks in any city, these are issues that should be thought about by the city council as to how they can be remedied. These problems aren't unique or isolated to Screamin' Mimi's or that block in Sebastopol alone. These are city issues that every business, including my own, have. They are issues that don't go away and are daily things we manage as business owners in a downtown area. Businesses have to be willing to work together to find resolutions to problems so everyone is heard and a compromise can be made that leaves everyone satisfied.
I have been able to resolve these issues in front of my business by communicating with my neighbors, talking to the Sebastopol PD to increase parking enforcement on my block (most of downtown is 3 hour parking), and communicating with Public Works to help us keep the street clean. In doing so, I found that parking enforcement was increased and is no longer an issue now that people respect the time limits and there are kind folks who regularly pick up trash along the sidewalks, plus the street sweeper. Both increased parking enforcement and more frequent trash pick up could be implemented better on the Screamin' Mimi's block to resolve the issues being cited by the neighboring business owners.
There are studies that have been done that prove that parklets make communities safer and overall, make cities more enjoyable for the community members and tourists alike. In particular, the Parklet Impact Study of neighboring San Francisco is a fantastic resource that cites proven data about parklets: foot traffic increases, people engage with all businesses more, sidewalks are easier to walk on without being impeded by tables/chairs, and cities become safer because people actually slow down for parklets.
Overall, parklets are a civic investment in downtown Sebastopol for the beautification and overall enjoyment of our city by tourists, but most importantly residents. Our community has spoken loud and clear about parklets, as can be seen by this petition here with over 1,000 signatures in support of parklets by local community members.
Parklets are enjoyed by all, our families and children love them, it makes our sidewalks wider and accessible for handicap folks, but most importantly it aligns with the city of Sebastopol's values to be an accessible, walkable, eco-friendly community. Parklets contribute to the hometown feel of downtown Sebastopol that would otherwise be lost. Without parklets, we lose valuable outdoor space that is much better used for dozens of folks to gather and support small businesses. Pandemic or no pandemic, outdoor space is extremely valuable and otherwise lacking in most downtown areas, including ours. The vibrancy parklets give our community is much more impactful - and aligned with our values - than 2 parking spots could ever do.
Thank you,
Danielle
--
From: Paul Fritz
To: Sarah Glade Gurney; Una Glass; Patrick Slayter; Diana Rich; Neysa Hinton Cc: Mary Gourley; Lawrence McLaughlin; Kari Svanstrom; Mario Landeros Subject: Agenda Item 9 - parklets
Date: Saturday, September 17, 2022 1:06:56 PM
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the permanency of the parklets downtown. As you are all aware, I have been an advocate for parklets downtown for years. If there is a silver lining to the pandemic, it is that we had the opportunity to experiment with parklets downtown. It is safe to say the experiment has been a success. The parklets have been vibrant outdoor spaces in our downtown that previously lacked a vibrant outdoor space. The plaza is vibrant when there is an event like the farmer’s market, but many times of the day, the plaza is rather underutilized. That’s a whole other discussion.
Communities large and small around the world have seen the value of creating public spaces for the public during the pandemic and many, if not most, are working on making these installations permanent. We should be doing the same. Main Street business do still struggle because Main Street is so auto-oriented, but the parklets are moving us in the right direction of providing more places for actual human beings. We need to encourage human beings downtown as they are what make our businesses successful.
I can’t tell you how much joy it brings me to see so many people gathered at the intersection of Petaluma and Sebastopol Ave. when I drive into town from the east. And I feel the same joy observing people outside Retrograde and Sunshine Café, relaxing, eating and drinking under the colorful umbrellas. And the same joy was felt watching musicians playing for passersby in front of People’s Music. I am saddened by the closing of People’s Music and the likely end of the music in the parklet. But maybe the owners of the new Lunch Box restaurant will be interested in adopting that parklet end providing another lively space for people.
I fear there is concern about the ‘onerous’ requirements for the parklets as required by Caltrans. I am here to say that the design and drawings for such a structure will not be complicated. These do not need to be extravagant. We’re talking about some type of barrier to keep people from stepping off the parklet into traffic and likewise keep cars out of the parklet. This can be handled many ways and I’m sure most of us are familiar with how these have been designed and installed in other locations. ADA compliance is a given, and again not complicated. The temporary parklets are all accessible and were constructed by volunteers with donated materials. We will probably want something more permanent than the current platforms, but again, there are many safe, simple ways to do this. The issue of complying with storm water and water pollution control requirements also sounds intimidating, but again, for something like a parklet is not complicated. We need to make sure water can flow beneath it. And cars dripping oil, coolant and whatever else a car might drip is of far greater concern for water quality than someone spilling a cup of coffee or an ice cream cone.
Please don’t get bogged down in these details. I believe this is all possible and certainly for the amount of money that has been set aside at this point. I also would like to point out that the nearby businesses have all expressed interest in participating financially, and that there are grants available for these types of ‘public space’ interventions. The money can be found! I would like to address a Caltrans requirement that I do find appalling. Requiring a ‘lease’ payment of $6,000 a year is an outrage. I am making a point of personally fighting this with Caltrans, if I can figure out how. The fact that a car can park in this space without requiring payment from the city, but turn it into a space for people to occupy and now we have to pay Caltrans $6,000??? In this day, when we know we should be prioritizing people and making our community more friendly for pedestrians, this is simply not acceptable. I am beside myself on this one. But if Caltrans is unrelenting on this, again, I’m sure funds can be raised by the community to pay for this.
I would also suggest we not get bogged down in ‘design guidelines’ for parklets. Fine to have some criteria for safety, but please do not go beyond that. Let the business owners propose their own creative solutions to be reviewed by the Design Review Board and leave it at that.
I would like to also address the businesses near the Mimi’s parklet location that are opposed to the parklet remaining and who wrote letters included in the staff report. Jen Balletto has been against the parklets from the beginning. She expressed concern about the garbage cans, bikes leaned up against her store, people making her store window sticky, didn’t like the shade cover (even though it was installed with the thought her patrons could paint their pottery outside), no parking. Solutions were presented for each of her concerns, more garbage cans, bike racks, planters in front of her windows, drop-off/pick-up parking spaces were dedicated in the adjacent lot. But none of the solutions were enough. She did not want solutions, she wanted the parklet gone. Now she is rightly concerned about the accident that occurred over the summer. The K-rails have been adjusted to prevent a similar accident from happening. Removing the plaza will not improve the safety of that intersection. It will in fact make it worse. The opening up of Depot Street for cars travelling west to cross 2 lanes of Petaluma Avenue at that location to continue onto Sebastopol Ave./Bodega Ave. would be far more dangerous. Not to mention the fact that when the parklet was not in place a car ran into the building. The parklet has clearly improved the safety at that intersection, the incident over the summer notwithstanding. But a permanent parklet in that location could, and should, be designed with safety features in mind as that will continue to be a dangerous intersection for drivers for the foreseeable future.
