Sammamish council appoints new members to multiple advisory commissions after interviews

The Sammamish City Council on Jan. 14 appointed volunteers to five advisory commissions after in-person and remote interviews that evening.

Council members unanimously reappointed John Bachmann to the planning commission and voted to fill open seats on the sustainability, parks and recreation, human services and arts commissions following brief interviews with applicants.

The reappointment came after Bachmann summarized his experience on the commission and in local government. “Given my background in local government and my time on the planning commission, I have a personal interest in and now know how important the city's role is,” Bachmann said during his remarks. Council moved and seconded his appointment and announced approval by voice vote.

For the Sustainability Commission the council selected Christie Santadomingo, Mizan Rashid and Brooke Hanson after interviews in which applicants emphasized transportation, waste reduction, community outreach and climate resiliency. Santadomingo, a middle‑school teacher and school green‑team adviser, said the commission could help “create community outreach to bring in those communities” and noted her work implementing school composting. Hanson, who recently moved from Europe, urged improving transit and clearer recycling guidance. Rashid highlighted his technical experience in green infrastructure and grant writing.

The council filled three Parks and Recreation Commission seats with Ron White, Kristen Shane and Zoe Jiang. Applicants urged expanded trail connections and lake access, more signage about flora and fauna, and events and facilities that build community. White proposed a city “day” and a public–private outdoor music venue as ways to increase civic life.

Jake Hefner and Elizabeth Williams were chosen for two openings on the Human Services Commission. Applicants in that group emphasized transportation for seniors, outreach to faith and cultural communities, mental‑health awareness for youth and revisiting the 2017 needs assessment to reflect post‑pandemic changes.

The council appointed Venkataraman “Venkat” Grama and Piali (last name not provided in the application packet) to the Arts Commission. Venkat, a local violin teacher and past arts commissioner member, said the commission should focus on earlier‑season events and equipment rental partnerships for youth music; Piali, a classical dance instructor and nonprofit arts organizer, urged grant seeking and outreach to arts patrons.

Councilmembers said the breadth of applicants made selections difficult. “We're very impressed and now it was extremely difficult choice,” Mayor Karen Howe told applicants after voting. Howe earlier remarked that the turnout reflected “the wonderful crop of volunteers that we have access to here.”

Council staff said formal resolution votes confirming the appointments will be returned to council on consent at a subsequent meeting to complete the appointment paperwork and establish term start dates.

Appointments and next steps are expected to be finalized when the council brings the resolutions back for adoption next week; council members reminded applicants to expect follow‑up from staff and to watch for openings should members step down.

The council also asked that unsuccessful applicants consider other city commissions and public comment opportunities to stay engaged with city policy discussions.