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
Commission Candidate Interviews
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
There is currently one opening and one vacancy on the Arts and Culture Commission, due to the resignation of Menka Soni and the term expiration of Latha Sambamurti.
The press release advertising these openings was posted on February 3, 2026, and can be viewed at: •City Seeks Volunteer Arts and Culture Commissioners Redmond, WA <https://www.redmond.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/2798>. Initial interviews were conducted, and
Joyce Kakariyil-Paul and Rik Deskin were selected to move forward in the process.
There are two openings on the Human Services Commission, due to the resignations of Kathleen Reynolds and Marilyn Lazaro.
The press release advertising these openings was posted on January 22, 2026, and can be viewed at: •Human Services Commission Seeks a New Member Redmond, WA <https://www.redmond.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/2780>. Initial interviews were conducted and Sabrina Sevilla and Sonya Lawson-Salmasi were selected to move forward.
All candidates were interviewed by Mayor Birney and have been recommended to interview with Council.
Joyce Kakariyil-Paul would take the seat left by Latha Sambamurti.
Rik Deskin would take the seat left by Menka Soni.
Sabrina Sevilla would take the seat left by Kathleen Reynolds.
Sonya Lawson-Salmasi would take the seat left by Marilyn Lazaro.
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)
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
N/A
OUTCOMES:
If appointment is confirmed by Council, the candidates would serve until the term expirations below:
Arts and Culture Commission
Joyce Kakariyil-Paul First Term to Expire: March 31, 2029
Rik Deskin First Term to Expire: March 31, 2029
Human Services Commission
Sabrina Sevilla First Term to Expire: March 31, 2027
Sonya Lawson-Salmasi First Term to Expire: March 31, 2029
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
N/A
• Outreach Methods and Results:
These openings 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 |
|
N/A |
Item has not been presented to Council |
N/A |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
4/21/2026 |
Business Meeting |
Approve |
Time Constraints:
These seats are currently vacant.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
If Council decides not to confirm appointment, recruitment efforts would need to continue.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.