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July 22, 2025
ITEM TITLE
Interviews and Consideration of Appointment to Fill One At-Large Vacancy on the Planning Commission
Report Number: 25-0201
Location: No specific location
Department: City Clerk
G.C. § 84308: No
Environmental Notice : The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines. Therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Conduct interviews of the nominees to fill one vacancy for an at-large seat on the Planning Commission and make the appointment as appropriate.
The following applicants will be interviewed: Judy Alvarez-Gallardo, Tim P. Jones, and Janet Knowlton. (James Smyth was nominated for interview but has withdrawn his application.)
SUMMARY
On July 8, 2025, the City Council nominated four qualified applicants to be invited to interview on July 22, 2025, to fill one vacancy on the Planning Commission for an at-large seat. One applicant, James Smyth, withdrew his application, leaving three remaining nominees to be interviewed. Following the interviews, the City Council may deliberate and consider making an appointment to fill the vacancy.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that this activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change to the environment.
Therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
Thus, no environmental review is required
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DISCUSSION
A member of the Planning Commission, Krista Burroughs, has served the maximum number of consecutive terms allowed, effective June 30, 2025, resulting in one vacancy for an at-large seat. Planning Commissioners are appointed in accordance with the full Council interview appointment process specified in Chula Vista Municipal Code (CVMC) Section 2.25.052(B), which incorporates CVMC Chapter 2.53 processes.
Nominations for interviews from the five qualified applications received during the application period were made on July 8, 2025, in accordance with CVMC Section 2.53.040. The four nominated applicants were invited to interview. One applicant, James Smyth, withdrew his application, leaving three remaining nominees to be interviewed, listed below.
The current Planning Commission roster has been provided as Attachment 1. The applications for the nominees are provided in Attachment 2.
Nominees:
1. Judy Alvarez-Gallardo
2. Tim P. Jones
3. Janet Knowlton
Following the interviews, the City Council may deliberate and consider making an appointment to fill the vacancy. The affirmative votes of at least three City Councilmembers are required for appointment.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decis ion contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site -specific, and consequently, the 500-foot rule found in California Code of Regulations Title 2, section 18702.2(a)(11), is not applicable to this decision for purposes of determining a d isqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.). Staff is not independently aware and have not been informed by any City Councilmember of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
This item will have no impact on the general fund.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Roster
2. Application packet
Staff Contacts:
Karina Lafarga, Deputy City Clerk Audrey Malone, Deputy Director, City Clerk Services Kerry K. Bigelow, MMC, City Clerk