CITY OF SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM REPORT FOR MEETING OF: June 2, 2026
==================================================================================== To: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
From: Police Chief Sean McDonagh
Department: Police Department
Subject: Approval of Amendment to Contract for Continuation of the Sonoma County Department of Human Services (HEART) personnel.
==================================================================================== RECOMMENDATION(s):
That the City Council approve Resolution approving the amendment of the current MOU for continuation of the Sonoma County Department of Health Services HEART program partnership within the City of Sebastopol and authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary continuation agreements or amendments associated with the program.
PROCESS OF AGENDA ITEM:
• If the item remains on the Consent Calendar, no presentation is required, and the item will be approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
• If the item is removed from the Consent Calendar, it will be heard as a regular agenda item and will proceed as follows:
a. Presentation by staff
b. Council questions and discussion
c. Public comment
d. Council deliberation and action
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This item requests city council support for the continuation of the Sonoma County Department of Health Services HEART program partnership within the City of Sebastopol. Since implementation of the pilot program in January 2026, HEART personnel have provided dedicated outreach, engagement, case management, and service coordination for individuals experiencing homelessness within Sebastopol and surrounding unincorporated areas.
Early outcomes from the pilot program demonstrate meaningful engagement and measurable and verifiable service delivery. Between January 20, 2026, and May 1, 2026, HEART personnel identified or supported 50 unique individuals, assisted with 73 calls for service alongside the Sebastopol Police Department, and conducted 61 proactive outreach engagements throughout the community.
The program has also assisted individuals with shelter placements, coordinated entry enrollment, behavioral health connections, housing navigation, and assisted living placement coordination, as noted in the attached Pilot Data document from the Sonoma County Department of Human Services.
BACKGROUND:
Sebastopol continues to experience impacts associated with homelessness, behavioral health challenges, substance abuse concerns, and related quality-of-life issues within the community. Historically, many of these matters have required repeated police response despite often being rooted in social service, healthcare, housing, or behavioral health needs that extend beyond the traditional role and expertise of law enforcement.
To assist in addressing these issues through a more coordinated and service-oriented approach, the City of Sebastopol partnered with Sonoma County Department of Health Services to implement the HEART pilot program within the city. The program was designed to provide dedicated outreach and engagement services to Agenda Item Number: 4
Agenda Item Number: 4
City Council Meeting Packet of: June 2, 2026
unhoused individuals while working collaboratively with city staff, law enforcement, behavioral health providers, shelters, medical providers, and community partners.
DISCUSSION:
Continuation of the HEART program provides a coordinated and compassionate service-oriented response for individuals experiencing homelessness that could not reasonably be replicated solely through police resources.
The assigned HEART personnel have demonstrated exceptional work ethic, professionalism, persistence, compassion, and initiative while consistently producing meaningful results and noticeable positive differences within the community.
Equally noteworthy has been the exceptional level of collaboration between HEART personnel, the police department, county agencies, medical providers, behavioral health resources, and community partners. The program has significantly strengthened coordination between public safety and social service systems and enhanced the city’s ability to provide coordinated, humane, and effective responses to homelessness-related issues.
Additionally, the program’s provision of detailed and verifiable statistical reporting assists the city in evaluating the effectiveness, operational value, and measurable outcomes associated with the HEART program. The availability of documented client contacts, outreach engagements, calls for service support, shelter placements, service connections, and housing-related outcomes provides transparency and accountability while allowing the city to make informed decisions regarding the continuation, expansion, or modification of homelessness outreach efforts and associated resource allocation.
This documented reporting is further reinforced by many contacts that the police chief himself has had with unhoused members of the community who speak highly of the HEART personnel working with the department.
The HEART program provides specialized outreach personnel who engage directly with unhoused individuals and assist with:
• Housing navigation and coordinated entry referrals.
• Connection to behavioral health and substance abuse services. • Shelter and supportive housing referrals.
• Resource coordination and case management.
• Collaboration with police, county agencies, and nonprofit organizations. • Ongoing engagement with individuals who may otherwise be resistant to services.
Since implementation, HEART personnel have established collaborative working relationships with Sebastopol Police Department staff and community stakeholders and have assisted in reducing service gaps and improving coordination between agencies responding to homelessness-related issues.
