Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council- Agenda

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

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
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Roll Call
Approval of 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.
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.
- January 11 Minutes
Councilmember comment on matters not listed on the agenda
Discussion
Comments are restricted to matters within the Board’s jurisdiction. Please be brief and limit spoken comments to one minute. 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 Comments
On Matters not listed on the agenda: Comments are restricted to matters within the Lower Russian River MAC’s jurisdiction. Please be brief and limit spoken comments to two minutes.
County Update from Supervisor Lynda Hopkins / Staff
Discussion
Supervisor Hopkins will provide a County update including updates about the Tree Ordinances & Forestry tour, flood preparedness, Community Engagement Plan, and the Unincorporated Governance Ad Hoc Committee.
Lower Russian River Governance Study Discussion
Discussion Possible Action
Discussion on the 3rd and final Blue Sky Governance Solutions Study community meeting, held on January 27 at Guerneville School, and how the MAC will be involved in ongoing community initiatives related to Governance Solutions. The council will deliberate on steps forward based on community input and discussions from the meeting. A written summary and audio recording of the meeting are available on the Lower Russian River MAC website here for reference and further community engagement.
Guerneville Plaza Infrastructure Improvement Planning
Discussion
Supervisor Hopkins has earmarked funding for infrastructure improvements in Downtown Guerneville, with a portion of funds designated for improvements to the Downtown Plaza. This is an opportunity for the MAC to receive public comment and discuss recommendations for improvement projects in this area.
Committee & Community Project Reports
Discussion
Written reports are included for review. Committee chair or delegate may briefly highlight parts of the update, respond to councilmember questions, and receive public comment.
- Community Engagement and Outreach Committee
- Land Use Committee
- Community Clean Up Project - no report
- Land Acknowledgement Committee - no report
Formation of 2024 Land Use Committee
Discussion Possible Action
The River MAC may establish single-purpose committees or subcommittees, consisting of less than a quorum of MAC members (i.e. four), on an as-needed basis by a quorum vote. All committees and subcommittees shall have a life of one year, with the possibility of extension by the MAC after review.

2023 committee members Nicholls, Thayer, and Rogoff have expressed interest in continuing on the committee with Patty Thayer expressing willingness to chair the committee. Community member Nick Schwanz has expressed interest in joining the committee in the community member role.

The 2024 Land Use Committee Meeting schedule will be 5:30-6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each even month: 2/1, 4/4, 6/6, 8/1, 10/3, 12/4
Should Land Use topics arise that warrant discussion or action between regular meetings, the Chair may call for a special meeting.
Prospective future agenda items - Informational item
Discussion
Protections for Unincorporated Residential Tenants
Care Court Implementation Plan
Fire Readiness / Vegetation Management / GMRS
Guerneville Public Safety
Adjournment