Lauded by colleagues for bringing a sense of action to the City of Sonoma’s Community Services and Environment Commission, chair Nickolai Mathison has resigned from the panel after four years of service.
“It’s been a great run with a lot of great people,” Mathison told his colleagues last week. He said the decision was what was best for his family. “It’s a good time to go.”
The panel named Liz Lease as the new chair, with Peter Posert the vice chair.
City council member Laurie Gallian, who got her local political start as a member of the commission, told Mathison, “What I learned from you is immeasurable.”
Melinka Bates, Sonoma’s public works director, said, “We appreciate all the support you have given the city. It’s been fun to see this commission grow and evolve.”
The CSEC advises the city council on issues related to the preservation and improvement of parks, recreational facilities, open space and the natural environment. It also reviews applications for events on the Plaza.
Looking back, Mathison said he was proud that the commission had become results-oriented. “One thing that has changed: we’ve created a passion for action. Not just talking, but doing.”
Mathison cited “a few great things” the CSEC accomplished during his service, including updating the Plaza Use Policy to better protect the Plaza. The CSEC worked with event producers to make more use of Depot Park and other city properties, and to improve recycling efforts. The panel also instituted a post-event meeting for better long-range planning, he said.
He pointed to the bicycle improvement plan as a great model for policy development. “It’s a change that reflects the opinions of a lot of different community members.”
As Mathison told the panel last week, “Never underestimate what a group of motivated citizens can do.”
The resignation creates an opening on the CSEC. Alternate positions on both the Planning Commission and the Cultural and Fine Arts Commission are open, as well. Applicants for the unpaid positions must live within the Sonoma city limits.
Application forms may be picked up at City Hall or downloaded from the City’s Web site somomacity.org.
