CITY OF SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM REPORT FOR MEETING OF: February 4, 2025
=========================================================================================== To: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
From: Assistant City Manager/City Clerk
Subject: Consideration and Direction to Mayor or his/her Designated Representative for Voting for Various Boards and Committee Vacancies at the February 13, 2025 City Selection Committee and Sonoma County Mayors and Councilmembers Association Meeting =========================================================================================== RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council provide direction to Mayor or her Designated Representative for Voting for Various Boards and Committee Vacancies at the February 13, 2025 City Selection Committee and Sonoma County Mayors and Councilmembers Association Meeting.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Sonoma County Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association Board of Directors and the City Selection Committee is a collaboration of all Sonoma County cities with a goal of creating a united front to represent the strongest voice possible in support of city interests. The City Selection Committee and the Board of Directors for the Sonoma County Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association and the General Membership conducts meetings bi-monthly. On February 13, 2025, the City Selection Committee and Mayors and Councilmembers Board of Directors will make appointments to upcoming vacancies on various committees.
The Board of Directors of the Association shall be comprised of the Mayors of the member cities and the officers of the Association. The officers of the Association shall have no vote unless they are Mayors. In the event a Mayor is unable to attend a meeting of the Board of Directors, he/she shall designate another member, who must be a regular member of the Association, to serve as the representative, by letter delivered to the Secretary of the Association at the time of such meeting or prior thereto. In lieu of a letter being provided prior to each meeting, cities may instead provide a letter to the Chair City at the beginning of each term designating the approved alternates for their city. By such a letter, a Mayor may designate another councilperson to serve as his/her representative on all occasions when the Mayor is absent, or only for a particular meeting or meetings. The representative shall enjoy the same voting privilege during the Board of Directors’ meeting as would the Mayor he/she represents. In the absence of such a letter, no one shall be entitled to act as the representative of a Mayor. If there are no letters of interest, the by-laws of the Sonoma County Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association allows for nominations from the floor at the meeting.
The City Council approved the Designated Voting Delegate and Alternate(s) to Vote in the Mayor's Absence for the 2025 Sonoma County Mayors and Councilmembers City Selection Committee Meetings and Sonoma County Mayors and Councilmembers Board and General Membership Association Meetings in the order as listed below:
1. Mayor Zollman
1. Vice Mayor Jill McLewis
2. Councilmember Phill Carter
3. Councilmember Neysa Hinton
4. Councilmember Sandra Maurer
Agenda Item Number: 6 Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
A letter was submitted to the Chair City indicating the Designated Voting Delegates in accordance with the by laws for the Sonoma County Mayors and Councilmembers Association.
The 2025 General Membership meetings are listed below for information.
February 13
City of Santa Rosa
April 10
City of Sebastopol
June 12
City of Sonoma
August 14
Town of Windsor
October 9
City of Cloverdale
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
The City Selection Committee and the Mayors and Councilmembers Association, which includes all the SonomaCounty cities, fills vacancies on various local or regional Boards or Commissions when the terms of office expire or upon resignation. The Chair of the City Selection and Mayor and Councilmembers Association requested letters of interest for the openings listed below. Letter(s) of interest submitted are listed under each Opening.
Attached are the letters received for both the City Selection Committee and Board of Directors appointments as well as listed below.
City Selection Committee Appointments:
Bay Area Air Quality Management District Board – 1 Seat (to fill expiring term of Brian Barnacle of Petaluma). 2- year term starting in February.
Letters Received:
Brian Barnacle, Petaluma
Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District – 1 Seat (to fill expiring term of Gerard Giudice of Rohnert Park). 2-year term starting in February.
Letters Received:
Gerard Giudice, Rohnert Park
Frank Quint, Petaluma
Sonoma County Consolidated Oversight Board – 1 Seat (to fill vacancy of Chris Rogers of Santa Rosa). Term limit at the discretion of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.
Letters Received:
Jackie Elward, Rohnert Park
Stephen Zollman, Sebastopol
Agenda Item Number: 6
Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
Board of Directors Appointments:
North Bay Division LOCC, Executive Board – 1 Seat (to fill expiring term of Jackie Elward of Rohnert Park). 2-year term starting in February.
Letters Received:
Jackie Elward, Rohnert Park
Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Citizens Advisory Committee – 1 Seat (to fill expiring term of Mark Stapp of Santa Rosa). 2-year term starting in February.
