CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
December 2, 2024
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Anita D. Scott, City Manager
Submitted By: Beverly Johnson, Neighborhood Services Director SUBJECT: RECOMMEND THE REMOVAL OF COMMISSIONER AVA PHILLIPS FROM THE COMMUNITY LIFE COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council take the following action:
Remove District 5 Appointee, Commissioner Ava Phillips, from the Community Life Commission, based on three (3) or more absences (excused/unexcused) within a twelve (12) month period.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On October 22, 2024, the Community Life Commission (CLC) reviewed Commissioner Ava Phillips's attendance record. Per the CLC's bylaws, based on the commissioner's number of absences, the majority of the votes were to recommend to the City Council the removal of Commissioner Phillips from the CLC as the appointee of District Five (5).
SB1439/GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLICABILITY:
☐ When this box is checked, it indicates the agenda item is subject to the Levine Act SB1439 requirements. Councilmembers are reminded to check their campaign contributions and determine whether they have received a campaign contribution of $250 or more that would require disclosure and/or recusal from discussing or acting on this agenda item. Campaign contributions of $250 or more made 1) by any person or entity who is identified in the agenda report as the applicant or proposer or 2) on behalf of the applicant or participant, including a parent, subsidiary or otherwise Second Reading And Adoption Of An Ordinance Amending The Historic Overlay Of The Zoning Map Page 2 of 3 – November 18, 2024 related business entity, or 3) by any person who has a financial interest in the agenda item requires a councilmember to comply with SB1439.
DISCUSSION:
Commissioner Ava Phillips was appointed to the Community Life Commission by Council member Steve Lustro in April 2023. Her term ends in December 2026. In reviewing Ms. Phillip’s attendance during 2024, it was found that she was absent from three (3) Community Life Commission meetings. These absences occurred on July 23, 2024 (Excused), August 27, 2024 (Excused), and September 24, 2024 (Excused).
On June 21, 2021, Pomona City Council adopted the Standard By-laws of all City Boards, Commissions, and Committees. Based on Sec. B-5, subsection 2, if a Commissioner has three (3) absences (excused or unexcused) within a twelve (12) month period, the Secretary shall place on the Commission Agenda the recommendation to City Council to remove the Commissioner. If the Commission votes to recommend the removal of the Commissioner, the Commission’s recommendation should be placed on the City Council’s agenda.
On October 22, 2024, the CLC took formal action to begin the process of removing Ms. Phillips from her position as a CLC Commissioner. A vote was taken and carried 4-1. This action is reflected in the CLC October DRAFT Minutes (Attachment No. 1).
The members of the Community Life Commission respectfully request that the City Council consider their recommendation and vote to remove District 5 Appointee, Commissioner Ava Phillips, from the Community Life Commission, based on her numerous absences (excused/unexcused) and lack of participation in CLC meetings.
COUNCIL PRIORITIES & GOALS:
This item supports the 2019-20 City Council Priority 1: Fiscal and Operational Responsibility – Goal D: Support City Commissions and ensure alignment between City Council goals and Commission activities.
Prepared by:
_____________________________
Tracy Byl
Management Analyst
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment No.1 – CLC Regular Minutes (DRAFT ONLY) – October 22, 2024 Authorization for the Removal of a Commissioner