Meeting Date:
To:
From:
Subject:
Recommendation
Agenda ltem Number 2
CITY OF SEBASTOPOL
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
February 6,2024
Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
City Administration / Kari Svanstrom, Planning Director Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA)
That the City Council Conduct lnterviews for Openings on the SCTA's Countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CBPAC)
CurrentlyBudgeted: n Yes n llo Mt"totApplicable
Account Code: N/A
Funding:
I NTRODUCTION/PU RPOSE :
The item is to request the Council to conduct interviews for the opening on the Sonoma County Transportation Authority's Countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CBPAC) and to consider making an appointment later in the agenda.
BACKGROUND:
COUNTYWIDE BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CBPAC)_ INDEFINITE TERM The SCTA's Countywide Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CBPAC) meetings are held once every two months from l. :00 PM to 3:00 PM. Members of the Board may attend in person at the SCTA Board Room,411 King Street, Santa Rosa, 95404, or via Zoom.
toN
The interviews to be conducted are to fill one opening on the SCTA's Countywide Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee for an indefinite term untilthe citizen representative chooses to retire or resign. The City Clerk noticed the vacancy in the Press Democrat, City Hall Bulletin Board, and various other media outlets on September L4th,2023, and received three applications.
L5-minute interviews for the applicants are scheduled as follows
COUNTYWIDE BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Countvwide Bicvcle & Pedestrian Advisorv Committee (One Seot Open) 5:45 pm - 6:00 pm Phillip Carter Resident
6:00 pm - 6:1-5 pm Gavin Water Resident
6:L5 pm - 6:30 pm Silas Stafford Resident
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The proposed action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) ANALYSIS OF CITY STAFF:
The Countywide Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CBPAC) advises the Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA) on programming decisions for bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and aids in project coordination Agenda ltem 2 Number
City Council Meeting Packet of February 6lh,2024
Agenda ltem Number 2
and planning. lt is composed of representatives from each bicycle advisory committee in local cities (and serves as the CBPAC for cities who do not have their own). Duties and responsibilities include:
r Attending meetings
r Reviewing meeting agenda materials
o Providing feedback on agenda items and discussion topics. o Updating the group on bicycle/pedestrian activities and events in represented jurisdiction. r Voting on action items
o Reviewing and approving complete streets checklists and funding program lists a few times a year.
GOAIS:
This action supports the following20tg City Council Goals and General Plan Actions Goal 5: Provide Open and Responsive Municipal Government Leadership PUBLIC COMMENT:
As of the writing of this staff report, the City has not received any public comment. Any comments received following the publication and distribution of this staff report will be provided to the City Council as supplemental materials before or at the meeting. ln addition, public comments may be offered during the public comment portion of the agenda item.
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 the scheduled meeting date.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the recommended action tonight RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Sebastopol City Council conduct the interviews for the opening on the Sonoma County Transportation Authority's GBPAC and make an appointment later in the agenda.
Attachments:
Appl icatiorrs (redacted)
Approvals:
Department Head Approval:
CEQA Determination (Planning)
Approval Date
Approval Date
Januarv 30th,2024
Januarv 17th ,2024
action is ifornia Environ
Ad m in istrative Services/Fina ncia I Approval :
Costs authorized in Citv Approved Budeet: n Yes tr No M */n City Attorney Approval
City Manager Approval
Approval Date
Approval Date
Agenda ltem 2 Number
City Council Meeting Packet of February 61h,2024
APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT
TO CITY BOARDS/COMMITTEES/AND COMMISSIONS
Citv 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 Cify 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 fow-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 goveming the election of their officers, the holding of meetings and the conduct of business for these meetings.
. 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.
Agenda Item Number 2 Agenda Item 2 Number
City Council Meeting Packet of February 6th, 2024
. 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 firnctions 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 lor 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 cxpcctcd 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 offrce. 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 fulIterm 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 membor, your duty is to abide by such policies rsther thon implement personal proferonces.
Tins for Annlvins for a Citv 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 rcvicws 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. l)on't lbrget 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 appointrnent being applied for.
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.
Agenda Item Number 2 Agenda Item 2 Number
City Council Meeting Packet of February 6th, 2024
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 mernbers 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 h@://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
7l20Bodega Avenue
P.O. Box 1776
Sebastopol, CA95473
Mgourley@cifyofsebastopol. org
phone: 707-823-1153
fax: 707-823-1,135
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 serye on any of the City of Sebastopol's Boards, Committees or Commissions. Please complete the entire form and either print and mail it to the address above, or email your completed application to [email protected]. 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.
