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Board of Supervisors Department
Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council
Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council Meeting
Date: January 09, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Hybrid Meeting:
Guerneville School Community Room
14630 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville
Second Location: Del Mar Center, 40600 Leeward Road, The Sea Ranch
Registration Required: No
Attachments:
Agenda
1. Call to Order, River MAC Chair Pip Marquez de la Plata
Discussion
A. Message from the Spanish language interpreter
B. Pledge of Allegiance
C. Roll Call, River MAC
D. Roll Call, Coast MAC
2. Moment of Silence in Honor of President Jimmy Carter
Discussion
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.
3. Approval of the Agenda, Chair Pip Marquez de la Plata
Discussion Possible Action
4. 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.
5. Councilmember Comment & Introductions
Discussion
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.
6. 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.
7. County Update
Discussion
Updates from Supervisor Hopkins and / or Staff
8. Open Meetings, Transparency & Public Input: The Brown Act
Discussion
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.
9. Selection of 2025 River MAC Chair and Vice Chair
Discussion Possible Action
A. Nomination and Selection of Chair
B. Nomination and Selection of Vice Chair
10. Ad Hoc Committees and Working Groups
Discussion Possible 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.
11. Consent Agenda - Lower Russian River MAC
Discussion Possible Action
12. 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
13. Adjournment
Open Meetings: Except as expressly authorized under the Ralph M. Brown Act (the State’s local agency open meeting law), all meetings of the River Municipal Advisory Council are open to attendance by interested members of the public.
Agenda Comments: The Chair will invite public comment for agenda items as they are taken up by the Committee. If you wish to speak, you may do so upon receiving recognition by the Chair. Please state your name and limit your comments to the agenda item under discussion. Speakers are limited to three minutes each; available time for comments is determined by the Committee Chair based on agenda scheduling demand and total number of speakers.
Public Comments on Items not on the Agenda: At any Regular Meeting, any member of the public may address the Committee on a matter not listed on the agenda as long as the subject matter is within the jurisdiction of the Committee. If you wish to speak, you may do so upon recognition by the Committee Chair. While members of the public are welcome to address the Committee, under the Brown Act open meeting laws, Committee members may not deliberate or take action on items not on the agenda. Speakers are limited to two minutes each; available time for comments is determined by the Committee Chair based on agenda scheduling demands and total number of speakers.
Documents related to open session agendas: Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council regarding any item on this agenda after the posting of this agenda and not otherwise exempt from disclosure will be made available for public review at 575 Administration Drive, Room 100-A, Santa Rosa, CA, during normal business hours.
Disabled Accommodation: If you have a disability and require a sign language interpreter, assistive listening device, material in an alternate format, or other accommodation to attend, please contact District5@sonoma-county.org or 1-707-565-2241 at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in order to facilitate arrangements for accommodation.