Letters Received:
Karen Nau, Petaluma
Marjorie Morgenstern, Cloverdale
Frank Quint, Petaluma
Alex DeCarli, Petaluma
Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) Commission – 3 Seats. 4-year fixed term. 2 – SCTA appointments (members appointed must also be a city/town representative for the Sonoma County Transportation Authority) to fill the vacancies by Melanie Bagby of Cloverdale and Chris Rogers of Santa Rosa.
These appointments will finish out the current terms of Bagby and Rogers that end in February 2027.
Letters Received:
Gerard Giudice, Rohnert Park
Janice Cader Thompson, Petaluma
Todd Lands, Cloverdale
Ariel Kelley, Healdsburg
1 – Non-SCTA appointment (must be from a city/town on the rail line) to fill the expiring term of Debora Fudge of Windsor. This appointment will start a new 4-year fixed term beginning in February.
Letters Received:
Victoria Fleming, Santa Rosa
Chris Herrod, Healdsburg
Alex DeCarli, Petaluma
Sylvia Lemus, Cotati
Staff Analysis:
There is no staff analysis for this item. City Council should discuss letters of interest and provide direction.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
This item has been noticed in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available for public viewing and review at least 72 hours prior to schedule meeting date. The City has also used social media to promote and advertise the City Council Meeting Agenda Items.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with providing direction to the Mayor or Voting Representative.
RESTATED RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council Provide Direction to the Mayor or Voting Representative for Voting at the City Selection Committee Meeting and the Mayors and Councilmembers Board of Directors Meeting of February 13, 2025. It is Agenda Item Number: 6
Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
also recommended that if late nominations are received, that the City Council direct the Mayor or Designated Voting Representative to:
1. Have the authority to vote on these late nominations or recommendations at the City Selection Committee and Sonoma County Mayors and Councilmembers Board of Directors Association Meetings; or
2. Abstain from Vote; or
3. Direct that late nominations be returned to all Cities for review and recommendation to voting designate/alternates.
CITY COUNCIL OPTIONS:
There are no options as the Council has appointed voting representatives for these meetings to vote on items associated with the City Selection, Board and Geneal Membership meetings.
ATTACHMENTS:
Letters of Interest:
APPROVALS:
Department Head Approval: Approval Date 1-27-2025
CEQA Determination (Planning): Approval Date: 1-27-2025 This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a project which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines.
Administrative Services (Financial): Approval Date: 1-27-2025 Costs authorized in City Approved Budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No N/A Account Code (f applicable)
City Attorney Approval Approval Date: N/A
City Manager Approval: Approval Date: 1-27-2025
Agenda Item Number: 6
Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
CITY OF PETALUMA
POST OFFICE BOX 61
PETALUMA, CA 94953-0061
Brian Barnacle
Councilmember
Petaluma City Hall
11 English Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone (707) 778-4345
Msg Phone (707) 778-4541
E-Mail:
[email protected]
December 30, 2024
Clerk of the Board
County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Dr., Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Attn: Michelle Norman and Kyreen Gonzalez
Cc: Lauren Berges
Re: Re-appointment to Bay Area Air Quality Management District Board of Directors Dear Sonoma County Mayors and Council Members,
I am writing to ask for your support in re-appointing me to serve on the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Board of Directors.
The last 13 years of my career have been focused on energy, transportation, and buildings policy and program development. My experience with air quality improvement measures includes building and appliance regulations, and electrification of light duty vehicles, first/last-mile delivery, and heavy-duty trucking. I have participated in regulatory processes at the California Public Utilities Commission, Air Resources Board, Housing and Community Development, and Energy Commission, and helped advance climate and clean energy legislation in Sacramento.
In 2020, I ran for a seat on the Petaluma City Council because I truly love local government. Now, after four years of serving on the City Council and two years serving on the BAAQMD Board, I am seeking re-appointment because I want to continue helping reduce emissions and local air pollution throughout Bay Area communities.
In many ways, BAAQMD’s work is precedent-setting for our nation. Addressing intersectional issues like environmental, climate, and economic justice requires BAAQMD board members to do what is best for the health of our climate and public, while mitigating concerns about equity, career displacement, the economy, and more. I remain up for this challenge.
As the son of a union carpenter who was raised in a Sonoma County dairy family and today works in climate policy, my life experiences have forced me to see different sides of issues. My diverse background helps me understand and take principled positions on the many complex issues that BAAQMD takes on.
For these reasons, I ask for your support. Please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at (707) 373-6414 or by email at [email protected] if you would like to speak more about my interest in this position.
Thank you for your consideration and happy New Year.
