To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Sonoma County Public Infrastructure
Staff Name and Phone Number: Johannes J. Hoevertsz, 707-565-2550
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Adoption of a Resolution Reestablishing the Composition, Functions, and Policies of the Aviation Commission for Sonoma County and Renaming said Committee “The Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Aviation Commission”.
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt a Resolution Reestablishing and renaming the Aviation Commission replacing the April 19, 1976, Resolution #53319
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Executive Summary:
The Sonoma County Public Infrastructure - Airport Division (Airport) is requesting Board adoption of a resolution revising and modernizing the structure, membership, and functions of the Sonoma County Aviation Commission. This action follows previous Board discussion and direction in October 2024 and April 2025. The updated resolution replaces the 1976 resolution (No. 53319) and aligns the Commission’s structure and responsibilities with current County aviation needs, governance best practices, and community expectations.
Discussion:
On October 15, 2024, as part of the Airport’s annual update item, the Board was advised that Resolution No. 53319 (last updated in 1976) required modernization to reflect current Airport operations, growth, and governance best practices. Staff were directed to review options and return with recommendations.
On April 15, 2025, staff presented governance options to the Board based on a comparative review of nine peer airports and an analysis of the distinct roles of the Aviation Commission and the Airport Land Use Commission. Staff were directed to refine membership options, appointment processes and transition expectations, and return with an updated resolution for consideration. In addition, the Board affirmed the status quo of the Aviation Commission and the Airport Land Use Commission as separate bodies.
At the May 2025 Aviation Commission meeting, Airport staff provided a review of the governance options, Board recommendations, and comparable models for additional input and public comments. The Commission provided their recommendations on membership, concurring with the addition of two members, appointment authority, meeting schedules and the Commission’s functions.
Staff returned to the Aviation Commission at the August meeting with a draft resolution reestablishing the composition, functions and policies of the Commission seeking recommendations for the Board. After discussion the Commission recommended that the Board adopted the proposed resolution reestablishing the Aviation Commission.
The proposed resolution replaces and updates the provisions of Resolution No. 53319 (April 19, 1976). Changes from the 1976 Resolution include:
• Changes the name from Aviation Commission for Sonoma County to the Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Aviation Commission.
• Updated membership from seven members to nine, retaining the five representing each Supervisorial District and the two at-large members; adds two representatives from the Sonoma County Mayors and Councilmembers Association. Clarified terms and appointment processes. Commissioners appointed under the superseded resolution will serve until reappointed or replaced under the new procedure.
• Updated the meetings from monthly to bi-monthly meetings with special sessions at the call of the Board, Commission or Airport Manager.
• The updated resolution narrows and clarifies duties to focus on airport operational policy, safety, noise and community issues, capital planning and broader aviation matters affecting Sonoma County.
• Outdated references to other Committees no longer in existence have been removed, references to the Airport Industrial Park and early enterprise budgeting have been removed. The updated resolution reflects current regulatory, environmental and governance realities.
Strategic Plan:
This item directly supports the County’s Five-year Strategic Plan and is aligned with the following pillar, goal, and objective.
Pillar: Organizational Excellence
Goal: Goal 1: Strengthen operational effectiveness, fiscal reliability, and accountability
Objective: Objective 1: Align the Board of Supervisor’s strategic priorities, policy, and operational goals with funding and resources.
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
4/15/2025 Airport Governance Review and Options
10/15/2024 Annual Airport Update, Staffing Adjustments and Aviation Commission Resolution Updates
4/19/1976 Resolution # 53319 Update of the Aviation Commission
3/16/1965 Resolution # 12172-1 Formation of the Aviation Commission
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
None.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None.
Attachments:
Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None.