CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: OCTOBER 14, 2026 CONSENT CALENDAR
SUBJECT: APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS AND
RESIGNATION ACCEPTANCE FROM THE SUSTAINABILITY
COMMISSION
FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: Brenda Pree, City Clerk
SUMMARY:
The City's boards and commissions play a critical role in the governance of the City and in the relationship between the City Council and the citizens of Palm Springs. Boards and commissions serve to assist in policy development, carry out administrative functions, offer a reservoir of experience and judgment, and enhance communication between the City and its constituents.
RECOMMENDATION:
1) Accept the resignation of Kathleen Cohn from the Sustainability Commission, effective immediately; and,
2) Appoint Fred Ross, Miguel Guevara, and Emmanuel Ramirez to the Sustainability Commission, for terms ending June 30, 2029.
3) Appoint Jose Esparza to the Building Code Board of Appeals, for a term ending June 30, 2028.
BACKGROUND:
Government Code Section 54974 (a) states, "Whenever an unscheduled vacancy occurs in any board, commission, or committee for which the legislative body has the appointing power, whether due to resignation, death, termination, or other causes, a special vacancy notice shall be posted in the office of the clerk of the local agency, on either the local agency’s Internet web site or at the library designated pursuant to Section 54973.” The Office of the City Clerk published recruitment notices for the unscheduled vacancies on the Sustainability Commission (on August 26 and September 29, 2026) and the Building Code Board of Appeals (on June 15, 2026).
City Council Staff Report
October 14, 2026 -- Page 2
Consideration of Appointments and Acceptance of Resignation from the Sustainability Commission ROSTERS:
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION:
Member – District Council Appointment Term Exp.
Donald Barrett – 5 June 24, 2021 June 30, 2027
Ken Alexanderi – 1 Dec. 14, 2023 June 30, 2029
Erin Boyd – 1 June 06, 2024 June 30, 2027
Luke Fannin – 2 June 10, 2026 June 30, 2029
Jorge Romero-Lozano – 4 June 10, 2026 June 30, 2029
Andrew Weiss – 5 June 10, 2026 June 30, 2029
David Anderson – 2 June 10, 2026 June 30, 2029
Heidi Garza – 2 June 10, 2026 June 30, 2029
VACANT (Kathleen Cohn Resigned 9/28/2026) June 30, 2029 VACANT (Bernard Rottner Resigned 7/8/2026) June 30, 2029 VACANT (Michael Frick Resigned 6/30/2026) June 30, 2029 BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APPEALS:
Member – District Council Appointment Term Exp.
Thomas Laurita – 2 September 25, 2025 June 30, 2028
Scott Schwartz – 2 September 25, 2025 June 30, 2028
VACANT (Jorge Romero-Lozano Resigned 6/2/2026) June 30, 2028 FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
REVIEWED BY:
Department Director: Brenda Pree
City Manager: Scott Stiles
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Sustainability Commission Resignation from Kathleen Cohn B. Sustainability Commission Application List
C. Building Code Board of Appeals Application List