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Special Note for Commissioners and Lab Members : Be mindful of your obligations under "The Brown Act" (A) Do: Discuss library business only at public meetings; Ask staff for guidance when unsure; and, Be transparent and inclusive of public input. (B) Avoid: Email or texting other commissioners about policy decisions; Attending gatherings where a quorum discusses Commission business; and, Taking action on items not properly agendized.
COMMISSIONER'S REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY
A. PURPOSE: The purpose of this report is to provide information to members of the Sebastopol Library Community (1) who are interested in the SCL Commission; and, (2) receiving information regarding citizen participation and transparency in the meetings conducted by the Sonoma County Library Commission, and, on occasion; (3) articles of potential interest.
B. THE VALUE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Civic participation contributes to better decisions because decision-makers have more complete information – in the form of additional facts, values, and perspectives obtained through public input – to bring to bear on the decision process. They can then incorporate the best information and expertise of all stakeholders. Decisions are more implementable and sustainable because the decision considers the needs and interests of all stakeholders including vulnerable/marginalized populations, and stakeholders better understand and are more invested in the outcomes.
As a result, decisions that are informed by public participation processes are seen as more legitimate and are less subject to challenge. Decision-makers who fully understand stakeholder interests also become better communicators, able to explain decisions and decide on rationale in terms stakeholders understand and in ways that 2 relate to stakeholders’ values and concerns. Public Participation Guide: Introduction to Public Participation1
C. LIBRARY CLOSURE
!. Sebastopol City Council (Meeting Agenda)
Tuesday July 7 2026
https://www.cityofsebastopol.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/FINAL-July7-2026-City-Council-Meeting-Agenda-for-CC-Packet.pdf See Item # 12 Discussion of approval of Budget Amendment for Initial Invoices for Testing/Mold Removal/etc. and Discussion of Proposed Costs/Timeline for Library Remediation
https://www.cityofsebastopol.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Agenda-ItemNumber-12-Approve-Emergency-Remediation-Library.pdf
2. A copy of my CITY OF SEBASTOPOL'S REPRESENTATIVE TO THE SONOMA
COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION ASSESSMENT AND ACTION PLAN FOR DISCUSSION which was written in response to a request by Council Member Zollman will be added to the Agenda.
I can be reached at [email protected]
Hope to see you, in person or Zoom, at the City of Sebastopol, on July 7, 2026.
Thank you for your continued support of the Sonoma County Library, Sebastopol Regional Branch.
Yours sincerely,
Fred Engbarth
SCL Commissioner appointed by the City of Sebastopol
1 Public Participation Guide: Introduction to Public Participation (EPA) https://www.epa.gov/international-cooperation/public-participation-guide-introduction-publicparticipation#:~:text=Public%20participation%20contributes%20to%20better,bear%20on%20the%20decision%20 process.