CITY OF SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM REPORT FOR MEETING OF: April 15, 2025
=========================================================================================== To: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
From: Emi Thériault, Community Development Director
Subject: Climate Action Committee Appointments
=========================================================================================== RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the Council consider appointments of applicants for the Climate Action Committee based on the three interviews conducted earlier in the agenda.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Council has interviewed the three applicants for the three available seats on the Climate Action Committee.
All applicants meet the criteria for experience criteria required for the position except for the youth applicant, who is somewhat younger than the age range identified for the youth representative. However, according to CAC Chair Kenna Lee, youth that are somewhat younger than the high school to college age range preferred have shown a high level of commitment, have been appointed, and worked well in the position in the past.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
The Climate Action Committee meets the second Tuesday of each month from 3:00 p.m. to 4:50 p. m. at the Sebastopol Youth Annex on 425 Morris Street, Sebastopol, CA. Terms of office are four-year staggered terms, and the opening term will last until December 31st, 2028.
Preference will be shown for those persons with a variety of experience in any of the following categories.
Any of the following Experience/characteristics:
• Youth representative
• Climate Change
• Sebastopol Business Owner
• Local Climate Action Group
• Environmental Justice and Equity
• Rights of Nature
• Energy
• Transportation
• Zero Waste
The current Climate Action Committee is as follows: (vacancies are highlighted) MEMBERS Category TERM ENDING
DATE
Sandra Maurer Council Liaison;
Climate Change
As assigned
Phil Carter Council Liaison at
large; zero waste
As assigned
Kenna Lee, Chair Climate Change 12/31/2026
Agenda Item Number 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting Packet of: April 15, 2025
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Liselotte (Lisa) Pierce Local Climate
Action Group
Upon expiration of
DRB term
Vacant 3 available seats 12/31/2028
The City Council received three applications from the following individuals for the three openings on the Climate Action Committee.
Name of Applicant Categories (Requested by applicant and per experience/background)
Steve Pierce Sebastopol Business Owner, Energy, Transportation, Local Climate Action Group
Emily Ocon Transportation, Climate Change, Local Climate Action Group Lila Newton Youth Representative, Climate Change
STAFF ANALYSIS:
Staff recommends that Council appoint the applicants to the Climate Action Committee dependent on the interviews that occurred previously on the agenda and fill the vacancies. Clarification of Councilmember assignments will be considered at a later date.
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.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the recommended action tonight.
RESTATED RECOMMENDATION:
That the Council consider appointment of the applicants based on the interviews conducted earlier in the agenda.
OPTIONS:
1. Determine not to make one or more appointments from the interviews conducted earlier in the agenda and direct staff to reopen the application period for any remaining vacancies on the Climate Action Committee.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
APPROVALS:
Department Head Approval: Approval Date: 4.9.25
CEQA Determination (Planning): Approval Date: 4.9.25
The proposed action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Administrative Services (Financial) Approval Date: N/A
Costs authorized in City Approved Budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No N/A Account Code (f applicable) ___________________________ City Attorney Approval: Approval Date: 4.9.25
City Manager Approval: Approval Date: 4.9.25
Agenda Item Number 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting Packet of: April 15, 2025
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