CITY OF SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM REPORT FOR MEETING OF: February 3, 2026
=========================================================================================== To: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
From: Victoria Henkel, Permit Technician
Subject: Climate Action Committee Appointments
=========================================================================================== RECOMMENDATION:
That the Council consider appointments to the Climate Action Committee based on the two interviews conducted earlier in the agenda.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City received two applications for two vacancies 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 seats. If the seats remain unfilled, staff will re-advertise the vacancy.
BACKGROUND:
Earlier in the meeting, the Council conducted interviews with the two applicants for the two vacancies on the Climate Action Committee. The applicants— Kenna Lee and Olivia House— meet the qualifications required for the vacant positions.
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 vacancies 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
Phill Carter City Council Liaison at large As assigned
Steven Pierce, Chair Sebastopol Business Owner, Energy, Transportation, Local Climate Action Group
December 31, 2026
Emily Ocon Transportation, Climate Change, Local Climate Action Group
December 31, 2026
Lila Newton Youth Representative, Climate Change December 31, 2026 Sunny Galbraith Zero Waste December 31, 2026
Vacant One or more of the listed
experiences/characteristics
December 31, 2027
Vacant One or more of the listed
Experiences/characteristics
December 31, 2027
Agenda Item Number: 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting Packet of: February 3, 2026
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The City Council received applications and interviewed the following individuals for the two openings on the Climate Action Committee:
APPLICANTS EXPERIENCE/CHARACTERISTICS:
Kenna Lee Climate Change
Olivia House Youth Representative
STAFF ANALYSIS:
Staff recommends that Council consider the appointment of the two applicants to the Climate Action Committee, to fill the two vacancies, based on the interviews conducted earlier in the agenda.
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 vacancies is December 31, 2027. Council should determine appointments to the open positions 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: __1/21/2026_
CEQA Determination (Planning): Approval Date: __1/5/2026__ 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: N/A
City Manager Approval: Approval Date: 1/21/2026
Agenda Item Number: 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting Packet of: February 3, 2026
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