Title
Special Recognition - Proclamation Recognizing Outgoing Members of City Council Appointed Advisory Bodies
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Recognize the nineteen (19) community members departing City Council appointed advisory bodies at the end of the 2026 term.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recognize the nineteen (19) community members departing City Council appointed advisory bodies at the end of the 2026 term.
Staff Contact:
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager, City Manager’s Office, 360.753.8046
Presenter(s):
Jim Burlingame, Outgoing Member of the Arts Commission
Marty Slighte, Outgoing Member of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Background and Analysis:
The City supports fourteen (14) City Council-appointed advisory committees, boards, and commissions. These bodies are composed of community volunteers who contribute expertise, lived experience, and diverse perspectives to inform staff and Council policy and decision-making. Members typically serve three-year terms and may be reappointed for up to three terms (nine years total).
At the close of the term ending March 31, 2026, nineteen (19) community members across nine advisory committees, boards, and commissions will have vacated or will be vacating their positions:
• Arts Commission: Jim Burlingame, Christen Greene, Jacie Hoag
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee: Marty Slighte, Garin Schrieve, Jonathan Hutton
• Cultural Access Program Advisory Board: Mariella Luz, Paul Parker
• Design Review Board: Roussa Cassel, Ingrid Gulden
• Heritage Commission: Eleanor Knight, Stacy Hicks, Garner Miller
• OMPD Advisory Committee: Jamie Milletary
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee: Brent Barnes, Jeff Prevost
• Planning Commission: Tammy Adams, Shawna Mershon
• Utility Advisory Committee: Sherry Chilcutt
The purpose of this special recognition is to recognize these members for their commitment and service and acknowledge them for having so generously shared their time and talent in service to the City and community. Two outgoing advisory body members, Jim Burlingame (Arts Commission) and Marty Slighte (Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee) will attend as guest presenters, briefly sharing remarks about their experiences from having served on their respective advisory bodies.
Climate Analysis:
No climate impacts were evident.
Equity Analysis:
Council-appointed advisory boards offer a ready opportunity to reduce disparities in participation by marginalized communities in the City’s processes and decisions. The Community Livability and Public Safety Committee has been intentional about working to increase the racial, age and socio-economic diversity among the community volunteers who make up these advisory committees.
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:
There is no financial impact related to this item.
Options:
1. Recognize the nineteen (19) community members departing City Council appointed advisory bodies at the end of the 2026 term.
2. Do not Recognize the nineteen (19) community members departing City Council appointed advisory bodies at the end of the 2026 term.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Proclamation