Sonoma Climate Action Commission re‑elects chair, creates new ad hoc committees for 2026

The City of Sonoma Climate Action Commission on Monday re‑elected David Morrell to serve as chair for a one‑year term and selected Tom Conlon as vice chair, then reorganized its volunteer ad hoc committees to focus the commission’s 2026 work plan.

Morrell accepted the nomination and said he intends to serve for one year only. After a short procedural discussion about the order of nominations under Robert’s Rules, the commission voted to appoint him chair. Vice chair Conlon was nominated and approved unanimously.

The commission then moved to disband three existing ad hocs — the General Plan update ad hoc, the Cash for Turf/water ad hoc and the Education & Outreach ad hoc — and to create four new groups: an education/community involvement committee, an outreach/marketing committee, a metrics development committee and a climate adaptation committee. Commissioners signed up to serve on the new groups and youth member Calvin Stevens was assigned to participate as a nonvoting member where he wished.

During the votes, several commissioners emphasized implementation and metrics as priorities for the year. Vice chair Conlon and other members said the metrics committee should define which outcomes the commission will score and that staff time should be used strategically to move specific items “over the finish line.”

Next steps: staff will prepare the commission’s work plan for presentation to the City Council, likely in mid‑ to late March. The ad hoc committees are expected to begin meeting under city rules and report back to the commission at future sessions.

Quote: “I would make it a one year only statement at this point,” Morrell said upon accepting the nomination, adding he was “pleased to do so.”

The meeting also approved routine consent items, including minutes from prior meetings.