SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
STAFF REPORT
SPECIAL AGENDA ITEM #1
MEETING DATE: January 10, 2024
PREPARED FOR: Mayor and Town Council
PREPARED BY: Christine Foster, Deputy Town Clerk
SUBJECT: Interview and consider appointment of applicants to the Parks and Recreation Commission
RECOMMENDATION
1. Interview applicant Lita Zigounakis and consider her appointment to the Parks and Recreation Commission to fill one of three unexpired terms on the commission, to April 30, 2027.
2. Interview applicant Rachel Fischbein and consider her appointment to the Parks and Recreation Commission to fill one of three unexpired terms on the commission, to May 31, 2027.
DISCUSSION
The Parks and Recreation Commission (“PARC”) is a Town Council-appointed commission which oversees the public parks and recommends and organizes events and activities for Fairfax residents.
Commissioners serve four-year terms and must be Fairfax residents.
There are currently three (3) vacancies on PARC. Currently, PARC does not have a quorum to meet.
Two applications have been received (attached) from Fairfax residents Lita Zigounakis, and Rachel Fishbein.
The Council strongly encourages applicants to attend a meeting of the commission or committee for which they are applying before submitting their application, however, neither applicant was able to do so in this case. As a supplement, both applicants have spoken with staff members to answer questions about PARC and participation requirements.
ATTACHMENT
A. Lita Zigounakis Application (redacted)
B. Rachel Fischbein Application (redacted)
Boards and Commissions Application
1 / 2
Q1
Contact information
Name lita zigounakis
Address
City/Town FAIRFAX
ZIP/Postal Code 94930-1530
Email Address @yahoo.com
Phone Number
Q2
Which committee or commission are you applying for?
Parks and Recreation Commission
Q3
Which position on the Emergency Preparedness
Committee are you applying for?
N/A
Q4
What is the date of the meeting you attended prior to
completing your application?
Date / Time 01/08/2024
Q5
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission? I am interested in recreation. I have a history of volunteering for various organizations. #11
COMPLETE
ATTACHMENT A
Boards and Commissions Application
2 / 2
Q6
How long have you lived in Fairfax?
21 years
Q7
What relevant work or life experience do you have for the board or commission you're applying for? I paint still life, design and make my own sweaters and clothing, I have decorated the front of my house with mosaic. I am an R.N. and am aware how important recreation is for everyone.
Q8
What is your vision for the Town of Fairfax?
I envision a Fairfax where people care about participating in a . healthy, productive community. A community where there is a high rate of volunteerism and where everyone is welcome and friendliness is the rule.
Q9
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the Town.
I am against Rent Control.
Q10
How did you hear about this vacancy?
Other (please specify):
Lisa Hillstrom is a friend and told me Jackie (also a friend) was leaving the post.
Boards and Commissions Application
1 / 2
Q1
Contact information
Name Rachel Fischbein
Address
City/Town Fairfax
ZIP/Postal Code 94930
Email Address @gmail.com
Phone Number
Q2
Which committee or commission are you applying for?
Parks and Recreation Commission
Q4
What is the date of the meeting you attended prior to
completing your application?
Date / Time 01/03/2024
#13
COMPLETE
ATTACHMENT B
Q5
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission? One of my favorite things about Fairfax is how social the town is. I haven't lived here very long, but I feel so deeply attached to many neighbors because of our frequent interactions at the various gathering spaces in town. It's such a beautiful feeling to walk down Bolinas and have warm impromptu interactions with lots of neighbors. I'd love to support the development of more events and socials to help us all stay in community and to encourage each other's creativity! Boards and Commissions Application
2 / 2
Q7
What relevant work or life experience do you have for the board or commission you're applying for? I haven't done anything quite like this before, but I am well seasoned in event management, organizational leadership, and supporting creatives.
I served as a Board of Directors member of San Francisco Fashion Community Week.
I served on the Board of PeopleWearSF- an apparel trade association.
I currently serve on the Board of Fashion Incubator San Francisco and am the former Executive Director.
I am the current Executive Director of a new member managed early-stage venture fund. We make investment decisions through consensus voting.
I am also a licensed attorney, comfortable to reading through dense legalese- with a goal of maintaining adherence to town policies.
Q8
What is your vision for the Town of Fairfax?
I love this town. My hope isn't to make any dramatic changes. I would like to protect the unique collaborative and welcoming culture of Fairfax.
Q9
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the Town.
I don't believe that I have any.
*Please note, I have yet to attend a Parks and Rec committee meeting. There wasn't sufficient quorum for one to be held in Dec. My interaction has been limited to a intro call with Maria Baird.
Q10
How did you hear about this vacancy?
Town newsletter
Q6
How long have you lived in Fairfax?
3 years