Item No. 12
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: SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF APPLICANTS AND APPOINTMENTS TO
VARIOUS TOWN COMMITTEES AND PLANNING COMMISSION
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council review the applicants for the Town Committees and Planning Commission and make appointments to fill vacant positions. • Appoint one (1) applicant to the Audit and Finance Committee to fill one (1) term expiring on June 30, 2027;
• Appoint one (1) applicant to the Environmental Programs Committee to fill a one (1) term expiring on June 30, 2030;
• Appoint one (1) applicant to the Planning Commission to fill one (1) term expiring on June 30, 2027
• Appoint one (1) applicant to the Transportation, Bicycle, and Pedestrian Safety Committee expiring on June 30, 2027
BACKGROUND
A recruitment was conducted for the following vacancies:
1. Audit/Finance Committee (1 Vacancy)
2. Environmental Programs Committee (1 Vacancy)
3. Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee (1 Vacancy)
4. Planning Commission (1 Vacancy)
The current vacancies are the result of unfilled seats from the annual Committee and Commission recruitment and mid-term vacancies. All committee members eligible for reapplication and candidates from recent prior recruitments were contacted. Recruitments have been on-going with reoccurring messages across various Town of Atherton channels including; advertising across social media platforms, and digital news outlets, Marsh public notices board, and Atherton Library notice board.
Committee and Commissions Appointments
JUNE 18, 2025
Audit and Finance Committee (1)
The Audit and Finance Committee has one (1) vacancies to fill a mid-term vacancy with a term expiring on June 30, 2027. Any candidate would be eligible to apply for reappointment when this term expires and that would be considered their first full-term.
There are two (2) applicants for Council consideration:
• Walker, Ann Yvonne
• Levison, Sandy
Environmental Programs Committee (1)
The Environmental Programs Committee (EPC) has one (1) vacancy for a term expiring on June 30, 2030.
There is one (1) applicant for Council consideration:
• LaToya Jackson
Transportation, Bicycle, and Pedestrian Safety Committee (1) The Transportation, Bicycle, and Pedestrian Safety Committee has one (1) vacancy to fill a midterm vacancy with a term expiring on June 30, 2027. Any candidate would be eligible to apply for reappointment when this term expires and that would be considered their first full-term There are currently no applicants for this vacancy and recruitment is ongoing.
Planning Commission (1)
The Planning Commission has one (1) vacancy to fill a mid-term vacancy with a term expiring on June 30, 2027. Any candidate would be eligible to apply for reappointment when this term expires and that would be considered their first full-term
There are currently no applicants for this vacancy and recruitment is ongoing.
Appointment Process
It is recommended that the Council consider appointments to the longest term first for each vacancy where possible. The City Council should announce the term for which an appointment is being considered and then vote for the particular candidate for that term. The City Clerk shall assist with voting sheets and voting shall continue until an applicant is selected for the particular term.
FISCAL IMPACT
Committee and Commissions Appointments
JUNE 18, 2025
None.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal F - Build Community & Promote Civic Engagement
• 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 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 1,200 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 Applicants
2. Committee and Commission Roster