From:
To: City Council: Mary Gourley; Stephen Zollman; Phill Carter; Sandra Maurer; Jill McLewis; Nevsa Hinton Subject: Consent Calendar: Request to Postpone Signing of SCRR Contract Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 9:46:39 AM
Hello,
I am writing to request that the council postpone signing the proposed contract with SCRR until all questions and concerns raised by the community have been thoroughly reviewed and addressed.
At the last council meeting, many residents and business owners expressed significant concerns about the impacts of the SCRR contract, including higher rates for recycling and composting, lack of transparency, and the detrimental effects on small businesses and sustainability efforts. Unfortunately, public comment was cut short, and not a single concern was addressed during the discussion. This has left many in the community feeling dismissed and unheard
Democracy relies on open dialogue, transparency, and leaders who are willing to listen and engage with their constituents. It is vital that elected officials uphold these principles by creating space for meaningful conversations and ensuring that all voices are heard. The decision to sign this contract will have lasting implications for Sebastopol, and it is imperative that the council approaches this process with care, integrity, and respect for the democratic values that guide our city.
Postponing the decision provides the council an opportunity to repair trust, foster transparency, and show that community input truly matters. It allows for a thorough analysis of all rates and services, a fair comparison of the proposals, and genuine engagement with the concerns of residents and business owners.
The council has a responsibility to lead in a way that reflects the values of our community— openness, fairness, and sustainability. I urge you to take this critical step toward rebuilding trust and ensuring that the best decision is made for Sebastopol's future.
Thank you for your consideration.
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noto Danielle Connor, she/her
Co-Founder, Head of Operations,
Retrograde Coffee Roasters