Gregory Odle also wants the parklet removed. His apparent complaint is that the parklet has been co-opted by ‘greedy’ business owners. He clearly has a personal grudge against the owners of Screamin’ Mimi’s and this has nothing to do with the parklet. When the space was first created we met with the nearby businesses and discussed what they could do with the space. Mimi’s provided the furnishings, and added to them over time as no other businesses offered. I believe another business did contribute the plants for the planters, and the wine barrels. But just because Mimi’s is clearly benefitting from the parklet space, it does not mean that the nearby businesses also do not benefit. It may not be as obvious, but they all benefit from foot traffic. I find it hard to comprehend how having literally 1,000 people a day pass by your business cannot be good for your businesses. If your business depends on foot traffic, you should be jumping for joy over spaces like this that attract people. If you can’t see that you’re not looking.
Allayna Fry’s concerns simply have nothing to do with the parklet. Her business is on the opposite side of the building and nothing that she mentions in her letter, the ice cream debris etc., has anything to do with the parklet. It is simply a matter of being relatively close to a business that sells ice cream. Unfortunately people can be slobs, but again, nothing to do with the parklet. She also mentions the accident over the summer, which again, has been addressed by the added k-rails. I will not repeat it here, but I’m sure you will hear from Kurt and Maraline Olson about the issues of garbage and nearby businesses.
I hope you listen to the broader community and not the nearby businesses opposed to the parklet as they clearly have more of a personal issue with the owners of Screamin’ Mimi’s and not anything having to do with the parklet. There is a petition in favor of the parklets that has been signed by over 1,000 people, and I’m sure you’ve all seen with your own eyes how popular that space is with the community. And with a permanent plaza there, imagine how great an entryway it could create for downtown. The community clearly enjoys these spaces and you must listen to their voices as you deliberate this item, and not require ‘consensus’ from nearby businesses. There is clearly some personal issues between owners that really have nothing to do with creating a vibrant place for the community. I have honestly tried to understand how any of the parklets/plazas could be bad for anyone’s business and I can come up with no reason. OK we’ve removed a few parking places, but clearly there is still an abundance of parking downtown. And I just don’t understand how more people lingering downtown can be bad for a downtown business that relies on foot traffic. It makes no sense. If these parklets are made more permanent, the adjacent buildings will become the most sought after spaces downtown.
And finally, I would like to address the very poor communication I have witnessed around the entire parklet conversation. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but these parklets would not exist if it were not for me. I had no knowledge that this item was even coming before the council until Kari mentioned it at our 9/13 planning commission meeting. I would think at a minimum someone could have contacted me to let me know the item had been agendized. It would be nice to offer me an opportunity to speak as part of the staff presentation. I have been as much out of the loop as the business owners that have ‘adopted’ the parklets. Which is also why I find it odd that there are 3 letters in opposition to the Mimi’s plaza. How did these businesses know about this item? It clearly looks like Kristin Thigpen from GHD reached out to them directly. But Maraline and Kurt Olson were not contacted. Danielle Connor was not contacted. Esmeralda Pina was not contacted. I was not contacted. We all have opinions on this item. As do many other supporters that were not contacted in advance. It is troubling that the naysayers were able to get their opinions into the staff report while the numerous supporters downtown were apparently not directly contacted. As a matter of fact, the downtown businesses that have been sponsoring the parklets only found out about this item when I alerted them to it.
If you’ve made it this far, thank you! I am very passionate about creating a vibrant downtown, where people want to spend time. The parklets are a great step in that direction and I implore you to do all you can to make sure that these parklets are developed into permanent people spaces. There is no downside to this!
Cheers,
Paul
F om l
To City Counc l Sa ah Glade Gu ney at ick Slayte Neysa H n on Una Glass D ana Rich Cc aul tz
Subject Any g ven even ng in the pa klet
Date Monday Septembe 19 2022 6 32 16 AM
In addition to my letter, I would like to share these photos with you. I took last weekend around 4 pm.
It’s impossible not to notice the diversity of age, race, gender. All different people are enjoying this parklet. One cannot say it’s just kids or adults or even Screamin Mimi’s s customers. This is just a nice, visable place right in the center of town where people like to gather. (Or they see someone they know there and stop to talk to them.)
Personally, this is exactly what I want my town to look like.This is social infrastructure. This happens every day.
From a person who was originally anti-Parklet,I am always so amazed at how many people enjoy this Parklet daily, including myself.
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 19, 2022, at 6:19 AM, Maraline <[email protected]> wrote:
Septembe 17, 2022
City Council membe s,
Fi st of all, thank you fo you time. I know you all have lives outside of city gove nment and f om my own expe ience, I know how little f ee time a pe son can have. Thank you fo spend ng t fo the bette ment of Sebastopol.
Sc eamin M mi s has been in ope ation at th s location fo ove 27 yea s. We have employed ove 600 highschool and college students. Ou pay o l in one yea alone pumps $400, 000 nto the local economy though the hands of these students. In addition, we donate to just about eve y cause that equests a donat on anging f om $20 gift ce tif cates to ice c eam fo thei event. We give ice c eam to the Sebastopol Little League all summe long. We donate ce c eam eve y yea to 4H Annual BBQ se v ng 500 guests. We donate ce c eam to the Analy Band Wagon and the local m ddle school g aduations just to name a few. Ou blood d ive is the la gest blood d ive in Sonoma County fo ove 20 yea s collect ng hund eds of pints eve y August. I am ve y p oud that I have wo ked ha d and cont ibuted to my community and made my business an asset to downtown Sebastopol and Sonoma County.
In June (June 17, 2022) I posted on seve al soc al media sites ega ding the e-opening of Sc eamin Mimi s. In summa y, we we e dealing with the app oach of ou busy season, many new employees who have neve se ved custome s inside, the acquisition of seve al new pieces of equipment du ng the pandem c which impacted ou limited floo space and we knew that eopening would equi e seve al days of downt me. We decided to continue ou pandemic se v ce system unt l fa l in o de to best accommodate employee safety and custome efficiency. It was summe in Sonoma County and sitting outside seemed natu al.
