CITY OF SEBASTOPOL
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Meeting Date: February 7, 2023
To: Honorable Mayor and Honorable City Councilmembers
From: Kari Svanstrom, Planning Director
City Administration
Subject: Interview for Openings on the Climate Action Committee Recommendation : That the Mayor and City Council Interview Applicants (Appointment to be made later in the agenda)
Funding: Currently Budgeted: _______ Yes _________ No __X___ N/A Net General Fund Cost: N/A
Amount: $0
Account Code/Costs authorized in City Approved Budget (if applicable) ____AK_____ (verified by Administrative Services Department) INTRODUCTION:
This item is to request that the City Council Interview Applicants for openings on the Climate Action Committee.
BACKGROUND:
At its January 7, 2020 meeting, the Council authorized the formation and composition of the Climate Action Committee (CAC) to address climate change policy and issues. At its October 20, 2020 meeting the Council appointed the initial members to the CAC, and later approved committee member terms at 2 years, with the first set of inaugural members having either 2 or 3 year terms to provide for future staggered appointment to the committee. December 2023 was the term ending date for those with 2 year appointments.
The CAC composition is flexible, up to 13 members appointed by Council, with 2 year terms. Members must reside in 95472 zip code area. Climate Action Committee (also known as the CAC) meets 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The member terms which ended on December 31, 2022 include:
Josho Somine (Ecological background)
Woody Hastings (Climate Action or other climate group)
Alex Goodman (Climate Action or other climate group)
Gerry Glaser (Climate/sustainability background)
Vacant Youth Position (1 of 2 youth positions)
Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 1 of 41 Current Committee composition (with open positions highlighted) ** The City is recruiting for a business owner representative, as Planning Commission would like to designate Deborah Burnes as it’s representative.
DISCUSSION:
City Staff initiated the public application process for the upcoming vacancies. Openings were noticed in the Press Democrat; City web site; Facebook, City newsletter and City email distribution list. As of the extended deadline the City received four applications for consideration. Interviews have been scheduled as follows:
Time of Interview Name of Applicant
5:00 pm Emmett Hopkins Climate background
5:20 pm Zeno Swijtink Climate Action or other climate group 5:40 pm Josho Sominee Climate Action or other climate group 6:00 pm Alex Goodman Ecological background
GOALS:
This item relates to City Council Goal 5:
Provide open and responsive Municipal Government Leadership It also relates to General Plan Goal CSF 6, policy SCF 6-1, Continue to maximize public participation in local government actions and maintain excellent levels of City government services.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
As of the writing of this staff report, the City has not received any public comment. However, staff anticipates receiving public comment from interested parties following the publication and distribution of this staff report.
Such comments will be provided to the City Council as supplemental materials before or at the meeting. In addition, public comments may be offered during the public comment portion of the agenda item.
Committee Members Role Term End
Gerald Glaser Climate/Sustainability Background 12/31/2022 Alex Goodman Climate Action group 12/31/2022
Dena Allen Climate Action group 12/31/2023
Josho Somine Ecological Background 12/31/2022
Kenna Lee Climate Background 12/31/2023
Liselotte (Lisa) Pierce Climate Action group 12/31/2023 Sunali Shanti Sikand Rights of Nature 12/31/2023
Woody Hastings Climate Action and expertise 12/31/2022
VACANT Env Justice Representative 12/31/2024
VACANT Youth Representative 12/31/2023
Argus Brent Youth Representative 12/31/2023
Ambrosia Thomson Zero Waste/Recology expert 12/31/2023
Deborah Burnes / RECRUITING **see notes Business Owner Representative 12/31/2023 Evert Fernandez / Deborah Burnes** see notes Planning Commission liaison as assigned Diana Rich, Councilmember Council Zero Waste liaison as assigned Council SCTA/RCPA liaison *Being modified
*As assigned - terms coincide with assignment
from Council/Commission
Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 2 of 41 PUBLIC NOTICE:
This item was noticed in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available for public viewing and review at least 72 hours prior to scheduled meeting date.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the recommended action tonight.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Mayor and Council conduct the interview(s) and consider appointment later in the agenda.
