The Wawona Town Planning Advisory Committee adopted proposed language clarifying its scope and purpose and set a path for coordination with county staff on how the county will support the committee’s work.

Scope and bylaws

An ad hoc committee had drafted amendments to the bylaws’ scope-and-purpose section to make the committee’s advisory role and subject‑matter focus clearer for county staff and the public. The full committee voted to adopt that scope language; members said the revised wording would help the Board of Supervisors and county departments understand what WETPAC is organized to do.

Committee member Rick Jacobson explained the intent: ‘‘The ad hoc committee would offer those amendments to the bylaws... so that [staff] can utilize that as a framework for coming back to us with an idea from the county as to how the county will be organized to work with that group.’’

Other proposed bylaw changes (membership counts, overlap with other local groups and meeting frequency) were discussed. The committee chose not to adopt several additional recommended changes at this time and instead asked staff to handle organizational items such as scheduling and quorum practices.

Elections and annual report

The committee moved to accept the draft annual report and transmitted it to the Board of Supervisors. It then conducted officer elections: by voice vote committee members chose Rick Jacobson as chair and Marty Searls as vice chair; the county will continue to provide minute‑taking/secretary services.

Votes and formal actions

- The meeting approved the April 4, 2025 minutes by voice vote.
- The committee accepted the 2025 draft annual report and authorized transmittal to the Board of Supervisors.
- The committee adopted the ad hoc group’s scope-and-purpose language for the bylaws; other bylaw amendments were deferred.
- Rick Jacobson elected committee chair; Marty Searls elected vice chair; secretary role to remain with county staff.

Ending: Members emphasized the importance of continuity and public outreach. Supervisors and staff said they will work with the committee on how the county can best support Wawona’s priorities going forward.