Sammamish Human Services Commission elects Soumya Mishra as chair; Jarvi named vice chair

The Sammamish Human Services Commission elected Commissioner Soumya Mishra as its new chair and named Jarvi vice chair during its regular meeting. Commissioners nominated candidates and voted by voice and raised hands; staff said one-year terms take effect immediately at the February meeting.

The vote followed a brief procedural period in which the commission approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from Jan. 14. No public comments were received during the public-comment period.

Staff presented the commission bylaws, noting the document largely formalizes long-standing practices — meeting frequency, public-comment procedure and rules for limited-term working groups. Staff clarified that a working group should contain fewer members than a quorum; for the seven-member commission, three members is acceptable, while four would constitute a quorum.

As part of a broader orientation, staff reviewed the council–manager form of government and the advisory role of commissions: commissions develop recommendations for the City Council but do not control budgets or staff. Staff highlighted that many city services are contracted (for example, the city attorney contract and public-safety services) and encouraged commissioners to ask questions and engage with staff as needed.

During the orientation staff summarized the Open Public Meetings Act and the Public Records Act as they apply to commissioners. Staff stressed that a quorum (four or more commissioners) discussing city business triggers meeting-notice obligations under state law and that “any action taken at meetings in violation may need to be reheld,” a point explained to emphasize the legal duty to follow open-meeting rules.

The meeting closed after commissioner reports and brief acknowledgements. The commission confirmed the next meeting and staff said orientation materials and the presentation slides would be shared with commissioners after the meeting.