Pilot program data provided by Sonoma County demonstrates measurable engagement and service outcomes during the initial operational period, including:
• 50 unique clients identified or supported.
• 73 calls for service supported alongside the Sebastopol Police Department. • 61 proactive outreach engagements initiated by HEART personnel. • 17 individuals verbally accepting services.
• 11 individuals signed up for services.
• 8 individuals placed on shelter waitlists.
• 5 individuals placed into shelter.
• 3 individuals successfully housed.
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City Council Meeting Packet of: June 2, 2026
The attached report also outlines multiple success stories demonstrating the effectiveness of persistent relationship-based outreach and coordinated interagency responses. In one case, HEART personnel assisted an individual living in a treehouse encampment near the Joe Rodota Trail transition into shelter placement and supportive housing pathways following continued engagement and trust building.
In another case, HEART personnel coordinated with Sebastopol Police Department, EMS, hospital staff, and county resources to assist a medically vulnerable unhoused individual obtain placement within an assisted living facility.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
Continuation of the HEART partnership supports the city’s goals of improving public safety, enhancing quality of life, and promoting coordinated and compassionate responses to homelessness-related issues. The program assists in diverting non-criminal service-related matters toward appropriate social service providers while allowing police resources to remain focused on core law enforcement and emergency response functions.
The HEART model further strengthens collaboration between the City of Sebastopol, Sonoma County Department of Health Services, behavioral health providers, shelters, medical providers, and nonprofit organizations. The relationship-based outreach model utilized by HEART personnel has demonstrated an ability to engage individuals who may otherwise be resistant to traditional intervention approaches.
Given the early measurable outcomes, staff believe continuation of the program is operationally beneficial and consistent with the city’s broader public safety and community wellness objectives.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS/PRIORITIES/ AND OR GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY:
This agenda item represents the City Council goals/priorities as follows:
Goal 2: PUBLIC SAFETY
Strengthen the public’s safety and improve the quality of life. Includes supporting first responders, responding to emergencies, protecting people, property, and businesses, and engaging in coordinated public safety and community outreach efforts.
Goal 4: HIGH PERFORMANCE ORGANIZATION
Restore public trust, improve public communications, and strengthen collaborative partnerships with outside agencies and service providers.
PUBLIC COMMENT: As of the preparation of this staff report, no public comments have been received on this item. Any comments received after distribution of the report will be provided to the City Council as supplemental materials. Public comment will also be accepted during the meeting.
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 County of Sonoma continues to provide HEART personnel and associated program support. While some city staff time is associated with coordination and collaboration efforts, those impacts are currently managed within existing departmental resources and budgets. Continued collaboration with Sonoma County provides the city access to specialized outreach and engagement resources that would otherwise be difficult and costly for a small city to independently provide.
RESTATED RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council approve Resolution approving the amendment of the current MOU for continuation of the Sonoma County Department of Health Services HEART program partnership within the City of Sebastopol and authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary continuation agreements or amendments associated with Agenda Item Number: 4
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City Council Meeting Packet of: June 2, 2026
the program.
CITY COUNCIL OPTIONS:
1. Terminate the HEART program partnership
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Sonoma County DHS HEART Pilot Report 2026
2. Contract
3. Contract Amendment
4. Resolution
APPROVALS:
Department Head Approval: Approval Date: 5-27-2026
CEQA Determination (Planning): Approval Date: NA
The proposed action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Administrative Services (Financial) Approval Date: 5-27-2026 Costs authorized in City Approved Budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A Account Code (f applicable) _______________________________ City Attorney Approval: Approval Date: 5-27-2026
City Manager Approval: Approval Date: 5-27-2026
Agenda Item Number: 4
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City Council Meeting Packet of: June 2, 2026
HEART in Sebastopol:
Early Impact Report
Why the Pilot exists
The City of Sebastopol and Sonoma County launched a collaborative pilot project aimed at enhancing outreach and service connections for individuals experiencing homelessness. This initiative emphasizes consistent engagement and cross-system coordination to help individuals achieve safety, stability, and housing. Outcomes are from the period of 01/20/2026 - 05/01/2026.
What the Pilot does
A service pathway for
public safety contacts The Pilot helps connect people contacted through Sebastopol Police Department or community concerns to services and support.