Sincerely,
Agenda Item Number: 6
Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
130 Avram Avenue Rohnert Park CA 94928 (707) 588-2226 Fax (707) 794-9248 www.rpcity.org
Gerard Giudice
Mayor
Emily Sanborn
Vice Mayor
Susan Hollingsworth Adams
Jackie Elward
Samantha Rodriguez
Councilmembers
________________
Marcela Piedra
City Manager
Michelle Marchetta Kenyon
City Attorney
Lee Burdick
Assistant City Attorney
Cindy Bagley
Director of Community Services
Jamie Cannon
Director of Human Resources
Vanessa Garrett
Director of Public Works
Alicia Giudice
Director of
Development Services
Sylvia Lopez Cuevas
City Clerk
Tim Mattos
Public Safety Director
Betsy Howze
Finance Director
January 6, 2025
Clerk of the Board
County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Dr, Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Attn: Michelle Norman [email protected] Karen Gonzalez [email protected]
Re: Letter of Interest and Request for Re-Appointment to Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District
Dear City Selection Committee,
I respectfully request your support for my reappointment to the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District Board of Directors for an additional two-year term.
Over the past two years, it has been my privilege to represent Sonoma County on the Board. During my tenure, I have actively contributed through my roles on key committees, including the Governmental Affairs and Public Information Committee, the Building and Operating Committee, the Finance-Auditing Committee (including the OPEB Retirement Investment Trust Board), the Suicide Deterrent System Advisory Committee, and the Nomination of Officers of the Board of Directors Advisory Committee. These responsibilities have allowed me to advocate for the community and address critical issues impacting our region.
I am confident that my continued service on the Board will further strengthen our collective efforts in enhancing transportation infrastructure and community engagement. I ask for your support in ensuring the continuation of this work.
Should you have any questions or wish to discuss my qualifications further, I can be reached at (707) 899-3087 or via email at [email protected]. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your favorable consideration.
Kind Regards,
Gerard Giudice
Mayor, City of Rohnert Park
Cc: Rohnert Park City Council and City Manager
Cc: Lauren Berges, [email protected]
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Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
January 16, 2025
Clerk of the Board
County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Dr., Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Re: Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District Letter of Interest Honorable Sonoma County Supervisors,
I write to respectfully request your support for my appointment to the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District Board. I firmly support the District’s mission to provide safe and reliable operation, maintenance and enhancement of the Golden Gate Bridge and to provide congestion free transportation services within the U.S. Highway 101 Golden Gate Corridor.
My diverse background and passion for public transportation gives me a unique perspective that will serve this board well. I’ve served on Petaluma’s Transit Advisory Committee since 2023 (Chair for past 6 months). I also served simultaneously on Petaluma’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee and was the Vice Chair of this committee during this same time. My terms on these committees ended when I recently won my election to Petaluma’s City Council, at which time I was re-appointed to both committees as the council liaison. During this time, I have championed Petaluma Transit’s free ride program, Luma Go, and MicroTransit. I’ve also contributed and supported the ongoing work to renew Petaluma’s ATP.
I hold a BA in Accounting and an MBA from Saint Martin’s University in Lacey Washington.
My professional background is in supply chain transportation. I’ve held key leadership positions for companies like Target and my current employer RH (formerly Restoration Hardware). I understand what it takes to move products around the globe but I’m particularly adept in domestic US trucking and intermodal (rail) services. I’ve also run a mid-sized California based trucking company. While my expertise in supply chain transportation isn’t the same as public transportation, there is crossover, and it offers me a useful and unique perspective. I fully understand our nation’s highway and rail systems and their challenges.
Lastly, I’m passionate about climate change, I believe climate change is an existential threat, and I believe one of the most important things we should be working on is effective alternatives to driving. Developing work opportunities closer to where people live, developing communities around transit corridors and developing effective alternatives for people to move through their communities without depending on automobiles is crucial. I am excited to join the Petaluma City Council, and I am committed to making this community more transit-oriented and would enjoy an opportunity to work on this issue regionally.
