Meeting Time: January 26, 2021 at 9:00am PST

Agenda Item

4k) Approval of Recommended Appointments/Reappointments

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    Gabriel Maroney almost 4 years ago

    Please consider allowing all applicants to be listed, interviewed, and also consider the support of Gabriel Quinn Maroney to be appointed Commissioner to the Noyo Harbor District.

    4k) Approval of Recommended Appointments/Reappointments
    NOYO HARBOR DISTRIC
    “to ensure that the Noyo Harbor District is a viable operational and financial entity providing boating and marine related opportunities for the public.”

    To the Honorable District Supervisors:
    1st District Supervisor Glenn McGourty
    mcgourtyg@mendocinocounty.org
    2nd District Supervisor Maureen Mulheren
    mulherenm@mendocinocounty.org
    3rd District Supervisor John Haschak
    haschakj@mendocinocounty.org
    Fourth District Supervisor Dan Gjerde
    gjerde@mendocinocounty.org
    5th District Supervisor Ted Williams
    williamst@mendocinocounty.org
    and related Accompanied Distinguished Bodies;

    in light that official recommendations have been made on Noyo Harbor Commission applicants and apparently there will not be any official or public interview process, I thought it prudent for me to continue to reach out towards sharing more about myself, vision, and aver my commitment in serving the district.

    Upon asking local representatives the question of what the commission needed from a prospective appointee, I was never told: “more of the same,” or, “we need someone on the commission that knows a lot of people in the county;” nor did anyone proclaim during my discovery, “we really need someone in the marine/fishing industry or that knows a lot about boats.” Not because these are not key elements of a solid Harbor team, but because they are already represented extremely well and the majority opinion remains that the Commission would benefit from change and someone that, “thinks outside of the box,” and has a strong vision for the Noyo Harbor. This, along with encouragement and strong support from prominent members of the local community lead me to seek this leadership position of service. I have been participating and attending meeting now on a regular basis. I have also taken extra effort to acquire policy documents, and have had the Community Sustainability plan printed and bound, which now sits on my desk for regular review. I believe I am uniquely qualified to fulfill elements not yet represented, yet remain key to the enhanced future success of the District.
    Another important qualification I bring is that I have no conflicts of interest. I do not own property, have a business, nor profit in any financial way associated to the Noyo Harbor District. This is sometimes overlooked during applicant section. It can of course impact liability and the ability for members to participate in certain circumstances. Although when I earned my Masters of Science degree in 2015, it was in Global Health, my thesis and field work was relevant to a position on the Commission as it focused on both health and economic development of the Mendocino/Fort Bragg region by way of Natural Product Development.

    Although the Community Sustainability Plan is an invaluable compass for the Commission, there are many other avenues that should be explored. Some of these concepts are briefly touched on in the plan or intersect and could be promoted, supported, or even taken on whole by the District. Some envisioned examples are as follows:

    Noyo Harbor Marine Historic Society Museum and Historic District:
    The culture and history related to the Harbor is so rich and vast that there should be an audit of historic resources, exploration into creating a divisional institution to archive said resources, and determine if a historic district might be appropriately engendered.

    Scientific Research, Development, and Educational Opportunities:
    The Harbor should partner with an array or institutions to develop apprenticeship programs, published research, marine ecosystem and condition monitoring, and novel natural product development. The district could even join the fight directly against the current and future pandemics by preparing marine samples to be analyzed for their pharmacognosy effects against SARS-CoV-2. Potential institutions to work might be the United States Department of Agriculture (Contact: Gary Takeoka), Natural Products Laboratory of Oxford Mississippi University, Mendocino College, University of California, and the Noyo Science Center. Research laboratories could utilize air and sea drones for photography and data gathering. Specific classes could be developed in collaboration with Mendocino College related to Marine sciences. A continuation and increased investment in apprenticeship programs would help continue trade and economic stability. A sea level rise monitoring station and hub should be further considered. A marine species audit could be done and represented to the public as educational installments.

    Fish and Wildlife Warden Training Center:
    The feasibility of having local law enforcement/Wardens utilize the harbor in part as a center for advanced training could be explored.

    Film Production:
    The Harbor region has been an iconic movie location to file at and this remains a potential review stream for the District. If selected to serve on the Commission I would investigate these types of opportunities.

    Industrial Park:
    In order for businesses to thrive, they must have proper locations to work from. It could be viable for the Commissioners to support the development of an Industrial Park tailored to the Harbors needs.

    Local Artistry:
    It is prudent for the Noyo Harbor to remain a “working harbor,” and as such not develop an overly them park type atmosphere, yet still there is opportunity for appropriately selected locations to install art by our world renewed local artistry.

    There are many other envisioned areas to consider while seeking to bring out the best of our local resource, yet these serve as an example of so much that should be considered in the near future of the Harbor.

    One of the other main reasons I chose to apply for Harbor Commission is to advocate for citizens to participate and increased transparency. To aid with this I believe there are some very simple yet important changes that could be made. For example the commissioners should have individual contact information listed; upon appointment they should also be given “business cards,” policy handbooks, and proper governance training. The official web site could use an upgrade and serve to be more interactive. Procedures to this day need to be adjusted to be appropriate and a citizen advisory committee should be considered. Transparency also begins with the selection of Commissioners. Frankly I was surprised when I was informed by a friend that the 4K agenda was up, yet only with the names of those to be recommended. I expected a phone call or perhaps some form of interview as was done during Fort Bragg City selection. Certainly it is to the Boards prerogative, yet I would suggest that all Applicants be listed and considered; this would allow for the public to know who applied and to provide feedback in your decision. I also do not really feel I was given a proper venue to self promote, hence my letters to you. There has been a lot of talk about developing an Ad Hoc Committee between the District, Fort Bragg City, and County and I hope this spirit of collaboration would translate into consulting with appropriate representatives until satisfied with your decision. I personally consider this position to be currently one of the most important in the County considering societal and economic challenges.
    Please consider allowing all applicants to be interviewed and also, despite current listed recommendation, consider appointing me to the Noyo Harbor District to serve as the fifth Commissioner. I certainly appreciate your time and discussions related and know that your decisions will be for the good of the District.

    Also, thank you Supervisor Dan Gjerde for the phone call and conversation. I greatly appreciate it.