Agenda-Item-Number-11-CAC-Reconfiguration-and-Meeting-Frequency — Sebastopol City Council, March 18, 2025

CITY OF SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM REPORT FOR MEETING OF: March 18, 2025
=========================================================================================== To: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
From: Emi Thériault, Community Development Director
Don Schwartz, City Manager
Subject: Approval of Reconfiguration of the Climate Action Committee & Determining Meeting Frequency
=========================================================================================== RECOMMENDATIONS:

That the City Council by minute order approve the reconfiguring the composition of the Climate Action Committee; direct staff to set up interviews at the next available City Council meeting and approve every other month (odd months) meeting frequency.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The Climate Action Committee was established by the Sebastopol City Council in 2019. Since that time, the Committee has accomplished several goals as noted in the December 17, 2024 report to Council. During that meeting, Council considered committee status and staff time allocation for the effort given Budget constraints.

Council approved retention of the committee as an official City body with a limitation of staff time dedicated to the effort to no more than 10 hours per month. The official action is listed below for reference. • Option 2: Reduce the number of staff hours supporting the work of the CAC. This is a simple option to reduce costs that would simply provide the CAC with a monthly “budget” of staff hours. Consideration will need to begiven the type of work that the CAC is undertaking, as it is the largest driver of staff work. For example, CAC actions related to organizing the compost giveaway involve no staff hours, while crafting an Ordinance for Council consideration involves iterative staff reviews and the preparation of staff reports.

Limiting staff hours to 10 per month would allow monthly meetings to continue to be held in compliance with the Brown Act but would reduce CAC members’ reliance on Planning staff to carry out their work and may require that work to be re-prioritized. Staff hours not used in any month would roll over. This Option does have Brown Act considerations in that the Act continues to limit members’ ability to talk to one another about their projects and planning staff requests outside of an open, noticed public meeting. • Direct staff to return with agenda item to consider reducing the size of the committee.

BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:

In addition to Budget and staff time constraints, the committee itself has had some issues, despite its productivity, in establishing a quorum due to the large size of the committee (up to 13 members as discussed further below). Meetings have had to be cancelled for that reason and/or the committee has periodically not been able to take actions on items or have the benefit of input from a majority of the committee due to lack of quorum.

The CAC has discussed this item and has provided the following recommendation by motion at its October 8, 2024 meeting. The CAC is recommending changing the size of the body and reducing frequency of meetings for these reasons. Specific requested modifications are explained further below.

STAFF ANALYSIS:

Per the original Council adoption of committee make up, the Committee composition was formed to include:

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Original Committee Composition:

Between eleven (11) to thirteen (13 members) from the following backgrounds:

1. One City Councilmember (TBD)

2. One Planning Commissioner (Luke Lindenbusch)

3. One Member of City Staff (Alan Montes)

4. Youth (ages 17-23)

5. Sebastopol business owner

6. Sebastopol Climate Action or other local climate group representative

7. Environmental justice/equity background

8. Rights of nature background

9. Climate background

10. Reside within Sebastopol city limits

11. Reside outside Sebastopol city limits within the 95472-zip code On November 12, 2024 the CAC met to discuss potential reconfiguration of the committee and meeting frequency as follows:

Recommended Revised Committee Composition:
7 members from the following backgrounds:

1. One City Councilmember

2. One Zero Waste representative

3. Five members with one or more of the following experience/characteristics:
a. Youth representative (ages 17-23)
b. Climate Change
c. Sebastopol Business Owner
d. Local Climate Action Group
e. Environmental Justice and Equity
f. Rights of Nature
g. Energy
h. Transportation
Notes on additional CAC-suggested composition requirements:
• All members must reside within the 95472 zip code, and • the majority 7 members must have a climate background.

Potential candidates available for consideration.

In order to be proactive about recruitment and, given that background requirements would be similar to that previously required for the current composition, the City advertised and recruited for vacancies on the Climate Action Committee. The City received three applications. Based on those applications, it would be recommended that the Council interview applicants at the earliest opportunity for consideration of appointment. If the three applicant interviews result in appointments, all recommended positions would be filled at that time. Pending Council decision on the CAC suggested revised member composition requirements, interviews are tentatively placed on the City Council Forward Agenda Schedule for April 15, 2025.

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Potential Appointments:

Member Type Potential Assignment/Re-assignment Term Expires City Councilmember Official Liaison Councilmember Maurer Coincides with Council committee appointment
Representative-Zero Waste Councilmember Carter Coincides with Council committee appointment
Five Additional Members:

Youth Representative Applicant “A” available for interview

4.15.25 or at earliest Council meeting
available for interviews
TBD
Climate Change or Sebastopol
Business Owner
Applicant “B” available for interview TBD
Local Climate Action Group CAC member Lisa Pierce 12.31.2025 Environmental Justice and Equity CAC Chair Kenna Lee 12.31.2025 Rights of Nature and Energy types No currently eligible applicants n/a Transportation Applicant “C” available for interview. TBD Original Intended Meeting Frequency:

Currently, the committee is supposed to meet once a month, but quorum issues have led to infrequent meetings.

This creates gaps in progress on climate action goals. The CAC meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 3 to 5 pm
Proposed Meeting Frequency:

It is recommended by the CAC that the group meet every other month. Staff would suggest odd numbered months given the likely limited availability of members during the holiday season.

By reducing the number of meetings and the size of the committee, the expectation is that staff resources will be more efficiently used, which helps stay within the 10-hour per month limit set by the Council.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH:

This item has been noticed in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available for public viewing and review at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting date.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The proposed change to committee composition would not create a fiscal impact and the reduced number of meetings was already contemplated/would help facilitate the reduced staff allocation determined by Council in December 2024 action. No fiscal impact is anticipated.

RESTATED STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

OPTION(S):
• That the Council deny the recommendation and provide direction to staff on makeup and meeting frequency

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ATTACHMENTS:

Climate Action Committee Staff Report dated October 8, 2024 City Council Staff Report dated December 17, 2024
YouTube Link to Climate Action Committee Meeting of October 8, 2024 discussing the motion of their recommendations timestamped at 11:53
https://www.youtube.com/live/hQzvfMY3kwg?si=T8IFD3r7_zHRnG_3&t=713 APPROVALS:

Department Head Approval: Approval Date: 3/5/25
CEQA Determination (Planning): Approval Date: 3/5/25
The proposed action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Administrative Services (Financial) Approval Date:N/A
Costs authorized in City Approved Budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No  N/A Account Code (f applicable) ___________________________ City Attorney Approval: Approval Date: N/A
City Manager Approval: Approval Date: 3/10/25 MG for DS Agenda Item Number 11 Agenda Item Number: 11
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City Hall, 7120 Bodega Avenue, Sebastopol, CA 95472
T 707-823-6167 / www.ci.sebastopol.ca.us
City of Sebastopol
Planning Department
TO: Sebastopol Climate Action Committee
FROM: Sebastopol Planning Department
DATE: October 8, 2024
SUBJECT: Continued discussion of ongoing staff support for CAC At their meeting of September 10, 2024, the Sebastopol Climate Action Committee received a staff presentation about how the City’s budget situation may impact the CAC’s ongoing work in terms of staff support for meetings and projects. The presentation included several options for reducing the Planning Department’s hours spent in support of the CAC while still allowing their important work to continue. The Options included (1) reforming the CAC as a non-appointed, ad-hoc committee; (2) allowing the committee to meet its current Brown Act (aka open meeting law) requirements without staff support; (3) assigning the CAC a monthly “hours budget” for planning staff; (4) reducing the number of meetings that the CAC holds; or a combination of these options.