I would be honored by your support for this appointment and respectfully ask for your vote. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 707-971-9226 or by email at [email protected] Sincerely,
Frank Quint
Petaluma City Council member
cc: Members of Petaluma City Council
Agenda Item Number: 6
Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
130 Avram Avenue Rohnert Park CA 94928 (707) 588-2226 Fax (707) 794-9248 www.rpcity.org
City Council
Gerard Giudice
Mayor
Emily Sanborn
Vice Mayor
Susan Hollingsworth Adams
Jackie Elward
Samantha Rodriguez
Councilmembers
________________
Marcela Piedra
City Manager
Michelle Marchetta Kenyon
City Attorney
Lee Burdick
Assistant City Attorney
Cindy Bagley
Director of Community Services
Jamie Cannon
Director of Human Resources
Vanessa Garrett
Director of Public Works
Alicia Giudice
Director of
Development Services
Sylvia Lopez Cuevas
City Clerk
Tim Mattos
Public Safety Director
Betsy Howze
Finance Director
January 6, 2025
Clerk of the Board
County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Dr., Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Attn: Michelle Norman, [email protected] and Kyreen Gonzalez, [email protected]
Re: Request for Appointment to the Sonoma County Consolidated Oversight Board Letter of Interest
Dear Selection Committee:
I am writing to express my interest in serving on the Sonoma County Consolidated Oversight Board to fill the vacancy left by Chris Rogers of Santa Rosa.
Since being elected in 2020, I have had the privilege of serving my community in several capacities, including one term as Mayor and one term as Vice Mayor.
These leadership roles have allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our region, as well as the importance of collaborative decision-making.
In addition to my municipal leadership, I served on the North Bay Division of the League of California Cities (LOCC) Executive Board for two years and on the Sonoma Clean Power Board of Directors (SCP). I have also served on the Homeless Coalition Board (formerly the Sonoma County Continuum of Care Board) for two consecutive years.
I am passionate about contributing to the continued success of Sonoma County through thoughtful oversight and collaboration. I am confident that my leadership experience, regional perspective, and dedication to public service make me a strong candidate for this position.
Thank you for considering my application. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions at (707) 588-2223, or by email at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Jackie Elward
City of Rohnert Park
Cc: City Council
City Manager
City Clerk
Cc: Lauren Berges, [email protected]
Docusign Envelope ID: 5D4760C8-BBED-42A0-9EBC-AEDCE5F522E2 Agenda Item Number: 6
Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
January 13, 2015
Attn: Michelle Norman, Kyreen Gonzalez
Clerk of the Board
County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors
Re: Consolidated Oversight Board
Dear Board of Supervisors:
I am excited to be applying for this primary consolidated oversight board position.
For the last two years, I have served as the alternate to this board as it fulfills its purpose of overseeing the dissolution of former redevelopment successor agencies. This work involves appointees form County Board of Supervisor, County Superintendent of Education, Chancellor of the California Colleges, the city selection committee and an employee organization representing the largest number of successor employees in the county. My work as the Mayors and Council Member Associations’ appointee to the Childcare Planning council, a part of our Office of Education, along with familiarity with various colleges has helped my understanding of this process.
As the primary, I will bring my statewide experience from having served on the Cal Cities revenue and taxation policy committee, two years of city council budget committee experience and my legal understanding of the fiduciary duties owing to holders of enforceable obligations and taxing entities.
Additionally, I have engaged with the assigned staff and have a great relationship with them.
I would be honored to be appointed to this position and help the board fulfill its mission.
Agenda Item Number: 6
Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
2 Sincerely,
signed
Stephen Zollman
Sebastopol Mayor
[email protected]
Agenda Item Number: 6
Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
130 Avram Avenue Rohnert Park CA 94928 (707) 588-2226 Fax (707) 794-9248 www.rpcity.org
City Council
Gerard Giudice
Mayor
Emily Sanborn
Vice Mayor
Susan Hollingsworth Adams
Jackie Elward
Samantha Rodriguez
Councilmembers
________________
Marcela Piedra
City Manager
Michelle Marchetta Kenyon
City Attorney
Lee Burdick
Assistant City Attorney
Cindy Bagley
Director of Community Services
Jamie Cannon
Director of Human Resources
Vanessa Garrett
Director of Public Works
Alicia Giudice
Director of
Development Services
Sylvia Lopez Cuevas
City Clerk
Tim Mattos
Public Safety Director
Betsy Howze
Finance Director
January 6, 2025
2025 Chair City, City of Rohnert Park
Sonoma County Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association
130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Attn: Lauren Berges, MCA Clerk [email protected]
Re: Request for Re-Appointment to the North Bay Division, LOCC, Executive Board
Honorable Mayors and Councilmembers,
I am writing to respectfully request your support for my re-appointment to the North Bay Division, LOCC, Executive Board.
I’ve been an active member of the League of California Cities since elected to the Rohnert Park City Council in 2020 and appointed to the North Bay Division, LOCC, Executive Board in February of 2023. I would love to continue expanding my understanding of the challenges faced by all the member cities and towns, and I am excited at the opportunity to continue to work collaboratively with the League of California Cities. I believe working together and sharing common experiences will help us come up with creative solutions to ongoing issues.