Attachments:
Applications (redacted)
Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 3 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 4 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 5 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 6 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 7 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 8 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 9 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 10 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 11 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 12 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 13 of 41
APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT
TO CITY BOARDS/COMMITTEES/AND COMMISSIONS
City Boards, Commissions, and Committees
The City Council appoints members to various boards, committees, and commissions as listed below:
• Planning Commission
• Design Review Board
• Public Arts Committee
• Other Miscellaneous Boards/Committees/Commission as Approved by the City Council The bodies are comprised of community members who volunteer for service and are appointed by the City Council. All committee members serve at the pleasure of the City Council. The primary responsibility of the committees is to implement adopted City policy, and advise and make recommendations to the City Council. The adoption of policies, the issuance of proclamations, and the approval of agreements and other official acts of the City are the responsibility of the City Council. The City Manager designates as official staff liaison to each committee.
Application Process
When a vacancy on a board, committee or commission occurs, the City Clerk prepares a press release that is distributed to local media, including the Sonoma West County Times and News. The vacancy is also announced at City Hall and on the City of Sebastopol’s web site http://ci.sebastopol.ca.us/ Applications for vacancies are obtained from the City Clerk's office and completed applications are submitted to the City Clerk's office. Three to four weeks after the vacancy announcement, the completed applications are forwarded to the City Council in a regular agenda packet for public review. The City Council interviews all applicants at a meeting open to the public. The official appointment of Commission, Board or Committee members is made at a City Council meeting.
Terms of Office
Board, commission, and committee members generally serve two, three, or four-year overlapping terms. There is no monetary compensation or benefits for board, commission, or committee members.
The City Council may reappoint incumbent members or fill vacancies with new appointees. Some bodies limit the number of consecutive terms an individual may serve.
Members are expected to serve their full terms of office; however, when a member must resign, due to personal or professional circumstances, he/she should send a letter to the City Council stating the effective date of the resignation. A member shall be removed from office upon three affirmative votes of the City Council, based on one of the following grounds:
• At the pleasure of the City Council, without cause:
• If he/she is absent from three consecutive meetings, unless permission by a majority vote of the board, committee or commission had been granted as reflected in the official minutes of the body. • Or by operation of the City Code if:
• If he/she is convicted of a crime of moral turpitude. • If he/she ceases to be a qualified board, commission or committee member per the City of Sebastopol Municipal Code.
General Responsibilities of Boards, Commissions, and Committees City boards, commissions, and committees shall have the following general powers, duties and responsibilities in addition to those set forth in the Sebastopol Municipal Code and various Resolutions:
• To establish rules and regulations governing the election of their officers, the holding of meetings and the conduct of business for these meetings.
Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 14 of 41 • To use all appropriate techniques in crystallizing and testing public sentiment on major public issues in their respective fields.
• To hold official hearings as required by law or requested by the City Council. • To advise and recommend on City policies and procedures pertinent to their respective activities and functions. • To support and adhere to all City policies promulgated by the City Council and to establish needed interim policies in the absence of the same.
• To provide information and promote good public relations between the City and the general public. • To perform such other related functions as may be assigned to them by the City Council.
Desirable Characteristics in Applicants for Boards, Commissions, and Committees While membership on City boards, committees and commissions requires no specific qualifications, with the exception of some seats on the Design Review Board and the Public Arts Committee, there are desirable characteristics for which the Council will be looking as they review applications:
• Familiarity with Community
The Council would require appointees to be familiar with the physical, social, and economic make-up of the City. Applicants should have demonstrated an active interest and involvement in the community.
Familiarity with Major Issues
While it will be assumed that applicants are familiar with the specific issues that are being addressed by the board, committee or commission for which they are applying, it is also expected that applicants be aware of issues which will impact all sectors of City programs and services.
Knowledge of the Board, Commission or Committee
During the application process, applicants should become familiar with the responsibilities and role in the City's policy-making structure of the board, committee or commission for which they are applying.
Commitment to Serve
When appointed, members are expected to serve their term of office. While personal or professional circumstances might prompt an unexpected resignation, applicants who are aware of any reasons why they may not be able to complete a full term or attend regularly scheduled meetings, should indicate this on the application. While time commitments will vary depending upon schedules and workload, members are expected to attend all scheduled meetings. In addition to attending scheduled meetings, members may be expected to participate in study sessions or serve on subcommittees.