After receiving the presentation and options, the CAC held a discussion and provided the following feedback to staff:

There is no support on the CAC for Options 1 and 2. The CAC felt strongly that Option 1 would diminish their role during a time that members felt that their role should be increasing. There were some suggestions made by members regarding how the hours spent in or running meetings could be reduced by limiting participation to in-person only with webcasts available.

While there was no clear consensus about how meeting participation might be changed, there was support for some combination of Options 3 and 4 (budgeting for planning staff hours, reducing meeting length or frequency).

Staff will be returning to the City Council with recommendations for ways to reduce the CAC’s reliance on planning staff hours. In recognition the feedback received from the CAC, staff intends to recommend the following actions to reduce staff hours while strengthening the CAC’s role where feasible:
1) Monthly budget of 10 planning staff hours. These hours can be spent in meetings or staff time requests made by individual members but would be limited to 10 hours per month.

Hours not used in any month could be “rolled over” to the following month if needed. 2) Implementation Plan. In order to best make use of limited staff time resources, the CAC needs to create and cost out a plan to implement the Climate Action Framework. Staff resources can then be better planned to accommodate CAC-related work that we know is upcoming. There may be some limited assistance from the RCPA available for this purpose.

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City Hall, 7120 Bodega Avenue, Sebastopol, CA 95472
T 707-823-6167 / www.ci.sebastopol.ca.us
3) Departmental Reports. In order to keep the CAC apprised of upcoming projects that they may wish to participate in, the CAC will receive the same Department Reports that the City Council receives.
4) Voluntary project referrals. Staff will recommend establishment of a program whereby a planning applicant can voluntarily present their project to the CAC to gain endorsement.

Projects would be scheduled by the CAC to be presented during a regularly scheduled CAC meeting and would be presented by the applicant only (not planning staff). The CAC can ask questions of the applicants, make suggestions for changes to increase sustainability, and determine whether or not the project can be endorsed by the CAC.

The CAC would then make their recommendations to the planning staff and to the Planning Commission or City Council, as appropriate, in either letter form or by attending the meeting and speaking during public comment.

Staff is hopeful that these recommendations will be helpful to the CAC, and encourages their participation when the CAC reviews this item in November as well as when the City Council engages in goal-setting in February 2025.

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CITY OF SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM REPORT FOR MEETING OF: December 17, 2024
=========================================================================================== To: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
From: Emi Thériault, Community Development Director
Don Schwartz, City Manager
Subject: Climate Action Committee & Budget Impacts
=========================================================================================== RECOMMENDATIONS:

Should the Council desire to continue to support the CAC using City human and fiscal resources, staff recommends modifying the commitment as outlined in Option 2, setting a limit of 10 hours per month for staff time to support the CAC. If Council prefers to focus staff time entirely on revenue-generating work and other Council priorities, staff recommends Option 1 as previously discussed and further explained below.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

On December 3, 2024, the City Council received an informational report on recommendations to the Climate Action Committee (CAC) following a number of meetings with staff from City Planning and the City Manager’s office to discuss ways that their impact on the City’s budget might be reduced, while still furthering the work of the Committee. Three options for action have been identified, including: 1) Disbanding the CAC as an official City committee, allowing it to continue its work in an advisory capacity only and without need to comply with the Brown Act (greatest budget savings); 2) limiting the number of staff hours dedicated to the CAC to an average of 10 per month (limited budget savings); and 3) taking no action (no budget savings). As discussed, the CAC recommends Option 2, together with three low-to no-cost strategies to increase the effectiveness of their work.

BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:

The City remains in a Fiscal Emergency even after passage of Measure U, in large part because of the uncertainty of how much revenue we will ultimately receive given the concurrent passage of Measure I. As part of our efforts to examine all options to address our fiscal challenges, we have been exploring shifting some of the staff time in the Community Development Department to activities which generate revenue and/or support other Council priorities.

During budget discussions earlier this year, prior Planning Department staff included an estimate of $92,000 in revenue or reimbursement to the General Fund by shifting some staff time to focus on projects to which they could charge their time. Doing so would require reducing staff time on other activities, including supporting the Climate Action Committee, Public Arts Commission, and combining the Planning Commission and Design Review Board. We plan to bring separate proposals to the Council on those items.

Your Council requested additional information about potential savings in staff hours and what that time might otherwise be used for, including potential revenue-generating activities. The original budget estimates were refined and brought back to the CAC on August 13, 2024 for discussion and recommendation. Following this meeting, staff brought back the CAC’s recommended option for concurrence by the CAC on October 8, 2024 (staff report attached). The CAC voted to support the recommendations; however, there was not a quorum present and thus no official action has been taken by the CAC. In a related matter, the CAC has also voted to reduce the size of its membership as well as its makeup of specific climate-related positions. This item will come to the City Council in January and, if approved, will help to ensure that a quorum is present at future CAC meetings.

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STAFF ANALYSIS:

The work of the City’s Climate Action Committee (CAC) is needed if the City is to uphold its climate commitments.

As originally composed, the Climate Action Committee was an Ad Hoc Subcommittee created by the City Council to help support the City’s climate work. Since that time, staff work necessary to support the CAC has fallen to Planning to an extent that was not envisioned upon the Council’s formation of the committee. This has limited staff’s ability to work on revenue-generating projects and to support other Council priorities including economic development, meeting state requirements for our Housing Element, monitoring affordable housing, and completing the Active Transportation Plan. Key areas of current staff reliance related to the CAC, and their estimated budget impacts, are shown in Table 1.

In addition to the direct budget impacts reflected in Table 1, below, there have been opportunity costs where other work has been unable to be performed. Estimated costs are provided in the Options section below.

