CITY OF SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM REPORT FOR MEETING OF: September 16, 2025
=========================================================================================== To: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
From: Victoria Henkel, Permit Technician
Subject: Planning Commission Interviews
=========================================================================================== RECOMMENDATIONS:
The item is to request the Council conduct interviews for the two open positions on the Planning Commission.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
PLANNING COMMISSION - 4 YEAR TERM
The Planning Commission meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris Street, Sebastopol, CA. Appointments are for four years, and the term ending dates for the current vacancies are December 31, 2026, and December 31, 2027.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
Municipal Code Chapter 2.24, Planning Commission states for Members and Terms as follows:
A. The Commission shall consist of seven members or such other numbers as the City Council shall, from time to time, determine by resolution, but in no event less than five members. An alternate may also be appointed who may serve as a member in the absence of a regular member, or if there is a vacant member position.
B. The members of the Commission and the alternate shall be from among residents of the City of Sebastopol or shall be the owner of a business within the City of Sebastopol, and up to one person who is not in one of the above categories, but who is a resident of the 95472-zip code area, may also be appointed. Members and the alternate shall be appointed by a majority of the members of the City Council.
C. Members shall serve at the pleasure of the City Council, and may be terminated without cause, by a majority of the City Council.
D. Members shall not serve for more than four years unless reappointed by the City Council E. ln the event new Commissioners are appointed by reason of any increase in the number of the Commission, they shall serve for such period of time as to provide for as close to equal a number of commissioners being selected each year as possible.
F. Final determination of the length of the term of new members shall be determined by the City Council.
G. All terms of office shall commence on January 1st of the year of appointment.
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
1 of 29
The current Planning Commission Members are as follows (highlighted members are those we need to replace):
PLANNING COMMISSION TERM ENDING DATE RESIDENT? AND/OR BUSINESS IN TOWN? Paul Fritz, Chair 12/31/2028 Resident
Evert Fernandez, Vice-Chair 12/31/2027 Resident
Jennifer Koelemeijer 12/31/2028 Lives outside City Limits/Owns business within City limits
Seth Hanley
(Resigned May 31, 2025)
12/31/2027 Resident
Kathy Oetinger
(Resigned August 31, 2025)
12/31/2026 Lives outside City Limits but within the school district boundaries (Sebastopol Union)
The City Council received five applications from the following individuals for the two openings on the Planning Commission.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESIDENT? AND/OR BUSINESS IN TOWN?
Breanna Christenson Lives inside City limits/Business owner within City limits Robin Rudderow Lives outside City limits but within the school district boundaries (Gravenstein Union)
Kenna Lee Resident
Joan Harper Resident
Alex Kanzler Resident
15-minute interviews for the applicants are scheduled as follows:
PLANNING COMMISSION INTERVIEW:
Planning Commission (Two Seats Open)
Note: Interview times shown below are approximate and may start after the time indicated. The following interviews will start at 6:00 pm:
Interview Time Applicant Name Resident? And/or business in Town? 6:00 p.m. Breanna Christenson Lives inside City limits/Business owner within City limits 6:15 p.m. Robin Rudderow Lives outside City limits but within the school district boundaries 6:30 p.m. Kenna Lee Resident
6:45 p.m. Joan Harper Resident
7:00 p.m. Alex Kanzler Resident
STAFF ANALYSIS:
The City received five applications during the application period for the two openings. All applicants meet the qualifications outlined in the Municipal Code. This agenda item provides an opportunity for the Council to conduct interviews. If any seats remain unfilled following the interviews and appointments, City staff will readvertise the vacancies.
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
2 of 29
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 scheduled meeting date.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the recommended action tonight.
RESTATED RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council conduct interviews for the open positions on the Planning Commission.
OPTIONS:
None. Item is for interviews only. Consideration of appointments will be later in the agenda
ATTACHMENTS:
Applications
APPROVALS:
Department Head Approval: Approval Date: 9-8-2025
CEQA Determination (Planning): Approval Date: 9/8/2025__ The proposed action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Administrative Services (Financial): Approval Date: 9-8-2025 Costs authorized in City Approved Budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No N/A Account Code (if applicable) ___________________________ City Attorney Approval: Approval Date: N/A
City Manager Approval: Approval Date: Sep 8, 2025
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
3 of 29
The members of the Commission shall be from:
• Residents of the City of Sebastopol
• Shall be the owner of a business within the City of Sebastopol and a resident of one of the following school districts: Twin Hills, Sebastopol Union, and Gravenstein Union. • Up to one person who is not in one of the above categories, but who is a resident of the area served by one of the following school districts: Twin Hills, Sebastopol Union, and Gravenstein Union, may also be appointed.
What category is being applied for?
A resident of the City of Sebastopol.
Business owner within the City of Sebastopol and a resident of either Twin Hills, Sebastopol Union, or Gravenstein Union school districts.
A resident of the area served by either the Twin Hills, Sebastopol Union, or Gravenstein Union school districts.
Name:
Home Address, City, State and Zip Code:
Home Phone Number: (707) 364-9062
If appointed, do you want this number to be visible to the public? □Yes □No
Work Phone Number: (707) 364-9062
If appointed, do you want this number to be visible to the public? □Yes □No
Facsimile Number:
If appointed, do you want this number to be visible to the public? □Yes □No
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
If appointed, do you want this address to be visible to the public?
□Yes □No
Are you a registered voter in Sebastopol?
□Yes □No
Breanna Christenson
1020 First Street, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
4 of 29
If so, for how long?
Do you hold a current business license from the City of Sebastopol? □Yes □No
If so, for how long?
Have you attended a meeting of this body? When?
Have you served on, interviewed for, or applied for this body previously? □Yes □No
If so, when?
Present Employer:
Job Title:
Have you previously served on any governmental bodies or held elected office? If so please list position held and dates:
Please list civic or charitable organization to which you belong or have belonged:
3 years
6 months
Not yet
Self Empoloyed - Breanna Christenson NMT,CMT
Neuromuscular Massage Therapist - Owner
I have not had the pleasure to serve on any governmental bodies yet.
Throughout my 12 years in practice, I’ve been committed to giving back by volunteering my skills to numerous charitable and community-focused initiatives although not belonging to any specific organization.
After opening my office in Sebastopol, I have partnered with the VA to support our local vetran community! Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
5 of 29
Have you been an officer in any of these organizations? If so, please list position held and dates:
What special interests, skills and talents would you bring to this board, commission, or committee? Please list any college, professional or vocational schools you have attended with major subject studied, dates and any earned degrees:
I have over a decade of experience running a local wellness small business, which has given me insight into the ways city planning impacts both community wellbeing and small businesses. I also was a massage therapy instructor for 7 years with National Holistic Institute; helping me to harness my attentively empathetic communication, as well as a deep awareness for flexible and adaptable problem solving.
Santa Rosa Junior College - AA 2012
National Holistic Institute - Neuromuscular Massage Therapist 2013 Siena Heights University - BS (in process)
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
6 of 29
Please list any special awards or recognition you have received:
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:
Are you associated with any organization/employment that might be deemed a conflict of interest in performing your duties if appointed to this position?
□Yes □No
If yes, please state name oforganization/employment:
City policy directs all appointed, advisory body members not to vote on matters where there exists a potential conflict of interest such as property ownership near a project, or a financial relationship with the applicant. Would you be willing to abstain from voting if such a conflict arises? □Yes □No
How did you hear about this opening?
As a lifelong resident of Sebastopol whose family has lived here for generations, I bring a deep-rooted understanding of our town’s unique character, history, and values. I’m passionate about preserving Sebastopol’s small-town charm and cultural identity while also supporting thoughtful, sustainable growth that will benefit future generations.
I’m interested in joining the Planning Commission not only to contribute but to deepen my understanding of local government and to stay more meaningfully connected with the decisions shaping our community. I hope to be a thoughtful and responsive voice that represents the values and concerns of fellow residents.
A friend sent me the posting through Sebastopol's website, Elissa Overton Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
7 of 29
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? What do you think qualifies you to be appointed to this board/committee/commission? Are there particular issues you think the board/committee/commission should concentrate on? How should community comments be integrated into the board/committee/commission decision-making process?
My qualifications stem from my generational roots in Sebastopol and my professional background in education, wellness, and community engagement, giving me a deep understanding of the town’s values and a strong commitment to preserving its small-town charm while supporting sustainable growth. Having never been in a government position, I feel like I will be coming in with the positive influence of my fresh view on community driven topics.
I believe the current conversation regarding the sustainable transportation and mobiliy of dowtown is incredibly important.
Community comments should play a key role in decision-making by bringing real-life perspectives to the table. Listening openly and considering public input helps ensure decisions reflect community needs and build trust in the process. While not every comment can directly shape an outcome, transparency about how community input is reviewed and weighed builds trust and helps ensure that decisions are grounded in the realities of those we serve.
I appreciate the opportunity to be considered and would be honored to serve my hometown in this capacity. I bring a deep commitment to community wellbeing, a collaborative mindset, and a genuine desire to learn and contribute. I’m happy to provide any additional information or references if needed.
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
8 of 29
If appointed, how would you handle it if another board/committee/commission member vehemently disagrees with your comments on a regular basis?
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 certify that I have thoroughly read and understand all material in this application.
Applicant’s Signature :
Applicant’s Name (PLEASE PRINT):
Date:
I would approach disagreements with respect and curiosity, aiming to understand the other member’s perspective without taking it personally. Constructive dialogue is essential to good decision-making, and our differing opinions can lead to better outcomes when handled with professionalism and a shared passion to serving the community.
I would carefully review the proposal in the context of City policies and standards, while also reflecting on my own concerns. If my personal views differ, I would aim to respectfully voice those concerns and ask thoughtful questions to ensure all perspectives are considered. Ultimately, my role is to uphold the City's policies and serve the public interest, even when that may differ from my personal opinion.
Breanna Christenson
7/5/2025
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
9 of 29
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
10 of 29
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
11 of 29
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
12 of 29
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
13 of 29
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
14 of 29
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
15 of 29
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
16 of 29
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
17 of 29
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
18 of 29
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
19 of 29
The members of the Commission shall be from:
• Residents of the City of Sebastopol
• Shall be the owner of a business within the City of Sebastopol and a resident of one of the following school districts: Twin Hills, Sebastopol Union, and Gravenstein Union. • Up to one person who is not in one of the above categories, but who is a resident of the area served by one of the following school districts: Twin Hills, Sebastopol Union, and Gravenstein Union, may also be appointed.
What category is being applied for?
A resident of the City of Sebastopol.
Business owner within the City of Sebastopol and a resident of either Twin Hills, Sebastopol Union, or Gravenstein Union school districts.
A resident of the area served by either the Twin Hills, Sebastopol Union, or Gravenstein Union school districts.
Name:
Home Address, City, State and Zip Code:
Home Phone Number:
If appointed, do you want this number to be visible to the public? □Yes □No
Work Phone Number:
If appointed, do you want this number to be visible to the public? □Yes □No
Facsimile Number:
If appointed, do you want this number to be visible to the public? □Yes □No
E-Mail Address:
If appointed, do you want this address to be visible to the public?
□Yes □No
Are you a registered voter in Sebastopol?
□Yes □No
Joan Harper 7920 Soll Ct Sebastopol, CA 95472 808 779-5594 [email protected] N/A X X
X
707 566-2288 X
X
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
20 of 29
If so, for how long?
Do you hold a current business license from the City of Sebastopol? □Yes □No
If so, for how long?
Have you attended a meeting of this body? When?
Have you served on, interviewed for, or applied for this body previously? □Yes □No
If so, when?
Present Employer:
Job Title:
Have you previously served on any governmental bodies or held elected office? If so please list position held and dates:
Please list civic or charitable organization to which you belong or have belonged:
X
Yes. A couple of times in the last 6 months. X
Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Tribe Tribal Treasurer Tribal Treasurer, Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, January 2020 - present. 7 years, approx. Not applicable Text Not applicable.