Thank you so much for your consideration of my request for reappointment to the North Bay Division, LOCC, Executive Board.
Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions at (707) 588-2223, or by email at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Jackie Elward
City of Rohnert Park
Cc: City Council
City Manager
City Clerk
City Selection Committee Clerk of the Board
[email protected] and
[email protected]
Docusign Envelope ID: E48F9B1D-CC33-4FBB-8218-4B8D582F61A7 Agenda Item Number: 6
Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
January 19, 2025
SCMCA City Selection Committee
Michelle Norman
Kyreen Gonzalez
County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Dr. Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Re: Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Letter of Interest To Whom it May Concern,
Please accept my request for your support for my appointment to the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. Agriculture, water, farmlands, wildlife and quality of life in Sonoma County is very important to me. Would love to have an opportunity to contribute to future decisions in this area.
Raised on a local Family Farm in Petaluma, I learned the importance of Agriculture and education of sustainable agriculture for future generations. My family’s land is near the Petaluma Urban Growth Boundary, it was very important for me, to protect it, supporting the recent ballot measure to expand the UGB for another 50 years. As well, as volunteering to help defeat Measure J which would have harmed our local agricultural businesses and put our local farms/ranches, in jeopardy.
In the past, I have raised awareness to the importance to our local State Parks and keeping them open to the public. My love of the community and history, earned me the Petaluma 1995 Good Egg Award.
Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park is one of the County’s first ranchos, owned by General Vallejo. It is an example of how important Agricultural lands are to our area, protecting and maintaining the waterways for wildlife etc.
My first term on the Petaluma City Council was 2004-2008, during that term, the City approved a 20- year General Plan. In 2022, I was elected again, as the District 3 Council member, again, Petaluma is working to finalize another 20-year General Plan. Looking to the future, yet remembering the past, is important to me. Quality of life for my family, friends, and neighbors is my commitment, as I serve on the City Council. I would very much like to have an opportunity to serve on a County Committee too.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit my name to this County committee, I ask for your support as a new member. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 707-529-2487 or [email protected]
Sincerely,
Karen Nau
City of Petaluma
Council member
District 3
Agenda Item Number: 6
Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
Lauren Berges <[email protected]>
Letter of Interest
1 message
Marjorie Morgenstern <[email protected]> Sun, Jan 19, 2025 at 8:13 PM To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
I would like to submit a letter of interest to become a member of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Citizens Advisory Committee.
I grew up in Marin County at the very end of a dead end street. First the land next to our home was privately owned. Eventually the land became Open Space and the entire community was delighted that the land would be preserved and that the community could finally utilize the land for hiking gatherings and picnics. I believe Open Space and Agricultural Preservation are extremely important for our entire community. Not only is Open Space beautiful it is highly recreational as well. Open Space is important for protecting and preserving the environment.
Agricultural Preservation is important because it supports the environment along with nurturing biodiversity, local communities and the economy. Preserved farmland creates habitats for wildlife, improved soiled health, along with helping to reduce water pollution while ensuring local food supply. Preserved farmland supports numerous jobs in agriculture and in the food sector.
I would like to participate in preserving Sonoma County Open Space and Farmland for generations to come.
Farmland preservation insures that farming is here to stay. Sonoma County is a vital part of the Country’s food and wine supply and I would like to participate on a committee that supports these endeavors.
Thank you,
City of Cloverdale Councilmember Marjorie Morgenstern
Sent from my iPad
1/20/25, 11:12 AM Gmail - Letter of Interest
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/?ik=8cbee50ff6&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1821739773705753131&simpl=msg-f:1821739773705753131 1/1 Agenda Item Number: 6
Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
January 20, 2025
2025 Chair City,
City of Rohnert Park
Sonoma County Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association
130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Re Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Citizens Advisory Committee Letter of Interest
Honorable Mayors and Councilmembers,
I write to respectfully request your support for my appointment to the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Citizens Advisory Committee. I firmly support the District’s mission to preserve agricultural lands, community identity, community health, water, and wildlands.
My diverse background and passion for open spaces gives me a unique perspective that will serve this advisory board well. I am an avid user of our open spaces through hiking, backpacking, and biking, I am a strong supporter of our county’s agriculture and view it as a cornerstone of our economy and culture. I am deeply rooted in our community and committed to serving it. I’ve served on Petaluma’s Transit Advisory Committee since 2023 (Chair for past 6 months). I also served simultaneously on Petaluma’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee and was the Vice Chair of this committee during this same time. My terms on these committees ended when I recently won my election to Petaluma’s City Council, at which time I was reappointed to both committees as the council liaison.