Table 1: Current Staff and Support Costs Related to Climate Action Committee Work Description Calculated
Monthly
Staff Cost
Calculated Annual
Staff Cost
Staffing CAC Meetings
Hrs/Month Cost/Hr1

2.75 $120 PCA: Technical support, live streaming, zoom
recording; w/pro-rated set up and break down.
$330 $3,960

2.0 $155 Associate Planner - attendance $310 $3,720

2.0 $138 Planning Technician - attendance $276 $3,312
MEETING STAFFING TOTALS $916 $10,992
CAC Admin & Support

3.0 $138 plus
$7/month
copy costs
Finalize and publish agendas; create public and
staff binders; required copies for public
$421 $5,052

1.0 $259 Annual Brown Act training, discussions $259 $3,108

2.0 $259 Preparing CAC items for Planning Commission &
City Council, as needed
$5182 $6,216

2.03 $138 Membership admin (Tech): assist w/outreach, CAC applications/info on website; answer questions &
receive applications; update & maintain
membership roster
$276 $3,312

1.04 $259 Membership admin (Director): interview
arrangements, prepare CC staff reports for
interviews & appointments; attend meetings
$259 $3.108

10.05 $155 Information & data requests by members,
research; liaison outside agencies to CAC
$1,550 $18,600
ADMIN & SUPPORT TOTALS $3,292 $39,498
Total CAC Support Costs $4,208 $50,490

1 Adopted hourly rates for FY 24/25: Planning Director $259; Associate Planner $155; Technician $138 2 Based on prior FY hours spent by Director (estimated @24); monthly cost = FY 23/24 costs/12 3 24 annual hours/12. The bulk of these hours occur near the end of the year during the application period. 4 12 annual hours/12. The bulk of these hours occur near the end of the year during the application period. 5 10 hours per month represents the midpoint in a very wide range. Hours spent by Planning on member requests, research & responses range from 0 to 15 hours per week, and over a year averages about 2.5/week.

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Previous City Council Actions:

On December 3, 2019, the Sebastopol City Council adopted Resolution 6274-2019 declaring a climate emergency.

The Climate Emergency Resolution highlighted the urgency of the climate crisis and set the goal of reaching zero emissions Citywide by 2030.

On January 7, 2020, the City Council established the Climate Action Subcommittee, by Minute Order 2020-010.

The fiscal analysis contained in the Staff Report for this item indicates that there would be no fiscal analysis associated with the formation of this Ad Hoc Subcommittee. The Council’s action established the membership make-up of the Ad Hoc Subcommittee as well as its duties:
• Formulate a work plan for the subcommittee;
• Prioritize the Climate Action Emergency Resolution;
• Research the composition and duties of other cities’ committees; • Create a climate calendar;
• Develop a Climate Action Framework for the City; and
• Create climate volunteer and volunteer appreciation events.

In July 19, 2022, the City Council adopted a Climate Action Framework (CAF) with Resolution 6460-2022. The CAF had been created over the previous year by CivicSpark fellow Phoebe Goulden, working with Planning staff, the Regional Climate Protection Agency (RCPA), and many community members. The Framework does not commit the City to any specific climate actions, but instead provides the principles by which to evaluate potential actions (see inset). The CAF includes Appendix A: Actions for Future Consideration. These actions were not adopted by the City Council, but rather are intended to serve as a living guide for climate actions that will allow the City of Sebastopol to continue to lead by example.

On August 2, 2022, the City Council amended the CAC’s originally established duties to reflect the adoption of the Climate Action Framework, updating them to read as follows:
• Prioritize Actions from the Climate Action Framework’s Exhibit A; • Update the Climate Action Framework (CAF) as needed to satisfy CAC responsibilities assigned in the CAF; • Engage in public education and outreach regarding climate issues; • Advise the City Council and Planning Commission on meaningful policy options for meeting equitycentered city climate goals; and • Recommend action to the City Council for advancing state, national, and international climate goals.

On December 3, 2024, the City Council received an informational report from staff, heard comments from the Chair of the CAC and the public, and directed staff to return with an action item that included information pertinent to the CAC’s accomplishments to-date. The CAC’s chair prepared the requested List of Accomplishments, which is attached.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH:

This item has been noticed in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available for public viewing and review at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting date.

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FISCAL IMPACT:

Fiscal impacts range from no impact to positive impact, depending on the option selected. The expected financial impact is included with each option discussed below.

OPTIONS:

Staff and the CAC have considered the following Options:

Option 1: Disband the Subcommittee, reforming as a smaller, unofficial non-Brown Act body such as an Ad Hoc Director’s Advisory Committee that meets as requested by the Director. As currently composed, the CAC is a large standing committee appointed by the City Council and as such is subject to the Brown Act with its attendant rules and costs. This Option could generate the most savings in terms of staff time and costs but would eliminate the CAC’s formal role as an official City committee. Under this option, recommendations would officially be made to the Director rather than to the City Council, although the Council could request a presentation from the CAC on matters of interest and the CAC could continue to provide input on the Council’s agenda items related to climate matters. This Option is not supported by the CAC.

Option 1 would have the largest budget savings, as it would essentially eliminate City staff support of the CAC, although the full $50k in costs reflected in Table 1 may not be realized if the City continues to provide such services as website support and referrals. Staff estimate that these labor hour savings would be utilized either pursuing other Council priorities such as economic development projects and housing element implementation (50% or more), or on the processing of reimbursable projects (up to 50%).

Option 2: Reduce the number of staff hours supporting the work of the CAC. This is a simple option to reduce costs that would simply provide the CAC with a monthly “budget” of staff hours. Consideration will need to be given the type of work that the CAC is undertaking, as it is the largest driver of staff work. For example, CAC actions related to organizing the compost giveaway involve no staff hours, while crafting an Ordinance for Council consideration involves iterative staff reviews and the preparation of staff reports. Limiting staff hours to 10 per month would allow monthly meetings to continue to be held in compliance with the Brown Act but would reduce CAC members’ reliance on Planning staff to carry out their work and may require that work to be re-prioritized.

Staff hours not used in any month would roll over. This Option does have Brown Act considerations in that the Act continues to limit members’ ability to talk to one another about their projects and planning staff requests outside of an open, noticed public meeting.

The CAC is supportive of this Option, especially if it is accompanied by other low- to no-cost strategies to increase their effectiveness:
a) CAC to create and cost out an annual plan for implementation of CAF Exhibit A, so that upcoming projects requiring significant staff hours are known ahead of time for budgeting purposes; b) CAC to receive the same Department Reports as the CC, so that they can stay informed about projects across all City Departments that may have climate considerations; and c) CAC to establish a voluntary project review process, whereby applicants for development projects within the City could voluntarily present their projects to a CAC subcommittee without staff support.

Staff would be available for practical support at regular CAC meetings for consideration of a formal CAC recommendation.

Option 2 would also result in budget savings, as it would reduce City staff support of the CAC from the existing 23 hour per month average to a 10 hour per month average, an estimated savings of 156 hours per year or about $26k per year. Staff estimate that these labor hour savings would be utilized either by pursuing other Council Agenda Item Number 11 Agenda Item Number: 11
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priorities such as economic development projects and housing element implementation (50% or more), or on the processing of reimbursable projects (up to 50%).

Option 3: This Option would make no changes at this time and would not result in any cost savings.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Should the Council desire to continue to support the CAC using City human and fiscal resources, staff recommends Option 2, setting a limit of 10 hours per month for staff time to support the CAC. If Council prefers to focus staff time entirely on revenue-generating work and other Council priorities, staff recommends Option 1.

