1. Call to Order and Roll Call
CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS
2. Interview of Applicants and Possible Appointment of Planning Commission Members:
a. Paul Beck
b. Alan Pardee
c. Touson Saryon
d. Laurel Harkness
3. Adjourn
Availability of Public Records: All public records related to an open session item on this agenda, which are not exempt from disclosure pursuant to the California Public Records Act, that are distributed to a majority of the legislative body will be available for public inspection at City Hall located at 305 North Mt. Shasta Blvd., Mt. Shasta, CA at the same time the public records are distributed or made available to the members of the legislative body. Agenda related writings or documents provided to a majority of the legislative body after distribution of the Agenda packet will be available for public review within a separate binder at City Hall at the same time as they are made available to the members of the legislative body.
The City of Mt. Shasta does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or provision of services. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons requiring accommodations for a disability at a public meeting should notify the City Clerk or Deputy City Clerk at least 48 hours prior to the meeting at (530) 926-7516 in order to allow the City sufficient time to make reasonable arrangements to accommodate participation in this meeting.
Mt. Shasta City Council Special Meeting Agenda
Monday, February 24, 2025; 4:00 p.m.
Mt. Shasta City Park Upper Lodge, 1315 Nixon Rd. Mt. Shasta, CA The meeting can also be viewed online at the
following link:
MountShasta.22Ave.tv
For the safety of our staff, the council, and public, we are no longer allowing members of the audience to carry large bags, backpacks, or other items outside of small personal items such as purses or satchels. Only service animals are allowed inside council chambers; nonservice pets are not allowed under any circumstances. Violators will be asked to remove the bag and/or animal, and refusal to do so will be cause for removal from the meeting.
Contents
Paul Beck Application………………………………………………………………1
Alan Pardee Application…………………………………………………………….4
Tourson Saryon Application…………………………………………………………7
Laurel Harkness Application………………………………………………………..10
1 2
3 4
5 6
APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT
TO BOARDS/COMMISSIONS/COMMITTEES
Planaaa Comunlssio
(Please specify which Board}Commission/Committee for which you are applying) The Mt. Shasta City Council is seeking area residents who wish to serve on a Board, Commission or Committee which has been established to assist and advise the City Council on specific matters. Please complete this application in full (attach a resume or other infomation which may assist the City Council in making its selection) and file the completed document with the Mt. Shasta City Clerk.
NAME: \éson Saru
CELLTELEPHONE
HOME ADDRESS:
HOMETELEPHONE
EMAILDDRESS:f neshealobal.net
CITY: Mt Shasa ZIP: qlatlb1
BUSINESSNAME: eaal DesiaaShue WORKTELEPHONE:
Resident of Mt.Shastaarea for 20 years.
Are you aregisteredvoter? Yes
Doyou liveinside or outside Jthe citylimits?