We a e cu ently about to close fo a few days to ebu ld, ea ange and et ain ou staff fo ndoo se vice. Ou p ojected full eopening is by Octobe 15, 2022. We a e ve y app ec ative of the c ty s pat ence and unde standing du ng th s t me. I do believe that ou pandemic se v ce set up made the diffe ence fo us to not only get by du ng the pandemic, but to actually imp ove and p ovide ou custome s with the best se v ce.
Unfo tunately, I have to sta t with ai ing di ty laund y . Not my natu e, but I believe two of the lette s included n the staff epo t may be based on ha d feelings.
On August 29, Cathy (f om Toppe s) and I noticed that ou t ash a ea was completely ove flow ng. I told he I would take ca e of it since we p oduce way mo e t ash then he shop. I called a supe viso at Recology, Ismael Ma tin. He helped me identify that the only 2 businesses in ou v cin ty (including all business on ou block of Sebastopol Road, Petaluma Ave and also Weeks Way) we e paying fo t ash emoval. Only Sc eamin Mimi s & Toppe s. He also told me the e we e seve al bags of t ash they would not p ck up due to const uct on deb is. I pe sonally went back and went th ough the 5 bags of heavy const uct on deb is ( including p essu e t eated wood). These bags conta ned bus ness ma l f om Ba e Rayd ance. I emoved the bags f om my t ash a ea and tied them up, left them nea the ent ance to Ba e adiance with a note indicating that the t ash company efused to pick them us and also, acco ding to Recology, they we e not paying fo emoval . The e was also a lot of t ash deposited into the a ea f om Ret ospect, who also did not pay fo se v ce. On Septembe 2, at the adv se of the Recology supe viso , I bought a comb nation lock and gave the combination to Recology and also to Cathy at Toppe s. We ag eed that we would not give the combination out . My employees we e all inst ucted not to sha e the combinat on. Since nstallat on, G ego y Odle ang ily app oached my employees and continues to ask fo the combination.
As you may o may not be awa e, I am ve y conscientious about waste gene ated by my business. About 18 yea s ago we we e among the fi st companies in Sebastopol to join the food waste p og am (and it was SUPER EXPENSIVE!!). We se ve all but 2 of ou p oducts in biodeg adable containe s. We a e 99% compostable and we gene ate only a small bag of t ash pe day . We also put out an additional 2 cans daily fo public use in the pa klet. The claims of Ba e Raydiance s owne Allayna F y, is unfounded. I also pe sonally hand so t the public t ash cans in f ont of the shop 3 days a week and I deposit t into my bus ness s cans. I also clean up the enti e pa klet daily, p cking up litte in and a ound the pa klet & my bus ness. Often the t ash includes waste f om consume s of Whole Foods, King Falaffel, Honeymoon Yogu t, Ac e Pizza etc. I do not feel this is in anyway the esponsibility of these bus nesses because thei consume s may o may not have h t the t ash eceptacle when depositing thei ubbish. We e deal ng with the public, so it s not always going to be conside ate and pe fect.
I am cu ious why Ms. F y s lette begins with efe enc ng “ esponding to you email”. It seems as if a few businesses we e solic ted fo opinion. I am wonde ing why a business w th no access to the pa klet in question (&actually happens to be situated on the town plaza pa k) was solicited and not my own bus ness, o Toppe s , o King Falaffel o many othe s. Ba e Raydience doesn t even have access th ough the bu lding located at 6906 Sebastopol Ave. I m not apposed to them being asked fo an op nion, I m just ve y cu ous why only a select few we e solic ted. In addition, I find the attached su vey conducted by enginee ng/GHD odd. Who did they speak to when contacting businesses? An employee? Some teenage wo king pa t time? A manage ? An owne ? A landlo d? It s a id culously small sample conducted ove too sho t of a time with ve y little nfo mat on on the pa tic pants.
In esponse to Jennife Balletto s latest complaint ega ding the accident which occu ed on June 27. I ag ee, it was ve y upsett ng and amazing no one was nju ed. I was actually n the window and w tnessed it all , te ified that I was going to see something I could neve fo get. But the safety issue with the pa klet was add essed by the town al eady and additional K ails we e added. If made pe manent, this issue would obviously be add essed n the design. Us ng Ms. Baletto s logic, anyth ng that has been involved in a t affic accident needs to be emoved, we would have to emove the building ac oss the st eet (hit by a fi e t uck), emove my bus nesses location( hit by a ca that olled off a tow t uck), close down any inte section that a teenage can possibly un a ed light ( the cause of the ca ente ng the pa klet). And pe haps the accident would have been wo se if the pa ket wasn t the e? We eally neve know. I would th nk we can p ove that the e a e actually less accidents in this inte sect on since the fast da t f om Depot St eet ac oss two lanes of westbound H ghway 116 has been elim nated. And also the mult ple chancy lane changes f om people tu ning ght off west bound highway 12 and quickly changing lanes to scoot into one of 3 possible pa king spots on Depot St eet (now the pa klet). I saw many accidents in both of these situations. And they have all be eliminated now.
G ego y Odle, owne of Ret ospect has been ve y outspoken about his op nion of the pa klet and, in t uth, h s dislike of my family pe sonally. He posted a one sta eview on ou Google account claiming (inco ectly) that ou f ont k osk, “blocking the Calt ans ite of way”. He has epeatedly knocked ove ou a f ame st eet sign indicating ou Exp ess window. But most notably he pa ks his comme c al veh cle a l day (moving it sl ghtly to evade ticket ng) n the pa k ng spot located di ectly in f ont of his shop. We had p eviously equested that he cons de leaving it open fo eve yone s custome s, but afte a ve y ang y conf ontat on in which he th eatened my husband and called h m a “ fat F##K and you fat f##king family” (se iously), we decided to no longe app oach him. I ment on th s because I do not see how th s business use of a pa king spot s diffe ent f om a pa klet. It s not sanctioned, but he is using it as a bi lboa d holding spot fo his business and est icting it s use being used by othe s. Actually only benef tt ng his business.
Lastly , efe encing the lette f om Ba e Rayd ence s owne , she states, “If this pa klet doesn t benefit all bus nesses then it should be emoved.” Since she s located on the plaza, can I equest the plaza be emoved since it sn t di ectly benefiting my business? I think you can see how p eposte ous th s statement s. It s as if I am being held esponsible because I am the only food establ shment on my block. The obvious bus ness benefic a y of any pa klet s a food business, but mo e impo tantly the eal beneficia ies a e THE PEOPLE enjoying the pa klet! Ea l e I stated that I didn t have a p oblem with businesses being solicited fo op nions as long as it was a l businesses, not just a select few. But actually I do have a p oblem with th s. I do not see why the businesses opinion s mo e valuable than the thousands of people who we e not asked thei opin on but yet come and enjoy the pa klet.
