City of Gonzales
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: May 19, 2025
FROM: Taven Kinison Brown, Community Development Director THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2025-20 Reappointment of Planning Commissioners Gloria Velasquez, Tencia Vargas, and Adrian Paco
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 2025-20, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales approving the reappointment of Gloria Velasquez, Tencia Vargas and Adrian Paco to the Gonzales Planning Commission and setting the term of the commissioners to expire four (4) years from their current term ending date.
BACKGROUND
The terms of three current Planning Commissioners expired on April 3, 2025, and May 3, 2025. Chapter
12.04 of the Gonzales City Code describes the process for filling vacant positions that occur on the Commission. This report describes that process and presents a recommendation to the City Council for filling the current vacancies.
REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
Section 12.04.130(A) of the Gonzales City Code states that all vacancies or expired terms of Commission members shall be nominated by the Mayor and appointed thereafter by approval of a majority of the members of the City Council. Commission members shall be appointed for a term of four years. However, if a vacancy occurs other than by expiration of term, it shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired portion of the term.
AGENDA
ITEM
17 Commissioner Gloria Velasquez was appointed to the Gonzales Planning Commission in March of 2011, and re-appointed on April 17, 2017, and May 3, 2021. Commissioner Gloria Velasquez’s last four-year term expired April 3, 2025. Commissioner Tencia Vargas was appointed to the Gonzales Planning Commission on May 9, 2022. Commissioner Tencia Vargas’s term expired May 3, 2025. Commissioner Adrian Paco was appointed to the Gonzales Planning Commission on May 3, 2021. Commissioner Adrian Paco’s four-year term expired May 3, 2025.
Notwithstanding, prior to their expiration of terms, each Commissioner sent an email correspondence to the Director indicating a desire to be considered by the Council for reappointment to the Planning Commission. The Director recommends the City Council reappoint each of the three Commissioners to the Planning Commission.
How Recommendation Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small-town charm.
Explain: Having a full complement of Planning Commissioners (five of them) will allow the City to consider future projects that will allow the City to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and retain its small-town charm.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment, and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community.
Explain: Reappointing the Commissioners to the Planning Commission will ensure that the City continues to operate in a manner that will facilitate the City’s vision and goals.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful and friendly manner to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Explain: See above.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety Yes No X N/A
• Housing Yes No X N/A
• Recreation Yes No X N/A
• Environment Yes No X N/A
• Education Yes No X N/A
Explain: See above.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council could choose not to reconsider and appoint one or all three incumbent commissioners and then re-open the position to the public to find new candidates. Such reconsideration could potentially affect the City gathering a quorum of commissioners in the meanwhile to conduct City Planning Commission business before new appointments have been made.
BUDGET IMPACT
Each Planning Commissioner is given a $50 stipend for each meeting attended. Therefore, the City will spend $250 per month on five Commissioners.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 2025-20, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales approving the reappointment of Gloria Velasquez, Tencia Vargas and Adrian Paco to the Gonzales Planning Commission and setting the term of the commissioners to expire four (4) years from their current term ending date.
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 2025-20