CITY OF SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM REPORT FOR MEETING OF: October 21, 2025
=========================================================================================== To: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
From: Victoria Henkel, Permit Technician
Subject: Public Arts Committee Presentation
=========================================================================================== RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the Council listen to concerns from the Chair of the Public Arts Committee, on behalf of the Public Arts Committee (PAC). The PAC is requesting support and attendance at future Public Art events, and to seek clarification regarding public art obligations related to the Barlow Hotel development, Hotel Sebastopol, and the Canopy development.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This agenda item asks the Chair of the Public Arts Committee to present their concerns to the City Council regarding two key issues:
• Council support and attendance at upcoming PAC-sponsored events; and • Clarification on the public art component and associated funding from the Barlow Hotel development project.
BACKGROUND & DISCUSSION:
The Public Arts Committee regularly organizes and supports community-facing events and public art dedications.
In the past, these events have not been well attended by members of the City Council. City Council attendance at these events demonstrates leadership support for the arts and helps foster community engagement, civic pride, and public appreciation of local artists, as well as appreciation of the work of the Public Arts Committee. Council presence also reinforces the City’s commitment to culture and creativity as public values.
Additionally, the Committee seeks to understand the details of the approved development agreement for the Barlow Hotel project, specifically with respect to any public art obligations or contributions outlined in that agreement. The PAC would like clarification on the process and decisions made.
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:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the recommended action tonight.
RESTATED RECOMMENDATION:
Accept the PAC Chair’s concerns and make comments.
OPTIONS:
Accept the PAC Chair’s concerns and make comments or provide direction to staff.
Agenda Item Number: 9 Agenda Item Number: 9
City Council Meeting Packet of: October 21, 2025
1 of 7
ATTACHMENTS:
Letter from PAC to City Council
Presentation Slides
APPROVALS:
Department Head Approval: Approval Date: 10/14/2025
CEQA Determination (Planning): Approval Date: 9/17/2025 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 (if applicable) ___________________________ City Attorney Approval: Approval Date: N/A
City Manager Approval: Approval Date: 10/14/2025
Agenda Item Number: 9 Agenda Item Number: 9
City Council Meeting Packet of: October 21, 2025
2 of 7
Agenda Item Number: 9 Agenda Item Number: 9
City Council Meeting Packet of: October 21, 2025
3 of 7
CITY COUNCIL
Meeting of October 21, 2025
Public Arts Committee
Presentation
Agenda Item Number: 9 Agenda Item Number: 9
City Council Meeting Packet of: October 21, 2025
4 of 7
CITY COUNCIL
Meeting of October 21, 2025
The Public Arts Committee (PAC) is requesting the
following:
1. Support and attendance from City Councilmembers
at future Public Art events
2. Seeking clarification regarding public art obligations related to development projects
Agenda Item Number: 9 Agenda Item Number: 9
City Council Meeting Packet of: October 21, 2025
5 of 7
CITY COUNCIL
Meeting of October 21, 2025
• City Council attendance at art dedication events demonstrates leadership support for the arts and helps foster community engagement, civic pride, and public appreciation of local artists, as well as appreciation of the work of the Public Arts Committee • Council presence also reinforces the City’s commitment to culture and creativity as public values
Attendance at Recent Events:
• Bruce Johnson "Koan" dedication
• Ned Kahn “Sebastopol Spire” dedication
BACKGROUND & DISCUSSION:
Agenda Item Number: 9 Agenda Item Number: 9
City Council Meeting Packet of: October 21, 2025
6 of 7
CITY COUNCIL
Meeting of October 21, 2025
Additionally, the Committee seeks to understand the details of the approved development agreements with respect to any public art obligations or contributions outlined in the agreements for the following:
• Barlow Hotel
• Hotel Sebastopol
• The Canopy Development
While we recognize budget pressures, this decision raises questions about the city's ongoing commitment to public art funding
The PAC would like clarification on the process and decisions made BACKGROUND & DISCUSSION:
Agenda Item Number: 9 Agenda Item Number: 9
City Council Meeting Packet of: October 21, 2025
7 of 7