City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: April 13, 2026
Report #:2603-6188
TITLE
Appointment of 2026 Emergency Standby Council
RECOMMENDATION
City Council approve the selection of the following former Councilmember to serve as a member of the 2026 Emergency Standby Council:
Hillary Freeman
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the March 9, 2026 meeting, the City Council approved a slate of seven former Councilmembers, including Tom DuBois. Subsequent to Council approval, Mr. DuBois notified the City that he is no longer a resident of the City of Palo Alto and is therefore no longer eligible to serve on the Emergency Standby Council per the residency requirement.
Mayor Veenker has identified Hillary Freeman, a former Councilmember, who has confirmed her interest, availability, and eligibility to serve, including meeting the residency requirement and will be required to file any conflicts of interest. This approval is for her appointment to fill the vacancy to complete the seven-member emergency standby council:
Alison Cormack
Peter Drekmeier
Eric Filseth
Hillary Freeman*
Karen Holman
Liz Kniss
Greg Scharff
BACKGROUND
The Charter of the City of Palo Alto provides that, "the Council may, by Ordinance or Resolution, provide for the preservation and continuation of government in the event of disaster which renders unavailable a majority of the Council."
On August 7, 2006, the City Council adopted amendments to Section 2.12.090 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code regarding the selection procedure for the City's Emergency Standby Council.
The adopted policy states that the Council shall consider the following criteria for appointments to the Emergency Standby Council: residency in the City of Palo Alto, availability, interest in serving, and a lack of conflicts of interest.
Seven members serve on the Emergency Standby Council. Members of the Standby Council have the authority delegated to them under Chapter 2.12 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code and continue to serve until the Council appoints or reappoints members at the beginning of each year.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is not a project.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
APPROVED BY:
Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk