Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Engagement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Cotati unveils refreshed "Cotati Connection" newsletter and new community member guide; council offers edits
Summary
Staff presented an updated bilingual city newsletter and a new community member guide to be included in utility mailings; council members suggested layout changes, added QR links and distribution via local businesses and social media.
City staff showed the council a redesigned Cotati Connection newsletter and a newly created community member guide intended for new residents and businesses. Angela Porter, director of administrative services, said the new format uses the city’s marketing platform to present bilingual content more clearly and will be included with utility billing and posted on the city website.
The guide consolidates frequently requested information — how to sign up for utilities and notifications, who to call for public works issues, trash and recycling resources — into a folded brochure that staff said will be mailed to new customers and available digitally. Staff also said they had produced printed samples for council review and plan to include Spanish translations.
Council feedback and edits: Councilmembers suggested practical changes to make the guide more usable: add a short, prioritized "first 60 days" checklist (sign up for PG&E/Sonoma Clean Power, water, trash, pet licenses, emergency notifications); place civic calendars and proclamation dates in the events column; add a QR code that links directly to recreation and senior services; include a contact number for the SAFE team (non‑emergency outreach) in the services directory; and post copies at downtown businesses, libraries and community hubs.
Staff said the guide will also be available online and encouraged the council to run a promotion to increase electronic billing enrollment so more residents receive the newsletter via email.
Ending: The council offered edits and support for local distribution; staff will incorporate suggestions and proceed with publication and distribution via utility mailings and website links.
