TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Philippe Eskandar, City Manager
BY: Alison Walker, City Clerk
DATE: May 14, 2025
SUBJECT: APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO CITY OF SAN MARINO
DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE ADVISORY BODY
STRATEGIC PLAN CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS
Engaged and Connected Residents
Efficient, Responsive, and Effective City Services
Fiscally Responsible and Transparent City Government
BACKGROUND
The City Council has established a number of advisory bodies which assist the City Council with a variety of issues, needs, and concerns. The City Council appoints Council Members to act as a delegate and alternate (“Council Liaisons”) to each of the advisory bodies. These Council Liaisons determine the application review process and make recommendations to the full City Council for advisory body appointments.
City of San Marino Advisory Bodies:
• Planning Commission
• Design Review Committee
• Library Board of Trustees
• Recreation Commission
• Public Safety Commission
DISCUSSION
The Design Review Committee has three (3) terms ending in 2025; two (2) full members, and one (1) alternate member position.
Gretchen Shepherd Romey, Mayor
Tony Chou, Vice Mayor
Hunter Chang, Council Member
John Chou, Council Member
Calvin Lo, Council Member
The table below identifies the vacancies on the Design Review Committee.
Advisory Body Vacancies
Design Review Committee
Vice Mayor Chou – Delegate
Mayor Shepherd Romey – Alternate
Two (2) regular members
One (1) alternate
The City received interest from two existing members Rick Chou and Suzanne Torgeson for appointment. Rick Chou is currently serving his second term and is eligible for reappointment. Suzanne Torgeson is currently serving as an alternate member and is eligible for appointment to a full position. The Council Liaisons have concluded their review of the candidates and are making recommendations to appoint Rick Chou and Suzanne Torgeson to the Committee for two (2) year terms which are included in the recommended action below.
The Design Review Committee recruitment for the alternate position will be open until June 9, 2025. The one remaining vacancy for an alternate member will not be filled until that recruitment period ends.
FISCAL IMPACT & PROCUREMENT REVIEW
None.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney's office has reviewed and approved as to form.
RECOMMENDATION
The Council Liaisons for the Design Review Committee recommend the Council appointment of two (2) regular members, each commencing on June 1, 2025.
If Council concurs, the appropriate motions would be:
“I move to appoint Rick Chou, and Suzanne Torgeson as regular members of the Design Review Committee to serve terms ending May 31, 2027.”
ATTACHMENTS
None.