Field-based outreach The Pilot meets people where they are, including those who may not access traditional services.
Persistent engagement Trust often requires repeated contact before someone is ready to accept help.
Connection to larger
systems
The Pilot helps link clients to Coordinated Entry, shelter, healthcare, behavioral health screening, and other benefits/supports.
Highlights Impact
50 Clients identified or supported
Represents unique individuals identified for services and wraparound supports.
73 Calls for Service supported
Represents the number of times the assigned Senior Client Support Specialist supported encounters between clients and SPD.
61 Proactive outreach engagements
Represents the outreach efforts initiated by the Senior Client Support Specialist to support client
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Pilot Data from 01/20/2026 - 05/01/2026
Client Outcomes
N=50
0 5 10 15 20
Placed into Shelter
Signed up for services
Verbally accepted services
Placed on shelter wailist
Housed
Encounters pending engagement
Refused services
5 11
17 8
3 2
4 Coordinated Entry Status
N=50
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Active
Reactivated
Newly Enrolled
Disenrolled
Not in System
12 10
5 14
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Pilot Data continued
Age Demographics
N=50
20 - 29 30 - 39 40 - 49 50 - 59 60 - 69 70 - 79
0 2
4 6
8 10
12 14
1 12 13 13 7 4
Race Demographics
N=50
0 10 20 30 40
American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Black or African American
Hispanic or Latino
Middle Eastern or North African (MENA)
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
White
3 3
6 37
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City Council Meeting Packet of: June 2, 2026
Success Story 1: Treehouse Encampment to Shelter
During outreach in Sebastopol, one individual was identified living in a three-story treehouse they had built near the Joe Rodota Trail. Initially, the individual was hesitant to engage and declined shelter placement, though they agreed to ongoing check-ins from the outreach team.
Over time, consistent outreach helped build trust. When the treehouse was later tagged for removal by the City of Sebastopol, the outreach worker again offered shelter placement at Eliza’s Village. This time, the individual accepted, viewing it as an opportunity to get back on a path toward stability.
The individual became one of the first shelter placements connected to the Sebastopol outreach assignment. They remain housed at the shelter, are actively working with a case manager, have been connected to benefits and primary care, and are now pursuing permanent supportive housing.
Success Story 2: Assisted Living Placement
A concerned community member contacted the Sebastopol Police Department seeking HEART services for an individual experiencing homelessness in Sebastopol. The individual was living in her vehicle, experiencing serious physical and mental health challenges, and was unable to independently meet her activities of daily living.
The outreach team completed an immediate needs assessment and began coordinating services.
The individual shared that she was often reluctant to accept help, particularly mental and behavioral health services, but felt more comfortable engaging with the HEART team.
After continued contact and conversations about her health and safety, the individual requested medical assistance. She was transported by EMS to a local hospital. The outreach team then coordinated with the HEART Hospital Liaison and hospital social workers to support a safe discharge plan.Through this coordinated effort, the individual was connected to housing resources and successfully placed in an assisted living facility.
Looking Ahead:
Early outcomes show that relationship-based outreach, when paired with public safety collaboration and strong service coordination, can help move vulnerable residents toward care, stability, and safer outcomes for the broader community. To build on this early progress, three objectives should be prioritized:
Continue a coordinated response by maintaining clear communication and referral pathways between the City of Sebastopol, HEART, local medical providers, behavioral health access points, shelters, and other community resources.
Strengthen service transitions by supporting clients as they move from initial outreach contact to service enrollment, Coordinated Entry, shelter placement, and longer-term housing pathways.
Track outcomes over time through continued data collection to better understand repeat contacts, service uptake, shelter movement, and housing outcomes.
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City Council Meeting Packet of: June 2, 2026
Contract No. 2025-5174-A00
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Between
County of Sonoma
and
City of Sebastopol
(Version 2025 Aug 11)
This Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter "MOU"), dated as of December 17, 2025 (hereinafter "Effective Date") is by and between the County of Sonoma (hereinafter "County") and City of Sebastopol (hereinafter ”City”).
The purpose of this MOU is to establish the roles and responsibilities of the parties in the County's providing staff to engage individuals experiencing homelessness within the incorporated and unincorporated areas of City.
