Sebastopol City Councilman Dies of Heart Condition

Sebastopol Councilman Michael Kyes, 65, died at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital of a heart condition on Sunday morning.

Kyes was elected to the Sebastopol City Council in 2010 and served as mayor in 2013.

"He will be remembered for his dedication to environmental conservation and to preserving Sebastopol's small town character," the city posted on its website.

"During his tenure as mayor he co-authored a successful 2013 measure to require solar panels on all new homes and commercial buildings in the city. The measure made Sebastopol the second city in California with such a requirement," the city said.

"Michael Kyes was not only a valued member of the City Council and an impassioned advocate for the citizens of Sebastopol, he was a personal mentor to me," Sebastopol Mayor Robert Jacob said.

"Outspoken, articulate, thoughtful and compassionate, Michael was an inspiration to all who served with him and a public servant in the truest sense of the word. Today the City Council and the entire community mourn with the Glass-Kyes family," Jacob said.

The City Council will meet at 4 p.m. today to discuss whether to hold a special election or appoint someone to fill Kyes' seat.

Kyes also was a member of the board of directors of Sonoma Clean Power.

Funeral services are pending.
      
--Bay City News