DEADLINE: 5:00 PM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022
Recognizing the vast knowledge and talent of our community, the City asks individuals to serve our on a variety of commissions and committees. These commissions and committees are charged with focusing on key issues within Sonoma and to then provide feedback, recommendations, and support to the Council on those issues.
In preparation for this application period and after a review of the Commission & Committee Appointment Policy, the City Council has made several changes that will allow for greater engagement by our community members. These changes include changing the requirement that an applicant be a qualified elector to being a resident, either of the City of Sonoma or Sonoma Valley, and adding a non-voting Youth Member to each City commission and committee.
Currently, the City is seeking applications for the following positions:
CITY COMMISSIONS & COMMITTEES
CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION – Five Directly Appointed Members, One Non-Voting Youth Member, and One Alternate
The Climate Action Commission advises the City Council on issues related to reducing greenhouse gasses from the city’s municipal, residential, commercial, and industrial sectors and on adapting to climate change within the city’s jurisdiction. NOTE: Applicants who have a professional background, expertise, or education in one or more of the following areas may be appointed to the Climate Action Commission: climate action, environmental science, energy efficiency, alternative transportation, environmental justice/equity, sustainable business, waste minimization, environmental education, or a related field.
DESIGN REVIEW & HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION – Three Directly Appointed Members, One Non-Voting Youth Member, and One Alternate
The goal of the Design Review & Historic Preservation Commission is to protect the architectural heritage of Sonoma and promote excellence in town design through its review of proposed projects and developments. NOTE: The members of the commission shall include persons who have demonstrated special interest, competence, experience, or knowledge in the following areas: historic preservation, cultural geography, or other historic preservation-related discipline; architecture and architectural history; prehistoric and historic archaeology; urban planning; landscape architecture; or related disciplines, to the extent such persons are available in the community. All members must have demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the cultural heritage of the city.
PARKS, RECREATION, & OPEN SPACE COMMISSION – Five Directly Appointed Members, One Non-Voting Youth Member, One Non-Voting Certified Arborist, and One Alternate
The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission advises the City Council on matters related to the preservation and enhancement of the parks, recreational facilities, and open space under the jurisdiction of the city.
TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE – Four Directly Appointed Members, One Non-Voting Youth Member, and One Alternate
The Traffic Safety Committee reviews complaints and suggestions submitted by residents regarding traffic safety issues. It advises the City Council on all physical measures proposed as solutions to those issues.
CULTURAL & FINE ARTS COMMISSION – Four Directly Appointed Members, Two At-Large Members, One Non-Voting Youth Member, and One Alternate
The role of the Cultural & Fine Arts Commission is to develop and establish a balanced arts and cultural program for the City. Each year they select and honor the “Treasure Artist of the Year” and sponsor the “Student Creative Arts Awards” program providing cash awards to deserving students.
PLANNING COMMISSION – Four Directly Appointed Members, Two At-Large Members, One Non-Voting Youth Member, and One Alternate
The Planning Commission’s responsibilities include but are not limited to development of the General Plan and Development Code, review and action on environmental impact reports, subdivision and parcel maps, use permit and variance applications, and special studies and reports.
OTHER REGIONAL APPOINTMENTS
The City is also seeking applications for the following regional appointments:
SONOMA VALLEY CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMISSION – Two Representatives
A joint advisory agency with representation from the County of Sonoma and the City of Sonoma to share responsibility for local planning in the Sonoma Valley. Members must be a qualified elector in the City of Sonoma. Representative serves a four-year term.
SONOMA VALLEY GSA – ADVISORY COMMITTEE – One Representative
The Sonoma Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency (SV GSA) is a newly formed public agency, and its purpose is to secure groundwater sustainability for the Sonoma Valley groundwater basin. The agency has a governing board and an advisory committee. The purpose of the advisory committee is to provide input and recommendations to the Agency Board on groundwater sustainability plan development, implementation, and policies. The intent of the committee is to provide community perspective and participation in the Agency. The City of Sonoma makes one appointment to the committee. Members must be a resident of the City of Sonoma. The City encourages candidates with experience and familiarity with groundwater and its management. The City will also give preference to applicants with experience working with diverse community-based groups.
MARIN/SONOMA MOSQUITO & VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES – One Representative
The Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District protects the health and welfare of the communities it serves from mosquitoes and vector-borne diseases by utilizing cost-effective, environmentally responsible integrated vector management practices. It is governed by a Board of Trustees. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. with additional meetings scheduled as needed. The City’s representative must be a resident of the City of Sonoma and it is desired that they have experience, training, and education in fields that will assist in the governance of the District. Representative serves a four-year term.
Individuals that are interested in applying, or current members that would like to be reappointed, are encouraged to apply by submitting an application. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. Friday December 16, 2022.
Applications are to be submitted electronically through the City’s Civic Web Portal, sonomacity.civicweb.net. You can access the application by clicking on the Commission and Committee tile. A button will appear allowing the submission of applications.
Individual Council appointees will serve terms that are aligned with the Council Member who appointed them. At-Large and Alternate Members shall serve two-year terms. The non-voting Youth Member will serve a one-year term.
For questions, please contact the City Clerk at 707.938.3681, or by email at cityhall@sonomacity.org.