Dear Council Members,
I am writing in regard to the Climate Action Committee.
As Sebastopol is a small town, less that 2 square miles, it seems that the City does not have a geographic size impact to negate climate change.
Sebastopol is also in a financial crisis and unable to meet basic needs of citizens and residents.
Some of the basic needs that are currently not being met are 1) fully staffed police department, 2) fully funded and staffed fire department, 3) upgrades to water infrastructure, 4) necessary road repair, 5) ADA compliant pathways in Ives park, 5) basic fencing around a pond in Willard Libby Park and sidewalk repairs.
Given the fact that the Planning Director is leaving in February and that the Planning Department has historically been overburdened by committee work and the City has a hiring freeze, I hope the Council will consider moving the Climate Action Committee from the staff rosters.
I would suggest a meeting format that is not staffed by paid City Employees but run by Council Members, who could give reports to the full Council twice per year.
This would allow the remaining Planning Department to concentrate on the immediate needs of the City, its citizens and business owners.
Best,
Kate Haug