Item No. 6
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: NOVEMBER 19, 2025
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF AN APPOINTMENT TO THE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS COMMITTEE AND PLANNING
COMMISSION
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council review and consider appointing one applicant for a vacancy on the Environmental Programs Committee (EPC) to a term expiring on June 30, 2029, and one applicant to the Planning Commission to a term expiring on June 30, 2026.
BACKGROUND
Environmental Programs Committee (1)
Staff conducts continuous recruitments for vacant seats on Town Committees. The EPC has had vacant seats since July 2024. The Council appointed Sophia Tang to a term expiring June 30, 2028, at the July Regular Meeting and Sriram Iyer to a term expiring on June 30, 2027, at the October Regular Meeting, leaving the committee with one (1) vacant seat. If the Council makes an appointment at tonight's meeting, the committee will be fully staffed.
The Council has one applicant for consideration to fill a term expiring on June 30, 2029. The candidate is Alyson Blume, who applied on November 3, 2025.
Planning Commission (1)
Eric Lane was appointed to the City Council at the October 1, 2025, Council Study Session, vacating his seat on the Planning Commission. Staff conducted a recruitment to fill the vacant seat with a term expiring on June 30, 2026.
There are two (2) applicants for consideration to fill a term expiring on June 30, 2026. • Steve Seabolt
• Peter Carson
EPC and PC Appointment
NOVEMBER 19, 2025
Appointment Process
There is one (1) applicant for one vacant seat on the EPC and two (2) applicants for one vacant seat on the Planning Commission. The City Council should announce the term for which an appointment is being considered, then make a motion to appoint a candidate. The City Clerk can assist with voting sheets if desired and voting shall continue until an applicant is selected for the available terms. 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
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal D - Be Forward Thinking
• Goal F - Build Community & Promote Civic Engagement
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 EPC and PC Appointment
NOVEMBER 19, 2025
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