DATE: March 2, 2026
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Stefan Chatwin, City Manager
FROM: Priscilla Schaus, Communications Director/City Clerk DEPARTMENT: Communications/City Clerk
SUBJECT: APPOINTMENT OF ONE MEMBER TO A PARTIAL TERM ON
THE CITIZENS SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council by Minute Order, appoint one (1) member to a partial term from September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2027 on the Citizens Sustainability Advisory Committee (CSAC).
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
CSAC is a seven-member committee that focuses on sustainability issues facing Foster City regarding environmental, economic, or social sustainability. On November 4, 2025, staff received a resignation notice from one member.
A Notice of Vacancy to fill the partial term on CSAC was advertised in the local newspapers, posted, and displayed on the City's website and FCTV for five (5) weeks.
Resident Akshay Lal (youth applicant) submitted an application to the CSAC by the established deadline. Interviews and appointments to the committee were put on hold until after a discussion of Citizen Advisory Committees at the 2026 City Council Annual Retreat.
At the February 10, 2026, City Council Annual Retreat, City Council reviewed the current committee appointment process and agreed to hold a Special Meeting for committee interviews moving forward instead of holding committee interviews during a Regular City Council meeting. However, given that there is only one applicant for one
CSAC vacancy, it is recommended that the City Council appoint Akshay Lal to the CSAC without conducting the interview. The City Manager proposed this option to the Council during City Manager updates at the February 17 Council meeting, and asked City Councilmember to let him know if they had any issues with this process. With this appointment, the committee will have a full complement.
California Environmental Quality Act
Not Applicable
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with these committee appointments.
CITY COUNCIL VISION, MISSION, AND VALUE/PRIORITY AREA
City Council Operations and Improved Community Engagement ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 – Press Release
Attachment 2 – Citizens Sustainability Advisory Committee Application