To: Don Schwartz, City Manager
From: Steve Mermell, Special Advisor
Subject: Sebastopol City Council goal setting workshop – Council interview summary Date: March 19, 2025
In preparation for the City Council goal setting workshop, I conducted interviews with each member of the City Council. During each interview I asked Councilmembers to respond to a series of questions. The following summarizes the responses received regarding accomplishments and challenges (bold text indicates the item was stated by more than one member of the Council). Additionally, based on the interviews, draft goals are provided below as well as particular items/projects that were mention.
Accomplishments
• Fire department merger
• Passage of sales tax measure
• Collegial Council
• Clarifying budget realities/improvements in financial reporting • Identifying key infrastructure needs
• New trash contract
• Water reallocation study (after 20 years)
• Clarifying Council policies such as mayor and vice mayor selection process • Hired new City Manager – and filled key vacancies
• Adjustments in sewer and water rates
• Art installations
• Trail improvements
• Approval of affordable housing projects
• Summary judgement in ACLU lawsuit
• Bike and pedestrian improvements
Challenges
• Infrastructure needs including water, sewer, streets and municipal buildings o Need comprehensive plans for sewers and streets
o More focus on CIP
• Homelessness and lack of services on the part of Sonoma County • Balancing the budget/financial challenges
• Negative public perceptions of City Hall
o Recent sales tax measure
o Feeling that Council is moving too fast for the community • Revitalize downtown
• Need of economic development
• Need for market rate housing, not just low-income
• More 3-2 split votes these days
• Local economy yet to fully rebound from Covid
• Siloed staff due to remote work and multiple work locations • Staff vacancies
• Lack of confidence in financial reporting
• The City is trying to do too many things at once
Goals
• Long-term fiscal sustainability
• Economic Development
o Economic Development Strategy
• Infrastructure
• Public Safety
o Retail theft
• Homelessness
o Need to see more from the County
• Particular items/projects mentioned:
o Future of downtown cell tower, lease terminates 2031
o Laguna wetlands preserve trail
o Ives park improvements
o Drought tolerant landscaping at City facilities
o Apple blossom bike and pedestrian trail
o Equity and inclusion – do more to recognize indigenous people