1. County Roles and Responsibilities
1.1 Provide one Senior Client Support Specialist from the Homeless Encampment Assistance and Resource Team (HEART) to operate within the incorporated and unincorporated areas of City. Some overlap may occur with regular Joe Rodota Trail HEART outreach activities.
1.1.1 This Client Support Specialist position is a temporary role designed to pilot the impact of having an embedded worker assigned to a specific region
1.2 Engage individuals experiencing homelessness and navigate them to available services.
Services include but are not limited to behavioral health support, coordinated entry enrollment, housing navigation, shelter, and other social services programs.
1.2.1 The Senior Client Support Specialist shall focus on areas that are deemed problematic and have a higher need for service.
1.2.2 The Sebastopol Police Department shall assign areas to cover and situations to pursue as needed.
1.2.3 The Client Support Specialist shall be fingerprinted and shall complete the NexTest, Level 1 CLETS access training prior to accessing non-public areas of the Sebastopol Police Department. The City shall facilitate the completion of these requirements by the Client Support Specialist.
1.3 Coordinate service delivery with the Sebastopol Police Department, West Community County Services (WCCS), and partnering agencies serving the City of Sebastopol and surrounding unincorporated area.
1.3.1 The Senior Client Support Specialist shall coordinate and assist with the navigation service delivery and focus areas with West County Community Services (WCCS) and the Sebastopol Police Department on a daily basis.
1.4 Track all client engagements and outcomes. The Senior Client Support Specialist shall complete the “Outreach Engagement” form with any homeless individual who is willing to accept services.
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Contract No. 2025-5174-A00
1.5 Complete the “Encampment Outreach” document for the general area of City, which includes multiple identifying factors, including but not limited to, the total number of homeless individuals observed, how many people accepted or declined services, and if they were interested in shelter.
1.6 Track data collected from the “Outreach Engagement” and “Encampment Outreach” documents so that it is available for regular monthly reporting, if requested.
1.6.1 All individuals who receive services have the right to confidentiality and are protected under privacy laws. The Senior Client Support Specialist shall not be able to provide any details about specific homeless individuals with entities not indicated on the Interdepartmental MultiDisciplinary Team (IMDT) Release of Information (ROI) form, which includes the City and the Sebastopol Police Department.
2. City Roles and Responsibilities
2.1 Provide a regular contact in the City to assist in the direction of the Senior Client Support Specialist’s work.
2.2 Provide a workspace with access to the internet and adequate office resources.
2.3 Provide a radio to coordinate activities with Sebastopol Police Department.
2.4 Provide at least 1 ride-along and/or tour orienting the Senior Client Support Specialist to the City high needs areas and problems of primary concern related to homelessness.
3. Payment
No payment shall be made to either party. The parties agrees that at all times and for all purposes relevant to this MOU, the County shall remain the sole and exclusive employer of the Client Support Specialist. County agrees to provide labor and employee costs associated with the Senior Client Support Specialist. County also agrees to provide the Senior Client Support Specialist with a vehicle, fuel, laptop, cellphone, and other work-related expenses at no expense to City.
Other costs may arise throughout the duration of this MOU. When possible, the Senior Client Support Specialist shall attempt to use existing homeless programs to support these needs, but when there are no existing programs, the County and City shall split these costs 50:50. The Senior Client Support Specialist shall send request for purchase to HEART Program Manager for verification of costs and need. The request shall then be sent to the Department of Health Services (DHS) Director and City Manager for final approval to procure.
4. Independent Parties
City and County shall at all times be considered independent parties, and neither party, by virtue of this MOU or otherwise, shall be considered or asserted to be an employee, contractor, subcontractor, partner, joint venturer, representative, or agent of the other party.
5. Communication
All notices and reports shall be made in writing and should be addressed to:
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Contract No. 2025-5174-A00
County Contact City Contact
Chris Inclan
Health Program Manager
Homeless Encampment Assistance & Resource
Team (HEART)
Homelessness Division
Department of Health Services
County of Sonoma
1450 Neotomas Ave, Suite 115
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Phone: (707) 565-4032
Cell: (707) 914-6447
Email: [email protected]
Mary Gourley
Interim City Manager
City of Sebastopol
P.O. Box 1776
Sebastopol, CA 95473
Phone: (707) 823-1153
Email: [email protected]
6. Term of MOU
6.1. The term of this MOU shall be from this MOU's Effective date through ninety (90) days after this MOU's Effective Date. This MOU may be extended up to six (6) months based on mutual agreement between County and City via a formal amendment process.
