City Council 2013

[Helen Shane]

Dear Sebastopol City Council Members:

I came away from last night's Council meeting gratified and assured that we are, once again, in good hands. Every council member was engaged, collegial, sensible, thoughtful and productive. The drive thru moratorium was extended to a year (the original 45 day urgency action was extended by enough time to total a year). No public or council member spoke against the extension.

City Manager Larry McLaughlin read a long memo outlining the physical and financial status of the Village Mobile Home Park.It is presently not self sustaining. No residents were there from the park, nor was the managerial firm of Tombe Realty (who charge the city about $110,000 per year to "manage" the facility, though City Clerk Mary Gourley assured all that they were invited). Council members discussed the report, with the intention of settling on a course of action for the its future. Every council member contributed to the discussion. McLaughlin neatly summarized the discussion and prioritized the concerns, problems and potential options to be researched for further action, including the possibility of bringing the management of the park in to city staff. The contract with Tombe expires on March 31 of this year.

I can't recall witnessing a more productive, functional or communicative official Sebastopol government meeting.

Congratulations to all. You have set a high bar for your comportment in a democratic, expedient manner.

Sincerely, Helen Shane
cc: Wacco, Sonoma West, Press Democrat