TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Executive |
Malisa Files |
425-556-2166 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Executive |
Cheryl Xanthos |
City Clerk |
|
Executive |
Kalli Biegel |
Deputy City Clerk |
TITLE:
title
Confirmation of New Commission Member Appointments
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
There is currently one opening on the Arts and Culture Commission, due to the resignation of Kay Bae.
The press release advertising this opening was posted on February 5, 2025, and can be viewed at: News Release: City Seeks Volunteer Arts and Culture Commissioner <https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/WAREDMOND-3d08b67?wgt_ref=WAREDMOND_WIDGET_2>. Nine applications were received and reviewed. An interview panel consisting of two Commissioners and two staff members, interviewed the selected candidates on February 25, 2025, and unanimously selected Viktoriya Leyfman-Frenkel to move forward in the process. Viktoriya Leyfman-Frenkel was interviewed by Mayor Birney on March 6, 2025.
There are two upcoming vacancies on the Human Services Commission, due to the term expirations of Jung Lee and Vibhas Chandorkar.
The press release advertising these vacancies was posted on January 6, 2025, and can be viewed at: News Release: Human Services Commission Seeks New Members <https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/WAREDMOND-3ca8c22?wgt_ref=WAREDMOND_WIDGET_2>. Sixteen applications were received and reviewed. An interview panel consisting of Commission Leadership and City staff, interviewed the selected candidates on February 20, 2025, and selected David Poe and Ted Thornhill to move forward in the process. David Poe was interviewed by Mayor Birney on March 4, 2025, and Ted Thornhill was interviewed on March 6, 2025.
David Poe would fill the seat left by Jung Lee, and Ted Thornhill would fill the seat left by Vibhas Chandorkar.
There are two upcoming vacancies on the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Commission, due to the term expirations of Ella Elman and Gary Smith.
The press release advertising these vacancies was posted on January 30, 2025, and can be viewed at: News Release: City Seeks Two Parks, Trails, and Recreation Commissioners <https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/WAREDMOND-3cf9e31?wgt_ref=WAREDMOND_WIDGET_2>. Twenty applications were received and reviewed. The interview panel selected Siri Bliesner and Jodi Pena to move forward in the process. Both were interviewed by Mayor Birney on March 5, 2025.
Siri Bliesner would fill the seat left by Gary Smith, and Jodi Pena would fill the seat left by Ella Elman.
All candidates interviewed with Council on March 11, 2025.
body
☐ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☐ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☒ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
N/A
• Required:
Council confirmation is required for Commission Member mayoral appointments.
RMC: 4.15.010(A)
RMC: 4.30.050(A)
RMC: 4.40.010(A)
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
N/A
OUTCOMES:
If appointment is confirmed by Council, the new members would serve until the term expirations below:
Arts and Culture Commission
Viktoriya Leyfman-Frenkel Partial Term to Expire: March 31, 2026
Human Services Commission
David Poe First Term to Expire: March 31, 2029
Ted Thornhill First Term to Expire: March 31, 2029
Parks, Trails, and Recreation Commission
Siri Bliesner First Term to Expire: March 31, 2028
Jodi Pena First Term to Expire: March 31, 2028
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
N/A
• Outreach Methods and Results:
These vacancies were advertised, and all completed applications were reviewed.
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
N/A
Approved in current biennial budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
N/A
Budget Priority:
N/A
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
N/A
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
3/11/2025 |
Study Session |
Provide Direction |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
The current terms expired on March 31, 2025, leaving vacancies if not filled.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
If Council decides not to confirm appointment, recruitment efforts would need to continue.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.