CITY OF MENIFEE
SUBJECT: City of Menifee District 2 Vacancy – Applicant Forum MEETING DATE: January 15, 2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
PREPARED BY: Stephanie Roseen, City Clerk
REVIEWED BY: Stephanie Roseen, City Clerk
APPROVED BY: Armando G. Villa, City Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Facilitate an opportunity for District 2 City Council applicants to present themselves and address the City Council as part of the appointment process established by the City Council.
DISCUSSION
On December 17, 2024, staff brought forward a staff report outlining the options for the City Council to fill the vacancy for District 2 created by the election of Ricky Estrada as Mayor. Those options included holding a special election on November 4, 2025, appointing an eligible resident from District 2, or adopt an ordinance for a temporary appointment of a District 2 resident to the City Council and a special election. The City Council voted to move forward with an appointment process to fill the vacancy.
The appointment process discussed by the City Council involved a request for interested individuals to submit a Statement of Interest to the City. Additionally, City Councilmembers provided staff with questions to be consolidated for a question-and-answer forum.
The City advertised the vacancy of District 2 on December 23, 2024 with a due date set for the Statement of Interests on January 7, 2025 by 5:00 PM. At the end of the application period the City received nine submittals. Applicants’ submittals are attached for Council’s consideration. In the interest of privacy, addresses, phone numbers, and emails have been redacted from applications. The City Clerk has reviewed the minimum qualifications for the applicants have been met and all are registered voters within District 2 of the City of Menifee.
Statements of Interest were received by the following applicants: Altie Holcomb, Barbara Brohl, Ben Diederich, George Mills, Jeffrie White, Joe Long, Laz Peterson, Richard Sierra, and Thomas Fuhrman.
During this special meeting, each applicant will be provided three minutes to address the City Council on the questions that were published and incorporated into the Statement of Interest.
City of Menifee Staff Report
District 2 Vacancy
January 15, 2025
2 5
1 5
The questions are as follows:
1. Why do you want to represent District 2, and what unique goals would you bring to the Council?
2. Can you share examples of your past or current involvement in the community and how you would continue to engage with residents?
3. What are the top three issues facing Menifee residents, and what specific improvements or mitigation efforts do you believe are needed?
4. What do you envision Menifee’s “Unique Identity” to be?
5. What is your perspective on the growth Menifee has experienced?
6. What role should the city play in attracting businesses and amenities, and how should the infrastructure to support these developments be funded?
7. A recent Channel 5 News report stated that nearly 80% of renters in Menifee are rent burdened, making Menifee one of the most impacted in the state. Would you support the development of more diverse housing options to address this issue? During the beginning of the meeting, the City Clerk will conduct a random draw to determine the order in which the applicants will address the City Council.
The City Council may ask follow-up questions following the applicants’ presentation to help provide clarity on the answers provided.
Discussion and consideration of appointment to the vacancy is scheduled during the 6:00 PM regular meeting on January 15, 2025.
STRATEGIC PLAN OBJECTIVE
Regular City Business
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Altie Holcomb Statement of Interest
2. Barbara Brohl Statement of Interest
3. Ben Diederich Statement of Interest
4. George Mills Statement of Interest
5. Jeffrie White Statement of Interest
6. Joe Long Statement of Interest
7. Laz Peterson Statement of Interest
8. Richard Sierra Statement of Interest
9. Thomas Fuhrman Statement of Interest