Title
Appointment of Community Advisory Committee Member
Recommended Action:
Move to appoint Randy Gunderson and Caroline Mellor to the Olympia Metropolitan Park District (OMPD) Advisory Committee
Report
Issue:
Whether to appoint Randy Gunderson and Caroline Mellor to the Olympia Metropolitan Park District (OMPD) Advisory Committee
Staff Contact:
Sylvana Niehuser, Interim Director, Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8068
Presenter(s):
Sylvana Niehuser, Interim Director, Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8068
Background and Analysis:
The Advisory Committee Charter, adopted by the OMPD Board on September 13, 2016, establishes that two members shall be recommended by the City’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC), and three members shall be recommended by the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee (CLPS) and appointed by the OMPD Board as community members-at-large. All committee members serve four-year terms.
Currently, one community member-at-large position is vacant. CLPS and the OMPD Advisory Committee Chair, Daniel Farber, interviewed two applicants for the position and recommend the appointment of Randy Gunderson.
Additionally, one PRAC-designated seat has been vacated. PRAC recommends the appointment of Caroline Mellor to fill this position in a unanimous decision at their February 20,2025 meeting.
Climate Analysis:
The Advisory Committee’s role is to review compliance with funding levels as outlined in the Interlocal Agreement between the City and the Metropolitan Parks District. OMPD funding supports various projects and programs, many of which positively impact climate resilience. For example, full funding of the Park Stewardship Program promotes carbon sequestration and protects natural areas, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
The City values diverse representation on advisory bodies, as it helps ensure that decisions reflect the experiences and needs of the entire community. Offering stipends to committee members helps remove financial barriers to participation, fostering greater equity and inclusion in civic engagement.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The YES Olympia Parks coalition was heavily involved in the formation of the Olympia Metropolitan Park District and some of their members continue to take a strong interest in the activities of the OMPD Advisory Committee and Board.
Options:
• Move to appoint Randy Gunderson and Caroline Mellor to the Olympia Metropolitan Park District (OMPD) Advisory Committee.
• Move to appoint different applicant(s) to the OMPD Advisory Committee.
• Decline to appoint any applicants to the OMPD Advisory Committee at this time.
Financial Impact:
None.
Attachments:
Application