Item No. 2
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – ACTION ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: ANTHONY SUBER, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER/ CITY CLERK
DATE: AUGUST 20, 2024
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF AN APPOINTMENT TO THE TOWN OF
ATHERTON PLANNING COMMISSION
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council appoint one (1) applicant to the Planning Commission to fill a 4-year term expiring on June 30, 2028.
BACKGROUND
The Council considered appointment to the Planning Commission at the June 19, 2024, Regular City Council meeting. There was only one applicant for one open seat, which was not the incumbent (Nancy Learner) who served two consecutive terms and will be eligible for reappointed to the Commission following a minimum two-year hiatus. The appointment made at that meeting was voided due to address verification challenges and the City Clerk launched a new recruitment to fill the vacancy.
The Planning Commission has one (1) vacancy for a 4-year term expiring on June 30, 2028. There is one (1) applicant for the Council to consider.
• Sandy Levinson
Appointment Process
It is recommended that the Council consider appointing with a motion announcing the Commission and term being considered and then hold a vote. The City Clerk is able to assist with voting sheets if requested.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
Planning Commission Appointment
AUGUST 20, 2024
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal Area F – Be Forward-Thinking, Well-Managed, and Well-Planned • Goal Area E – Strengthen Community Engagement and Transparency
POLICY FOCUS
The Council is not obligated to appoint any of the candidates to any of the positions and may choose to extend the candidate recruitment process as it deems necessary. The Council reserves complete discretion in appointments.
Town Commissions and Committees represent a key component of civic engagement within the community. The participation of the members is a vital part of the Town’s public engagement and review process. These groups have the ability to gather public input on an issue and provide feedback and recommendations to the City Council for consideration.
When evaluating applicants for Commissions and Committees, the City Council should consider the role of each committee, the amount of oversight needed, cost effectiveness, efficiency in decision-making, and the desire of the City Council for direct policy involvement on particular issues.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders –to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item has not been before a Town Committee or Commission
ATTACHMENTS
1. Committee Application
2. Commission and Committee Roster
3. Committee Governing Resolution No. 20-23
Planning Commission Appointment
AUGUST 20, 2024