Mendocino Council of Governments elects John Haschak chair, names vice chair and committee slate

The Mendocino Council of Governments on Feb. 10 elected Supervisor John Haschak as chair and named Mike Carter vice chair for the 2025 term, and the board approved annual committee appointments and ad hoc assignments.

Haschak, identified in the meeting as Mendocino County’s Third District supervisor, was nominated and the motion was seconded before the board voted. The vice chair nomination of Mike Carter — a returning MCOG member who was not present in person — likewise was moved, seconded and approved.

The board also approved the annual slate of committee appointments, including the Executive Committee composed of Chair John Haschak, Vice Chair Mike Carter and Director Heather Chris; the Transit Productivity Committee appointments; and the MCOG delegate to the California Association of Councils of Governments (CalCOG). The board approved the continuation of the Covelo State Route 162 Corridor ad hoc committee with existing members and decided the regional energy network ad hoc may be eliminated as a separate ad hoc now that work is entering implementation.

Votes and motions - Election of chair: Motion to nominate John Haschak as chair was moved and seconded. Vote recorded: Director Cline — Aye; Director Tom Allman — Aye; Director Heather Chris — Aye; Caltrans representative Tasha Alstrand — Aye; John Haschak — Aye. Outcome: approved.

- Election of vice chair: Motion to nominate Mike Carter as vice chair was moved and seconded. Vote recorded: Director Cline — Aye; Director Allman — Aye; Director Heather Chris — Aye; Caltrans Tasha Alstrand — Aye; Chair John Haschak — Aye. Outcome: approved.

- Annual committee and ad hoc appointments: The board approved a slate of committee appointments and ad hoc assignments by motion and recorded unanimous voice votes (those voting aloud included Director Kline, Director Allman, Director Raffaean, Director Heather Chris, Caltrans Tasha Alstrand and Chair John Haschak). Outcome: approved.

Board comments and context Outgoing board members were recognized by staff earlier in the meeting; staff read a prepared certificate recognizing Greta Conney for service as the Willits appointee. Chair Haschak noted the experience of the prior long‑time chair and thanked him for his service.

Speakers - John Haschak, Third District Supervisor, Mendocino County (nominated and elected chair) - Mike Carter, MCOG member (nominated and elected vice chair, not present in person) - Heather Chris, City Council representative, Ukiah (appointed to executive committee) - Tasha Alstrand, Transportation Planner, Caltrans District 1 (Caltrans representative on the board) - Nafili Barrett, Executive Director, MCOG (presented committee slate and background)

Clarifying details - Chair and vice chair elections were by motion and voice vote with a recorded roll call during the meeting; motions passed with affirmative votes as recorded in the minutes. - Executive Committee composition as recorded at the meeting: Chair John Haschak, Vice Chair Mike Carter, Director Heather Chris.

Proper names [Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG), Caltrans District 1, Covelo State Route 162 corridor project, California Association of Councils of Governments (CalCOG)].

Provenance - topicintro: {"block_id":"t679","local_start":0,"local_end":200,"evidence_excerpt":"So I would like to call the Mendocino Council of Governments meeting for February 10 to order..." ,"reason_code":"topicintro"} - topfinish: {"block_id":"t7812","local_start":0,"local_end":200,"evidence_excerpt":"...the board adjourned at 04:04." ,"reason_code":"topicfinish"}