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CITYof BRISBANE
Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 8:00 PM ● Hybrid Meeting 50 Park Place, Brisbane, CA The public may observe/participate in City Council meetings using remote public comment options or attending in person. The City Council may take action on any item listed in the agenda.
TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL
IN PERSON
Location: City Hall Large Conference Room 50 Park Place, Brisbane, CA 94005 The City Council can be addressed during public comment and the workshop discussion.
REMOTE PARTICIPATION
Members of the public may participate by logging into the Zoom Meeting listed below.
The agenda materials may be viewed online at brisbaneca.org at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting, and at least 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting.
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SPECIAL ASSISTANCE
If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (415) 508- 2113. Notification in advance of the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
City Council Special Meeting Agenda
September 4, 2025 - 2 - 8:30 PM
8:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (To Be Held in the Large Conference Room Immediately following the Adjournment of the Brisbane City Council Meeting at 6:30 P.M.)
ROLL CALL
A. Consider any request of a City Councilmember to attend the meeting remotely under the “Emergency Circumstances” of AB 2449
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENT
WORKSHOP
B. Volunteer of the Year 2025 Discussion
ADJOURNMENT
2025 Volunteer of the Year 1
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date: September 4, 2025
From: Jeremy Dennis, City Manager
Subject: Volunteer of the Year Nomination
Recommendation
Recognize the 2025 Volunteer of the Year and, if applicable, the Youth Volunteer of the Year, as selected by the City Council, for their outstanding service and contributions to the Brisbane community.
Background
Since 1994, the City of Brisbane has annually honored a resident as its Volunteer of the Year. This tradition celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to community service. The selection is made by the Mayor and City Councilmembers who review nominations and letters of recommendation submitted by residents.
Discussion
The Volunteer of the Year award is a prestigious recognition of individuals who have made a lasting impact on the Brisbane community. The selection committee considers several criteria, including, but not limited to:
• Long-term, consistent service to the community, often over decades. • Significant volunteer contributions in a specific area or across multiple community groups.
• A selfless commitment to improving the quality of life in Brisbane without seeking personal recognition.
• The ability to inspire others to volunteer and take initiative in enhancing the city. 2025 Volunteer of the Year 2
Each year, one adult and, when applicable, one youth recipient is selected. It is possible to nominate more than one adult. Past recipients are not eligible for re-nomination. These individuals are known for their generosity, positive spirit, and unwavering support of community initiatives.
Fiscal Impact
Minimal costs associated with recognition (e.g. plaques, etc.) are included in the City’s annual budget.
Attachments
1. 2025 Volunteer of the Year Packet, including this year’s nominees, past, nonawarded nominees, and previous Volunteer of the Year Award recipients. _________________________
Jeremy Dennis, City Manager
2025 Volunteer of the Year 3
Volunteer of the Year
Criteria
In the past, the selection committee has utilized the following qualifying criteria to guide their decision-making process:
1. Consistent and ongoing service to the community spread over the course of many years/decades; a “lifetime achievement” type award.
2. Extensive and significant volunteer service in a particular area/field.
3. Volunteering across a variety of purposes and community groups.
4. Selfless commitment, giving for the betterment of the community and not for personal recognition or gain.
5. Inspires others to volunteer.
6. Takes the initiative to enhance the city.
2025 Nominees for Volunteer of the Year
In alphabetical order, 7 total nominations for this year:
1. Dr. Donald Francis
2. Elizabeth (Liz) Larson
3. Hermann Reiss
4. Jasama Patel
5. Linda Almeida
6. Sebastian Bousquet *Youth Volunteer, under 18
7. Tony Byun
2025 Volunteer of the Year 4
NOMINEE: Dr Donald Francis
Nominator(s): 1
About the Nominee:
• Earned his M.D. from Northwestern and a Doctor of Science in virology from Harvard, followed by a fellowship in infectious diseases and service in the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service.
• Contributed to eradicating smallpox in several countries, responded to cholera and Ebola outbreaks, and helped develop the hepatitis B vaccine in the U.S. and China.
