Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting

Agenda

1. Call to Order & Duties of the Commission – Chair Nathan Junge
   Call to Order at (state time).
   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 Jung
   Approval of the minutes for the previous Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission meeting, held on December 3, 2025. 
   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. Belonging Framework (Informational Item) – Nubia Padilla, Accessibility and Equity Manager for Sonoma County Regional Parks
   The Belonging Framework is Regional Parks long-term equity and accessibility roadmap. It informs how Regional Parks designs parks, shapes programs, collaborates with communities and supports staff. Most importantly, it helps build a park system where everyone, especially those who have been historically excluded, can access, enjoy, and shape outdoor spaces.
8. Election of Officers (Action Item) – Facilitated by Chair Nathan Junge
   At the first meeting of each calendar year, the commission shall elect a chairperson and vice chairperson for the year. Such chairperson and vice chairperson shall serve for a period of one (1) year. The chairperson shall preside at all meetings, submit all motions to vote, and in general do all things ordinarily required of a commission chairperson. The newly elected chair will assume responsibilities starting at the next commission meeting.
   Motion to approve:
   Second:
   
   VOTE
   In-favor:
   Opposed:
   Abstain:
   Absent:
9. 2026 Meeting Schedule (Informational and Discussion) – Bert Whitaker
   An overview of proposed meetings for 2026, as well as a discussion on if this proposed schedule will work for the Commissioners.
10. Adjournment – Chair Nathan Junge
    

    Chair Junge adjourned the meeting at (state time).