Board, Commission, or Committee being applied 1s1r Citizen representative on thft Citizen representative on the County Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Name: Phillip Carter
Home Address, City, State and Zip Code:
Sebastopol Ca,95472
Agenda Item Number 2 Agenda Item 2 Number
City Council Meeting Packet of February 6th, 2024
Home Phone
If appointed, do you want this number to be visible to the public? nYes INo
Work Phone N
Ifappointed, do you ntlm sible to the public?
lYes rNo
Facsimile Number: l'l/d
If appointed, do you want this number to be visible to the public? nYes nNo
E-Mail Aeldless: If
appointed, do you want this address to be visible to thc public? lYes rNo
Are you a registered voter in Sebastopol?
lYes nNo
Ifso, for how long? 2vears?
Do you hold a current business license from the City of Sebastopol? nYes lNo
If so, for how long'/
Have you attended a meeting of this body? When?
I have been active on SCAC since Jan 2023
Have yon served on, interviewed for, or applied for this body previously? nYes lNo
If so, when?
Present Bmployer: self employed
,oo r,r,". Sustainability Consultant, investment finance Agenda Item Number 2 Agenda Item 2 Number
City Council Meeting Packet of February 6th, 2024
Have you previously served on any governmental bodies or held elected office? If so please list position held and dates:
No
Please list civic or charitable organization to which you belong or have belonged:
Currently 1) Sebastopol Clean Action Comitee transportation working group 2) WESCO Soccer Club board and coach.
ltlt
Have you been an officer in any of these organizations? If so, please list position held and dates:
No
What special interests, skills and talents would you bring to this board, commission, or committee? Have deeply researched actived transportation, founded a comunity bus service that was acquired by Boulder County, founding team member of Boulder (BCycle bike share) and lntrago Mobility ( failed startup similar to Lime Scooters 2007). Skilled in financial analysis, marketing strategy, entrepreneurial nonprofit operations. tt
Please list any college, professional or vocational schools you have attended with major subject studied, dates and any earned degrees:
Environmental Policy and planning, Ecology Appalachian State 1997. MBA East Carolina University 2004.
Agenda Item Number 2 Agenda Item 2 Number
City Council Meeting Packet of February 6th, 2024
Please list any special awards or recognition you have received:
Please statc why you wuuid liku iu bcuumc a rncrrrber of this board, commission or Cofffitittee, including what specific objectives you would be working toward as a member of this body:
I am very interesting in helping our city wherever possibilble including how to create a more livible city through active transportation and helping the city reduce its emissions inventory to achievce inclusive California and UN sustainable development goals.
Are you associated with any organizalion/employment that might be deemed a conflict of intcrcst in performing your duties if appointed to this position?
lYes lNo
If yes, please state name of organization/employrnent:
Cify policy directs all appointed, advisory body members not to vote on mattors where there exists a potcntial conflict of interest such as property ownership near a projeot, or o financial rclationship with thc appficant. Would you be willing tu abstain liom voting if such a conflict arises? rYes nNo
How did you hear about this opening?
lnvited by a SCAC member.
ET
Agenda Item Number 2 Agenda Item 2 Number
City Council Meeting Packet of February 6th, 2024
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?
Helped edit the book, "Near 2.Far" by Dan Sturges, which details less environmentally impactful transportion ideas.
What do you think qualifies you to be appointed to this board,/committee/commission? I have prefessionalty been involved in multimodal transportation planning, I understand city planning processes from actively creating a transportation system a public entity absorbed, and I promote and particiate in active transportation in our city with my family, and I continuously familiarize myself with transportation concepts.
Are there particular issues you think the board/committee/commission should concenfate on? More seprated paths for AT beside main roads and along corriders going towards to southern and western ends of the city and safe routes to schools.
How should community comments be integrated into the board/committee/commission decision-making process? Online open discussions and comments can be brought into surveys done by professional planners and used to inform future projects suggested to city/county council.
g
ItLa
Agenda Item Number 2 Agenda Item 2 Number
City Council Meeting Packet of February 6th, 2024
If appointed, how would you handle it if another board/committee/commission member vehemently disagrees with your comments on a regular basis?
