Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council- Agenda

Chair & Rio Nido Representative: Pip Marquez de la Plata • Cazadero / Duncan Mills Representative: Tony Goodwin • Guerneville Representative: Joe Rogoff • Guerneville Representative: Spencer R. Scott • Guerneville South / Pocket Canyon Representative: Betsy Van Dyke • Monte Rio / Villa Grande Representative: Patty Thayer • Vice Chair & Hacienda Representative: Vicki Clewes • Forestville Representative: Lonnie Lazar • Forestville Representative: Thai Hilton • Non-Voting Student Representative: Faye Zamora

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.

Call to Order
- Announcement from Spanish Interpreter: The Spanish language interpreter will provide information about how to access the interpretation channel via Zoom or obtain a headset if attending in-person.
- Roll Call
Approval of the Agenda
Discussion Possible Action
This approval process ensures that the agenda accurately reflects the items to be discussed and decided upon. Members may request adjustments to the agenda, including reordering or deletion of items at this time. Any changes must comply with the Brown Act requirements for public notice and agenda setting. The agenda must be finalized before the Council proceeds with other meeting items.
Statement of Conflict of Interest
Discussion
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. The River MAC bylaws state that members will not involve themselves in official River MAC activities that could materially benefit them personally, their business interests, or the interests of organizations that they represent. In a conflict of interest, the member will abstain from voting, and the abstention will be recorded in the minutes.
Councilmember Comment
Discussion
This is an opportunity for Councilmembers to provide a brief comments, 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
Discussion
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
Discussion
Updates from Supervisor Hopkins and / or Staff
Sonoma County Tourism: Diversity, Sustainability & Stewardship
Discussion Possible Action
Kelly Bass Siebel, Sonoma County Tourism's Vice President of Community Engagement, will introduce Wine Country for All of Us, Sonoma County Tourism’s new multi-year initiative aimed at fostering inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability in the region’s tourism industry. This initiative builds upon Sonoma County’s long-standing commitment to diversity and stewardship by ensuring that all visitors and residents feel welcomed and valued.
Key features of the initiative include:
Development of a curriculum for front-line staff to enhance awareness and inclusivity in guest interactions.
Identification and promotion of ADA-accessible services, amenities, and experiences to improve accessibility throughout the region.
Partnerships with organizations such as Wheel the World, Global Sustainable Tourism Council, Kind Traveler, and Leave No Trace to support responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.
A marketing campaign, “This is Wine Country,” designed to showcase the region’s rich diversity, unexpected treasures, and authentic travel experiences.
MAC members and community stakeholders are encouraged to provide input on how this initiative can further enhance Sonoma County’s inclusivity and accessibility efforts.
Ad Hoc Committees
Discussion Possible Action
This is an opportunity for updates from existing Ad Hoc Committee(s) or the formation / dissolution of an Ad Hoc Committee by the Chair.
- Land Use Ad Hoc: Discussion re: PLP25-0001: Cargo Container Storage Facility in Pocket Canyon
  The Ad hoc met on March 4 to review the Completeness Referral Packet and have several questions about the project. This is an opportunity for the full MAC to discuss the application and draft feedback to the Planner. The applicant has been invited to attend to answer questions.
  
  Ad hoc members: Betsy Van Dyke, Thai Hilton, Cari Hernandez, and Patty Thayer
- Community Engagement & Outreach Plan Ad Hoc
  The MAC will review and consider adoption of the 2025 Community Engagement and Outreach Plan
  
  Ad hoc members: Vicki Clewes, Patty Thayer, Cari Hernandez, Betsy Van Dyke, and Faye Zamora
Consent Agenda
Discussion Possible Action
These items are expected to be routine and non-controversial. The Lower Russian River MAC will act upon them at one time without discussion. Any Representatives, staff member or interested party may request that an item be removed from the consent agenda for discussion.
- February 13 Minutes
- 2024 Lower Russian River Annual Report
Adjournment