Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting

Agenda

1. Call to Order & Duties of the Commission – Chair Nathan Junge
   Call to Order
   Commissioners present:
   Commissioners absent:
   
   Duties of the Commission include:
   • Acting in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors in promoting, aiding and encouraging public recreation, including the development of recreation, park and open space facilities.
   • Acting in an advisory capacity to Regional Parks Director in the maintenance, development and operation of recreation areas and facilities serving the residents of the county.
   • Establishing general procedures to carry out the purpose of the advisory commission.

2. Land Acknowledgement – Bert Whitaker, Director of Sonoma County Regional Parks
   I want us to remember that we are on the ancestral land of the Miwok, Pomo, and Wappo peoples. These resilient communities are still here today, and we want to honor them as it was and is their land that we have had the opportunity to recreate on. Let us consider how we can continue to protect these beautiful places for our future generations.
3. Comments from the Public – Facilitated by Chair Nathan Junge
   During this time, members of the public may address the Commission on matters that are not on the agenda. However, The Ralph M. Brown Act (the State local agency open meeting law) prohibits the Commission from acting on any matter that is not on the agenda. Members of the public wishing to suggest an item for a future Commission agenda item may do so. Speakers are limited to three minutes each; the Commission Chair or Director of Regional Parks may adjust the time limit in accordance with the number of anticipated speakers.
4. Approval of the Minutes (Action Item) – Chair Nathan Junge
   Approval of the minutes for the previous Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission meeting, held on February 4, 2026.
   
   Motion to approve:
   Second:
   Vote
   In-favor:
   Opposed:
   Abstain:
   Absent:
5. Commissioner Reports (Informational Item) – Facilitated by Chair Nathan Junge
   Individual verbal briefs regarding parks-related activities, observations, acknowledgements, concerns, questions, and/or suggestions.  
6. Director’s Report (Informational Item) – Bert Whitaker, Director of Sonoma County Regional Parks
   A verbal report on Regional Park’s updates and current events followed by an opportunity for attendees to ask questions.
7. Library Pass Program Expansion (Informational Item) – Tina Luster, Marketing Specialist, Sonoma County Regional Parks
   For a few years, Regional Parks has successfully piloted a program to offer day-use parking passes for residents to check out through the Sonoma County Library system. It has been a big hit, but demand has outpaced supply, leading to long wait times for Sonoma County Library patrons. On April 28, Parks is asking the Board of Supervisors to approve a consent item that would expand the program and provide more passes. The goal is simple: Make it easier for more residents to access Regional Parks without the wait.
8. Maddux Ranch Regional Park Enhancements (Informational Item) – Helen Florez, Park Planner, Sonoma County Regional Parks
   Regional Parks Planning Division will provide an update on the proposed improvements to the park. The items include a nearly completed trail, and future shade structure and restroom.
9. Taylor Mountain Wetlands Restoration (Informational Item) – Minona Heaviland, Acting Natural Resources Manager, Sonoma County Regional Parks
   A presentation on a current project at Taylor Mountain to implement low tech process-based restoration and manage invasive plants to restore riparian and seep wetland ecology.
10. Public Survey Poll: Voter Views of Parks Funding – Bert Whitaker, Director, Sonoma County Regional Parks
    Sharing the results of a survey conducted September 28 – October 2, 2025, gauging voter views of parks funding.
11. Adjournment – Chair Nathan Junge