Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Jackie Speier, District 1
Subject: Appointment to the San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Commission
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation for the appointment of Paul Falkis to the San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Commission, representing District 1, for an initial term ending December 31, 2028.
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BACKGROUND:
The San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Commission acts in an advisory capacity and makes policy recommendations to the Board of Supervisors regarding the management and operation of County natural preserves, marine reserves, open space areas, trails, parks and/or recreation areas and facilities within unincorporated San Mateo County. The Commission is charged with adopting and forwarding to the Board of Supervisors, recommendations regarding fees to be charged for the use of these areas. The Commission also advises the Board of Supervisors regarding fish, game and wildlife policies and programs, and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the expenditure of fish and game propagation funds.
Commissioners receive input from citizens on County Parks issues and make recommendations, as appropriate, to the Board of Supervisors. They also act as liaison to a number of support groups such as the Parks' Foundation, Volunteer Roundtable, and other ad hoc committees that may be appointed. They may serve as Commission liaison to special projects, especially related to master plan developments.
DISCUSSION:
Paul Falkis is being recommended for appointment to the San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Commission representing District 1 for an initial partial term coinciding with Supervisor Jackie Speier’s first term in office ending December 31, 2028.
Paul Falkis is a San Mateo County resident and currently lives in the San Mateo Highlands of District 1. Paul is a project manager at the City of Palo Alto working in the Urban Forestry Section. In this role he runs the electrical line clearance program and works to resolve conflicts between the natural, built and utility infrastructure. He has worked with the Parks, Open Space and Golf Division at the City of Palo Alto on several projects, including vegetation management work in the areas within CPUC High Fire Threat District.
Paul Falkis has a BS in Economics and BA in English from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He earned an MS in Climate Science and Solutions from Northern Arizona University along with a graduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems from the University of Illinois Springfield.
Paul Falkis is an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Board Certified Master Arborist® and his professional experience encompasses a multitude of settings ranging from wildland to urban. He aims to contribute a commonsense point of view that will help Parks and Recreation achieve their goal of conserving natural resources and engaging the community in embracing those resources.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.