The Philomath City Council filled one of two vacant seats on the Philomath Park Advisory Board during its regular meeting Monday night at City Hall.
Local resident Candy Garcia was appointed to a term that runs until the end of 2027. A couple of city councilors recommended Garcia for approval.
“She is just a wonderful community member, she’s a wonderful neighbor (and) her children,” City Councilor Teresa Nielson said. “She’s been an active part of her community for many, many, many years and so I can wholeheartedly recommend her and say ‘woo’ about her being part of the Park Advisory Board.”
Another council member, Diane Crocker, echoed those comments. Crocker said she has known Garcia for many years and that they went through the Philomath Citizens Academy together. Garcia and 14 other citizens earned certificates of completion from the academy in November 2022.
“Even before she did Citizens Academy, I knew Candy as a neighbor … and I had seen her participate in the schools with her kids and she’s just great,” City Manager Chris Workman added to the discussion. “She’s very community-minded and I think she’s going to do great for us on the park board.”
Garcia’s appointment was approved on a 6-0 vote (one councilor absent).
Two park board volunteers resigned over the summer. Seven citizens serve on the board when fully staffed.
Chelsea Starner, assistant city manager, said the city is still accepting applications for the remaining vacancy on the board, which has a term that expires at the end of 2026. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Sept. 30.
Philomath residents interested in applying can contact City Recorder Crystal Weber at Philomath City Hall (980 Applegate St.) or call 541-929-6148 (option 5) for information. An online form (scroll down the page) can be filled out on the city’s website.
Interviews and appointments are scheduled to take place during the City Council’s Oct. 13 meeting.
In a separate appointment from the meeting, City Councilor Rich Saalsaa volunteered to serve as the city’s voting delegate at the League of Oregon Cities’ annual membership meeting in October.
The mayor traditionally serves in that role, but Christopher McMorran said that he is unable to attend. City Councilor Jessica Andrade will be the alternate. Designating Saalsaa and Andrade for those positions was approved on a 6-0 vote.
