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 Appointment of the New Arts and Culture and Human Services Commissioners
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. 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. Initial interviews were conducted and Sabrina Sevilla and Sonya Lawson-Salmasi were selected to move forward.
All candidates were interviewed by Mayor Birney and by 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 u...
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