ONo
How did youbecomneaware of thevacancy? N e omy Aemendina Please state briefly your reasons for applying and why you feel you are qualified for appointment to this body (Use additionalpaper, ifnecessary):
AMer yss asenjma an the Pe,lLeel lWeSeenmost
oF thecAse types, agplhcanspracassyotaeancesprzedune,
HasgBewast udes eto
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EducationalBackground/Degres:Aass calege useen SẠaOse aesty SolhealaF Aadaeáne t Wass Aaharst,(audscapeArzktec
PresentlyEmployed By:Selt CurrentPosition: ówle
Planning Commission Applicant Provided With Planning Commissioner CandidateQuestions 7
Are you currently serving on any other City Council appointed Board, Commission or Committee? O Yes; Ifyes, listhere:
Have you previously served on any other City Council appointed Board, Commission or Committee? R'No OYes; If yes,listhere:
Please describe your past and present community învolvement including voluntary, socīal, city, church, school, business, and/or professional associations you have been involved in and are applicable to this application (Include dates of involvement):
gadads thEamaly hausna
List any State, County or Municipal Boards or Commissions you are presently or have previously served on:
A short summary of your vision for the Commission or Committee's contributions to the future of Mt Shasta:
T.bebusnessFray hausngfandy for 2ltypes, enhance tonst eeRenence and keep sAA towTn ZESthethes Are you available to attend daytime meetings? YES
Are you available to attendeveningmeetings? MYES
NO
NO
8
TELEPHONE
Local References:
NAME
John Doe Example
ctyCounel
ComwSSon
AFFILIATION FIRM ADDRESS
Former
Supervisor
Personnel
Preference
825 John Doe Avenue
Mi. Shasta
(530) 926-9999
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE FACTS, STATEMENTS, AND INFORMATION PRESENTED WITHN THIS APPLICATION ARE TRUE AND CORRECTTO THEBEST OFAY KNOWLEDGE AND BELIFF. UNDERSTAND THAT ANy OR ALLINFORMATION ON THIS FORM MAY BE VERIFTED. TUNDERSTAND THAT ANYMISREPRESENTATIOONOROMTISSIONSOF ANY INFORMATTON REQUIRED IN THIS APPLICATION MAY RESULT IN MY APPLICATION BEING DENJED BY THE CITY OF MT. SHASTA. I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT THIS DOCUMENT IS A PUBLIC RECORD SUBJECT TO DISCLOSURE UNDER THE PUBLIC RECORDS ACT.
The City of Mt Shastaadvises the public, employees,and job applicants that it doeshot discriminate on the Dated: Signature:
basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or handicap status in providing its services, programs, benefits and employment.
RETURN THIS FORM TO:
ATTN: DEPUTY CITY CLERK, CITY OF MT. SHASTA,305N. MT. SHASTA BLVD., MT.
SHASTA, CA 96067
For information call (530) 926-7510
9 APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT
TO BOARDS/COMMISSIONS/COMMITTEES
City of Mt. Shasta Planning Commission
(Please specify which Board/Commission/Committee for which you are applying) The Mt. Shasta City Council is seeking area residents who wish to serve on a Board, Commission or Committee which has been established to assist and advise the City Council on specific matters. Please complete this application in full (attach a resume or other information which may assist the City Council in making its selection) and file the completed document with the Mt. Shasta City Clerk.
NAME: Laurel Harkness HOME TELEPHONE: n/a
CELL TELEPHONE: EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] HOME ADDRESS: CITY: Mt. Shasta, CA ZIP: 96067
BUSINESS NAME:___________________________________WORK TELEPHONE:_________________ Resident of Mt. Shasta area for: 22 years. Do you live inside or outside the city limits? Are you a registered voter?X Yes No
How did you become aware of the vacancy? City Website
Please state briefly your reasons for applying and why you feel you are qualified for appointment to this body (Use additional paper, if necessary):___attached_________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Educational Background/Degrees:___attached______________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Presently Employed By: Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition Current Position: Coalition Director Planning Commission Applicant Provided With Planning Commissioner Candidate Questions YES □ outside
10
Are you currently serving on any other City Council appointed Board, Commission or Committee? No Yes; If yes, list here: NO.
Have you previously served on any other City Council appointed Board, Commission or Committee? No Yes; If yes, list here: YES. I previously served as a City appointed member of the Mt. Shasta Recreation and Parks District Board. c2006-2012.
