Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council
Agenda

Regular Meeting
January 09, 2025 05:30 PM
Guerneville School Community Room, 14630 Armstrong Woods Road
Second Location: Del Mar Center, 40600 Leeward Road, The Sea Ranch
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/lrrmac
https://sonomacounty.zoom.us/j/92246743570?pwd=bt3hRgtie276AJXobgP2RikxcZAeG5.1


Chair & Rio Nido Representative: Pip Marquez de la Plata • Vice Chair & Cazadero / Duncan Mills Representative: Mike Nicholls • Guerneville Representative: Joe Rogoff • Guerneville Representative: Spencer R. Scott • Guerneville South / Pocket Canyon Representative: Betsy Van Dyke • Monte Rio / Villa Grande Representative: Cynthia Strecker • Hacienda Representative: Vicki Clewes • Forestville Representative: Lonnie Lazar • Forestville Representative: Thai Hilton •  Beth Bruzzone, CMAC Chair •  Scott Foster, CMAC Vice Chair •  Brian Leubitz, CMAC •  Caroline Madden, CMAC •  Jill Lippitt, CMAC •  Scott Nevin, CMAC •  Ginny Nicholls, CMAC

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council will make reasonable accommodations for persons having special needs due to disabilities. Please contact the Fifth District Field Representative at 707-565-1219 during regular business hours at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to ensure necessary accommodations are made.

  1. Call to Order, River MAC Chair Pip Marquez de la Plata
    DiscussionDiscussion
    • Message from the Spanish language interpreter

    • Pledge of Allegiance

    • Roll Call, River MAC

    • Roll Call, Coast MAC

  2. Moment of Silence in Honor of President Jimmy Carter
    DiscussionDiscussion

    The Council will observe a moment of silence to honor the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter. President Carter’s lifelong commitment to public service, humanitarian efforts, and leadership continues to inspire communities across the nation. This observance reflects our respect and gratitude for his contributions to the country and the world.

    • Approval of the Agenda, Chair Pip Marquez de la Plata
      DiscussionDiscussion Possible ActionPossible Action
      • Approval by the River MAC for Remote Attendance of Craig Baker Due to Emergency Circumstances
        DiscussionDiscussion Possible ActionPossible Action

        Consider approval for Craig Baker to attend the January 9 meeting remotely under AB 2449's emergency circumstances provision, in accordance with Government Code section 54953(f). The council member has notified the legislative body of a qualifying physical medical emergency preventing in-person attendance and will participate via audio and visual technology. 

        • Statement of Conflict of Interest
          DiscussionDiscussion

          This is the time for the Chair, Vice Chair and Council Members to indicate any statements of conflict of interest for any item listed on this agenda.

          • Councilmember Comment & Introductions
            DiscussionDiscussion

            This is an opportunity for new and returning Councilmembers to provide a brief introduction. Additional comments are restricted to matters within the Board’s jurisdiction. Due to Brown Act regulations, this is not a time for discussion of any item, however a brief dialogue about considering an item for a future agenda is permitted during this time. 

            • Public Comment on Matters not listed on the Agenda
              DiscussionDiscussion

              Comments are restricted to matters within the Lower Russian River MAC’s jurisdiction. Please be brief and limit spoken comments to two minutes. While Councilmembers may not respond to or discuss comments except to express interest in agendizing the topic for a future meeting, staff can briefly address or follow up after the meeting.

              • County Update
                DiscussionDiscussion

                Updates from Supervisor Hopkins and / or Staff

                • Open Meetings, Transparency & Public Input: The Brown Act
                  DiscussionDiscussion

                  This session will provide an in-depth overview of the Ralph M. Brown Act, emphasizing its role in ensuring transparency and public participation in local government meetings. Key topics will include open meeting requirements, teleconferencing rules, public access, and best practices for compliance. Attendees will gain insights into avoiding common pitfalls and fostering trust through adherence to open government principles. This presentation is designed for legislative body members, staff, and the public to enhance understanding of the Act’s provisions and their practical implications.

                  • Selection of 2025 River MAC Chair and Vice Chair
                    DiscussionDiscussion Possible ActionPossible Action
                    • Nomination and Selection of Chair

                    • Nomination and Selection of Vice Chair

                  • Ad Hoc Committees and Working Groups
                    DiscussionDiscussion Possible ActionPossible Action

                    This is an opportunity to discuss the land use advisory role of the MAC in addition to receiving input regarding potential other Ad Hoc Committees and / or working groups.

                    • Consent Agenda - Lower Russian River MAC
                      DiscussionDiscussion Possible ActionPossible Action
                      • Correspondence (information only)

                        Bay Area high school students are invited to participate in the 3rd annual "Step Into the Light" Youth-Arts Competition, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. The competition, organized by the Cow Palace, includes categories for essays, poetry, fine art, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and video. Grand Prize winners will receive Apple AirPods Max, and Best of Show winners in each category will be awarded $300. Submissions are due by 6 PM on January 24, 2025.

                        more information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BoCh2mJbxbZtq73VOBuj00k8o1hdp76L/view

                        • Adjournment