City Council, Staff, and the Public,
I’m writing to respectfully remind the City Council of the importance of posting meeting recordings in a timely manner. As of today (December 16, 2025), there still does not appear to be a recording available for the December 2, 2025 City Council meeting—two weeks after it occurred.
Timely posting matters for community engagement and transparency for three key reasons:
1. Meaningful public participation depends on access. Many residents cannot attend live meetings due to work, caregiving, disability, or transportation. Recordings ensure the public can still stay informed and participate in follow-up actions (emails, agenda-item comments, future meetings) while the discussion is still current.
2. Transparency is strongest when information is available promptly. When recordings are delayed, it becomes harder for the community to understand what was discussed, what direction was given to staff, and how decisions were shaped—especially on items that may move quickly to the next agenda.
3. Trust and accountability rely on an accurate public record. Recordings help residents verify what they heard secondhand, reduce confusion and misinformation, and create a clear record of deliberation and decision-making that strengthens confidence in local government.
I appreciate the work that goes into maintaining agendas, minutes, and communications. I’m asking that the City prioritize posting the December 2 meeting recording as soon as possible, and that the City reaffirm (and, if helpful, publicly communicate) a consistent target timeframe for posting recordings after each meeting.
Thank you for your time and for your service to Sebastopol. - Kyle Falbo