ATTACHMENTS:

Climate Action Committee Staff Report dated October 8, 2024 Climate Action Framework Appendix A: Actions for Future Consideration Climate Action Committee List of Accomplishments dated 12/5/24 Climate Action Committee Presentation: CC Action Item and Budget Considerations APPROVALS:

Department Head Approval: Approval Date: 12/4/24
CEQA Determination (Planning): Approval Date: 12/4/24
The proposed action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Administrative Services (Financial) Approval Date:__________________ Costs authorized in City Approved Budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No  N/A Account Code (f applicable) ___________________________ City Attorney Approval: Approval Date: N/A
City Manager Approval: Approval Date: ______________
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City Hall, 7120 Bodega Avenue, Sebastopol, CA 95472
T 707-823-6167 / www.ci.sebastopol.ca.us
City of Sebastopol
Planning Department
TO: Sebastopol Climate Action Committee
FROM: Sebastopol Planning Department
DATE: October 8, 2024
SUBJECT: Continued discussion of ongoing staff support for CAC At their meeting of September 10, 2024, the Sebastopol Climate Action Committee received a staff presentation about how the City’s budget situation may impact the CAC’s ongoing work in terms of staff support for meetings and projects. The presentation included several options for reducing the Planning Department’s hours spent in support of the CAC while still allowing their important work to continue. The Options included (1) reforming the CAC as a non-appointed, ad-hoc committee; (2) allowing the committee to meet its current Brown Act (aka open meeting law) requirements without staff support; (3) assigning the CAC a monthly “hours budget” for planning staff; (4) reducing the number of meetings that the CAC holds; or a combination of these options.

After receiving the presentation and options, the CAC held a discussion and provided the following feedback to staff:

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City Hall, 7120 Bodega Avenue, Sebastopol, CA 95472
T 707-823-6167 / www.ci.sebastopol.ca.us
3) Departmental Reports. In order to keep the CAC apprised of upcoming projects that they may wish to participate in, the CAC will receive the same Department Reports that the City Council receives.
4) Voluntary project referrals. Staff will recommend establishment of a program whereby a planning applicant can voluntarily present their project to the CAC to gain endorsement.

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APPENDIX A TRANSPORTATION

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
T3.9 Expand participation in Safe Routes to Schools and other bike education programs.

Improved
Community
Health & Safety
Engineering
/Police
/Planning
Ongoing CIR 2 🙋
T3.10 Explore bypass options for CA-116. Better Air
Quality
Sonoma
County/
Planning/
Engineering
Long Term CIR 1 💡
T4. Improve and electrify public transportation options.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
T4.1 Advocate for more reliable and frequent public transit, potentially including a second electric bus on Local Route

24. Improved
Mobility
Council Mid-Term CIR 2 💡
T4.2 Partner with Sonoma County Transit to increase bus ridership, including by evaluating and addressing barriers to ridership and education campaigns.

Improved
Community
Health &
Safety,
Improved
Mobility
Sonoma
County
Transit/
Council
Mid-Term CIR 2 💡
T4.3 Work with regional partners to transition to electric buses. Better Air Quality
SCTA Near Term CIR 5 💡
T4.4 Work with regional partners to improve scheduling for out-of-town trips.

Improved
Mobility
Council Near Term CIR 2 💡
A-6
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APPENDIX A TRANSPORTATION
T5. Support a rapid, equitable transition to electric vehicles (EVs) for trips requiring a personal vehicle.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
T5.1 Consider signage requirements at the street entrances of parking lots with EV chargers to make EV charging
stations more visible.

Better Air
Quality
Public
Works
Near Term CIR 5 🙋💡
T5.2 Consider adopting CalGreen Tier 2 EV charging
infrastructure requirements.

Better Air
Quality
Building Near Term CIR 5 💡
T5.3 Evaluate the possibility of an on-street EV charging pilot program.

Better Air
Quality
Engineering
/Public
Works/
Planning
Mid-Term CIR 5 💡
T5.4 Work with low-income and other apartment complexes and condominiums to support EV charger installation.

Better Air
Quality
Planning Near-Term CIR 5 💡
T5.5 Provide information about EVs, including available incentives and charging infrastructure, in a well-organized and clear manner on the City website.

Better Air
Quality
City Admin Near Term CIR 5, COS 9 🙋
T5.6 Apply the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's April 2022 California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
thresholds to all land use projects to encourage EV
infrastructure installation.

Better Air
Quality
Planning Near Term CIR 5 💡
T5.7 Consider adopting actions in the RCPA/SCTA Electric Vehicle Ready Community Resolution.

Better Air
Quality
Council Near Term CIR 5 💡
T5.8 Work with the County of Sonoma to promote EV
infrastructure installation throughout West County.

Better Air
Quality
Council/
County of
Sonoma
💡
A-7
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APPENDIX A SUSTAINABLE LAND USE

SUSTAINABLE LAND USE
LU1. Promote infill housing at appropriate densities within Sebastopol’s voter-approved urban growth boundary that reduces VMT by locating housing within walking or biking distance of basic daily needs.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
LU1.1 Review zoning and revise as necessary to ensure that the majority of residents can be located within a
15-minute walk or bike ride of most essential daily
destinations.

Improved
Mobility
Planning Near Term LU 2, LU 5, CIR
3 💡
LU1.2 Implement actions included in the General Plan Housing Element update (in progress).

Varies Housing 💡
LU2. Maintain and expand carbon sequestration potential and adaptation benefits through nature-based solutions.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
LU2.1 Protect, and restore where needed, existing trees, green spaces/infrastructure, and wetland areas.

Increased
Resilience,
Better Air
Quality
Planning/
Public
Works
Near Term COS 2, COS 4,
COS 6
🌳🛠
LU2.2 Develop an urban forest plan to increase canopy
coverage by planting native, drought tolerant trees. The plan should identify areas in need of additional trees
using tools such as theTree Equity Score and Bay Area
Greenprint, set coverage goal dates, and address
funding and community engagement needs.

Increased
Resilience,
Better Air
Quality
Planning/
Public
Works/
RCPA
Near Term COS 6 🌳🛠
LU2.3 Increase natural shading of bike paths, walkways, and bus stops to encourage alternative transportation on
warm days.

Increased
Resilience
Public
Works
Near Term CIR 2 🌳🛠
A-8
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APPENDIX A SUSTAINABLE LAND USE

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
LU2.4 Continue enforcing the Tree Protection Ordinance and consider expanding to require replacement of all trees
and prevent planting of fire-prone trees.

Increased
Resilience,
Better Air
Quality
Planning/
Fire/RCPA
Ongoing COS 6 🌳🛠
LU2.5 Evaluate opportunities for establishing new parks in areas with less access, such as the southwest corner of Sebastopol.

Increased
Resilience
Planning Long Term CSF 2 🌳🛠
LU2.6 Promoting regenerative landscaping practices, including mulching and composting, through community
education and implementation on City-owned properties.

Increased
Resilience
Planning/
Public
Works
Near Term 🌳🛠
LU2.7 Explore partnerships for broadscale compost
application with nearby dairies and ranches to increase soil health and sequestration capabilities throughout the local watershed.

