Agenda Report
September 12, 2022
TO: HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CITY COUNCIL AD HOC COMMITTEE - MAYOR GORDO,
COUNCILMEMBERS HAMPTON, MADISON, AND RIVAS
SUBJECT: CITY COUNCIL AD HOC COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
REGARDING THE APPOINTMENT AND INTERVIEW PROCESS
FOR THE CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 3 VACANCY
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Find that this action is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with Section 15061 (b)(3), the "common sense" exemption that CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment; and
2. Adopt a framework for the upcoming City Council interview and appointment process to fill the District 3 vacancy.
BACKGROUND:
On September 2, 2022, an ad hoc committee of Mayor Gordo and Councilmembers Hampton, Madison, and Rivas met to discuss the appointment process for filling the City Council District 3 vacancy created by the passing of Councilmember John J. Kennedy.
The committee reviewed information on prior vacancy appointment processes and considered adjustments that might improve on past efforts.
Framework for Interviews
Following discussion, the committee agreed that the following framework would provide benefit to the interview process to fill the District 3 seat:
• Applicants provide 5-7 minute for an introduction and overview on background, qualifications, and involvement in City and District 3 issues • Applicants answer a set number of questions
• Each Councilmember receives up to 3 additional minutes to ask unscripted questions
MEETING OF __ o_9_/_l_2_f_2_2_ 19 AGENDA ITEM NO. ____ _ City Council Ad Hoc Committee Recommendation Regarding the Appointment and Interview Process for the City Council District 3 Vacancy September 12, 2022
Interviews Conducted At Public Meeting on Thursday, September 29, 2022 Following a query on availability, the full City Council confirmed its availability to attend a special meeting on Thursday, September 29, 2022, starting at 5:00 p.m. The meeting agenda will have the singular issue of the interview and appointment process for the Council District 3 vacancy.
The ad hoc committee also discussed the issue of members of the City Council meeting one-on-one with applicants. The committee's four members unanimously agreed not to meet with applicants outside the public interview process. This approach was also strongly recommended to the remaining Councilmembers. If meetings have already occurred, or occur in the future, Councilmembers are asked to publicly disclose those meetings at the special meeting on September 29, 2022, prior to interviews, as a matter of transparency.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) provides a "common sense" exemption to environmental review that CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to review. The action proposed herein, adoption of a framework for the upcoming interviews and appointment process to fill the City Council District 3 vacancy, does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the proposed action.
Respectfully submitted,
Victor M. Gordo
Mayor of Pasadena