STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:
February 10, 2026
INTERVIEWS
6 SUBJECT: INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Interview the five applicants and appoint two residents to the Design Review Board/Board of Adjustment for two-year terms beginning April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2028.
SUMMARY OF THE MATTER
The Design Review Board/Board of Adjustment is a five-member body appointed by the City Council to evaluate new one- or two-unit residential projects, or additions thereto, for compliance with the General Plan, Zoning Code, City-adopted design guidelines, and general neighborhood compatibility; and may also consider granting a variance from provision(s) of the zoning code if warranted. Board members are compensated in the amount of $392.00 per month. The Board meets generally on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 5:00 p.m. and may, from time-to-time, hold a special meeting depending on the volume of pending applications.
A substantial time commitment of approximately 10 hours per week is necessary to be a Board member. In addition to the bi-monthly meetings, Board members are expected to visit each project site as well as affected neighboring properties and to review project plans prior to the meeting. The Board acts on an average of 10 items per meeting. It is desirable to have or be able to acquire certain skills or aptitudes, such as the ability to understand and conceptualize architectural drawings, and to visualize building mass and volumes based upon on-site staking plans. Experience in the building trades, architecture, historic preservation, landscaping, planning and/or real estate would be an asset.
DISCUSSION
On March 31, 2026, the terms of two Design Review Board/Board of Adjustment members will expire: Jessica Gannon and Mary Jo "MJ" Coveny. For the two openings, there are five applicants:
(1) MJ Coveny (Incumbent)
(2) Howard Englander
(3) Christopher Moore
(4) Debbie Neev
(5) Allison Sebek
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
The recommended action has no financial impact to the budget.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The recommended action has no environmental impact.
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
February 10, 2026
ATTACHMENTS
1. Applications (Pgs. 3-15)
Submitted By: Ann Marie McKay Approved: .David A Kiff
Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk Dave Kiff, City Manager
Report Prepared By: Coordinated With:
Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk Bill Rodrigues, DRB Staff Liaison