I hold a BA in Accounting and an MBA from Saint Martin’s University in Lacey Washington.
My professional background is in supply chain transportation. I’ve held key leadership positions for companies like Target and my current employer Restoration Hardware. My years of experience have taught me how to lead teams, collaborate and work with others to accomplish important goals. Our opens spaces are critical for our community’s quality of life and I’m confident my experience will help me offer meaningful contributions to this important committee.
Lastly, I’m passionate about climate change and I believe preserving our open spaces is critical to our efforts to reverse the course we are on. I am excited to join the Petaluma City Council, and I am committed to protecting our open spaces would enjoy an opportunity to work on this issue regionally.
I would be honored by your support for this appointment and respectfully ask for your vote. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 707-971-9226 or by email at [email protected] Sincerely,
Frank Quint
Petaluma City Council member
cc: Members of Petaluma City Council
Agenda Item Number: 6
Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
Agenda Item Number: 6
Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
130 Avram Avenue Rohnert Park CA 94928 (707) 588-2226 Fax (707) 794-9248 www.rpcity.org
City Council
Gerard Giudice
Mayor
Emily Sanborn
Vice Mayor
Susan Hollingsworth Adams
Jackie Elward
Samantha Rodriguez
Councilmembers
________________
Marcela Piedra
City Manager
Michelle Marchetta Kenyon
City Attorney
Lee Burdick
Assistant City Attorney
Cindy Bagley
Director of Community Services
Jamie Cannon
Director of Human Resources
Vanessa Garrett
Director of Public Works
Alicia Giudice
Director of
Development Services
Sylvia Lopez Cuevas
City Clerk
Tim Mattos
Public Safety Director
Betsy Howze
Finance Director
January 6, 2025
Clerk of the Board
County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Dr, Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Attn: Michelle Norman [email protected] Karen Gonzalez [email protected]
Re: Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District Letter of Interest Dear City Selection Committee,
In light of the upcoming vacancies, I am writing to respectfully request your support for the appointment to the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District Board of Directors, for a four-year term.
I was first elected in 2020, and since then I have served as a Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Councilmember on the Rohnert Park City Council. In December of last year, I was elected by the Rohnert Park City Council to serve as Mayor for 2025. For many years, I have served as a Director for the Sonoma County Transportation Authority/Regional Climate Protection Authority, and in 2022, I was appointed as Director for the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District Board. I am a long-time resident of Rohnert Park and have had the fortune of witness each phase of the system come to fruition. I have been a supporter of SMART connecting cities since regular service opened in 2017.
The combination of my professional and live experiences as a resident residing on the rail line in Sonoma County will bring a unique perspective as member of the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District Board of Directors.
Thank you for your consideration of my request for an appointment to the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District Board of Directors. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions at (707) 899-3087, or by email at [email protected]. I appreciate your support.
Kind Regards,
Gerard Giudice
Mayor, City of Rohnert Park
Cc: Rohnert Park City Council and City Manager
Cc: Lauren Berges, [email protected]
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Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
CITY OF PETALUMA
POST OFFICE BOX 61
PETALUMA, CA 94953-0061
Janice Cader Thompson
District 1
Petaluma City Hall
11 English Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone (707) 778-4345
E-Mail:
[email protected]
January 19, 2025
Re: Request for Appointment to the Sonoma Marin Rail Transit (SMART) Commission Dear Board of Directors:
Dear Mayors and Council Members,
I am seeking one of two SMART-SCTA/RCPA seats representing the nine Sonoma County cities on the SMART board of directors and I humbly ask for your support. With all three seats being vacated (two SMART-SCTA/RCPA, one SMART only), it is vital to appoint experienced councilmembers who understand the intricacies of transportation funding, SMART’s role in driving city-centered development, and the importance of both the train and multi-modal trail to our cities and region. A SMART sales tax renewal will likely be on a ballot in the next two years. My hard-earned experience passing local measures and working with regional partners will be vital to SMART’s success and I will work tirelessly to make sure the renewal passes.
I currently serve as Petaluma’s representative on SCTA/RCPA where I strongly advocate for transit equity and mobility as part of Petaluma’s commitment to citycentered development and carbon neutrality. As a member of the SMART board, as I have at SCTA/RCPA, I will advocate for policies to complete SMART to Healdsburg and north to Cloverdale, as well as policies to ensure safe and reliable access to the SMART corridor from communities in east and west county.
I will use my experience and regional relationships to make sure the interests of all nine cities are represented and that the most vulnerable populations have opportunities to access safe, reliable, transportation options.