Please describe your past and present community involvement including voluntary, social, city, church, school, business, and/or professional associations you have been involved in and are applicable to this application (Include dates of involvement): __attached_________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ List any State, County or Municipal Boards or Commissions you are presently or have previously served on:
___attached_____________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ A short summary of your vision for the Commission or Committee’s contributions to the future of Mt Shasta:
___attached________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are you available to attend daytime meetings? YES
Are you available to attend evening meetings? YES
NO
NO
YES
YES
11
Local References:
NAME AFFILIATION FIRM ADDRESS TELEPHONE
John Doe Example Former
Supervisor
Personnel
Preference
825 John Doe Avenue
Mt. Shasta
(530) 926-9999
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE FACTS, STATEMENTS, AND INFORMATION PRESENTED WITHIN THIS APPLICATION ARE TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF. I UNDERSTAND THAT ANY OR ALL INFORMATION ON THIS FORM MAY BE VERIFIED. I UNDERSTAND THAT ANY MISREPRESENTATION OR OMISSIONS OF ANY INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THIS APPLICATION MAY RESULT IN MY APPLICATION BEING DENIED BY THE CITY OF MT. SHASTA. I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT THIS DOCUMENT IS A PUBLIC RECORD SUBJECT TO DISCLOSURE UNDER THE PUBLIC RECORDS ACT.
Dated: 1/13/2024 Signature: ______________________________________ The City of Mt. Shasta advises the public, employees, and job applicants that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or handicap status in providing its services, programs, benefits and employment.
RETURN THIS FORM TO:
ATTN: DEPUTY CITY CLERK, CITY OF MT. SHASTA, 305 N. MT. SHASTA BLVD., MT.
SHASTA, CA 96067
For information call (530) 926-7510
Ed Valenzuela County
Supervisor
Siskiyou County [email protected]
John Vona Director of Timberlands F&W Forestry [email protected] Justi Hansen Executive Director Siskiyou Outdoor
Recreation Alliance
[email protected]
12 Planning Commission Application
Please state briefly your reasons for applying and why you feel you are qualified for appointment to this body:
I have been a member of the community for more than 20 years, and I have a great amount of experience and education that is directly relevant to local government and the Planning Commission specifically. I am looking forward to the applied learning experience working alongside the Planning Director, City Council, and the other members of the Planning Commission. I have a long history and strong ethic of service and look forward to serving in a role best suited to my skills and experience. Attainable housing solutions have become an area of interest and expertise for me, and I am particularly interested in working toward collaborative solutions that work for Mt. Shasta.
I feel that I am qualified for appointment based on both my track record of community service to the Mt. Shasta community as well as my professional experience (resume attached). I recently earned a Graduate Certificate in Rural Policy, and am finishing up my Masters in Public Policy.
Educational Background/Degrees:
B.S. Soil & Water Science, UC Davis
Graduate Certificate in Rural Policy, Oregon State University Masters in Public Policy, Oregon State University (expected September 2026) Please describe your past and present community involvement including voluntary, social, city, church, school, business, and/or professional associations you have been involved in and are applicable to this application (Include dates of involvement):
• Siskiyou Outdoor Recreation Alliance, Board President (2019-2022) • Mt. Shasta Education Foundation – Director, Board of Directors (2013 – 2015) • Between 2018-2021, I worked with Senator Brian Dahle to successfully pass California legislation to expand the Sierra Nevada Conservancy region to include the City of Mt. Shasta, South Siskiyou County, and portions of Shasta and Trinity Counties. This has resulted in over $16 Million in direct investment from California into this region.
• My kids graduated from Mt. Shasta High School, classes of 2020 and 2022 respectively. I volunteered for everything (!!), and supported the Mt. Shasta Alpine Ski and Snowboard Team for six years (2016-2022). • Many years ago, I served as co-director for the Mt. Shasta Summit Century for several years before it ceased to be.
• Most years I volunteer to support the 4th of July Walk/Run.
List any State, County or Municipal Boards or Commissions you are presently or have previously served on:
• U.S. Forest Service NW Forest Plan Federal Advisory Committee (2024-present) 13 • Mt. Shasta Fire Protection District Board, Director (2022-present) • California Governor’s Wildfire & Forest Resilience Task Force – Wood Utilization Working Group (2024-present)
• California Governor’s Wildfire & Forest Resilience Task Force – Workforce & Career Pathways working group (2024-present)
• Siskiyou County Local Agency Formation Commission (2020-present) • Paradise Wildfire Resilience Plan Technical Advisory Committee (2023-present) • Mt. Shasta Recreation and Parks District – Chair, Board of Directors (2005 – 2012)
A short summary of your vision for the Commission or Committee’s contributions to the future of Mt Shasta:
I am looking forward to supporting the timely updates to the important plans of the City of Mt. Shasta. I am particularly interested in assisting to keeping plans current in order to maintain eligibility for various State and Federal grant programs. My experience and education will help guide the planning commission in areas related to climate and community resilience. Also, I have many years of experience building stewardship economies in rural communities and supporting sustainable recreation in gateway communities.
