Title
Approval of Appointments to the Planning Commission to Fill Vacancies
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Community Livability and Public Safety Committee recommends approval of the appointments listed below.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the recommended appointments to fill vacancies on the Planning Commission.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the recommended appointments to the Planning Commission.
Staff Contact:
Kellie Purce Braseth, Strategic Communications Director, City Manager’s Office, 360.753.8361
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
The Community Livability and Public Safety Committee interviewed candidates for vacancies on the Planning Commission at its March 12, 2025, special meeting and recommends the following appointments to fill vacancies: Shawna Mershon to Position #4, with a term ending March 31, 2026; Jason Taellious to Position #6, with a term ending March 31, 2028; and Jessica Grubb to Position #8, with a term ending March 31, 2027. The Planning Commission chair joined the Committee for the interview.
The candidates’ application materials are attached.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Residents serve on Advisory Committees to share their opinions and perspectives, study issues, and develop recommendations in a focused small group in order to provide judicious advice from a community member’s perspective to the Olympia City.
Climate Analysis:
No climate impacts were evident.
Equity Analysis:
The board and commission recruitment process is an opportunity to reduce disparities in participation among marginalized communities in City of Olympia process and decisions.
Options:
1. Approve the appointments as recommended.
2. Do not approve the appointments and send the issue back to the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee. This would delay the appointment schedule and leave the Committee not operating at full strength.
Financial Impact:
No cost is associated with the action. To reduce barriers to community member participation, the City offers stipends of $25 per meeting attended to Advisory Committee members. Those members who certify as low income are eligible to receive stipends of $50 per meeting attended. Advisory Committee members may waive the stipend upon request.
Attachments:
Shawna Mershon Application and Resume
Jason Taellious Application and Resume
Jessica Grubb Application