Mostly make sure conversation is open and free in order to understand positions at the deepest levels to hopefully establish win win solutions. u
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? First, I would try to understand the support for the proposal to make sure t am informed properly, then I would try to understand how much fellow citizens support the proposal. lf I still do not support the proposal, I am sure there is a venue/process to voice my opinions and concerns, and if the majority still supports it and I do not, I will defer to the system that decides the result.
tth.t
I certify that I have read and understand all material in this application.
Applicant's Signature
Applicant's Name (PLEASE PRINT):
Datc: Sept. 29,2023
Agenda Item Number 2 Agenda Item 2 Number
City Council Meeting Packet of February 6th, 2024
APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT
TO CITY BOARDS/COMMITTEES/AND COMMISSIONS
Citv Boards. Commissions. and Committees
the City Conncil 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 mernbers who volunteer for service and are appointed by the City Council.
All committe" *e-b"rr 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 iesponsibility of the City Council. The City Manager designates as official staff liaison to each committee.
Apnlication Process
Wfuen o u.ucutrcy on a board, committee or commission occurs, the City Clerk prepares a press release that is distributed to local media, including the Sonoma West Counfy 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
go*d,
"o^-ission, 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 nurnber of consecutive terms an individual may serve.
Members are expected to serve their fulI 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 iesignation. A member shall be removed from office upon tfuee 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.
. 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.
Agenda Item Number 2 Agenda Item 2 Number
City Council Meeting Packet of February 6th, 2024
' 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 assigued to them by the City Council.
Desirable characteristics in Applicants for Boards, commissions, and committees While membership on City boards, committeos and commissions rcquircs no spccific qualifications, with thc 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 Communitv
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, committcc or conulission for which they are applyilg, it is alsu expeuted 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 struchne 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 prof'essional circumstances might prompt an unexpected resignation, applicants who arc awarc of any rcasons 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 tneetings. In adtlition 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 mcmbcr, your duty is to abide by such policies rather' flran irnplernenl. personal prcfcrcnccs.
Tips for Anplvins for a Citv 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.
Answcr all questions on the application. Council reviews your applioation 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 bc coming in the future. Review the minutes of past rneetings, available on the City web site or at City Hall depending on the appointment being applied for.
Talk to a culrent 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.
Agenda Item Number 2 Agenda Item 2 Number
City Council Meeting Packet of February 6th, 2024
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 recornmend 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 Offrce.
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 clarifi, 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.
APPLTCATION F',OR CITY OF SEBASTOPOL BOARDS, COMMTSSTONS & COMMITTEES Contact Information
Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, MMC
Mary Gourley
7120 Bodega Avenue
P.O. Box 1776
Sebastopol, Cl^95473
Mgourley@cityofsebastopol. org
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 and either print and mail it to the address above, or email your completed application to [email protected]. 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.
Board, Commission, or Committee being applied for? The Countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committ€e Name Gavin Waters
Home Address, State and Zip Code:
Sebastopol, CA 95472
Agenda Item Number 2 Agenda Item 2 Number
City Council Meeting Packet of February 6th, 2024
Home Phone
If appointed, do yon want this nurnber to be visible to the public? nYes fNo
Work Phone Number: N/A
If appointed, do you want this number to be visible to the public? rYes nNo
Facsimile Nurnber: NiA
If appointed, do you want this nurnber to be visible to the public? nYes nNo
E-Mail If
appuintotl, tlo you wilflt this nddross to bs visible to thc public? nYes lNo
Are you a registered voter in Sebastopol?
lYes nNo
If so, for how long? 1 ygar
l)o yon hold a current business license from the City of Sebastopol? rYes lNo Ifso, forhowlong?
Have you attended a meeting of this body? When?
Occaisional virtual participation - irregular
Have you served on, inte,rviewed for, or applied for this body previously? nYes lNo
If so, when?
Present !,mployer: One Zero Solutione, LLC
rob ritle: Senior Program Manager, Dept. of State
Agenda Item Number 2 Agenda Item 2 Number
City Council Meeting Packet of February 6th, 2024
Have you previously served on any governmental bodies or held elected office? If so please list position held and dates:
No; applicable experience:
- I co-founded a political club in college to foster cross-ideology dialogue - Volunteer intern, US Congresswoman Connie Morella, 1999 Please list civic or charitable organization to which you belong or have belonged:
-Volunteer, Butterfly Garden Program, Anne Arundel County Public Schools -Volunteer, gardener, Historic Annapolis Foundation
-Member, Friends of SMART
Have you been an officer in any of these organizafions? If so, please list position held and dates No.