We a e talking about public space fo people. I do not unde stand why Sebastopol of all places, is lett ng a few businesses d ctate what s best fo the majo ty of local citizens. It s eally shocking to me.
Please conside making a decision that may uffle a few feathe s today, but wi l in the long un benefit Sebastopol fo all involved by help ng to c eate a mo e vib ant ent ance to ou town.
Thank you again fo you t me and attention to this matte .
Ma aline Olson
Sent f om Mail fo Windows
Sent f om Mail fo Windows
From: City Council
To: Toni Bertolero; Mario Landeros; Kristin Thigpen; Lawrence McLaughlin Subject: FW: Keep the parklets in Sebastopol!
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022 5:37:00 PM
Good evening
Please see email below,
Thank you
Mary Gourley
Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, MMC
-----Original Message-----
From: Janet Gardner
Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2022 2:20 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Cc: Patrick Slayter <[email protected]>; Neysa Hinton <[email protected]>; Una Glass <una.glass.seb@sonic net>; Sarah Glade Gurney <[email protected]>; Diana Rich <[email protected]>
Subject: Keep the parklets in Sebastopol!
Hello there,
I’m writing to ask that you keep the parklets in Sebastopol, particularly the one outside Screamin’ Mimi’s. These are additive to the community and provide a safe, attractive gathering place. They bring joy to many of us in the community, as well as drawing in customers and income for our local businesses. Removing them would be harmful to the community.
Thank you,
Janet Gardner
From: City Council
To: Una Glass; Sarah Glade Gurney; Neysa Hinton; Diana Rich; Patrick Slayter Cc: Lawrence McLaughlin; Toni Bertolero; Mario Landeros; Kristin Thigpen Subject: FW: Parklet
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022 5:38:00 PM
Good evening
Please see email related to City Council agenda item.
Due to the COVID-19 Shelter in Place Orders by the County of Sonoma and State of California, City Administation Offices are closed to the public; but City staff is answering phones and emails and making in person appointments when needed. Mary Gourley
-----Original Message-----
From: Karen Rustp
Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2022 3:16 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Parklet
I want to encourage you to keep the parklet in front of Screamin Mimi’s. It is friendly, clean, safe, and encourages people to pause and sit together. I think the Sebastopol parklets are charming and have an almost European feel.
Let’s not lose something good that came out of Covid. Thank you for your consideration. Karen Rust.
Sent from my iPad
From: City Council
To: Toni Bertolero; Mario Landeros; Lawrence McLaughlin; Kristin Thigpen Subject: FW: Save Screaming" Mimi"s parklet
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022 5:37:00 PM
Good evening
Please see email below.
Thank you
Mary Gourley
Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, MMC
From: Megan <
Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2022 3:09 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Cc: Patrick Slayter <[email protected]>; Neysa Hinton <[email protected]>; Una Glass <[email protected]>; Sarah Glade Gurney <[email protected]>; Diana Rich <[email protected]>
Subject: Save Screaming' Mimi's parklet
Dear City Council members of Sebastopol,
I’m a local author who has lived in Sebastopol for nearly 30 years, and I’d like to express how much enjoyment I get from
meeting with friends, family, and fans (my readers) outside Screaming’ Mimi’s.
Recently my 90-year-old (former) professor visited from Los Angeles, and the single thing she wanted to do most was to sit Covid-free outside of Screaming’ Mimi’s and enjoy a Sunday afternoon ice cream.
Who doesn’t want to appreciate our town while savoring some Mimi’s Mud or Galaxy? Please save our Screaming’ Mimi’s parklet!
Thanks for your consideration,
Megan McDonald
Author of the Judy Moody book series
From: City Council
To: Una Glass; Sarah Glade Gurney; Neysa Hinton; Diana Rich; Patrick Slayter Cc: Lawrence McLaughlin; Toni Bertolero; Mario Landeros; Kristin Thigpen Subject: FW: Screaming Mimi’s Parklet
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022 5:38:00 PM
Good evening
Please see email related to City Council agenda item.
Due to the COVID-19 Shelter in Place Orders by the County of Sonoma and State of California, City Administation Offices are closed to the public; but City staff is answering phones and emails and making in person appointments when needed. Mary Gourley
From: Jeremy Scheiblich
Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2022 3:01 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Screaming Mimi’s Parklet
Leave the parklet alone please. Especially if you’re not going to clean out the riff raff from the town square. No one wants to hang out there in the evening or after dark and eat their ice cream, the people that are allowed to cause a ruckus there make us all uncomfortable. Fix it, and leave the parklet alone. Thank you.
From: City Council
To: Toni Bertolero; Mario Landeros; Kristin Thigpen
Subject: FW: SEBASTOPOL PARKLETS-Screamin Mimi"s
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022 5:36:00 PM
Good evening
Please see public comment below.
Thank you
Mary Gourley
Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, MMC
From: Vita Pehar >
Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2022 1:50 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Cc: Patrick Slayter <[email protected]>; Neysa Hinton <[email protected]>; Una Glass <[email protected]>; Sarah Glade Gurney <[email protected]>; Diana Rich <[email protected]>
Subject: SEBASTOPOL PARKLETS-Screamin Mimi's
Dear Honorable City Council Members,
I am a parent, business woman, and longtime Sebastopol resident writing to you regarding the parklets in Sebastopol.
I think the parklets are an asset to our small town charm and allow for residents to enjoy the local businesses outside in a safe environment. I know, for one, I still do not feel safe eating indoors (due to Covid) and really appreciate having outdoor areas to enjoy local businesses.
Without them, I would stay home or go to another town that does offer outdoor parklets/seating.
I also think it makes our city look much friendlier (especially at the corner of Hwy 12 and 116) at Screamin’ Mimis. Every time I go through that intersection, which is often, I smile, as I love seeing all the life there in our wonderful small town. Most of the town shuts down quite early, and I feel it is truly missing seeing foot traffic and PEOPLE out.
Screamin’ Mimi’s parklet is particularly wonderful! I truly enjoy seeing people of all ages enjoying being outside, talking, and eating ice cream. What could be a better way to welcome visitors and locals to our charming town? It makes our town better and I really think we need to keep it, especially in a time when so many people are at home, or on a screen working remotely.
PLEASE keep this parklet and encourage people being outside, safely, and enjoying (and spending money) at our beautiful local businesses and charming small town.
