City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: MAY 7, 2023 FILLIN "DATE" \* MERGEFORMAT FROM: CITY CLERK’S OFFICE WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS ISSUES:
Appoint Kevin Dawson to the Park and Recreation Commission Ward 2 seat, Barry Johnson to the Park and Recreation Commission Ward 7 seat, Bobby M. Garcia to the Community Police Review Commission Ward 5 seat, and file resignations of Mark DeBus from the Commission on Aging Ward 3 seat, and Rakel Y. Engles from the Park and Recreation Commission Ward 7 seat.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the Mayor and City Council:
Appoint Kevin Dawson to the Park and Recreation Commission Ward 2 seat for a term through March 1, 2027; Appoint Barry Johnson to the Park and Recreation Commission Ward 7 seat for a term through March 1, 2025; Appoint Bobby M. Garcia to the Community Police Review Commission Ward 5 seat for a term through March 1, 2028; File resignation of Mark DeBus from the Commission on Aging Ward 3 seat; and File resignation of Rakel Y. Engles from the Park and Recreation Commission Ward 7 seat, effective immediately.
BACKGROUND:
Riverside City Charter Section 802 provides that each board and commission have one representative from each Council Ward.
Pursuant to Resolution 24076, Section XIV (A), Councilmember Cervantes recommends that the City Council appoint Kevin Dawson to the Park and Recreation Commission Ward 2 seat for a term through March 1, 2027.
Councilmember Hemenway recommends that the City Council appoint Barry Johnson to the Park and Recreation Commission Ward 7 seat for a term through March 1, 2025.
Councilmember Mill recommends that the City Council appoint Bobby M. Garcia to the Community Police Review Commission Ward 5 seat for a term through March 1, 2028.
On April 15, 2024, the City Clerk’s Office received resignations from Mark DeBus and Rakel Y. Engles. Mr. DeBus held the Ward 3 seat on the Commission on Aging. His term expires on March 1, 2028. Ms. Engles held the Ward 7 seat on the Park and Recreation Commission. Her term expires on March 1, 2025.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
The Mayor and City Council process for filing a board/commission member vacancy contributes to the City Council’s Envision 2025 Strategic Plan Priority and Goal:
High Performing Government - Provide world-class public service that is efficient, accessible, and responsive to all, and the following goal:
Goal 5.3 - Enhance communication and collaboration with community members to improve transparency, build public trust, and encourage shared decision-making.
The board/commission resignation and appointment process for filling a vacancy aligns with the 5 Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
1. Community Trust and 2. Equity - Riverside is transparent in providing timely notification when vacancies occur to provide opportunities for residents interested in community engagement and involvement on the City Boards and Commissions.
3. Fiscal Responsibility - Riverside is a prudent steward of public funds and ensures responsible management of the City’s financial resources. The City Clerk’s Office annual budget includes funding to support and maintain Board and Commission operations administration.
4. Innovation - Board and Commission appointments allow new members to bring innovative ideas to meet the community’s changing needs and prepare for the future through collaborative partnerships and adaptive processes.
5. Sustainability & Resiliency - Riverside is committed to meeting the present needs without compromising the needs of the future and ensuring the City’s capacity to preserve, adapt and grow during fluctuating times are met. The City is prepared to fill vacancies due to unforeseen resignations by keeping an active pool of applicants.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Recruitment and appointment costs are included annually in the City Clerk’s budget.
Prepared by: Donesia Gause, City Clerk
Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
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