Increased
Resilience
Planning Mid-Term 🌳🛠
LU2.8 Encourage local, sustainable agriculture and home gardening to improve food security and soil health.

Increased
Resilience
CAC Near Term COS 12 🌳🛠
LU3. Manage public spaces to conserve, capture, and retain water and encourage private landowners to do the same.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
LU3.1 Reduce impervious surface cover citywide, with a
preference for replacement by green infrastructure
where possible.

Increased
Resilience
Planning/
Engineering
/Public
Works
Near Term 🛠
LU3.2 Require and/or incentivize green infrastructure in future developments.

Increased
Resilience,
Engineering
/Planning/P
ublic Works
Near Term 🌳🛠
A-9
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APPENDIX A SUSTAINABLE LAND USE

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
Potential Green
Jobs
LU3.3 Encourage native, drought tolerant landscaping in residential yards, commercial areas, and other
landscaped spaces.

Increased
Resilience
Planning/
CAC
Ongoing 🛠
LU3.4 Consider enhancing Sebastopol’s Water Efficient
Landscape Program to be more stringent than the
state's.

Increased
Resilience
Planning/
Building
Near Term COS 9 🛠
LU3.5 Continue conducting compost giveaways and expand
education about benefits of composting.

Increased
Resilience
CAC Ongoing 🙋🛠
LU3.6 Implement actions identified in the LHMP Drought
section, including continued participation in the Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Sustainability Agency.

Increased
Resilience
Engineering Ongoing LHMP 🛠
LU4. Minimize construction in areas at risk of wildfire or flooding while meeting local housing needs.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
LU4.1 Use Bay Area Greenprint tool and other data sources to map potential climate hazards and incorporate these
considerations into the evaluation of new developments.

Discourage and/or prohibit new development in high-risk areas.

Increased
Resilience,
Improved
Community
Health & Safety
Planning Near Term SA 2, SA 4,
LHMP Goal 1
🛠
LU4.2
Increase density and encourage infill development rather than increasing urban footprint to limit increases in
fire/flood danger.

Increased
Resilience,
Improved
Community
Health & Safety
Planning Near Term SA 2, SA 4,
LHMP Goal 1
🛠
A-10
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APPENDIX A BUILDINGS & CLEAN ENERGY

BUILDINGS AND CLEAN ENERGY
BE1. Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from buildings and support better community health by:
a. Eliminating natural gas use in new buildings,
b. Electrifying existing structures,
c. Minimizing embodied carbon in new construction and remodels, d. Making all buildings more energy efficient.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
BE1.1 Apply the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's April 2022 California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
thresholds to all land use projects to encourage
electrification.

Improved
Community
Health &
Safety,
Potential Green
Jobs
Planning Near Term COS 8 💡
BE1.2 Adopt an all-electric code for new construction and major remodels by 2026 at the latest.

Improved
Community
Health &
Safety,
Potential Green
Jobs
Building Near Term COS 8 💡
BE1.3 Promote residential electrification and energy
efficiency programs such as those from BayREN,
Sonoma Clean Power, and Sonoma County's Energy
and Sustainability Division.

Improved
Community
Health &
Safety,
Potential Green
Jobs
Building/
Planning/
CAC
Near Term COS 9 🙋💡
BE1.4 Develop an existing building electrification strategy, such as the one developed by the City of Berkeley, in
partnership with the RCPA.

Improved
Community
Health &
Building/
Planning/
RCPA
Near Term COS 8 💡
A-11
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APPENDIX A BUILDINGS & CLEAN ENERGY

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
Safety,
Potential Green
Jobs
BE1.5 Develop a pilot program to electrify an entire block group or neighborhood.

Improved
Community
Health &
Safety,
Potential Green
Jobs
Mid-Term COS 8 💡
BE1.6 Support workforce development programs, such as
those from Sonoma Clean Power, to increase the
number of workers who can implement electrification
and efficiency upgrades.

Potential Green
Jobs
Near Term 💡
BE1.7 Re-adopt CalGreen Tier 1 each code cycle. Improved Community
Health &
Safety,
Potential Green
Jobs
Building Ongoing COS 9 💡
BE1.8 Promote the use of green building materials through education efforts and supporting local suppliers.

Potential Green
Jobs
Building/
Planning
Ongoing COS 9 💡
BE1.9 Consider developing building energy efficiency
standards and/or an energy assessment and
disclosure policy.

Building Mid-Term COS 9 💡
BE1.10 Evaluate options to increase compliance with energy code requirements, including permit requirements for
HVAC systems, hot water heaters, insulation, etc.

Building Mid-Term 💡
A-12
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APPENDIX A BUILDINGS & CLEAN ENERGY

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
BE1.11 Consider adopting a low-carbon concrete ordinance when it becomes cost-effective. In the meantime,
explore ways to attract or support the development of
local low-carbon concrete suppliers.

Potential Green
Jobs
Building Long Term COS 8, COS 9 💡
BE2. Support low-income residents, renters, and others who face barriers to electrification or energy efficiency upgrades.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
BE2.1
Focus education and outreach efforts on low-income,
BIPOC, and other vulnerable households and ensure
these outreach efforts are culturally sensitive.

Building Near Term 🙋
BE2.2 Prioritize development of new, all-electric affordable housing.

Planning/
Building
Near Term 🙋💡
BE2.3 Work with regional partners to develop a funding
mechanism for electrification and weatherization retrofits in low-income households and multi-family units.

Improved
Community
Health & Safety
Building/
Planning
Near Term 🙋💡
BE2.4 Ensure vulnerable residents are not burdened by the shift away from gas infrastructure through advocating for
dedicated funding and exploring neighborhood-level
electrification.

Building Near Term 🙋💡
BE2.5 Develop a tenant protection policy to prevent
displacement due to electrification.

Long Term 🙋💡
A-13
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APPENDIX A BUILDINGS & CLEAN ENERGY
BE3. Expand the installation of solar panels and other renewable energy sources, both locally and in partnership with other entities in Sonoma County, to further decarbonize Sebastopol’s electricity supply.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
BE3.1 Promote solar and battery storage consultations offered by the Sonoma County Energy and Sustainability Division.

Increased
Resilience
Building Near Term COS 8, COS 9 🛠💡
BE3.2 Continue requiring solar panel installations on new construction and remodels in the City.

Potential Green
Jobs
Building Ongoing COS 9 💡
BE3.3 Promote participation in Sonoma Clean Power's
EverGreen program.

Council/
Admin
Near Term COS 8, COS 9 💡
BE3.4 Explore community solar options. Building/
Planning
Long Term COS 8, COS 9 💡
BE4. Maximize water conservation and reuse.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
BE4.1 Encourage the installation of residential greywater and rainwater collection systems to reduce water demand.

Increased
Resilience,
Potential Green
Jobs
Building/
Planning
Near Term COS 9 🛠
BE4.2 Continue conservation efforts such as mandatory
conservation requirements and voluntary water
efficiency measures through the BayREN Water Upgrade
Save program.