What special interests, skills and talents would you bring to this board, commission, or committee? I am exceptionally passionate about pedestrian and bike safety, equal access and design efficiency. I am a long time walker and biker by choice and to set an example, I have a keen interest in design and designing people and bikes into our transportation system as a first thought, not an afterlhought. I am a certified military planner with years of military board, committee and collaboration experience.
Please list any college, professional or vocational schools you have attended with major subject studied, dates and any earned degrees:
Rutgers University - Political Science - 1997-2001 - BA US Naval War College - Strategy and Military Decision Making - 2015-2018 - MA Agenda Item Number 2 Agenda Item 2 Number
City Council Meeting Packet of February 6th, 2024
Please list any special awards or recognition you hove received:
Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America
Numerous personal decorations, including Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Afghanistan Campaign Medal, United States Navy
Please staie why you wouiti 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:
I would like to participate in civic life and I think this is the perfect issue for me to advocate for. I see a future where most people, especially in small towns like Sebastopol, and forward thinking places like Sonolna County, use walking and bikes more than they use cars for local transport.
My objectives will be to advocate for bicycle and pedestrian equal access and awareness.
Are you asso,ciated with any organization/employment that might bc deemed a conflict of interest in perfonning your duties if appointed to this position?
nyes lNo
If yes, please state narne of organization/employment:_ City policy directs all appointed, advisory body members not to votc on mattcrs whcre there exists a potential conflict of interest such as property ownership near a projcct, or a financial relationship with thE applicant. Wguld you be willing to abstain from voting if such a conflict arises? rYes nNo
How did you hear about this opening?
Councilwoman Mauer's email newsletter
Agenda Item Number 2 Agenda Item 2 Number
City Council Meeting Packet of February 6th, 2024
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?
No.
What do you think qualifies you to be appointed to this board/committee/commission? I have strong opinions on these matters; I walk and bike to local establishments and on local errands everyday.
Are there particular issues you think the board/committee/commission should concentrate on? Encouraging use of these more sustainable modalities. I also think there should be significant emphasis on the health benefits of these modalities.
How should community comments be integrated into the board/committee/commission decision-making process? Community comments and feedback should drive the decision making process. They should be integral to it. Comments that are negative or counter-productive should be judged accordingly but should be examined for underlying points of view that have validity to the decision-making process.
Agenda Item Number 2 Agenda Item 2 Number
City Council Meeting Packet of February 6th, 2024
If appointed, how would you handle it if another board/committee/commission member vehemently disagrees with your comments on a regular basis?
I would view this in the spirit of healthy debate - not as a personal affront. lf I thought the disagreement was personal, I would seek a private dialogue with that member, ideally with a moderator or neutral party present.
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? I would make known my viewpoint but ultimately I would act in a manner conducive to good order and in alignment with the policy and standards in the interest of moving forward. lf a disagreed with the policy and standards I would seek to learn more about them and consider advocating for a change if warranted.
V I certify that I have thoroughly read and understand all material in this application.
Applicant's Signature
Applicant's Name (PLEASE PRINT)
oot",21sEP2023
. Gavin Waters
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APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT
TO CITY BOARDS/COMMITTEES/AND COMMISSIONS
CiW 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 occllrs, 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 h@:i/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 ofhce. 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 fow-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 resigrr, 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.
. 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.
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. 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 specifio qualifications, with the exception of some seats on the Design Review Board and the Public Arts Committee, there are desirable characteristics ibr 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
Wlten 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 neetiugs. 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, yow actions will reflect on the City of Scbastopol 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 abidc by such policics rather than inrplemcnt pcrsonal preforonces.
Tips for Applvins for a Citv 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, commrttee or commission. I)on't lbrget 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 thc minutcs of past meetings, available on the City web site or at City Hall depending on the appointrnent being applied for, Talk to a curent 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.
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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.
