Item No. 10
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – REGULAR AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: CHRISTABEL SORIA MENDOZA, MANAGEMENT ANALYST I
DATE: FEBRUARY 18, 2026
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION AND POTENTIAL REMOVAL OF
ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS COMMITTEE MEMBER
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council review, discuss, and consider the removal of recently appointed Committee Member Sophia Tang from the Environmental Programs Committee.
BACKGROUND
In July 2025, the City Council appointed Committee Member Tang to serve on the Environmental Programs Committee (EPC). Member Tang attended the initial meeting following appointment but has since accumulated three (3) consecutive unexcused absences.
ANALYSIS
Following each unexcused absence, staff reached out to Member Tang to confirm whether there were any barriers to participation and to offer support if needed. Despite multiple attempts to make contact, staff has not received a response.
The Committee resolution states that “Committee Members who intend to be absent from a meeting shall alert the chairperson and/or staff person assigned. The Chairperson shall state during the meeting, under roll call whether the member is excused (notification was given) or absent (no notification was given). Unexcused absences of members, other than City Council Members, from two or more consecutively scheduled meetings shall result in the automatic vacation of the member’s office.....City Council has the authority to override this rule based on the information received.”
As of this report, no communication has been received from Member Tang.
The EPC currently consists of a full body, including one (1) member who participates remotely. If Council proceeds with removal, the Committee will be reduced to four (4) members. Staff would then initiate recruitment efforts to fill this and any other existing committee vacancies.
CONCLUSION
Consistent participation is essential to maintaining the effectiveness, quorum, and continuity of advisory bodies. Given the consecutive unexcused absences and lack of communication despite staff outreach, the matter is brought forward for City Council consideration in accordance with the Committee’s adopted attendance policy.
POLICY FOCUS
This item supports the Council’s goals by ensuring that appointed advisory bodies remain active, engaged, and compliant with adopted policies and procedures.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal 6 – Build Community & Promote Civic Participation
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.
ATTACHMENTS
None.