14 Planning Commissioner Candidate Questions
The Planning Commission is an essential group of the City of Mt. Shasta that assists the City Council in creating rules and reviewing development proposals. The commission works together, with the public, and other groups to create rules that are fair, equitable, and address the needs of the city. The work of the Planning Commission involves listening and respecting numerous opinions, developing rules with the other members through compromise, and addressing difficult, sometimes unfavorable topics like homelessness, large commercial development, and environmental impacts. It is important that Planning Commissioners are objective and open to new ideas.
The Planning Commission works with the state Subdivision Map regulations, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and General Plan regulations to review development proposals and create city rules. Candidates should familiarize themselves with these three state rules to better understand the work of Planning Commission.
1. Tell us about yourself and why you are interested in serving on the Planning Commission.
2. What do you view as the duties of the Planning Commission?
3. What sections or goals of the City’s General Plan do you feel should be prioritized in the next 5 years?
4. Some issues that the commission hears may be controversial and draw large audiences.
At public hearings, planning commissioners must discuss openly among themselves any given matter before a decision is made, and they must do so before sometimes large and unfriendly audiences. Are you comfortable making decisions that may be deemed unfavorable by some, perhaps even at odds with your own preferences? 305 N. Mt. Shasta Blvd.
Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
15 Planning Commissioner Candidate Questions
1. Tell us about yourself and why you are interested in serving on the Planning Commission.
I have been a member of the community for more than 20 years, and I have a great amount of experience and education that is directly relevant to local government and the Planning Commission specifically. I am looking forward to the applied learning experience working alongside the Planning Director, City Council, and the other members of the Planning Commission. I have a long history and strong ethic of service and look forward to serving in a role best suited to my skills and experience. Attainable housing solutions have become an area of interest and expertise for me, and I am particularly interested in working toward collaborative solutions that work for Mt. Shasta.
2. What do you view as the duties of the Planning Commission? The duties of the Planning Commission are to work under the authority of the commission charter under the direction of City Council to create rules, plans, and reviewing development proposals. I feel that the duties of the Planning Commission are also to participate as an engaged member of the Mt. Shasta community with the highest level of ethics and integrity as an appointed member of the Commission. Part of the essential duties of the Planning Commission are to fully comprehend the state Subdivision Map regulations, CEQA, General Plan regulation, and all other emerging and relevant regulations.
3. What sections or goals of the City’s General Plan do you feel should be prioritized in the next 5 years?
The sections that I feel should be prioritized in the next 5 years are the:
Housing Element
Openspace / Conservation Element
Land Use Element
And Safety Element, as it relates to fire, flood, and climate risk.
4. Some issues that the commission hears may be controversial and draw large audiences. At public hearings, planning commissioners must discuss openly among themselves any given matter before a decision is made, and they must do so before sometimes large and unfriendly audiences. Are you comfortable making decisions that may be deemed unfavorable by some, perhaps even at odds with your own preferences?
I am comfortable being on the dais in the public eye, discussing and making decisions on controversial and polarizing matters. I have a lot of experience being in front of crowds under tense circumstances and negotiating solutions collaboratively. 16
LAU RE L HA RKN ES S
[email protected]
Professional Summary
A solutions-focused and visionary leader with extensive experience in natural resources, rural economic development, public policy, cultivating impactful partnerships, and community capacity building. Highly skilled at working at the nexus of working landscapes, markets, and forest-reliant communities. Collaborative, entrepreneurial, efficient, adaptable, and inclusive with a keen view of the big picture and a passion for building up vibrant and resilient communities.