APPLTCATION FOR CITY OF SEBASTOPOL BOARDS, COMMISSIONS & COMMITTEES Contact Information
Assistant City ManageriCity Clerk, MMC
Mary Gourley
7l20Bodega Avenue
P.O. Box 1776
Sebastopol, CA95473
Mgourley@cityofsebastopol. org
phone: 707 -823-1153
fax: 707-823-1,135
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 and either print and mail it to the address above, or email yow completed application to [email protected]. 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' Board, Commission, or Committee being applied 1s1r CBPAC Citizen representative Name: Silas Stafford
Home Address, City, State and Ztp Code:
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Home Phone Nnmber:
If appointed. do you want this number to be visible to the public? nYes fNo
Work Phone
Tf appointed, do you want this number to be visible to the public? nYes nNo
Facsimile Number:
If appointed, do you want this nurnber to be visible to the public? nYes nNo
E-Mail If
appuiuled, du yuu rvant tlds udtlreus to be visiblo to the publio? rYes lNo
Are you a registered voter in Sebastopol?
nYes lNo
If so, for how long?
Do you hold a current husiness license from the City of Sebastopol? nYes lNo Ifso, for how long?
Have you attended a meeting of this body? When?
I have not attended the CBPAC
Have you served on, interviewed fcrr, nr applied for this body previously? nYes lNo
If so, when?
Present Employer: Vector Labs lnc
Job ritle: Deployment Strategist
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Have you previously served on any governmental bodies or held elected office? If so please list position held and dates:
No
Please list civic or charitable organization to which you belong or have belonged Bike Sebastopol
Sebastopol Trailmakers
Have you been an officer in any of these organizations? If so, please list position held and dates No
What special interests, skills and talents would you bring to this board, commission, or committee? - Avid cyclist
- Parent
- Geospatial analysis (aka making maps)
- Project management
tr
Please list any college, professional or vocational schools you have attended with major subject studied, dates and any eamed degrees:
Stanford University, BS Geological and Environmental Science, 2008 University of Cambridge, MPhil, Geographical lnformation Systems and Remote Sensing,2009
H
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Please list any special awards or recognition you have received:
N/A
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:
I drop my kids off, and commute into downtown every weekday. I care deeply about making our community safer and more inclusive, and reducing our environmental footprint by encouraging cycling.
I want to see cycling in our County and City become safer and more inclusive Are you associated with any organization/employment that might be deomed a conflict of interest in performing your duties if appointed to this position?
nYes lNo
If ycs, plcasc statc name of organizatior/employment:
City pcrlicy directs all appointed, advisory body members not to vote on matters where there exists a potontial conflict of interest such as properly ownership near a project, or a financial relationship with the opplicant. Would you be willing to abstain tlom voting if such a conflict arises? lYes rNo
How did you hear about this opening?
John Jay
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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 have 2 years of experience implementing policy agreements between the State and Federal Agencies, and 4 years as a contractor in the Federal Goverment What do you think qualifies you to be appointed to this board/committee/commission? My private professional roles have all been centered around integrating input from stakeholders, creating a plan, and implementing it. This means bringing folks to the table who may not always have the strongest voice, listening to the community with humily, and integrating their input with engineers, policy, and an eye to the future.
I care deeply about making our community better, and have spent hundreds of hours cycling in Sonoma County. Additionally, I am a parent of young children, so can provide my own perspective on how to meaningfully make it safer for kids to bike comm coun E
Are there particular issues you think the board/committee/commission should concenffate on? I want our county to dream big about increasing access to cycling through infrastructure, which has many community benefits, including health, safety and environmental.
How should community comments be integrated into the board/committee/commission decision-making process? Community comments should be a core part of how a board makes it's decision.
Being an effective committee requires that consituents are heard, and that the local expertise of members of the community is leveraged.
:tLI
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If appointed, how would you handle it if another board/committee/commission member vehemently disagrees with your comments on a regular basis?
I'm a firm believer that kind, respectful, civil disagreement is a key to reaching higher understanding, lf someone vehemently disagreed with me, I would ask them questions to understand where they were coming from, empathise, and update my understanding, and change my mind accordingly.
EI
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? Assuming my disagreement was based on community interests, I would register my disagreement but would not block the comittee from performing its duties, following the process and guidelines laid out in the code of conduct I certify that I have thoroughly read and understand all material in this application.
Applicant's Signature f/--WApplicant's Name (PLEASE PRINT) Silas Stafford our..30 Oct 2023
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