My approach to projects is to find innovative and practical solutions, work closely with partners, and to support equity, mobility and carbon neutrality. Like other cities, Petaluma city bus rides are fare-free, and we recently added Luma Go, our county’s first door-to-door pickup service. Both programs have proven successful and are utilized by Petaluma’s seniors, communities of color, and the vulnerable and underserved. Our goal is to expand Luma Go for those who need alternate transportation options —I will bring my commitment to innovative solutions that benefit all to representing your city on the SMART board.
Thank you for your careful consideration. I will work tirelessly to pass the sales tax renewal, bring my long years of experience working for practical and innovative solutions, and make sure your community’s interests are represented at SMART.
Feel free to call or email if you have any questions.
Agenda Item Number: 6
Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
Sincerely,
Janice Cader Thompson
Janice Cader Thompson
Councilmember for District 1
City of Petaluma
Agenda Item Number: 6
Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
Cloverdale Mayor Todd Lands
124 N Cloverdale Boulevard
Cloverdale, CA 95425
[email protected]
(707) 280-1366
1/10/2025
SMART Board of Directors
Old Redwood Highway
Suite 200
Petaluma, CA 94954
Subject: SMART Board Letter of Interest
Dear SMART Board of Directors,
I am writing to express my interest in concurrently serving as the Cloverdale city/town representative to the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) Board of Directors and the Sonoma County Transit Authority (SCTA). As an experienced leader with a strong commitment to advancing infrastructure, providing services to economically vulnerable residents, and enhancing connectivity within our communities, my interest in serving aligns SMART’s objectives.
Serving as Mayor of Cloverdale for three consecutive terms, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in improving public services and infrastructure. During my tenure, I’ve advanced projects aimed at supporting socio-economically disadvantaged populations, ensuring that vital services reach those who need them most. I’ve collaborated with diverse stakeholders across jurisdictions to deliver positive outcomes.
SMART’s planned extension to Windsor, Healdsburg, and finally Cloverdale, aligns with my community’s desire to be connected to the rest of the region. I’m particularly interested in the potential of SMART’s rail and pathway system to enhance access to jobs, education, retail hubs, and housing, while also boosting tourism and economic growth in Cloverdale. My familiarity with local needs and priorities positions me uniquely to advocate for SMART’s expansion and ridership in northernmost Sonoma County.
In addition to my leadership experience, I bring a strong track record of fiscal responsibility and resource optimization. Crafting and managing balanced budgets has been a cornerstone of my public service career, beginning with my tenure on the board of Cloverdale Unified School District and most recently, as mayor, filling a one-million-dollar deficit and bringing the City’s spending back into the black. I highly value ensuring that community projects are both impactful and sustainable. I am confident my skills would be valuable to SMART’s ongoing success as a steward of public funds and resources.
Agenda Item Number: 6
Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my leadership experience, budgetary acumen, and dedication to sustainable growth makes me a good choice to serve as the city/town representative to the SMART Board.
Warm regards,
Todd Lands,
Cloverdale Mayor
(707) 280-1366
Agenda Item Number: 6
Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
CITY OF HEALDSBURG
401 Grove Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448-4723
Visit us at www.healdsburg.gov
Ariel Kelley
Healdsburg City Councilmember
January 20, 2025
Sonoma County Mayors' & Councilmembers' Association
Re: SMART Board - SCTA Seat Letter of Interest
Honorable Mayors and Councilmembers,
As I begin my second term on the Healdsburg City Council, I am writing to request your support for my appointment to one of the two SCTA/RCPA seats on the SMART Board of Directors as the Sonoma County Mayors & Councilmembers appointee.
I am uniquely positioned to help SMART achieve its key priorities over the next four years:
For the past four years, I have served on the Sonoma County Transportation Authority/Regional Climate Protection Authority (SCTA/RCPA), planning, funding, and implementing regional and local transportation projects. In this role, I have worked diligently to advocate for Sonoma County as a whole. This has included ensuring our fair share of transportation and roadway funding and fostering collaboration among agencies often operating in silos.
Before joining the City Council, I served as CEO of Corazón Healdsburg, an equity-driven nonprofit advocating for underserved residents. In that role, I worked closely with SMART staff to secure resources and engage marginalized communities in SMART planning and funding efforts in Northern Sonoma County. I turned those insights into successful grant applications, increased ridership, and pathway planning that benefited both SMART and our local residents.