Increased
Resilience
Council/
Public
Works/
Engineering
Ongoing COS 9 🛠
BE4.3 Continue implementing and expanding the Low Impact Development (LID) program.

Engineering Ongoing 🛠
A-14
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APPENDIX A BUILDINGS & CLEAN ENERGY
BE5. Make buildings more resistant to climate change impacts, such as damage from floods, wildfires, extreme weather events, and other climate hazards.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
BE5.1 Revise zoning and building codes to reflect climate-driven increases in risk and promote climate-aware
development.

Increased
Resilience,
Improved
Community
Health & Safety
Planning/
Building/
Fire
Near Term SA 2, SA 4 🛠
BE5.2 Conduct public outreach to promote fire-safe landscaping practices, such as defensible space, rain gardens, etc.

Increased
Resilience,
Improved
Community
Health & Safety
Fire SA 4 🙋
BE5.3 Evaluate the need for a vegetation management plan to reduce fire risk.

Increased
Resilience,
Improved
Community
Health & Safety
Fire SA 4 🛠
BE5.4
Increase public awareness of existing programs that help residents fund resilience-related housing retrofits.

Increased
Resilience,
Improved
Community
Health & Safety
Building/
Fire
COS 8 🙋
BE5.5
Implement relevant actions identified in the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, particularly the wildfire and flooding sections (e.g., W-2 and F-7).

Increased
Resilience,
Improved
Community
Health & Safety
Building/
Fire/
Planning
Varies SA 2, SA 4 🛠
A-15
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APPENDIX A BUILDINGS & CLEAN ENERGY
BE6. Ensure energy sources are reliable during extreme weather conditions.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
BE6.1 Develop and/or promote the development of clean
energy microgrids to back up critical infrastructure such as cell towers, cooling centers, and resilience hubs.

Increased
Resilience,
Potential Green
Jobs
Near Term LHMP 🛠
BE6.2 Encourage solar + battery backup systems for
residents. Consider creating a streamlined permitting
process for battery installations and provide information on the City webpage with links to relevant programs
from Sonoma Clean Power, the Sonoma County Energy
and Sustainability Division, and BayREN.

Increased
Resilience,
Potential Green
Jobs
Building Near Term 🛠
BE6.3 Advocate for a more reliable grid, including
undergrounding of lines and sectionalization of the grid.

Increased
Resilience
Council/
CAC
Near Term 🛠
A-16
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APPENDIX A CONSUMPTION & WASTE

CONSUMPTION AND WASTE
CW1. Reach Zero Waste by 2030 by:
a. Minimizing solid waste production,
b. Increasing recycling, composting, and food recovery, c. Supporting community sharing, mending, and reuse.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
CW1.1 Create a Zero Waste Strategy that sets measurable goals for organics diversion and waste reduction, outlines how the City will achieve these goals, and includes data
gathering methods for tracking implementation.

Engineering Near Term COS 9 💡
CW1.2 Work with Recology and Zero Waste Sonoma to improve data collection on waste production in Sebastopol.

Engineering Mid-Term COS 9
CW1.3
Increase education and enforcement of the City's
Disposable Food Serviceware ordinance.

CAC/
Engineering
Ongoing COS 9 🙋
CW1.4
Increase enforcement of Zero Waste Plans at events. Engineering Ongoing COS 9 💡 CW1.5
Increase use of reusable food serviceware in Sebastopol restaurants.

Engineering COS 9 💡
CW1.6 Support adoption and implementation of the countywide Construction and Demolition Reuse and Recycling
Ordinance.

Potential Green
Jobs
Building COS 9,
Resolution
6214
💡
CW1.7
Fully fund and implement the requirements of SB1383,
including education of all stakeholders.

Council/
Engineering
Ongoing COS 9 💡
CW1.8 Work with schools to implement on-campus recycling and composting programs and educate students about
waste management.

CAC/
Schools
Near Term COS 9 🙋
CW1.9 Evaluate the need to develop an edible food recovery program.

Mid-Term 💡
A-17
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APPENDIX A CONSUMPTION & WASTE
CW2. Reduce emissions from the consumption of goods and services through education and advocacy.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
CW2.1 Work with schools to educate youth about consumption emissions.

CAC 🙋
CW2.2 Encourage green business certification for local
businesses.

CAC Near Term EV 1, COS 8 💡
CW2.3 Advocate for state legislation requiring increased transparency about climate impacts of goods.

Council Long Term
CW2.4 Explore methods to evaluate consumption emissions at regular intervals.

CAC Long Term
CW2.5 Explore ways to promote the transition to a green economy with high quality jobs.

Potential Green
Jobs
CAC Long Term EV 1
CW2.6 Work with regional partners to create a long term plan to incentivize local systems of production for goods and
services.

Increased
Resilience,
Potential Green
Jobs
Council Long Term
A-18
Agenda Item Number 11 Agenda Item Number: 11
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APPENDIX A COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY
C1. Ensure residents have the information they need to reduce their emissions and prepare for climate impacts. Work with property owners to make sure that renters also benefit.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
C1.1 Provide clear, multilingual climate resources for residents on the City website, at City Hall, and at all community events where the City is present.

City Admin Near Term COS 8, COS 9 🙋
C1.2
Improve the organization and content of the City website as it relates to sustainability and climate change.

City Admin Near Term COS 8 🙋
C1.3 Partner with schools to educate and engage youth on climate topics, including by supporting teachers in
developing climate curriculum.

CAC Mid-Term 🙋
C1.4 Expand climate and sustainability social media efforts. CAC Near Term COS 8 🙋 C1.5 Develop a monthly or quarterly climate newsletter to highlight progress and share resources.

CAC Near Term COS 8 🙋
C1.6 Continue to promote electrification, water efficiency, solar, and other sustainability programs, such as those offered by Sonoma Clean Power, the Sonoma County Energy and
Sustainability Division, and BayREN.

City Admin Ongoing COS 8 🙋
C1.7
In partnership with these groups, work to create and
implement outreach campaigns to increase knowledge of
building electrification benefits.

Building Near Term COS 8 🙋
C1.8
In all climate communications, strive to promote positive narratives about climate change, human agency, and the
interconnectivity of all living beings.

Citywide Near Term 🙋
C1.9 Develop a green citizen pledge to promote resident action. CAC COS 8 🙋 A-19
Agenda Item Number 11 Agenda Item Number: 11
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APPENDIX A COMMUNITY
C2.Actively involve all community members in decision-making, including Native American groups, youth, people of color, low-income residents, the LGBTQ+ community, renters, and other groups vulnerable to climate change impacts.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
C2.1 Develop a long-term community engagement strategy to implement climate actions in partnership with
community-based organizations, vulnerable groups, and
other stakeholders.

CAC/
Planning
Near Term CSF 6 🙋
C2.2 Research, acknowledge, and address past harms to
disenfranchised groups through an inclusive,
community-based process.

Citywide CHW 5 🙋
C2.3 Develop and track metrics to ensure community
engagement is proactive, multilingual, and reaches all
segments of the community.

