Title
Approval of Individuals for Reappointment to Council Appointed Advisory Bodies
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve individuals for reappointment to Council Appointed Advisory Bodies
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve individuals for reappointment to Council Appointed Advisory Bodies
Staff Contact:
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager, City Manager’s Office, 360.753.8046
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
The Community Livability and Public Safety Committee (CLPS) is responsible for making recommendations to the City Council for appointments to the City’s advisory bodies. Current members in good standing whose terms are set to expire may request reappointment for another term, up to a maximum of three full terms, or nine years.
Allowing members to serve multiple terms benefits the advisory bodies and City through the members' gained experience and historical knowledge of the projects and work of their respective advisory bodies. It also provides additional support for helping to welcome and onboard new members joining advisory bodies.
Staff recommend the following individuals for reappointment to their respective advisory bodies for another 3-year term:
• Arts Commission: Kathryn Dorgan, Coral Garey, Katherine Ransom
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee: Travis Millar
• Cultural Access Program Advisory Board: Melissa Meade
• Design Review Board: Virginia Sorrells, Bassim Kreem
• Heritage Commission: Mark Shepard, G Stedman
• Lodging Tax Advisory Committee: Theresa Thorning
• OMPD Advisory Committee: Randy Gunderson, Caroline Mellor
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee: Meg Jones, Caroline Mellor
• Planning Commission: Aaron Sauerhoff
• Social Justice and Equity Commission: Kevin Mattison, Caesar Plasencia
• Utility Advisory Committee: Ben Gossett, Kathryn Walton-Elliott, Donald Krug
The purpose of this agenda item is for Council to approve the recommended reappointments to advisory bodies. If not approved, or delayed for further consideration, some advisory bodies may have difficulty in meeting quorum to fulfill their duties and advance their work plans as current terms end.
Climate Analysis:
No climate impacts were evident.
Equity Analysis:
The advisory body recruitment process is an opportunity to reduce disparities in participation among marginalized communities, and ensure diverse perspectives are included in policy decisions and Council decision-making.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Olympia community has a high interest in participating in local government decision making. Advisory bodies provide opportunities for more direct Council engagement with the community around policy decisions and Council decision-making.
Financial Impact:
To reduce barriers to community member participation, the City offers stipends of $25 per meeting attended to eligible advisory body members. Those members who certify as low income are eligible to receive stipends of $50 per meeting attended. Advisory body members may waive the stipend. In 2025 the total cost of stipends was $11,425.
Options:
1. Move to approve individuals for reappointment to Council Appointed Advisory Bodies
2. Move to approve individuals for reappointment with changes as identified by City Council.
3. Do not approve the recommended individuals for reappointment and direct staff to work with the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee for further consideration.
Attachments:
None