• Began AIDS research in 1981, was among the first to propose it was caused by an infectious agent, and collaborated with the Institute Pasteur in identifying HIV. • Served as AIDS Advisor to California, chaired San Francisco's HIV Task Force, and led HIV vaccine development at Genentech and VaxGen.
Notes:
NOMINEE: Elizabeth (Liz) Larson
Nominator(s): 74
About the Nominee:
• Liz has served for years in leadership roles and consistently steps up when no one else volunteers, often managing major school and community efforts on her own. • She has organized numerous impactful events including Science Exploration Day, Spring Thing, faculty appreciation meals, and various school fundraisers and celebrations.
• She has coached youth sports for many years, including AYSO soccer and Lipman volleyball, often mentoring students beyond her own children. • Despite having a full-time job and three children, she dedicates her limited free time to volunteering with warmth, humility, and tireless energy. • She is deeply respected and appreciated for her selfless contributions, positive attitude, and unwavering commitment to the Brisbane community.
Notes:
2025 Volunteer of the Year 5
NOMINEE: Hermann Reiss
Nominator(s): 1
About the Nominee:
• Hermann Reiss has been a quiet, dependable volunteer in Brisbane for over 40 years, consistently helping those in need without seeking recognition. • He has provided meals, done grocery shopping, and visited people recovering from surgery at care centers and in their homes.
• Even in his 80s, he and his wife Annabel continue to support neighbors with errands, home visits, and small repairs.
• He has been an active and thoughtful member of the CAFE Task Force, regularly attending meetings and offering ideas to support aging residents. • Despite decades of service, Hermann has never asked for anything in return and has yet to be formally thanked for his contributions.
Notes:
NOMINEE: Jasama Patel
Nominator(s): 1
About the Nominee:
• Jasama has served as president of the Lions Club for the past two years with dedication and commitment to its mission.
• She is an active parent volunteer in the Brisbane School District. • She has provided free financial advice to many community members, particularly related to home mortgages.
• She serves on the board of regents at Riordan High School. • She has supported Brisbane students with application guidance and recommendation letters.
Notes:
2025 Volunteer of the Year 6
NOMINEE: Linda Almeida
Nominator(s): 1
About the Nominee:
• Linda is deeply committed to her family, friends, and the Brisbane community, always willing to help in any way she can.
• She works tirelessly across multiple roles, including at Brisbane Elementary, delivering pizzas, working at Mission Blue, and supporting local events. • She balances her many responsibilities while caring for her children and grandchildren.
• Her generosity and willingness to help others have left a lasting impact on those around her.
• She has long deserved recognition for her selfless dedication and big-hearted contributions to the community.
Notes:
NOMINEE: Sebastian Bousquet
Nominator(s): 1
About the Nominee:
• *Youth Volunteer! Under 18 years old
• Sebastian has demonstrated a strong commitment to volunteerism in Brisbane from a young age.
• He has supported events like the BES/PTO Spring Thing and the Brisbane Derby as a participant and volunteer.
• He is well-regarded by community members and contributed to the 2022 parcel tax campaign.
• He volunteers beyond Brisbane, including Christian Service at St. Anthony’s. • He has served on the Youth Advisory Committee for five years and will be its President from fall 2024 through spring 2026.
Notes:
2025 Volunteer of the Year 7
NOMINEE: Tony Byun
Nominator(s): 1
About the Nominee:
• Tony is a dedicated soccer coach and AYSO regional manager who mentors coaches, referees, and leads field preparations.
• He volunteers every weekend during both fall and spring soccer seasons to support youth sports in Brisbane.
• His efforts include hands-on tasks like re-chalking fields and filling gopher holes to ensure safe play for the kids.
• He has consistently prioritized the well-being and experience of young athletes in the community.
• As this may be his final year volunteering at this level, it’s a meaningful time to recognize his years of service and inspire future volunteers.
Notes:
2025 Volunteer of the Year 8
Past Nominations: Non-Awarded
Year Nominator(s) NOMINEE Notes/Reason
2024 14 Charles Fong Beautification efforts at Placer
Way and Humboldt
2024 1 Tony Byun AYSO
2024 1 Barb Bouchard AYSO
2024 1 Ranjani Gupta MOB & Diwali events
2024 1 Sara Byun AYSO referee *Youth
Volunteer!
