Item No. 8
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – REGULAR AGENDA
TO: CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: ANTHONY SUBER, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER/ CITY CLERK
DATE: FEBRUARY 19, 2025
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT TO PLANNING
COMMISSION
RECOMMENDATION
Review the applicant for the Planning Commission and consider making an appointment to fill the vacant seat for a term expiring on June 30, 2027.
BACKGROUND
There is a mid-term vacancy due to the resignation of Planning Commissioner Bryant in January 2025. The Town conducted routine recruitment to fill the vacancies utilizing standard methods that include posting advertisements in local papers, across social media, and community engagement (word of mouth) outreach. The Council last appointed to the Planning Commission in August 2024 appointing Sandy Levison to a term expiring June 30, 2028.
Staff is presently conducting the annual Committee and Commissions recruitment to fill upcoming term expirations for all committees.
The Planning Commission has one (1) vacancy to fill a 4-Year term expiring on June 30, 2027.
There is one (1) applicant for the Council to consider. • Leugers, Jerome
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
Planning Commission Appointment
February 19, 2025
None.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal Area E – Strengthen Community Engagement and Transparency
POLICY FOCUS
The Council is not obligated to appoint candidates presented 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.
Staff will continue recruitment for Committees with ongoing vacancies.
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 1,400 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 Applicants
2. Commission and Committee Roster
Planning Commission Appointment
February 19, 2025
4. Resolution No. 24-27 Governing Committees)