As a Sonoma County Planning Commissioner representing District 4 from 2017 to 2020, I built relationships with our tribal partners across the county. I have leveraged these relationships to secure federal and state funding for SMART through advocacy on key grant applications and by raising awareness of passenger rail as a vital transit equity issue for Native communities at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.
As an attorney with expertise in land use law and environmental policy, I bring a deep understanding of CEQA, complex funding structures, and real estate agreements. These skills will be invaluable in executing environmental planning and construction for SMART’s northern extensions and exploring future expansions toward the Capitol Corridor.
Finally, as a parent of a nine- and eleven-year-old, I bring a personal perspective on nurturing the next generation in Sonoma County. Today families and students are using SMART in record numbers to get to school, work and other critical destinations. This lens will inform my advocacy on the SMART board as it implements the Plan Bay Area 2050 vision.
In this coming term, SMART and our regional partners will be tasked with prioritizing strategies to create a more resilient and equitable future for Sonoma County and the Bay Area. It would be an honor to put my experience to work for you on the SMART Board and I humbly ask for your support.
Successfully reauthorizing the SMART sales tax prior to its expiration.
Securing funding to complete SMART’s extension through Healdsburg to Cloverdale, including the pathway.
Increasing ridership and operationalizing freight rail service to meet critical regional economic and climate goals. [email protected] | 707-385-1282
Agenda Item Number: 6
Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
Lauren Berges <[email protected]>
SMART Position
1 message
Fleming, Victoria <[email protected]> Mon, Jan 6, 2025 at 9:25 AM To: Lauren Berges <[email protected]>
January 6, 2024
Dear Mayors and Council Members,
I am writing to you to express my interest in service as your “non-SCTA” representative to SMART.
My interest in serving comes from a desire to streamline communication about planning and funding between SMART and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission which I have served on since 2021.
In this time I have successfully advocated to add the Healdsburg Station to Plan Bay Area and have been in frequent communication with staff at SMART and Board Members.
Thank you for considering me for this position. If you have any questions, please reach out to talk with me.
Warmly,
Victoria Fleming
1/6/25, 9:37 AM Gmail - SMART Position
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/?ik=8cbee50ff6&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1820521204067457619&simpl=msg-f:1820521204067457619 1/1 Agenda Item Number: 6
Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
Agenda Item Number: 6
Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
Agenda Item Number: 6
Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of:
January 20, 2025
2025 Chair, City of Rohnert Park
Sonoma County Mayors’ and Councilmember’s Association (SCMCA) 130 Avram Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Attn: Lauren Berges, MCA Clerk, [email protected]
Dear SCMCA Chair, et al.,
I am enthusiastic about submitting my letter of interest for the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) Board of Director position. My understanding is there are three positions open – two are for SCTA Board of Directors and one is for a Non-SCTA Board of Director. My interest is in the Non-SCTA Board of Director opening.
I’m passionate about the work of SMART and excited that Cotati has this opportunity to have one of its members be selected for the Board to represent our entire region. Cotati is currently working on an update to the Santero Way Specific Plan which would facilitate a residentially focused transit-oriented community (TOC) surrounding the SMART station in Cotati, which may be the first TOC in the Bay Area. Having this TOC experience would enable me to share that with the other nine (9) cities in the county. This is going to benefit infill and other similar projects at the other cities in Sonoma County.
In Cotati, the City Council recently approved an agreement with the City of Rohnert Park and Sonoma State University to work on issues on a collaborative basis, and SMART would be one of those areas. Ensuring that SMART and the parallel multi-use path continues towards completion is of utmost importance to all residents in Sonoma County. The new Redwood Bikeshare program installed in Cotati, has the highest ridership in Sonoma County and could be attributed to our SMART station’s proximity to Sonoma State University. I’m aware that SMART has some important work and initiatives and know I would be able to lend my skills and support.
I’m a hard-working public servant that works strategically with others to connect and build coalitions. As a Board Director, I would be able to use my bilingual public information officer experience to help outreach for the upcoming sales tax renewal. Also, my experience and ideas would help with community engagement and engaging groups of voters and riders who are traditionally difficult to reach.
I will be fully committed to the SMART Board and look forward to serving to help the Board and organization meet its goals and objectives. Since I retired from my 34-year career in public service at the County of Sonoma, I have been serving as a City Councilmember in Cotati and look forward to sharing and connecting all communities with the work and aspirations of SMART.
Thank you for your time and consideration and please let me know if I can answer any further questions.
Sincerely,
Sylvia Lemus
Sylvia Lemus
Vice-Mayor, City of Cotati
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvia-lemus-369a4929/
Agenda Item Number: 6
Agenda Item Number: 6
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of: