CITY OF SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM REPORT FOR MEETING OF: October 7, 2025
=========================================================================================== To: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
From: Victoria Henkel, Permit Technician
Subject: Climate Action Committee Appointments
=========================================================================================== RECOMMENDATION:
That the Council consider one appointment to the Climate Action Committee based on the two interviews conducted earlier in the agenda.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City received two applications for the one vacancy on the Climate Action Committee. Earlier in the meeting, the Council interviewed each candidate. This item provides an opportunity for the Council to make appointments to fill the open seat. If the seat remains unfilled, staff will re-advertise the vacancy. For terms ending December 31, 2025, a separate recruitment period and appointment will be coming up at a later date.
BACKGROUND:
Earlier in the meeting, the Council conducted interviews with the two applicants for the one vacancy on the Climate Action Committee. The applicants— Sunny Galbraith and Olivia House— meet the qualifications required for the vacant position.
CLIMATE ACTION COMMITTEE EXPERIENCE/CHARACTERISTICS:
Sunny Galbraith Zero Waste
Olivia House Youth Representative
DISCUSSION:
The Council may consider factors such as experience, knowledge of climate and environmental issues, community involvement, and demonstrated commitment to the City’s goals when making appointments. Each applicant brings unique skills and perspectives that could contribute to the Climate Action Committees’ work. If the Council is unable to fill the vacancy during this session, staff will re-advertise the remaining openings to ensure full membership on the Committee.
Current Climate Action Committee terms/categories are listed below (vacancies are highlighted.)
MEMBERS CATEGORY TERM ENDING DATE
Phil Carter City Council Liaison at large As assigned
Steven Pierce, Chair Sebastopol Business Owner, Energy, Transportation, Local Climate Action Group
December 31, 2026
Kenna Lee Climate Change December 31, 2025
Liselotte (Lisa) Pierce Local Climate Action Group December 31, 2025 Emily Ocon Transportation, Climate Change, Local Climate Action Group
December 31, 2026
Lila Newton Youth Representative, Climate Change December 31, 2026 Vacant One or more of the listed
experiences/characteristics
December 31, 2026
Agenda Item Number: 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting Packet of: October 7, 2025
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STAFF ANALYSIS:
Staff recommends that Council consider the appointment of one of the applicants to the Climate Action Committee, dependent on the interviews that occurred previously on the agenda, and fill the vacancy.
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 Council consider appointment to the Climate Action Committee based upon the two interviews conducted earlier in the agenda. The term ending date for the current vacancy is December 31, 2026. Council should determine appointment to the open position and term ending date.
OPTIONS:
If the Council chooses not to make an appointment or appointments from the interviews conducted earlier in the agenda, the Council can direct staff to reopen the application period for the unfilled opening on the Climate Action Committee.
APPROVALS:
Department Head Approval: Approval Date: __9/30/2025__
CEQA Determination (Planning): Approval Date: __9/17/2025__ The proposed action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Administrative Services (Financial) Approval Date:
Costs authorized in City Approved Budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No N/A Account Code (if applicable) ___________________________ City Attorney Approval: Approval Date: 9/30/2025
City Manager Approval: Approval Date: 9/30/2025
Agenda Item Number: 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting Packet of: October 7, 2025
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