Joint Special Council/BFPD
01/20/26 06:15 PM
City Clerk / Records
Maribel Hernandez
Appointment
Doc ID: 6261
AGENDA ITEM
AGENDA MATTER:
PLANNING COMMISSION VACANCY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
At the City Council meeting held on October 21, 2025, staff informed the City Council that one (1) Planning Commission seat would become vacant effective December 31, 2025. The City Council directed staff to advertise the vacancy and begin accepting applications. Council Members Rose and Hernandez, along with the Assistant City Manager and the Director of Community Development, participated in the interview process and will provide their recommendation to the City Council for appointment of the new Planning Commission member.
DISCUSSION:
Pursuant to Section 2.24.035 of the Barstow Municipal Code, Planning Commission members are appointed by the City Council following notification of vacancies or expiring terms. Upon being informed of the upcoming vacancy at the October 21, 2025 City Council meeting, the City Council directed staff to publicly announce the vacancy and formed a Selection Committee consisting of two Council Members to assist with the interview process and forward a recommendation to the City Council for consideration and approval.
Staff received eight (8) applications, and interviews were conducted by the Selection Committee on December 8 and December 11, 2025. Following a thorough discussion, the Selection Committee recommends Richard Bremen for the City Council’s consideration.
Mr. Richard Bremen has been a resident of Barstow for over 50 years and brings extensive professional experience to the role. He previously served as Head of the Production Management Department at the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB), where his responsibilities included production planning and scheduling. Mr. Bremen is also a veteran of the United States Air Force and offers strong leadership and organizational experience relevant to Planning Commission service.
Upon City Council approval, the newly appointed Commissioner will be administered the oath of office at an upcoming regular Planning Commission meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1. That the City Council appoint Richard Bremen to the Planning Commission for a Four-Year term, expiring December 31, 2029; and
2. That the City Council appoint Andrew Ziemer and Marilyn D. Kruse as alternates, pending the Municipal Code update.