Thank you,
Vita
Vita Pehar
From: City Council
To: Una Glass; Sarah Glade Gurney; Neysa Hinton; Diana Rich; Patrick Slayter Cc: Toni Bertolero; Mario Landeros; Kristin Thigpen; Lawrence McLaughlin Subject: FW: WE LOVE THE PARKLETS!!
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022 5:36:00 PM
Good evening
Please see email related to City Council agenda item.
Due to the COVID-19 Shelter in Place Orders by the County of Sonoma and State of California, City Administation Offices are closed to the public; but City staff is answering phones and emails and making in person appointments when needed. Mary Gourley
From: Karla Marlow < >
Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2022 2:07 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: WE LOVE THE PARKLETS!!
Please listen to the majority of Sebastopol and keep the parklets! A small minority should not ruin it for the rest of the town. People love to gather in them and it adds a real vibrancy to the downtown area and brings visitors over from the Barlow.
Very misguided to remove them. WE LOVE THE PARKLETS!!
Karla Marlow
From: Rachael & Greg Fitch
To: City Council
Subject: Happy support for parklet along Depot St.
Date: Friday, September 16, 2022 7:17:05 PM
9/16/22
Dear Sebastopol City Council members,
First, thank you for your time serving our City. Your time is appreciated.
I fully support keeping the parklet that currently exists along Depot Street in front of Create It!, Screamin’ Mimi’s and The Face Place.
It is a pretty little public park that is available for everyone to enjoy, and having it right at the entrance to downtown is a welcoming sight for visitors. It encourages the use of outside spaces for gathering, which has proven to be healthy and popular worldwide in the last 2.5 years. Enjoying the outdoors is something to be encouraged and to be proud of, especially in our beautiful county.
The loss of the 3 parking places seems like a very small price to pay for such a convenient, welcoming, unique little spot to meet friends and enjoy Falafel, ice cream and a coffee in your newly fired hand-made coffee mug! It makes that corner look alive and thriving, bringing positive attention and interest to an otherwise quiet row of parked cars.
Thank you for your attention to this issue, and please consider that for every negative opinion you get, there are probably far more positive opinions out there…for some reason people just don’t tend to share those.
Best wishes,
Rachael Fitch, Sebastopol resident.
From: Sunny Galbraith
To: City Council; Patrick Slayter; Neysa Hinton; Una Glass; Sarah Glade Gurney; Diana Rich Subject: I love the Sebastopol parklets!
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022 1:56:06 PM
Hello city council members,
Just writing to say that I really love the parklets in the city. I think they provide wonderful outdoor gathering places for people and make our town festive and inviting to visitors. I hope they can stay!
-Sunny
From: Janet Gardner
To: City Council
Cc: Patrick Slayter; Neysa Hinton; Una Glass; Sarah Glade Gurney; Diana Rich Subject: Keep the parklets in Sebastopol!
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022 2:20:23 PM
Hello there,
I’m writing to ask that you keep the parklets in Sebastopol, particularly the one outside Screamin’ Mimi’s. These are additive to the community and provide a safe, attractive gathering place. They bring joy to many of us in the community, as well as drawing in customers and income for our local businesses. Removing them would be harmful to the community.
Thank you,
Janet Gardner
From: Marlene Fink
To: Mary Gourley
Subject: Mimi’s Parklet
Date: Sunday, September 18, 2022 8:16:54 PM
Dear Council Members,
Please leave Mimi’s parklet in place. Having the parklets in three downtown locations is a boon for customers and owners. Everyone loves using them. They make their sidewalk areas friendly, festive, and accessible, without tables and chairs blocking the immediate sidewalk.
I haven’t heard a single friend or family member criticize the parklets. Rather, it feels like a feature that should have been added years ago, and is one of the few positive things to come out of the Covid era.
Mimi’s parklet
needs to stay.
Thanks for listening.
Marlene Fink
Sent from my iPad
From: ralph harmon
To: City Council
Subject: Parklet at Screammin MIMI"s
Date: Friday, September 16, 2022 8:35:20 PM
Council Members,
Please do not remove the Parklet from in front of Screamin Mimis’.
That part of the street is rarely used and it provides a nice place to enjoy the Ice Cream.
It’s a little Park, a Parklet.
Thank you
Ralph Harmon
40 year Sebastopol resident
From: Suyin stein
To: City Council
Subject: Parklet at the corner of Hwy 116 and Hwy 12
Date: Friday, September 16, 2022 4:50:45 PM
Dear City Council Members,
This particular parklet is a way of greeting visitors to Sebastopol on the two intersecting highways. It creates a public space and awareness of our community and personality.
I have sat in it with visiting tourists without eating ice cream, what a delightful place to watch the world go by.
Frankly, there are many other parklets that do take up too many parking spaces and impinge on many businesses.
The one in front of Screamin Mimi’s was designated for 3 cars, yet only 2 cars could fit. The 3rd car always hung out in the crosswalk and was risking a citation.
Please keep this parklet as is. I would be in favor of making it even more inviting with a couple of trees.
Thank you for your consideration.
Suyin Stein
Sebastopol, CA 95472
Sent from my iPhone
From: Maraline
To: City Council; Sarah Glade Gurney; Patrick Slayter; Neysa Hinton; Una Glass; Diana Rich Cc: Paul Fritz; Maraline
Subject: Parklet discussion
Date: Monday, September 19, 2022 6:19:20 AM
September 17, 2022
City Council members,
First of all, thank you for your time. I know you all have lives outside of city government and from my own experience, I know how little free time a person can have. Thank you for spending it for the betterment of Sebastopol.
Screamin’ Mimi’s has been in operation at this location for over 27 years. We have employed over 600 highschool and college students. Our payroll in one year alone pumps $400, 000 into the local economy though the hands of these students. In addition, we donate to just about every cause that requests a donation ranging from $20 gift certificates to ice cream for their event. We give ice cream to the Sebastopol Little League all summer long. We donate ice cream every year to 4H Annual BBQ serving 500 guests. We donate ice cream to the Analy Band Wagon and the local middle school graduations just to name a few. Our blood drive is the largest blood drive in Sonoma County for over 20 years collecting hundreds of pints every August. I am very proud that I have worked hard and contributed to my community and made my business an asset to downtown Sebastopol and Sonoma County.
In June (June 17, 2022) I posted on several social media sites regarding the re-opening of Screamin’ Mimi’s. In summary, we were dealing with the approach of our busy season, many new employees who have never served customers inside, the acquisition of several new pieces of equipment during the pandemic which impacted our limited floor space and we knew that reopening would require several days of downtime. We decided to continue our pandemic service system until fall in order to best accommodate employee safety and customer efficiency. It was summer in Sonoma County and sitting outside seemed natural.
