CITY OF SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM REPORT FOR MEETING OF: October 21, 2025
=========================================================================================== To: Honorable City Councilmembers
From: Mayor Zollman
Responsible Department: Interim City Manager
Planning Department
Subject: Consideration of Request for Creation of and Appointment to Ad Hoc Committee to Prepare for the 125th Celebration of the Incorporation of the City of Sebastopol (1902- 2027) Request is to allocate staff time to coordinate with all of our current private businesses (to include the pending Hotel Sebastopol), nonprofits and agencies i.e. library admin to start soliciting ideas for the celebration as well as ways to fund it.
Recommendation: That the City Council Provide direction to staff =========================================================================================== RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council consider establishing an Ad Hoc Committee to begin planning for the City’s 125th Anniversary Celebration, appoint two Councilmembers to serve on the committee, and authorize allocation of limited staff time to support initial coordination efforts.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City of Sebastopol will celebrate its 125th Anniversary of incorporation in 2027. This milestone represents an opportunity to honor Sebastopol’s history, celebrate its diverse community, and promote local culture, arts, and increase economic vitality.
PROCESS OF AGENDA ITEM:
a. Presentation of agenda item by the Mayor/Interim City Manager b. Questions and discussion from Councilmembers
c. Public comment period
d. Council receives the report. No action required.
BACKGROUND
The City of Sebastopol was incorporated in 1902 and will celebrate its 125th Anniversary in 2027. As with previous milestone events, early preparation is essential to ensure a meaningful, inclusive, and well-organized celebration that reflects the values and diversity of the Sebastopol community.
DISCUSSION:
If approved, the Ad Hoc Committee could serve to:
• Coordinate with businesses, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies to generate ideas for events and commemorative activities;
• Identify potential funding sources including sponsorships, donations, and grants; and • Develop a proposed scope of work and estimated funding plan to bring back to the City Council for review, discussion, and direction at a future meeting.
• The intent is to begin early community engagement and concept development while maintaining Council oversight over all final decisions related to the event as all recommendations from the committee will be submitted to the Council for consideration at a publicly noticed City Council meeting.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS/PRIORITIES; AND/OR GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY:
This agenda item represents the City Council goals/priorities as follows:
Action Plan 5: Festive Activities/Holiday Events
Goal 4: HIGH PERFORMANCE ORGANIZATION
• Restoring public trust
• Improve Public Communications
Goal 6: Economic Development
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 schedule meeting date. The City has also used social media to promote and advertise the City Council Meeting Agenda Items.
As of the writing of this agenda item report, the City has not received public comment. If staff receives public comments following the publication and distribution of this agenda item report, such comments will be provided to the City Council as supplemental materials before or at the meeting and will be posted to the city website.
FISCAL IMPACT:
It is anticipated for initial meetings, limited staff time will be allocated to support early coordination, outreach, and communication efforts. Proposed scope of work and any future budget requests for the 125th Celebration will be developed by the Ad Hoc Committee and presented to the City Council for review and approval at a later date.
RESTATED RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
• Approve the creation of an Ad Hoc Committee for the 125th Celebration of the Incorporation of the City of Sebastopol (1902–2027);
• Appoint two Councilmembers to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee; • Authorize limited staff time to support coordination and outreach with community partners, local businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies to solicit ideas and explore funding opportunities; and • Direct the Ad Hoc Committee to develop a proposed scope of work and estimated funding plan and return to the City Council for discussion and direction.
OPTIONS:
1. Provide alternate direction to staff; or
2. Take no action at this time and return at a later date for reconsideration ATTACHMENTS:
None