6.2. Either party may terminate this MOU for convenience and without cause upon 30 days' advance written notice.
7. Confidentiality
Both parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of all patient medical records and client information in accordance with all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations.
8. Dispute Resolution
If any conflicts or disputes arise between the two parties, involved staff shall meet in a timely manner to resolve the conflict or dispute. It is acknowledged by both parties that the purpose of such meeting is to come to a resolution that is in the best interest of both parties and any client or patient involved.
9. Indemnification
Each party agrees to accept all responsibility for loss or damage to any person or entity, and to defend, indemnify, hold harmless, and release the other party (including its supervisors, officials, officers, agents, and employees) from and against any and all actions, claims, damages, disabilities, or expenses (including costs and attorney fees) that may be asserted by any person or entity, including the indemnifying party, resulting from indemnifying party's acts, errors, omissions, and/or willful misconduct arising out of or in connection with the performance of this MOU. This indemnification obligation is not limited in any way by any limitation on the amount or type of damages or compensation payable to or for indemnifying party or its agents under workers' compensation acts, disability benefit acts, or other employee benefit acts. This indemnification provision survives termination of this MOU with respect to issues arising hereunder.
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Contract No. 2025-5174-A00
10. Extra or Changed Work
Extra or changed work or other changes to the MOU may be authorized only by written amendment to this MOU, signed by both parties. Changes which do not exceed the delegated signature authority of the Department may be executed by the Department Head in a form approved by County Counsel. The Board of Supervisors or Purchasing Agent must authorize all other extra or changed work which exceeds the delegated signature authority of the Department Head. The parties expressly recognize that, pursuant to Sonoma County Code Section 1-11, County personnel are without authorization to order extra or changed work or waive MOU requirements. Failure of City to secure such written authorization for extra or changed work shall constitute a waiver of any and all right to adjustment in the MOU price or MOU time due to such unauthorized work and thereafter City shall be entitled to no compensation whatsoever for the performance of such work. City further expressly waives any and all right or remedy by way of restitution and quantum meruit for any and all extra work performed without such express and prior written authorization of the County.
11. Statutory Compliance/Living Wage Ordinance
City agrees to comply, and to ensure compliance by its subconsultants or subcontractors, with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, statutes and policies, including but not limited to the County of Sonoma Living Wage Ordinance, applicable to the services provided under this MOU as they exist now and as they are changed, amended or modified during the term of this MOU. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, City expressly acknowledges and agrees that this MOU is subject to the provisions of Article XXVI of Chapter 2 of the Sonoma County Code, requiring payment of a living wage to covered employees. Noncompliance during the term of the MOU will be considered a material breach and may result in termination of the MOU or pursuit of other legal or administrative remedies.
12. Merger
This writing is intended both as the final expression of the MOU between the parties hereto with respect to the included terms and as a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of the MOU. Each party acknowledges that, in entering into this MOU, it has not relied on any representation or undertaking, whether oral or in writing, other than those which are expressly set forth in this MOU. No modification of this MOU shall be effective unless and until such modification is evidenced by a writing signed by both parties. § The remainder of this page has intentionally been left blank. § Docusign Envelope ID: 10FF6F87-1F55-41C2-AD9B-F2A16DE36166 Agenda Item Number: 4
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Contract No. 2025-5174-A00
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this MOU as of the Effective Date.
City of Sebastopol:
Mary Gourley, Interim City Manager Dated
City of Sebastopol
COUNTY OF SONOMA:
Approved; Certificates of Insurance on File with County:
Nolan Sullivan, Director Dated
Department of Health Services
Approved as to Substance:
Division Director or Designee Dated
Approved as to Form:
County Counsel Dated
Approved as to Substance:
Privacy & Security Officer Dated
11/14/25
12/03/2025
12/03/2025
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Contract No. 2025-5174-A00
Exhibit A
Exhibit A. Schedule and Coordinating Services
County Schedule
The Senior Client Support Specialist shall be assigned to work in incorporated and unincorporated areas of the City Monday–Friday during the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 p.m. The Senior Client Support Specialist shall not be available to perform duties during regularly scheduled mandatory meetings, trainings, approved vacation, County holidays, and sick time.