We are currently about to close for a few days to rebuild, rearrange and retrain our staff for indoor service. Our projected full reopening is by October 15, 2022. We are very appreciative of the city’s patience and understanding during this time. I do believe that our pandemic service set up made the difference for us to not only get by during the pandemic, but to actually improve and provide our customers with the best service.
Unfortunately, I have to start with ‘airing dirty laundry’. Not my nature, but I believe two of the letters included in the staff report may be based on hard feelings.
On August 29, Cathy (from Toppers) and I noticed that our trash area was completely overflowing. I told her I would take care of it since we produce way more trash then her shop. I called a supervisor at Recology, Ismael Martin. He helped me identify that the only 2 businesses in our vicinity (including all business on our block of Sebastopol Road, Petaluma Ave and also Weeks Way) were paying for trash removal. Only Screamin’ Mimi’s & Toppers. He also told me there were several bags of trash they would not pick up due to construction debris. I personally went back and went through the 5 bags of heavy construction debris ( including pressure treated wood). These bags contained business mail from Bare Raydiance. I removed the bags from my trash area and tied them up, left them near the entrance to Bare radiance with a note indicating that the trash company refused to pick them us and also, according to Recology, they were not paying for removal . There was also a lot of trash deposited into the area from Retrospect, who also did not pay for service. On September 2, at the advise of the Recology supervisor, I bought a combination lock and gave the combination to Recology and also to Cathy at Toppers. We agreed that we would not give the combination out . My employees were all instructed not to share the combination. Since installation, Gregory Odle angrily approached my employees and continues to ask for the combination.
As you may or may not be aware, I am very conscientious about waste generated by my business.
About 18 years ago we were among the first companies in Sebastopol to join the food waste program (and it was SUPER EXPENSIVE!!). We serve all but 2 of our products in biodegradable containers. We are 99% compostable and we generate only a small bag of trash per day . We also put out an additional 2 cans daily for public use in the parklet. The claims of Bare Raydiance’s owner Allayna Fry, is unfounded. I also personally hand sort the public trash cans in front of the shop 3 days a week and I deposit it into my business’s cans. I also clean up the entire parklet daily, picking up litter in and around the parklet & my business. Often the trash includes waste from consumers of Whole Foods, King Falaffel, Honeymoon Yogurt, Acre Pizza etc. I do not feel this is in anyway the responsibility of these businesses because their consumers may or may not have hit the trash receptacle when depositing their rubbish. We’re dealing with the public, so it’s not always going to be considerate and perfect.
I am curious why Ms. Fry’s letter begins with referencing “ responding to your email”. It seems as if a few businesses were solicited for opinion. I am wondering why a business with no access to the parklet in question (&actually happens to be situated on the town plaza park) was solicited and not my own business, or Toppers , or King Falaffel or many others. Bare Raydience doesn’t even have access through the building located at 6906 Sebastopol Ave. I’m not apposed to them being asked for an opinion, I’m just very curious why only a select few were solicited. In addition, I find the attached survey conducted by engineering/GHD odd. Who did they speak to when contacting businesses? An employee? Some teenager working part time? A manager? An owner? A landlord? It’s a ridiculously small sample conducted over too short of a time with very little information on the participants.
In response to Jennifer Balletto’s latest complaint regarding the accident which occurred on June 27.
I agree, it was very upsetting and amazing no one was injured. I was actually in the window and witnessed it all , terrified that I was going to see something I could never forget. But the safety issue with the parklet was addressed by the town already and additional K rails were added. If made permanent, this issue would obviously be addressed in the design. Using Ms. Baletto’s logic, anything that has been involved in a traffic accident needs to be removed, we would have to remove the building across the street (hit by a fire truck), remove my businesses location( hit by a car that rolled off a tow truck), close down any intersection that a teenager can possibly run a red light ( the cause of the car entering the parklet). And perhaps the accident would have been worse if the parket wasn’t there? We really never know. I would think we can prove that there are actually less accidents in this intersection since the ‘fast dart’ from Depot Street across two lanes of westbound Highway 116 has been eliminated. And also the multiple ‘chancy’ lane changes from people turning right off west bound highway 12 and quickly changing lanes to scoot into one of 3 possible parking spots on Depot Street (now the parklet). I saw many accidents in both of these situations. And they have all be eliminated now.
Gregory Odle, owner of Retrospect has been very outspoken about his opinion of the parklet and, in truth, his dislike of my family personally. He posted a one star ’review’ on our Google account claiming (incorrectly) that our front kiosk, “blocking the Caltrans rite of way”. He has repeatedly knocked over our a frame street sign indicating our Express window. But most notably he parks his commercial vehicle all day (moving it slightly to evade ticketing) in the parking spot located directly in front of his shop. We had previously requested that he consider leaving it open for everyone’s customers, but after a very angry confrontation in which he threatened my husband and called him a “ fat F##K and your fat f##king family” (seriously), we decided to no longer approach him. I mention this because I do not see how this ‘business ‘use of a parking spot is different from a parklet. It’s not sanctioned, but he is using it as a billboard holding spot for his business and restricting it’s use being used by others. Actually only benefitting his business.
Lastly , referencing the letter from Bare Raydience’s owner, she states, “If this parklet doesn’t benefit all businesses then it should be removed.” Since she’s located on the plaza, can I request the plaza be removed since it isn’t directly benefiting my business? I think you can see how preposterous this statement is. It’s as if I am being held responsible because I am the only food establishment on my block. The obvious business beneficiary of any parklet is a food business, but more importantly the real beneficiaries are THE PEOPLE enjoying the parklet! Earlier I stated that I didn’t have a problem with businesses being solicited for opinions as long as it was all businesses, not just a select few. But actually I do have a problem with this. I do not see why the businesses opinion is more valuable than the thousands of people who were not asked their opinion but yet come and enjoy the parklet.
We are talking about public space for people. I do not understand why Sebastopol of all places, is letting a few businesses dictate what’s best for the majority of local citizens. It’s really shocking to me.
Please consider making a decision that may ruffle a few feathers today, but will in the long run benefit Sebastopol for all involved by helping to create a more vibrant entrance to our town.
Thank you again for your time and attention to this matter.
Maraline Olson
Sent from Mail for Windows
Sent from Mail for Windows
From: Teresa Baumgardner
To: City Council
Subject: Parklet Screamin Mimi’s
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022 6:43:53 PM
Please keep the parklet open in front of the ice cream shop. Thank you.
