Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council Meeting

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call

Approval of Agenda
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 Board proceeds with other meeting items.

Statement of Conflict of Interest
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.

Introductions & Councilmember comment on matters not listed on the agenda
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 item.

Consent Agenda

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.

December 14 Minutes

Welcome & Remarks from Supervisor Lynda Hopkins
 

Selection of 2024 Chair and Vice Chair

The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the River MAC and call for special meetings. In the Chair’s absence, the Vice Chair shall assume the Chair’s responsibilities. The Chair and Vice Chair will meet with staff to provide input and feedback on agenda development. 

Nomination and election of Chair

Nomination and election of Vice Chair

Brown Act Training
California’s Brown Act embodies our commitment to transparency and open government. This training session aims to reinforce our adherence to this crucial legislation, focusing on recent changes and interpretations. Key topics include teleconferencing guidelines, social media use by MAC members, and strategies for maintaining transparency and effective communication within the legal framework of the Brown Act.

2024 River MAC Calendar
Prior to March 2023, the MAC met alternating months. Beginning in March, the River MAC transitioned to monthly meetings.

In addition to the monthly meetings, the River MAC has several committees, each with no more than 4 members assigned to each. These committees report back to the full MAC on their activities and recommendations on a regular basis.

MAC Representatives and Alternates are encouraged to collaborate within their communities and the Lower Russian River area to promote awareness of the MAC and serve as a communications conduit between community members and the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.

Acknowledging the volunteer time commitment put forth by MAC members and the meaningful work that happens outside of the regular meetings, staff recommends setting the regular meeting calendar of the Lower Russian River MAC to the 2nd Thursday of odd months: 1/11, 3/14, 5/9, 7/11, 9,12, 11/14, and 12/12.

Should topics arise that warrant discussion or action by the MAC between regular meetings, the Chair may call for a special meeting.

2023 Land Use Committee Report and Establishment of 2024 Land Use Standing Committee
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. The 2023 Land Use Committee consisted of Chair Mike Nicholls, Lisa Nahmanson, Patty Thayer, Joe Rogoff, Herman J. Hernandez (community member)

The proposed 2024 Land Use Committee Meeting schedule is 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. 

Establishment of Community Engagement and Outreach Ad Hoc Committee with the purpose to update the Community Engagement and Outreach Plan

In 2023 the Communications Committee consisted of Chair Joe Rogoff, Vicki Clewes, Patty Thayer, and Betsy Van Dyke.

The River MAC Bylaws contain a mandate for Community Engagement:

Section 1. Community engagement is paramount to the success of the River MAC. MAC members will establish a Community Engagement Guide at the start of each calendar year, to be approved by the Fifth District Supervisor.

Section 2. The Community Engagement Guide may include: gatherings in the River MAC sub-areas with neighbors and their MAC representative; town halls; presentations at local schools; and nominating an ex- officio non-voting member student from a local High School.

Agenda Development Overview - Informational Material
In collaboration with the Chair and Vice-Chair, D5 Staff will prepare the agenda for each meeting. All Representatives may place submissions for agenda topics by requesting agenda items at the prior MAC meeting or via email to Chair and staff. All requested agenda topics will be reviewed by staff and the Chair in agenda setting meetings.

Agenda items will be chosen based on criteria including timeliness, fitting within the role and responsibilities of the MAC, priorities for the community, and feedback from District 5 Supervisor, staff & MAC representatives.

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Draft Calendar of Significant Items for 2024 is attached for review. This calendar remains a work in progress and is a useful way to stay informed of upcoming Board of Supervisors calendar items.

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.

Adjournment