Relationship with the Community
As a member of a City board, committee or commission, your actions will reflect on the City of Sebastopol and you are required to relate to the community with impartiality and courtesy.
Commitment to City Policy:
The City Council has adopted ordinances and policies following an appropriate public process. As an appointed board, committee or commission member, your duty is to abide by such policies rather than implement personal preferences.
Tips for Applying for a City Board, Commission, or Committee Type or neatly print your application. Due to the quantity of applications the Council must review, a neat application is appreciated.
Answer all questions on the application. Council reviews your application to gain an understanding of your background and experience, and what skills and talents you believe you could bring to a particular board, committee or commission. Don’t forget to sign and date your application.
Attend one or two meetings of the board, committee or commission for which you are applying. Find out what the current issues are, and what issues may be coming in the future. Review the minutes of past meetings, available on the City web site or at City Hall depending on the appointment being applied for.
Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 15 of 41 Talk to a current member. Current members can share with you their experience, they can give you an estimate of the time commitment involved, and they can discuss with you what they see as current and future issues for the City.
If you have questions about the function and role of members, talk with the City staff liaison to the board, committee or commission you are applying for. The City Clerk can provide contact information for City staff members who are assigned to work with the boards, committees and commissions. It is important to note that City staff members cannot and do not recommend or lobby for any applicant.
Find out City Council’s priorities and interests. Attend City Council meetings and review meeting minutes.
Council meeting videos are archived on the City’s website http://ci.sebastopol.ca.us/ and are available for purchase on DVD from the City Clerk's Office.
Review the Code of Ethics for Appointed and Elected Officials (the Brown Act), available by request from the City Clerk’s Office and understand that if you are appointed to a board, committee or commission, you will be required to abide by it.
Prepare for the interview. Although we do not know what specific questions Council will ask, we suggest that you clarify for yourself why you are applying for a specific board, committee or commission, understand its role and function, and be familiar with the current issues it is examining.
Treat the interview with City Council as a business or job interview. Understand that the City Council is not only considering what experience, skills and talents you bring, they are interested in how you will represent the City.
APPLICATION FOR CITY OF SEBASTOPOL BOARDS, COMMISSIONS & COMMITTEES Contact Information
Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, MMC
Mary Gourley
7120 Bodega Avenue
P.O. Box 1776
Sebastopol, CA 95473
[email protected]
phone: 707-823-1153
fax: 707-823-1135
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday - 7:00 am - 5:30 pm (closed 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm for lunch) Closed every Friday
Instructions:
Use this form to apply to serve on any of the City of Sebastopol’s Boards, Committees or Commissions. Please complete the entire form. If a question does not apply, please note as not applicable. Please deliver completed form, by the date and time due, to the City Clerk. All applications will be reviewed by the City Council. If appointed, you have a choice whether you wish to have your contact information visible to the public; however, your information may be made public upon request by (a) member(s) of the public.
Sebastopol Climate Action Committee
Zeno Swijtink
Name: ______________________________________________________________ Home Address, City, State and Zip Code:
Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 16 of 41 7403 Palm Ave., Sebastopol, CA 95472
_____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Home Phone Number: _________________
(707) 503-9170
If appointed, do you want this number to be visible to the public? XYes □No
■
Work Phone Number:_____________________
na
If appointed, do you want this number to be visible to the public? □Yes □No
Facsimile Number:________________________
na
If appointed, do you want this number to be visible to the public? □Yes □No
E-Mail Address: ______________________________________
If [email protected]
appointed, do you want this address to be visible to the public? XYes □No
Are you a registered voter in Sebastopol?
□Yes XNo
If so, for how long? _____________
20+y resident, but still a EU Citizen
Do you hold a current business license from the City of Sebastopol? XYes □No
If so, for how long? __2.5 years__________
Have you attended a meeting of this body? When?
