Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Warren Slocum, District 4
Subject: San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Commission Reappointment
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation for the reappointment of Meda Okelo to the San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Commission, representing District 4, for a partial 1-year term effective January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024.
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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:
Meda Okelo has served on the Parks and Recreation Commission since 2014, including as the Commission’s Chair in 2018, and is being recommended to serve a partial term coinciding with Supervisor Warren Slocum’s term on the Board of Supervisors ending December 31, 2024.
Over the course of his service on the commission, Mr. Okelo has shown exceptional leadership. San Mateo County will be well served by his reappointment to the Parks Commission. Mr. Okelo is a 30+-year resident of East Palo Alto and its former, longtime Community Services Director. In his former position at the City of East Palo Alto, Okelo was responsible for developing and implementing goals and objectives for the City’s Recreation and Parks Department, including the coordination of the Parks Capital Improvement fundraising program. He also developed the City’s Summer Sports Camp Reading Enhancement Program, the Summer Performing Arts Camp, the Summer Rainbow Camp and the Young Adult Diversion Program.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.