Teresa Baumgardner
From: Karen Rustp
To: City Council
Subject: Parklet
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022 3:16:11 PM
I want to encourage you to keep the parklet in front of Screamin Mimi’s. It is friendly, clean, safe, and encourages people to pause and sit together. I think the Sebastopol parklets are charming and have an almost European feel.
Let’s not lose something good that came out of Covid. Thank you for your consideration. Karen Rust.
Sent from my iPad
From: Gregory Beale
To: City Council
Cc: Kristin Thigpen; Toni Bertolero; Mary Gourley
Subject: Parklets
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022 1:23:05 PM
Attachments: image001.png
Hello Patrick, Una, Sarah, Neysa and Diana,
I was contacted by Kristen Thigpen with regards to our experience and opinion of the parklets in downtown Sebastopol.
We own three properties on the corner of S Main and Burnett Street, in addition to living within the city limits.
In summary, I feel strongly that the amount of lanes and on-street parking significantly detracts from pedestrian enjoyment and safety. I think that parklets create character and a much needed buffer between pedestrian, businesses and vehicles that would improve the attraction to our community and visitors. I would imagine that six to ten people could utilize/enjoy the outdoor parklet space equal to the size of one parked car that may only be carrying one person. That just makes sense for business, aesthetics and quality of life.
In addition to the parklets on S Main, our family has frequented the parklet adjacent to Screamin’ Mimi’s. Having two young children, my wife and I feel much better having the space for our kids to move about with barriers between them and moving traffic.
Please find my answers below to the specific questions asked:
Are you in favor of making the parklets permanent? Unequivocally yes. Outdoor experience is so important to wellbeing and social interaction. Our downtown is significantly limited in its potential due to the two highways running through it. I hear that many think that businesses benefit from that traffic driving by, but I beg to differ. I believe that businesses would benefit from a more pleasant walking experience that is further buffered from traffic (more of a destination and less of passthrough). We do not have a “window shopping” environment in its current setting. Myself and those that I speak with more often than not go downtown with a specific purpose and immediately leave after their predetermined goal was achieved.
Has the loss of parking from parklets affected you? No.
Is there a safety issue with the location, and if so, have you seen the issue? I feel very strongly that street parking on S Main is generally unsafe and I think that the parklets provide a safer buffer between vehicles and pedestrian traffic. I have observed regular close calls between vehicles and pedestrians. Parking in close proximity to cross walks adds additional risk and I think that parklets are an ideal solution to create better visibility and buffer for approaching cars.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Many thanks,
Greg Beale
Founder and CEO
555 So. Main St. Suite 1
Sebastopol CA 95472
From: Lawrence of Sebastopol
To: City Council
Subject: Parklets
Date: Saturday, September 17, 2022 9:15:51 AM
Dear Honorable Council Members
Please keep the parklets.
I love them. I use the one in the center of town. I’d like to stop there when I get ice cream. Also as a frequent user of the intersection on my bicycle. I feel like closing that small spot has increased my bicycle safety.
I am also a big fan of the Parkland in front of retrograde and the sunshine café. I frequently eat breakfast at sunshine café and I love that Park-let.
The park-lets are a benefit to our town.
Thank you for considering my opinion.
Respectfully,
Lawrence Jaffe
From: Helen Sharrocks
To: City Council
Subject: Parklets
Date: Saturday, September 17, 2022 8:14:27 PM
Please save the charming parklet in front of Mimi’s ICP. It creates a warm invitation to stop in Sebastopol and enjoy all we have to offer.
Thank you
Helen Kimberly Sharrocks.
Sent from my iPhone
From: BARBARA SACKETT
To: City Council
Subject: Parklette
Date: Sunday, September 18, 2022 6:34:53 PM
We are very much in favor of keeping the parklette in front of Scream’n Mimi’s. It is indeed an asset to our town.
We understand that some businesses in the same area object to it because “it only benefits one business”. This is far from the truth. Patrons of Scream’n Mimis often take an interest in these other stores. Having the parklette actually attracts more people. Wouldn’t the other stores WANT more foot traffic around their businesses? The ice cream parlor is an anchor store for the area. The parklette should stay as a wonderful addition to our town.
Sincerely,
Barb Sackett
From: Kate Quinlan
To: City Council
Subject: Please support the parklet
Date: Friday, September 16, 2022 12:36:30 PM
Hi,
I would like to encourage you to support the parklet at the corner of Bodega and 116 (near Screaming Mimi’s). It is an outdoor space that benefits the public.
Because it is a highly visible outdoor public space, it also benefits the entire community by contributing to the perception of our town a friendly, fun environment for visitors. Surely we want to encourage tourist traffic to Sebastopol, or we would not have supported the development of the Barlow?
Anything that enhances the public’s perception of Sebastopol as a positive tourist destination benefits *all* Sebastopol businesses.
Thank you for your consideration.
Warmly,
Kate Quinlan
, Sebastopol, CA 95472
From: Allison Marti
To: Mary Gourley
Subject: Public Comment Agenda Item 9
Date: Sunday, September 18, 2022 10:16:39 PM
Hello,
I am writing in support of keeping permanent parklets like the one in front of Screamin' Mimi's in Sebastopol. Parklets provide outdoor spaces for people to enjoy downtown (like if they don't feel safe dining indoors because of a comorbidity or other concern during the ongoing pandemic, for example.) Parklets keep our sidewalks clear and safe for people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and strollers. Parklets encourage locals to walk or bike into town instead of driving and adding to congestion.
Screamin' Mimi's parklet in particular is such a better use of that space. I used to park there myself, but I would much rather sit on a bench with friends. When people driving through see that there are people enjoying themselves it shows that our town is fun and interesting. If anything that space should be invested in further to make it more safe and attractive for people to enjoy.
Thank you for your time,
Allison Marti
Sebastopol resident
From: Tim Guntz
To: Mary Gourley
Subject: public comment for agenda item 9 for the 9/20 mtg Date: Saturday, September 17, 2022 2:44:31 PM
I just want to add my voice to those requesting that the lounge area outside of Screamin’ Mimi’s be kept. Before it was used for lounge space I ways thought that traffic interchange was dangerous to pedestrian traffic. It’s also such a lovely space to inhabit as a patron. I have enjoyed all of those repurposed spaces during the pandemic. I would love to see them all stick around. I think they promote a more cohesive pedestrian flow through the town which is already quite charming.
Cheers,
Tim Guntz
Sebastopol Resident
Sebastopol, CA 95472
From: Nicole Petersen Tapia
To: Mary Gourley
Subject: Re: public comment agenda item 9 for the council mtg Date: Saturday, September 17, 2022 10:13:16 AM
I apologize realized that I made a few typos in my email. 3rd sentence:
Sebastopol prides ITSELF on the feeling of community and it's uniqueness and these quant outdoor area help it make Sebastopol interesting and fun for people to enjoy, encourages walkability of downtown and they really do benefits businesses that make Sebastopol what it is.