Yes, many occasions; also a member of the SCAC
Transportation Working Group
____________________________________________________
Have you served on, interviewed for, or applied for this body previously? □Yes XNo
■
If so, when? _________________________________________
Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 17 of 41 Retired from SSU
Present Employer:_________________________________________________ Professor
Job Title:_________________________________________________________ Have you previously served on any governmental bodies or held elected office? If so please list position held and dates:
Sebastopol Sebastopol Citizens Advisory Group on Energy Vulnerability 2006/2007 Please list civic or charitable organization to which you belong or have belonged:
Coastwalk, Atascadero Green Valley Watershed Council (AGVWC), Russian River Watershed Council (RRWC), Sonoma County Conservation Council (SCCC), Sierra Club, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), Slow Food Russian River (SFRR), Sebastopol Climate Action Group (SCAG)
Have you been an officer in any of these organizations? If so, please list position held and dates:
AGVWC: Founder and President (2000-2014)
Representative of SCCC on RRWC (2003-2015)
SFRR: Board member (2010-2019)
SCAG: Core Group Member (2019-2020)
What special interests, skills and talents would you bring to this board, commission, or committee? Interest include Active Transportation, Energy, & Climate Education and Outreach
Skills include Research and Analysis, Strategy and Tactics, Outreach and Networking, IT Talents include a balance between analytical and synthetic thinking, leading teams Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 18 of 41 Please list any college, professional or vocational schools you have attended with major subject studied, dates and any earned degrees:
University of Amsterdam (BA 1970, Philosophy and Mathematical Economics) University of Amsterdam (MA 1976, Philosophy and Mathematics) Stanford University (PhD 1982, Philosophy and History of Science, Statistical Inference and Probability Theory)
Please list any special awards or recognition you have received:
Scholarship of the Polish Government (1976)
Scholarship from Stanford University (1977-1982)
Scholarship from the Max Planck Gesellschaft (1982-83)
Scholarship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (1996-1997) Please state why you would like to become a member of this board, commission or Committee, including what specific objectives you would be working toward as a member of this body:
Help shape transformations necessary or useful in drawdown and reduction of GHGs, esp, in transportation and energy
Are you associated with any organization/employment that might be deemed a conflict of interest in performing your duties if appointed to this position?
□Yes XNo
If yes, please state name of organization/employment:____________________________ City policy directs all appointed, advisory body members not to vote on matters where there exists a potential conflict of interest such as property ownership near a project, or a financial relationship with the applicant. Would you be willing to abstain from voting if such a conflict arises? XYes □No
■
How did you hear about this opening?
Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 19 of 41 Is there any other information that you feel would be useful to the City Council in reviewing your application and materials provided with the application?
I was a member of the Technical Advisory Committee of the Climate Protection Campaign (now Climate Center), I am a Fellow of LIFEE, the Leadership Institute for the Economy and the Environment, I taught classes on Philosophical Topics in Climate Change at SSU, I chaired the Sustainability Working Group at SSU.
I represent the City on the RCPA Citizens Advisory Committee and am a member of the Transportation Working Group of the SCAC.
What do you think qualifies you to be appointed to this board/committee/commission? My deep links with the town of Sebastopol, and West County in general My county-wide connections with thought leaders
My special interests, skills and talents (see above)
Are there particular issues you think the board/committee/commission should concentrate on? Inspiring governments, staff and citizens to adopt a bold vision How should community comments be integrated into the board/committee/commission decision-making process? Frequent feedback from community that is made publicly available; assessment how representative comments are of the general public
If appointed, how would you handle it if another board/committee/commission member vehemently disagrees with your comments on a regular basis?
Understand basis of disagreement; find common ground where we disagree, shift attention to areas where we can work together.
Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 20 of 41 How would you handle a situation where a proposal comes before your board/committee/commission that the City staff finds consistent with City policies and standards, but that you personally do not support? See whether my lack of support is based on insights, data or analysis not available to staff; keep a hand on the pulse of the community.
✔
I certify that I have thoroughly read and understand all material in this application.Zeno Swijtink
Digitally signed by Zeno
Swijtink
Applicant’s Signature :________________________________________________ '
Zeno Swijtink
Applicant’s Name (PLEASE PRINT): ___________________________________ Date:___________________November 27, 2022_______________ Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 21 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 22 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 23 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 24 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 25 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 26 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 27 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 28 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 29 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 30 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 31 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 32 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 33 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 34 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 35 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 36 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 37 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 38 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 39 of 41 Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 40 of 41 12/12/22
Agenda Item 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting of February 7th, 2023. Page 41 of 41