Near Term CHW 5 🙋
C2.4 Provide ample opportunities for community input in the implementation phase of each action, and actively seek
input from underrepresented groups.

Citywide CSF 6 🙋
C2.5 Schedule, format, and locate community workshops and meetings to be convenient and accessible for community
members, including by offering childcare and
refreshments when appropriate.

Citywide CSF 6 🙋
C2.6 Pursue funding to provide compensation to low-income residents who provide their input on climate actions. 🙋 C2.7 Explore new and innovative outreach methods to better involve all community members in climate efforts.

Citywide CSF 6 🙋
A-20
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APPENDIX A COMMUNITY
C3. Facilitate community discussions, connections, and collaboration.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
C3.1 Continue implementing and expanding the Map Your
Neighborhood program.

Increased
Resilience
Fire Ongoing 🛠
C3.2 Continue supporting the Sebastopol Time Bank. Council Ongoing C3.3 Continue staffing the Climate Action Committee and explore ways to increase public engagement with this
committee.

Planning Ongoing CSF 6 🙋
C3.4 Continue convening local service groups and
community-based organizations to promote collaboration
and support networks.

Increased
Resilience
Citywide Ongoing 🙋
C3.5 Host or co-sponsor climate-friendly community-building events, such as climate fairs, clothing swaps, plant and produce exchanges, community service days, etc.

Increased
Resilience
CAC 🙋
C3.6 Create ways for residents to develop innovative climate solutions and share knowledge.

CAC 🙋
C3.7 Support storytelling as a technique for healing trauma, a method of sharing knowledge, and a way to build
community.

Increased
Resilience
CAC CHW 1 🙋
A-21
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APPENDIX A COMMUNITY
C4.Collaborate with community-based organizations, neighboring jurisdictions, and regional bodies to implement actions.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
C4.1 Work with RCPA and other Sonoma County jurisdictions to implement relevant recommendations from the 2021
Urban Land Institute report regarding wildfire and energy resilience.

Increased
Resilience
Fire/
Building
Mid-Term SA 4 🛠
C4.2
Identify and formalize partnerships with community-based organizations and leaders in disadvantaged communities
to ensure that local residents can meaningfully participate in planning processes.

Planning Near Term 🙋
C4.3 Participate in the Sonoma County Local Government EV Partnership to advance EV adoption.

Better Air
Quality
Planning Near Term 💡
C5. Improve community preparedness for climate-influenced hazards.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
C5.1 Work with community partners to create a pilot
community resilience hub that provides disaster
preparedness and relief services.

Increased
Resilience,
Improved
Community
Health &
Safety,
Potential Green
Jobs
Fire/Police Near Term SA 3 🛠
C5.2
Increase the number and capacity of cooling center
locations.

Increased
Resilience,
Improved
Community
Health & Safety
Fire Near Term 🛠
A-22
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APPENDIX A COMMUNITY

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
C5.3 Develop evacuation plans for all neighborhoods with designated evacuation points.

Improved
Community
Health & Safety
Fire SA 3 🛠
C5.4 Develop an education campaign, with targeted outreach to vulnerable populations, to help residents understand
available disaster preparedness resources and how to
access them.

Improved
Community
Health & Safety
Fire SA 3 🛠
C5.5 Continue implementing and expanding the Map Your
Neighborhood program.

Increased
Resilience,
Improved
Community
Health & Safety
Fire Ongoing SA 3 🛠
C5.6 Ensure communication methods are in place for disasters, and are culturally appropriate and accessible for all
residents.

Improved
Community
Health & Safety
Fire Ongoing SA 3 🛠
C5.7 Support community mental health in the face of climate change.

Increased
Resilience,
Improved
Community
Health & Safety
CHW 1 🛠
A-23
Agenda Item Number 11 Agenda Item Number: 11
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APPENDIX A CITY OPERATIONS & LEADERSHIP

CITY OPERATIONS AND LEADERSHIP
CO1. Integrate climate and equity considerations into every policy and action.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
CO1.1 Add a "climate impacts" section to every staff report.

Develop a checklist or other tool to help staff evaluate potential climate impacts.

Council Near Term COS 1, COS 8
CO1.2 Provide training to all staff and elected officials in how to consider climate and equity in decision-making.

Planning/
CAC
Near Term COS 1
CO1.3 Analyze each climate action through an equity lens, to ensure that mitigation actions (1) do not have
detrimental effects on Sebastopol’s vulnerable
populations; (2) are targeted to serve vulnerable
community members, and therefore are accessible to the
larger community; and (3) distribute the benefits of
climate action equitably.
1 Citywide 🙋
CO1.4 Align permit approvals with Framework goals. Planning/ Building
Near Term COS 1
CO1.5
Incorporate the Framework's goals into the next General Plan update.

Planning Long Term COS 1
1 Adapted from the Flagstaff Carbon Neutrality Plan.

A-24
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APPENDIX A CITY OPERATIONS & LEADERSHIP
CO2. Pursue adequate funding and staffing needed to implement climate solutions, including robust community education and engagement activities.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
CO2.1
Fund a full- or part-time sustainability staff position to implement climate actions, coordinate and engage with
stakeholders, and oversee progress.

Council Near Term COS 8
CO2.2
Fund a City grant writer to pursue climate funding
opportunities.

Council
CO2.3 Continue participating in the RCPA and other regional coordination efforts to benefit from knowledge sharing
and collaboration opportunities.

Council/
Planning
Ongoing COS 8
CO3. Reach carbon neutrality for all City-owned buildings and City operations by 2030 or sooner.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
CO3.1 Assess opportunities for electrification and energy efficiency retrofits in City-owned buildings to achieve zero emissions, potentially through the BayREN
Municipal ZNE/ZNC Assistance Program.

Public
Works/
Engineering
/Building
Near Term COS 8, COS 9 💡
CO3.2 Require retrofits of City-owned buildings to be all-electric and install no new gas infrastructure or appliances in
City-owned and operated buildings.

Council Near Term COS 8 💡
CO3.3 Purchase no new fossil fuel-powered vehicles for the City fleet unless no viable alternative exists.

Better Air
Quality
Council /
City Depts
Near Term COS 8 💡
CO3.4 Develop a plan to electrify the City fleet by date certain. Better Air Quality
Citywide Mid-Term COS 8 💡
CO3.5 Pursue contract language to electrify garbage trucks serving Sebastopol at the next contract renewal
opportunity.

Better Air
Quality
Engineering Near Term COS 8 💡
A-25
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APPENDIX A CITY OPERATIONS & LEADERSHIP

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
CO3.6 Replace City gas yard equipment and other tools with electric alternatives at end-of-life.

Better Air
Quality
Public
Works
Near Term COS 8 💡
CO3.6 Continue implementing and strengthening the City's environmentally preferable purchasing policy, including by incorporating a climate-friendly food policy for City events and evaluating the fossil fuel consumption of all City contractors.

CAC/
Council
Ongoing COS 8 💡
CO3.6 Assess the possibility of installing additional solar and battery backup systems at City-owned sites, including at City-owned wells.