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
21 of 29
Have you been an officer in any of these organizations? If so, please list position held and dates:
What special interests, skills and talents would you bring to this board, commission, or committee? Please list any college, professional or vocational schools you have attended with major subject studied, dates and any earned degrees:
I am interested in all aspects of community planning. I have 25 years of public and private sector work experience as a planner in the areas of long-range community planning, land-use legislation, environmental review, historic preservation, and transportation planning. Humboldt State University, Natural Resources Planning & Interpretation, Bachelor of Science, 1979. San Diego State University, Master of City Planning, 1987. University of Hawaii, American Studies, Master of Arts, 2001. University of Hawaii, Graduate Certificate in Historic Preservation 2002. University of Hawaii, American Studies, Doctor of Philosophy, 2012. Not applicable Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
22 of 29
Please list any special awards or recognition you have received:
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:
Are you associated with any organization/employment that might be deemed a conflict of interest in performing your duties if appointed to this position?
□Yes □No
If yes, please state name oforganization/employment:
City policy directs all appointed, advisory body members not to vote on matters where there exists a potential conflict of interest such as property ownership near a project, or a financial relationship with the applicant. Would you be willing to abstain from voting if such a conflict arises? □Yes □No
How did you hear about this opening?
X
X
I spotted the announcement on the City’s planning department website.
I am interested in becoming a member of the Planning Commission because I’d like to use my experience and knowledge in the field of planning to serve my community. As a member of the planning commission I would work toward the objective of helping to ensure that planning commission recommendations are fully vetted and are informed by sound analysis and careful consideration of community concerns. I am a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners Not applicable Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
23 of 29
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? What do you think qualifies you to be appointed to this board/committee/commission? Are there particular issues you think the board/committee/commission should concentrate on? How should community comments be integrated into the board/committee/commission decision-making process?
Community comments should be carefully considered by commissioners to determine how and if public comments and concerns have been, can be, or should be addressed within the context of the recommendations that the Commission makes to staff and the City Council. An essential part of this process is for the Commission to hold public hearings to help ensure that community members have an opportunity to learn about and provide input on planning policies and proposals that affect their community.
I don’t have specific recommendations about what the Commission should concentrate on but I imagine planning-related policy and urban design issues that address the transportation, safety, housing, commercial, and parks and open space needs of the community will be among some of the top issues and concerns that would be considered.
I feel I am qualified to be appointed to the Planning Commission because I am a resident of Sebastopol and because I’m very interested in serving my community by attending planning commission meetings, reviewing reports and studying the issues, and by asking and listening carefully to the concerns of others in order to work toward the common goal of helping to ensure a high quality of life for people who live in, work in, and visit the community.
I’ve lived in Sebastopol for the last 7 years, and although I’m a relative new comer to the community, I have long-standing familial ties to the area. My grandfather was born in Sebastopol in 1901 and before that my ancestors lived in areas now located in and around Sebastopol and Sonoma county. My family’s long association with Sebastopol and the surrounding area informs my interest in helping to ensure that the area will forever remain a vibrant community that sustains a high quality of life for its residents.
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
24 of 29
If appointed, how would you handle it if another board/committee/commission member vehemently disagrees with your comments on a regular basis?
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 certify that I have thoroughly read and understand all material in this application.
Applicant’s Signature :
Applicant’s Name (PLEASE PRINT):
Date:
I would voice my concern and initiate a discussion in the hope that all parties involved would have an opportunity to weigh in on the issue. If my concern is valid and shared by others, I would hope that the commission would consider making a recommendation to support the proposal because it meets the City’s policies and standards and because it also incorporates conditions or modifications that address concerns that are in the best interest(s) of the City and the people of Sebastopol.
I would listen carefully, try to keep an open mind, take notes, and if appropriate, verbally acknowledge points of agreement and disagreement. In my experience, healthy discussion can help to ensure that issues are fully vetted and can lead to solid if not very good project outcomes. Above all I would focus on fulfilling my responsibilities as a commissioner and always be respectful of all commission members and their opinions. X Joan Harper 9/2/2025
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
25 of 29
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
26 of 29
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
27 of 29
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
28 of 29
Agenda Item Number: 1 Agenda Item Number: 1
City Council Meeting Packet of: September 16, 2025
29 of 29