2023 1 Larson Family BES Volunteer, youth sports
coaches, etc.
2023 1 Larson
Family/Rob
Larson
Coach, School volunteer,
picking up poop in front of
school
2023 1 Elizabeth Larson All projects large and small at BES, Lipman, AYSO, and sports
programs, etc.
2023 1 Deanna
Washington
Creative "nature doodle"
artworks along Crocker Trail.
2023 1 Rob Larson 1. Coaching sports (baseball &
soccer) 2. Volunteering for every
event in BES that needs
volunteers (e.g. Field trips,
Benton games, Staff
appreciation, Lapathon, Science
Exploration Day, and many
more.)
3. Cleaning outside the BES
campus without hesitation. He
is a good role model to everyone
in our community especially the
children.
2025 Volunteer of the Year 9
Year Nominator(s) NOMINEE Notes/Reason
2022 1 Bill Hamilton Animal Union – Feral Cat Human
Society
2022 1 Dana Dillworth City Council matters and
research, Baylands citizen
advisory group
2021 1 Kristi Yawata Vitalant blood drive support.
2021 Nancy Lacsamana Kalvin Lee AAPI anti-hate event
2021 1 FOBL Building
Committee
New Brisbane Library facility
2021 1 Deanna
Washington
Peace picket fence and Crocker
Trail ephemeral art
2020 1 Linda Seekins Mask making during Covid
2020 1 Brisbane Covid
Response
Coalition
Brisbane Covid Response
Coalition
2019 1 Glenn Fieldman OSEC +
2019 1 Peter Grace Aircraft Noise
2019 1 Dawn David FOBL+
2019 1 Tony Palmer BSD
2018 1 Tony Palmer BSD
2018 1 Tony Palmer BSD
2018 1 Tony Palmer BSD
2018 1 Tony Palmer BSD
2018 1 Tony Palmer BSD
2018 1 Tony Palmer BSD
2025 Volunteer of the Year 10
Year Nominator(s) NOMINEE Notes/Reason
2018 1 Marc Salmon Lions Club, BDW, Sports, etc.
2017 1 Peter Grace No specification
2017 1 Peter Grace Concerned Citizens of Brisbane
(Aircraft Noise)
2017 1 Peter Grace Concerned Citizens of Brisbane
(Aircraft Noise)
2017 1 Peter Grace Concerned Citizens of Brisbane
(Aircraft Noise)
2017 1 Peter Grace Concerned Citizens of Brisbane
(Aircraft Noise)
2017 1 Peter Grace No specification
2017 1 Peter Grace Concerned Citizens of Brisbane
(Aircraft Noise), Council Term
Referendum
2017 1 Peter Grace Concerned Citizens of Brisbane
(Aircraft Noise)
2016 1 Peter Grace Aircraft Noise
2025 Volunteer of the Year 11
Previous Volunteer of the Year Award Recipients
YEAR NAME
2024 Peter Grace
2023 Marc & Camille Salmon, Youth VOY: Sagar Rajan
2022 June Heavner
2021 Sharon Boggs
2020 Vicki Smith & Joe Sulley
2019 Nancy Lacsamana, Youth VOY: Chaya Bella David
2018 Nancy Colman
2017 Rachel Ennis
2016 Sue Cochran
2015 Paul Bouscal
2014 Ted Reiterman
2013 Daniel Sorrentino
2012 Jessica Aloft
2010/2011 Dan Carter
2008/2009 Dale Conway
2008/2009 Randy Romriell
2007 John Quilter
2006 Peter Stiehler
2005 Ken Walker
2004 Irene Oliver
2003 Alison & Bob Wilson
2002 Bonnie Bologoff
2001 Jeri Sulley
2000 Allen Nixon
1999 Tim Trzeciak
1998 Marilyn Hurst & Bob Dettmer
1997 Bill Lawrence
1996 Frank Walsh
1995 Clara Johnson
1994 Hitachi of America