SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA ITEM #1
TOWN OF FAIRFAX
SPECIAL MEETING STAFF REPORT
September 7, 2022
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Michele Gardner, Town Clerk
SUBJECT: Interview applicant Kelly Newman and consider her appointment to the Climate Action Committee
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RECOMMENDATION
Interview applicant Kelly Newman and consider her appointment to the Climate Action Committee for a full 4-year term to September 7, 2026.
DISCUSSION
There are currently up to 8 vacancies on the Climate Action Committee (“CAC”). One application has been received. The attached application is from Fairfax resident Kelly Newman, who has attended at least one CAC meeting.
The CAC is comprised of at least seven and no more than thirteen members, who serve fouryear terms. Members must be residents of the Town of Fairfax. The Committee was established to create and implement the Climate Action Plan, per the Conservation Element of the adopted 2010-2030 General Plan.
ATTACHMENT
Application (redacted)
Boards and Commissions Application
Date
08/03/2022
Please select the board/committee/commission to which you are applying:
• Climate Action Committee
Name
Kelly Newman
Address
Fairfax, California 94930
United States
Phone
Email
Please explain your interest in serving on this Board, Commission, or Committee.
I have a passion for our natural world. Climate Issues affect people in so many ways, and in turn, people affect climate in so many ways.... and education is key to making our lives and the planet more sustainable. I have worked in environmental education for years and enjoy connecting people with science and preservation.
Please describe your relevant work/life experience or background for the board/commission you are applying for:
I have worked in science and education for decades. I did environmental education for the Marine Mammal Center, the Otter Project's MPA Watch, the Alameda County Resource Conservation District, Calif. State Parks, and The Marine Science Institute. I did research on ship noise at the Rosential School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, and killer whale research at the University of Alaska, SFSU, and UCSC. I was also a volunteer for Food and Water Watch, where we campaigned against Fracking and GMO foods. I did outreach and tabling for 350.0rg in South Florida, promoting sustainable energy practices. I helped Greenpeace look for whales in proposed drill sites in the Arctic. More locally, I am a volunteer for the Marin Watershed District and worked with SF water and sewer on storm drain education/cleanups. I have taught and done marine research for most of my career, and have the perspective of someone who has lived in big cities and much spent time in the ocean wilderness. I have lived in climates ranging from Florida to Calif. to Alaska, and they are all getting hotter. I think I can help educate and motivate people.
What is your vision for the Town of Fairfax?
I envision Fairfax to be a leader in sustainable living and climate preservation. It is a beautiful town with many jolly people. As long as we can keep it not too developed, affordable, and diverse, it can be a place where there is good water and air. We owe it to future generations to do what it takes to enable us to have cool breezes, regular rain, robust forests, and clean and safe parks. This will take some change, but we can figure that out.
Please describe possible areas of conflict of interest.
None
*For the Community Emergency Preparedness Committee, there are several categories of membership. Please check all categories of membership you would like to be considered for:
• Community
Please enter the date of the meeting you attended:
June 2022
Electronic Signature
• By printing your name below and checking this box you agree that represents your electronic signature on the application.
Please type your full name here.
Kelly A. Newman