Last paragraph:
Please think about the HOW it will look and feel the next time you walk or drive down town and all OF it's fun, positive upbeat that you can see people experiencing as you pass by is no longer an option and instead it's empty and has LOST that vibrant feel that we all love so much about Sebastopol.
Respectfully,
Nicole
On Sat, Sep 17, 2022, 9:10 AM Nicole Petersen Tapia > wrote:
Hello my name is Nicole Petersen I'm 44 and I'm a Sonoma County resident and have been my whole life.
I'm taking the time to express the importance of our park lets.
They provide outdoor space where otherwise there is none.
Sebastopol prides it's self on the feeling of community and it's uniqueness and these quant outdoor area help it make Sebastopol interesting and fun for people to enjoy, encourages walkability of downtown and they really do benefits businesses that make Sebastopol what it is.
The park let's allows space for bicycles and strollers, so the sidewalks are accessible to everyone.
These little nooks are so welcoming and they make sense for businesses to continue to thrive and serve the Sebastopol community.
Please think about the who it will look and feel the next time you walk or drive down town and all the the it's fun, positive upbeat that you can see people experiencing as you pass by is no longer an option and instead it's empty and has lots that vibrant feel that we all love so much about Sebastopol.
Respectfully,
Nicole
From: Megan
To: City Council
Cc: Patrick Slayter; Neysa Hinton; Una Glass; Sarah Glade Gurney; Diana Rich Subject: Save Screaming" Mimi"s parklet
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022 2:57:33 PM
Dear City Council members of Sebastopol,
I’m a local author who has lived in Sebastopol for nearly 30 years, and I’d like to express how much enjoyment I get from
meeting with friends, family, and fans (my readers) outside Screaming’ Mimi’s.
Recently my 90-year-old (former) professor visited from Los Angeles, and the single thing she wanted to do most was to sit Covid-free outside of Screaming’ Mimi’s and
enjoy a Sunday afternoon ice cream.
Who doesn’t want to appreciate our town while savoring some Mimi’s Mud or Galaxy? Please save our Screaming’ Mimi’s parklet!
Thanks for your consideration,
Megan McDonald
Author of the Judy Moody book series
From: Kristin Thigpen
To: Toni Bertolero
Cc: Mary Gourley
Subject: Screamin Mimi’s input
Date: Friday, September 16, 2022 12:03:57 PM
Hi Toni,
I'm not familiar with how to save or forward Teams voicemails, so have taken a screenshot and attached the vm from Marilène at Screamin' Mimi's I just received. She asks questions I do not know the reasoning behind or answer to. Can you or Mary respond to her? Thank you,
Kristin
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From: Jeremy Scheiblich
To: City Council
Subject: Screaming Mimi’s Parklet
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022 3:01:47 PM
Leave the parklet alone please. Especially if you’re not going to clean out the riff raff from the town square. No one wants to hang out there in the evening or after dark and eat their ice cream, the people that are allowed to cause a ruckus there make us all uncomfortable. Fix it, and leave the parklet alone. Thank you.
From: Carol Schoffer
To: Sarah Glade Gurney; [email protected]; City Council; [email protected]; Neysa Hinton; Una Glass Subject: Sebastopol parklets
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022 8:48:43 PM
Hello
I am writing to voice my support of our city parklets. I love the community feeling of these parklets. I mostly am visiting the one st Screamin Mimis. It’s heartwarming seeing families, teen peer groups, lovers and such gathering.
I know soooo many people who do not feel covid safe unless they can dine outdoors. Please keep our parklets. I would imagine it brings more money into our community. Thank you for considering this.
Carol Schoffer
Sebastopol resident
From: Vita Pehar
To: City Council
Cc: Patrick Slayter; Neysa Hinton; Una Glass; Sarah Glade Gurney; Diana Rich Subject: SEBASTOPOL PARKLETS-Screamin Mimi"s
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022 1:50:12 PM
Dear Honorable City Council Members,
I am a parent, business woman, and longtime Sebastopol resident writing to you regarding the parklets in Sebastopol.
I think the parklets are an asset to our small town charm and allow for residents to enjoy the local businesses outside in a safe environment. I know, for one, I still do not feel safe eating indoors (due to Covid) and really appreciate having outdoor areas to enjoy local businesses.
Without them, I would stay home or go to another town that does offer outdoor parklets/seating.
I also think it makes our city look much friendlier (especially at the corner of Hwy 12 and 116) at Screamin’ Mimis. Every time I go through that intersection, which is often, I smile, as I love seeing all the life there in our wonderful small town. Most of the town shuts down quite early, and I feel it is truly missing seeing foot traffic and PEOPLE out.
Screamin’ Mimi’s parklet is particularly wonderful! I truly enjoy seeing people of all ages enjoying being outside, talking, and eating ice cream. What could be a better way to welcome visitors and locals to our charming town? It makes our town better and I really think we need to keep it, especially in a time when so many people are at home, or on a screen working remotely.
PLEASE keep this parklet and encourage people being outside, safely, and enjoying (and spending money) at our beautiful local businesses and charming small town.
Thank you,
Vita
Vita Pehar
From: Karla Marlow
To: City Council
Subject: WE LOVE THE PARKLETS!!
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022 2:07:02 PM
Please listen to the majority of Sebastopol and keep the parklets! A small minority should not ruin it for the rest of the town. People love to gather in them and it adds a real vibrancy to the downtown area and brings visitors over from the Barlow.
Very misguided to remove them. WE LOVE THE PARKLETS!!
Karla Marlow
From: Karen Thompson
To: City Council
Subject: Yes to Screaming Mimi"s Parklet
Date: Sunday, September 18, 2022 10:34:20 AM
>
> Dear Members of the Sebastopol City Council,
>
> I support keeping the parklet in front of Screaming Mimi's. In all the cities where I've visited these parklets (including parking challenged cities such as NYC and SF) I felt a tremendous sense of community joy supporting local businesses.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Karen Thompson
> Sebastopol resident
From: Vita Iskandar
To: City Council
Subject: Yes to Screaming Mimi"s Parklet
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022 5:46:24 PM
Dear Sebastopol City Council,
I am in support of keeping the parklet in front of Screaming Mimi's. In all the cities I've experienced these parklets, I notice a greater sense of community, commerce, and joy.
Thank you.
Vita Iskandar