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Cotati council ratifies two planning commissioner nominations; minutes and consent calendar approved unanimously
Summary
The council reappointed Shelly Berman to a remainder term and confirmed Sarah Sparks as a new planning commissioner; the meeting also approved the March 11 minutes and the lone consent calendar item — all carried 5‑0.
The Cotati City Council ratified two planning‑commission appointments Tuesday night, voting unanimously to reappoint Shelly Berman to the remainder of her two‑year term and to appoint Sarah Sparks to the vacancy created when Councilmember Savage joined the council.
Staff said the city received multiple applications for the open seat. Councilmembers praised the applicant pool and described both nominees as experienced and engaged with city affairs.
Votes at a glance
- Motion to approve the minutes of March 11 — motion made during the meeting; outcome: approved, 5‑0.
- Motion to approve the consent calendar (one item) — outcome: approved, 5‑0.
- Motion to ratify Councilmember Sparks' and Councilmember Savage's nominations to fill two planning‑commission seats (reappointment of Shelly Berman and appointment of Sarah Sparks) — outcome: approved, 5‑0.
Council discussion and public comment: Several members of the public and multiple commenters urged more transparency and public input in appointment processes. A speaker who identified concerns about appointments urged the council to consider broader public engagement; Councilmember Sparks said she reviewed all applications and recommended Sarah Sparks based on a strong application and completion of the city leadership pathways program. Councilmember Savage said he did not know Shelly Berman before her prior appointment and recommended she serve the remainder of the term, noting her local engagement.
Procedural note: The council treated the planning applications as nominations by the responsible council members and then ratified both nominations by the full council. No further action was requested of staff.
Ending: The motions carried unanimously; the newly appointed and reappointed commissioners were thanked for their willingness to serve.
