Tracy council appoints Dr. Chaunise Powell to Parks and Community Services Commission

The Tracy City Council voted to appoint Dr. Chaunise Powell to fill a vacancy on the Parks and Community Services Commission for the remainder of the term, beginning on appointment and ending Jan. 31, 2028.

Council members praised Powell’s background in parks and recreation, social work and education. In her interview, Powell said she brings a public‑health lens to parks and recreation: "I come to this work as a social worker ... parks and recreation and community services really about the overall health and well‑being of individuals and community health," she told council members.

Councilors also discussed the commission’s role in serving a growing city and representing younger families. Powell told the council the city’s parks master plan should be treated as "a living document" and reviewed regularly to reflect changing neighborhood needs.

After deliberations, Mayor Arriola moved to appoint Powell and to establish an eligibility list; Council supported adding Mitchell Harnett and Joseph Orcutt to that list. The motion carried on roll call.

The council set interview protocols earlier in the meeting: each council member asked one of the selected questions, applicants had two minutes per question and one minute for a closing statement. Councilmember Nygard recused herself from this item because she said she had a professional relationship with one of the applicants.

Next steps: the mayor will formally propose Powell for appointment and the council’s action fills the vacancy for the stated term. The council also asked staff to continue outreach so the commission better reflects the city’s changing demographics and to consider ways to involve youth and families in programming.

No public comment was recorded on the appointment item during the meeting.