CITY OF SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM REPORT FOR MEETING OF: April 21, 2026
=========================================================================================== To: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
From: Victoria Henkel, Permit Technician
Subject: Climate Action Committee Appointments
=========================================================================================== RECOMMENDATION:
That the Council considers appointment to the Climate Action Committee based on the interview conducted earlier in the agenda.
PROCESS OF AGENDA ITEM:
a. Introduction of agenda item by Interim City Manager, Mary Gourley b. Questions and discussion from Councilmembers
c. Public comment period
d. Council deliberation and motion
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City received one application that qualified for the one vacancy on the Climate Action Committee. Earlier in the meeting, the Council interviewed the candidate. This item provides the Council with an opportunity to make an appointment to fill the open seat. If the seat remains unfilled, staff will re-advertise the vacancy.
BACKGROUND:
Earlier in the meeting, the Council conducted an interview with the applicant for the vacancy on the Climate Action Committee. The applicant— Mark Szatmari— meets the qualifications required for the vacant position.
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. The applicant brings unique skills and perspectivesthat 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 opening 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
Kenna Lee Climate Change December 31, 2027
Agenda Item Number: 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting Packet of: April 21, 2026
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Vacant One or more of the listed
Experiences/characteristics
December 31, 2027
The City Council received one qualified application and interviewed the following individual for the opening on the Climate Action Committee:
APPLICANTS EXPERIENCE/CHARACTERISTICS:
Mark Szatmari Climate Change, Energy, Environmental Justice, and Equity
STAFF ANALYSIS:
Staff recommends that Council consider the appointment of the applicant to the Climate Action Committee to fill the vacancy, based on the interview conducted earlier in the agenda.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS / PRIORITIES / GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY:
Goal 4: High-Performance Organization
Restoring public trust through transparent and inclusive processes Improving public communications and community engagement General Plan Consistency:
Goal COS 1: Make Proactive, Forward-Thinking Environmental Protection and Resource Management the Cornerstone of Sebastopol’s Identity.
Policy COS 1-1: Strive to establish Sebastopol as a leader in environmental protection, environmental stewardship, and sustainability.
Policy COS 1-2: Consider the effects of planning decisions on the overall health and well-being of the natural environment and regional ecosystems.
Policy COS 1-3: Consider the “Rights of Nature” as a key principle when making planning decisions and reviewing development and infrastructure project applications.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
As of the writing of this staff report, the City has not received any public comment on this item. However, if staff receives public comment from interested parties following the publication and distribution of this staff report, such comments will be provided to the City Council as supplemental materials before or at the meeting. In addition, public comments may be offered during the public comment portion of this item.
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 the scheduled meeting date.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the recommended action tonight.
RESTATED RECOMMENDATION:
That the Council considers appointment to the Climate Action Committee based upon the interview conducted earlier in the agenda. The term ending date for the current vacancy is December 31, 2027. Councilshould determine appointment to the open position and term ending date.
OPTIONS:
If the Council chooses not to make an appointment from the interview conducted earlier in the agenda, the Council can direct staff to reopen the application period for the unfilled opening on the Climate Action Committee.
Agenda Item Number: 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting Packet of: April 21, 2026
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APPROVALS:
Department Head Approval: Approval Date: 4/13/2026
CEQA Determination (Planning): Approval Date: 4/13/2026 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 (if applicable) ___________________________ City Attorney Approval: Approval Date: N/A
City Manager Approval: Approval Date: 4/13/2026
Agenda Item Number: 2 Agenda Item Number: 2
City Council Meeting Packet of: April 21, 2026
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