When the Senior Client Support Specialist is unavailable due to pre-scheduled leave, additional County staff shall not be assigned. The Senior Client Support Specialist's schedule is subject to change based on HEART program needs, along with the needs of the area being supported.
Coordinating Services
County and City shall coordinate services with partnering agencies and the Sebastopol Police Department. Examples of potential duties that County shall support include:
• Meeting with individuals to navigate various services. • Attending coordination meetings with local service providers, non-profits, faith-based, and local government providers to assist with issues related to homelessness. • Creating an inventory of local resources, Permanent Supportive Housing sites, food pantries, and other homeless related resources in the city. • Providing encampment outreach.
• Conducting outreach with law enforcement.
• Transporting clients when needed.
• Assisting with maintaining the sub-regional by names list. • Making recommendations on programs, gaps, and resources needed to City and County leadership.
• Entering data into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). • Facilitating potential referrals to County homeless or behavioral health programs. • Meeting with constituents or residents to address homeless related concerns.
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City Council Meeting Packet of: June 2, 2026
CITY OF SEBASTOPOL
RESOLUTION NO. 6724-2025
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEBASTOPOL APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE CITY OF SEBASTOPOL AND THE SONOMA COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE DEPLOYMENT OF A H.E.A.R.T. PERSONNEL ASSIGNED TO THE SEBASTOPOL
POLICE DEPARTMENT AS A PILOT PROGRAM, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE MOU
WHEREAS, the City of Sebastopol and the Sonoma County Department of Health Services (DHS) share a common interest in improving public health, safety, and crisis response outcomes within the community; and
WHEREAS, the Sonoma County Health Emergency Assessment & Response Team (H.E.A.R.T.) program provides trained behavioral-health professionals who work collaboratively with law enforcement to respond to mental health crises, social service needs, and related calls for service; and WHEREAS, the Sebastopol Police Department experiences a significant number of calls involving mental health crises, substance-use incidents, welfare checks, vulnerable populations, and individuals requiring health or social service intervention; and
WHEREAS, embedding a DHS H.E.A.R.T. personnel within the Sebastopol Police Department will enhance the City’s ability to safely and effectively respond to behavioral-health related incidents, connect individuals to appropriate services, reduce repeat calls for service, and improve outcomes for residents in crisis; and
WHEREAS, Sonoma County DHS has proposed a partnership with the City of Sebastopol to launch a pilot program assigning one (1) H.E.A.R.T. personnel to work within the Sebastopol Police Department, providing in-field response, follow-up case coordination, outreach services, and interagency support; and WHEREAS, staff have negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the roles, responsibilities, reporting expectations, supervision model, liability provisions, fiscal terms (if any), and evaluation criteria for the pilot program; and
WHEREAS, the proposed MOU enhances interagency coordination, supports the City’s public safety and community well-being goals, and aligns with the City Council’s priorities of strengthening public safety response and expanding service-based alternatives; and
WHEREAS, entering into this MOU requires formal approval by the City Council and the authorization for the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Sebastopol hereby approves the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Sebastopol and the Sonoma County Department of Health Services for the deployment of a H.E.A.R.T. personnel assigned to the Sebastopol Police Department as a pilot program, in substantially the form presented to the City Council and on file with the City Clerk.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council authorizes the City Manager to execute the MOU, make minor and non-substantive amendments as necessary, and take all actions needed to implement the pilot program.
IN COUNCIL DULY PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of December, 2025.
VOTE: Councilmembers Carter, Hinton, Zollman, Vice Mayor McLewis and Mayor Zollman AYES: None
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
APPROVED: _______________________________________
Mayor Jill McLewis
ATTEST: _______________________________________________________________ Mary Gourley, Interim City Manager/City Clerk, MMC
APPROVED AS TO FORM: __________________________________________________ Alex Mog, City Attorney
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City Council Meeting Packet of: June 2, 2026
Contract No. 2026-5174-A01
MODIFICATION NUMBER ONE OF
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
COUNTY OF SONOMA AND
CITY OF SEBASTOPOL
(Version 2025 Aug 12)
On December 17, 2025, the County of Sonoma, a political subdivision of the State of California, (hereinafter "County") and City of Sebastopol (hereinafter "Contractor") entered into a services agreement (hereinafter "Agreement").