Increased
Resilience
Public
Works/
Building
Near Term 🛠
CO4. Provide transparent and bold leadership on climate.

ACTION CO-BENEFITS
LEAD /

PARTNERS

TIMEFRAME

RELATED CITY

GOAL(S)
RCPA

CATEGORY
CO4.1
Implement actions included in the Community section. Citywide Varies 🙋 CO4.2 Provide up-to-date information on climate progress on the City website, including data on the City’s progress towards carbon neutrality for municipal operations and
other metrics included in the Framework document.

Planning/
Citywide
Near Term COS 8, COS 9 🙋
CO4.3
Fully utilize the expertise of the Climate Action
Committee through continued staff support and
improved communication between City staff and CAC.

Planning Ongoing 🙋
CO4.4 Ensure no City funds are invested in industries
detrimental to environmental and public health, such as the fossil fuel industry.

City Admin COS 1
CO4.5 Require elected officials to disclose campaign
contributions from and investments in fossil fuel
industries.

City Admin/
Council
A-26
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Sebastopol CAC Accomplishments 2021-2024
2021
• Formation of working groups, adoption of project process • Development of equity matrix
• New gas station ban proposed
• Analysis and recommendations re: proposed micromobility options • Review of Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
• CivicSpark fellow engaged for Climate Action Framework process • Launched compost giveaway to assist with city compliance with SB 1383 2022
• Community engagement for Climate Action Framework
o Survey (top action priorities: community education, waste reduction) o Community meeting
o Event tabling/outreach
• New gas station ban proposed (passed by Council in April) • Expanded compost giveaways to 4x/year
• Advocacy for city to contract grant writer (included in city budget) • Climate Action Framework adopted (July)
• Gravenstein Apple Fair community educational tabling
• Fossil fuel nonproliferation treaty signatory recommendation (passed) 2023
• Community climate engagement event (Sebastopol Library) • Review of building/energy codes
• Continued compost giveaways
• Apple Blossom community educational tabling (with Recology) • Community electrification survey (results on this page) • Community garden revitalization workdays
2024
• Gravenstein Apple Fair community educational tabling (with Recology) • Energy efficiency workshop (with SCP)
• Continued compost giveaways
• Electrification workshop for local contractors
• Development of local baseline energy use dashboard
• Research and recommendation: Vision Zero possibilities for Sebastopol Agenda Item Number 11 Agenda Item Number: 11
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• Active engagement in reducing burden of CAC on city staff hours Continuous:
• Community education re: zero waste, recycling, organic waste diversion • Research! (funding sources, metrics for measuring GHG reductions, active transportation policy options, electrification strategies, rights of nature) • Involvement in community events and processes
• City website info improvement recommendations
Current focus during Sebastopol budget crisis, major staff transitions:
• Continue/expand community education & engagement
• Research fundable projects
• Research opportunities for city GHG emission reductions through policy • Provide technical assistance to city staff/council as requested Agenda Item Number 11 Agenda Item Number: 11
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12/17/2024 SEBASTOPOL CITY
COUNCIL ACTION ITEM:

CLIMATE ACTION COMMITTEE
• Background Provided 12/3/24 CC Meeting
• CAC Input provided with Attachment:
“CAC Accomplishments”
Agenda Item Number 11 Agenda Item Number: 11
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL ACTION ITEM:

CLIMATE ACTION COMMITTEE
12/17/2024

1. Stand Alone Committee:

2. Continue Financial Support:
-Reduced committee size and
-Limitation on use of staff time
Agenda Item Number 11 Agenda Item Number: 11
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FY 23/24 CAC RELATED WORK “COST” SUMMARY (24/25 RATES)
3 Option 1: Stand Alone Committee:
-$0 dedicated funds; $50,000 cost savings/a year in direct staff costs -Capture of staff time to focus on other initiatives and obligations Option 2: Continue Financial Support:
-$15,000 dedicated funds/year in direct staff costs
-Actual impact includes lost opportunity costs associated staff time diversion SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL ACTION ITEM:

CLIMATE ACTION COMMITTEE
12/17/2024
Agenda Item Number 11 Agenda Item Number: 11
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CITY WORK-RELATED OPPORTUNITY COSTS:
4 SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL ACTION ITEM:

CLIMATE ACTION COMMITTEE
12/17/2024
-Legal and State obligations
-Revenue and other financial opportunities
-Simplification of City Permitting supportive of economic development -Other Council (Work Plan) Priorities
Agenda Item Number 11 Agenda Item Number: 11
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Council Action Item - Recommendation:
5 1) Discuss Staff’s report, CAC’s Accomplishments, take public comment; and 2) Take action based on Council fiduciary/Work Plan considerations:

Option 1: Formally Revoke City Appointment of Committee Option 2: Continue CAC as City-appointed body with Reduced fiscal/staffing allocation
Option 3: Take no action/Status Quo (not recommended by Staff) SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL ACTION ITEM:

CLIMATE ACTION COMMITTEE
12/17/2024
Agenda Item Number 11 Agenda Item Number: 11
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THANK YOU
Emi Thériault, AICP
Community Development Director
[email protected]
Agenda Item Number 11 Agenda Item Number: 11
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Additional Reference Slides
• Council would need to disband the
CAC. Director could then convene a
Director’s Ad Hoc Advisory Group
on Climate Issues
• Director would call meetings as the
need arises
• Climate Advisory Group could
continue to do climate work, in
collaboration with the Director
7 SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL ACTION ITE

CLIMATE ACTION COMMITT
12/17/20
Option 1:

Agenda Item Number 11 Agenda Item Number: 11
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Additional Reference Slides
• Climate Advisory Group would be
advisory to the Director rather than to
the City Council
• Additional changes may be needed to
comply with Brown Act
• Calculated savings of up to $50,000
• Recovered staff time (259 hours)
8 SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL ACTION ITE

CLIMATE ACTION COMMITT
12/17/20
Option 1, continued:

Agenda Item Number 11 Agenda Item Number: 11
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OPTION 2:
• All CAC functions and procedures would remain the
same, but members would have a monthly budget of 10
staff hours inclusive of meetings
• Members use public access tools to monitor Department Reports for relevant topics for CAC comment
• Calculated savings of $15k annually
• Recovered staff time could be spent in pursuit of
economic development incentives, revenue-generating
work, and other Council directives.

SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL ACTION ITEM:

CLIMATE ACTION COMMITTEE
12/17/2024
Agenda Item Number 11 Agenda Item Number: 11
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OPTION 3:
• Meeting commitments and staff
support hours would not be changed
at this time
• No savings of staff hours would result
• Staff not available to work on revenuegenerating projects • Additional costs could accrue as
outside consultants may be needed to
complete state-mandated work by
deadlines (for example,
implementation of Housing Element
programs) 10
SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL ACTION ITEM:

CLIMATE ACTION COMMITTEE
12/17/2024
Agenda Item Number 11 Agenda Item Number: 11
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Sebastopol City CouncilMarch 18, 2025

Sebastopol City Council
March 18, 2025