Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mark West Area Municipal Advisory Council (MWAMAC)?

The MWAMAC is an advisory body formed by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. The group is chartered with the following mission statement:

The mission of the MWAMAC is to act as a bridge for communication between the County and local residents and businesses, and the general public on local planning decisions affecting the Mark West Area.

The MWAMAC provides a forum for public expression and for making advisory recommendations to the County of Sonoma and its Permit and Resource Management Department, Board of Zoning Adjustments, Planning Commission, and Board of Supervisors on applications for use permits, rezoning, and general plan amendments in the Mark West Area.

With respect to Planning, the three main functions of the MWAMAC are to discuss, review and make recommendations regarding development proposals located in the Mark West Area specifically related to:

Use permits
Rezoning Applications
General Plan Amendments

Is the Council a “City Council?”

No. This Council is an advisory council set up through the County of Sonoma. The Mark West Area, including Larkfield and Wikiup, is in unincorporated Sonoma County. The Mark West Area does not have its own local city council, or its own local governing entity, other than the Mark West Union School District.

How can I become involved in the Mark West Area community?

Please reach out to one of our council members for volunteer opportunities in our community. The Council does have several subcommittees that include community members to participate in brainstorming and project planning.

How is the Council funded?

California American Water (CalAm), our local drinking water provider, includes a franchise fee on its water bills that supports the Council and its Neighborhood Improvement Funding Program.

What is the Neighborhood Improvement Funding Program?

The Council provides funding to community non-profits in support of beautifying or improving community infrastructure, such as landscaping, signage, development of sidewalks, and much more. Please view the funding application to learn more. The NIFP is funded by the CalAm franchise fee funds.

When are the Council meetings?

Council meetings are typically held at 6pm on the second Wednesday of each month. View our calendar on the website to see when our next meeting occurs.

Does the Council make land use planning decisions?

The Council only makes recommendations to the Sonoma County Planning Commission on land use planning proposals within our jurisdiction. The Council does not make the final decision. The Council provides a forum for our community to learn more and comment on land use proposals.

Who sits on the Mark West Area Municipal Advisory Council?

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors appoints seven members to the MWAMAC. All members must reside within the referral area. Two members shall be nominated by the Mark West Chamber of Commerce; one member shall be nominated by the Mark West Union School District Board of Trustees; one member shall be nominated by the 4^th District Supervisor from the Fulton area, and three members shall be nominated by the 4^th District Supervisor to serve “at large.” All members shall hold office for a term of two-years or until their successor is appointed and qualified, with the exception of the initial members. Members can serve for up to two terms (a total of four years). All members shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors and may be removed from office at any time by the Board, with or without cause.

In addition, the Fourth District County Planning Commissioner may attend meetings as an ex-officio member. The Planning Commissioner is not eligible to vote at MWAMAC meetings.

The MWAMAC has two officers (Chair and Vice Chair) and one private position (Secretary). The Chair is responsible for conducting meetings and setting the MWAMAC agenda. The Vice Chair supports the Chair in business matters. The Secretary, which is an independent contract position and is hired and compensated by the MWAMAC and is responsible for public posting of the meetings, attends meetings and prepares the minutes of each meeting, as well as maintaining files. Officers serve for two year terms, with elections in January. Officers cannot serve more than two consecutive terms.