Pursuant to Section 6.1 and Article 12 (Merger) of the Agreement, the parties hereby evidence their intent and desire to modify the Agreement as follows:
1. Section 6.1 is hereby revised to read as follows:
6.1. The term of this MOU shall be from this MOU's Effective date of December 17, 2025 through 271 days after that Effective Date, or September 16, 2026.
Except as expressly modified herein, all terms and conditions of Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
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Contract No. 2026-5174-A01
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this modification to be duly executed by their authorized representatives this 2nd day of June, 2026.
CONTRACTOR:
Mary Gourley, City Manager Dated
City of Sebastopol
COUNTY OF SONOMA:
Approved; Certificates of Insurance on File with County:
Nolan Sullivan, Director Dated
Department of Health Services
Approved as to Substance:
Division Director or Designee Dated
Approved as to Substance:
Privacy & Security Officer or Designee Dated
3/25/2026 on behalf of Sean Barker
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CITY OF SEBASTOPOL
RESOLUTION NO. XXXX-2026
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEBASTOPOL APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE CITY OF SEBASTOPOL AND THE SONOMA COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE DEPLOYMENT OF A H.E.A.R.T. PERSONNEL
ASSIGNED TO THE SEBASTOPOL POLICE DEPARTMENT AS A PILOT PROGRAM, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AMENDMENT TO THE MOU
WHEREAS, the City of Sebastopol and the Sonoma County Department of Health Services (DHS) share a common interest in improving public health, safety, and crisis response outcomes within the community; and
WHEREAS, the Sonoma County Health Emergency Assessment & Response Team (H.E.A.R.T.) program provides trained behavioral-health professionals who work collaboratively with law enforcement to respond to mental health crises, social service needs, and related calls for service; and WHEREAS, the Sebastopol Police Department experiences a significant number of calls involving mental health crises, substance-use incidents, welfare checks, vulnerable populations, and individuals requiring health or social service intervention; and
WHEREAS, Sonoma County DHS and the City of Sebastopol commenced a partnership pilot program in January 2026 assigning one (1) H.E.A.R.T. personnel to work within and alongside the Sebastopol Police Department, providing in-field response, follow-up case coordination, outreach services, and interagency support; and
WHEREAS, embedding a DHS H.E.A.R.T. personnel within the Sebastopol Police Department enhanced the City’s ability to safely and effectively respond to behavioral-health related incidents, connect individuals to appropriate services, reduce repeat calls for service, and improve outcomes for residents in crisis; and WHEREAS, staff have negotiated an amended Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for extension to the current MOU, outlining the roles, responsibilities, reporting expectations, supervision model, liability provisions, fiscal terms (if any), and evaluation criteria for the pilot program; and WHEREAS, the proposed amended MOU continues to enhance interagency coordination, support the City’s public safety and community well-being goals, and align with the City Council’s priorities of strengthening public safety response and expanding service-based alternatives; and WHEREAS, entering into this extended MOU requires formal approval by the City Council and the authorization for the City Manager to execute the amended agreement on behalf of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Sebastopol hereby approves the amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Sebastopol and the Sonoma County Department of Health Services for the continued deployment of a H.E.A.R.T. personnel assigned to the Sebastopol Police Department as a pilot program, in substantially the form presented to the City Council and on file with the City Clerk.
Agenda Item Number: 4
Agenda Item Number: 4
City Council Meeting Packet of: June 2, 2026
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council authorizes the City Manager to execute the amended MOU, make minor and non-substantive amendments as necessary, and take all actions needed to implement the pilot program.
IN COUNCIL DULY PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 2nd June, 2026 VOTE:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
APPROVED: _______________________________________
Mayor Jill McLewis
ATTEST: _______________________________________________________________ Mary Gourley, City Manager
APPROVED AS TO FORM: __________________________________________________ Alex Mog, City Attorney
Agenda Item Number: 4
Agenda Item Number: 4
City Council Meeting Packet of: June 2, 2026