Education
University of California, Davis, 1996
Bachelor of Science, Soil and Water Science
Oregon State University, Expected 2025
Master of Public Policy
Oregon State University, 2024
Graduate Certificate, Rural Policy
Employment History
01/2023– Present Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition Coalition Director
Coalition building through the development and cultivation of key relationships with federal, Tribal, state, and local agencies; elected officials; funders; research institutes; and community-based organizations. Led the planning and implementation of RVCC’s operations and programs as well as mission-based work and strategic initiatives. Supervised and mentored staff. Worked to manage a diverse policy agenda for the benefit of Western landscapes, rural communities, Tribes, and stewardship economies. Worked to craft and execute a bi-partisan policy strategy in support of rural communities and working landscapes. Developed, tracked, and implemented short and long-term work plans to accomplish programmatic work. Managed contracts, compliance, and reporting. 03/2022– 01/2023 California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development Regional Economic Recovery Coordinator – North State
Worked across 10 rural counties of Northern California to coordinate and convene region-wide economic recovery activities of stakeholders representing, federal, state, regional, and local governments, Tribes, as well as industry groups, institutions of higher education and workforce development, to build regional capacity for achieving economic goals and recovery objectives.
Provided technical assistance to rural communities to meet a variety of needs in support of capacity building and economic recovery. Supported grant review teams to advise on California program investments. Served as the team lead on biomass and wood utilization initiatives. 17
10/2017– 03/2022 Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals Executive Director
Executed the mission, provided leadership, board development, governance, grew strategic partnerships, and a built a roadmap for sustainability and impact. Programs included regular educational webinars, policy and advocacy, training and networking of outdoor recreation professionals, and hosting the annual National Outdoor Recreation Conference. Served on several outdoor recreation advisory and policy committees and frequently presented as a subject matter expert in sustainable recreation and rural community development. 8/2017– 9/2019 California Trails Conference Foundation
Executive Director
Event producer of the annual California Trails & Greenways Conference. 9/2014– 10/2017 International Mountain Bicycling Association California & Pacific Northwest Region Director / Government Relations Trails and public lands advocate in California, and across the west. Planned and lead technical training with land managers, conservation partners, and mountain bike advocates. Policy analysis, informed land use planning, and achieved land conservation and rural economic outcomes. Worked with a network of chapters of IMBA, affiliates, conservation partners, and policy leaders throughout the region to support advocacy work at the grassroots, region, and national level. Planned and produced various networking, educational, and advocacy events in throughout California and the Pacific Northwest. Supported public land management planning efforts.
Affiliations
• U.S. Forest Service NW Forest Plan Federal Advisory Committee (2024-present) • Mt. Shasta Fire Protection District Board, Director (2022-present) • California Governor’s Wildfire & Forest Resilience Task Force – Wood Utilization Working Group (2024-present)
• Siskiyou County Local Agency Formation Commission (2020-present) • Paradise Wildfire Resilience Plan Technical Advisory Committee (2023-present) • Siskiyou Outdoor Recreation Alliance, Board President (2019-2022) • Mt. Shasta Education Foundation – Director, Board of Directors (2013 – 2015) • Mt. Shasta Recreation and Parks District – Chair, Board of Directors (2005 – 2012) Recent Speaking Engagements
• Sonoma Mendocino Economic Development District – 2024 Biomass Utilization Symposium “Community Opportunities and Funding” Panel
• Nevada County, CA – 2024 Sustainability Summit “Workforce Development” Panel • Foundation for California Community Colleges – 2023 Forestry Workforce Summit • Western Governors’ Association – 2023 Western Prosperity Roundtable • Society for Range Management – 2024 Annual Meeting
• California Rangeland Conservation Coalition – 2024 Summit • California Community Land Trust Network – 2023 Conference 17