Council readies for change

One up, one down and one over – that’ll be the order of the evening tomorrow for the Sonoma City Council, as it welcomes one member, bids adieu to another and decides who’ll serve as mayor for the next 12 months.
But tomorrow’s meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room at 177 First Street West, won’t be limited to intramural celebrations – the new council will also be grappling with trees, vines, public art and a county-based climate plan.
The first order of the evening will be saying good-bye to Councilmember Stanley Cohen, who was elected to the council in 2004 and announced in May that he wouldn’t seek a second term. Mayor Joanne Sanders, whose first term also began in 2004, is scheduled to make a presentation to Cohen on behalf of the city, followed by more accolades from citizens, representatives of community organizations and Cohen’s fellow councilmembers.
Next, City Clerk Gay Rainsbarger will administer the oath of office to Sanders and new councilmember Laurie Gallian, who were the only council candidates to file nomination papers by deadline for this year’s two available seats. Faced with a lack of contenders, the council voted 3-2 on Aug. 20 to forego a city council election and appoint Gallian and Sanders to office, with the majority – Sanders, Cohen and councilmember Steve Barbose – citing voter disinterest as well as a savings of $7-8,000 in election fees.
Generally, Sonoma’s council race sees more candidates when an incumbent chooses not to run – 2002’s three-vacancy council election drew nine candidates, and 2004 and 2006 saw six people apiece vying for two seats. California’s Election Code states that when the number of qualified candidates equals the number of available seats, the governing body can either appoint them or hold a general election, which opens the field to write-in candidates.
After a brief reception with cake and refreshments, Mayor Sander’s last official act of 2008 will be to open nominations for her replacement. The office of Sonoma mayor is filled by a majority councilmember vote, and while not endowed with special executive privilege or veto power, the office carries with it the privilege of chairing meetings and representing the city at official functions.
Once the new mayor assumes his or her position, the regular meeting begins in earnest with a presentation on the Coast Miwok by Sonoma City Historian George McKale for next spring’s proposed Coast Miwok Day; a review of the county’s Climate Action Plan; an amendment to the city’s tree-removal permit requirements; whether or not to maintain the Valley of the Moon Dilettante Enological Society’s lease of the Tex Juen Park and Vineyard; and whether or not to mix public art with public bike racks in Sonoma Plaza.