Item No. 9
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – REGULAR AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: ANTHONY SUBER, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER/ CITY CLERK
DATE: JULY 16, 2025
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF AN APPOINTMENT TO THE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATION
Review one applicant for a vacancy on the Environmental Programs Committee (EPC). There presently 3 vacant seats eligible for appointment. The term expiration dates are June 30, 2027, June 30, 2028, and June 30, 2029.
BACKGROUND
Staff conducts continuous recruitments for vacant seats on Town Committees. The EPC has had one vacant seat since July 2024, another since February 2025, and received a resignation from Chair Farrell effective after the July 17, 2025, meeting. Without the appointment of the applicant the EPC will be unable to meet for lack of a quorum.
The EPC has one applicant for consideration that could fill a term of either June 30, 2027, June 30, 2028, or June 30, 2029.
The candidate is Sophia Tang, who applied on July 7, 2025. She expressed interest in filling the term expiring in June 2028.
Appointment Process
There is one applicant for three (3) vacant seats. It is recommended that the Council consider appointment to the Committee by making a motion for the applicant and the specific term and the City Clerk will conduct a roll call vote. If the candidate receives a majority vote the seat will be filled. If the candidate does not receive a majority vote the Council can direct staff to continue recruitment for the vacant seat.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
EPC Appointment
JULY 16, 2025
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal D - Be Forward Thinking
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 can gather public input on issues 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. Committee and Commission Roster