POST PACKET
PUBLIC COMMENT
THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC COMMENTS WERE
SUBMITTED AFTER THE RELEASE OF THE AGEND A
PACKET
From: Lisa Taner
To: Clerk
Subject: Planning Commmissioner Choice Tonight
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 6:27:54 AM
Dear City Council,
The City has an opportunity to get things SO right this evening. Dianne Whitaker is the far and away best choice to fill our Planning Commission vacant seat.
Dianne has proved herself to be impartial, intelligent, capable and she has the architectural background that is currently lacking on this commission.
Dianne's return to throw her hat into the ring is nothing short of an answered prayer, what with the contentious relationship the public has had with members of this commission for a number of years.
A Code of Conduct revamp is not necessary for the likes of Dianne and she would do more than bring a unique skill set and proven record back to this Commission. Seating Dianne is a step toward repairing relationships
between the City and its residents, who are seeking calm, level-headed, approachable representatives.
Thank you for your consideration.
Lisa Taner
From: LOUISE BEKINS
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Planning Commision Appointment
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 8:54:41 AM
Dear City Council Subcommittee members
This is to request that you appoint Diane Whitaker to the Planning Commission. She is very knowledgeable, with a proven high standard track record. We need her.
Many thanks,
Louise Bekins
San Mateo
From: joanne bennett
To: Clerk
Subject: Planning Commission Vacancy - Please Consider Dianne Whitaker Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 3:21:04 PM
To Whom It May Concern:
Please take into serious consideration the appointment of Dianne Whitaker to the Planning Commission.
Dianne previously was on the Planning Commision several years ago. Dianne has also been a longtime board member of Hancsm (Home Association of North Central San Mateo). It is thru this organization that I have come to personally know Dianne.
I highly recommend selecting Dianne to a position on the Planning Commission.
She has always
demonstrated a fair and balanced approached while formerly on the Planning Commission and would go above and beyond asking the tough questions in regards to Planning decisions.
Thank you,
Joanne Bennett
San Mateo Resident
From: Jan Busa
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: In support of Dianne Whitaker for Planning Commission vacancy Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 11:49:45 AM
Dear City Council Planning Commission Appointment Subcommittee Members, I was delighted to hear that Dianne Whitaker has applied to fill the Planning Commission vacancy. What a great candidate! She is an architect, former Planning Commission member and longtime San Mateo civic volunteer, whom I have long admired. Dianne will bring a nice balance to the group as it works to make the best decisions for the future of San Mateo.
Thanks for considering my input.
Best,
Jan Busa
From: Ruthmary Cradler
To: City Council (San Mateo); Clerk
Subject: Planning Commission Opening--- Dianne Whitaker Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 1:45:33 PM
Dear Mayor Nash, and City Council Members:
We are writing in support of Dianne Whitaker for the vacancy on the Planning Commission.
Dianne brings a set of skills that we need in our City governance and policy setting commissions.
Specifically to the Planning Commission, she:
Is a professional architect, thereby understands design and construction. Clearly important for the Commission;
Understands the nuances of planning, such as when one decision is made, that it has impact on other decisions;
Has the ability to work with the diverse agencies and levels of government that are part of our community—State, County and Local as well as Bay Regional; Is respected by our City Hall staff;
Has excellent communication skills with both the lay and professional public.
We have many issues facing our community, such as CalTrans traffic corridors, balance of new homes vs business, City infrastructure, to name a few.
Sometimes, to the lay person, a
solution to a problem seems obvious, but when you bring various experts together, you may find the solution just isn’t pragmatic or economically viable.
Dianne always asks the
questions to ensure all aspects and points of view are considered.
She is a team builder and a team player. And as a former Commissioner, she has the experience and knowledge of the history of development in our community to serve us well.
We cannot recommend her more highly, and we are asking for your support of Dianne Whitaker for Planning Commission.
Thank you
Sincerely,
Ruthmary Cradler
John Cradler
From: Ronnie Eaton
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Dianne Whitaker
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 2:17:02 PM
Good afternoon,
I urge you to select Ms. Whitaker for a place on the Planning Commission. She is experienced in the work of the commission, having served previously as a Planning Commissioner. She is also an architect, a profession that provides her the background and skill to fully and fairly evaluate matters that come before the commission.
Thank you,
Ronnie K. Eaton
From: MAUREEN FRESCHET
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Planning Commission appointment
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 11:58:11 AM
Dear Honorable Members of the Council,
It is my understanding that this evening you will meet to review candidates for an open seat on the Planning Commission. I am writing to strongly urge you to appoint former Planning Commissioner, Diane Whitaker.
I worked closely with Diane while I was a member of the Planning Commission and later as a member of the City Council. I have always been impressed with Diane's vast knowledge of architecture and planning, her understanding of our community and our goals, the historical perspective that she brought to the table, and her openness to hearing input from the public.
Diane is highly respected by our community; she is dedicated, intelligent, a critical thinker, and importantly, she never had an "agenda" influencing her decisions.
When
dealing with members of the community, she was always welcoming and civil in demeanor - a critical and necessary skill for someone whose job is to represent all of our constituencies.
Our commissioners represent our community and when making appointments, a foremost consideration should be selecting someone who is not just open-minded, but also fair-minded and a good listener.
The Council relies heavily on the recommendations brought forth by the Planning Commission and it is crucial to have diversity reflected not just in members, but in perspectives.
Diane will bring much needed civility, knowledge, and commitment to the Planning Commission. I can think of no one better to represent our community on this important commission.
Sincerely,
Maureen Freschet
From: Catherine Hart
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Dianne Whitaker
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 3:15:59 PM
Hello,
I ask you conduct a fair interview process and strongly consider such a highly qualified, fair and impartial applicant.
Thank you,
Catherine Hart
San Mateo
From: [email protected]
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Re: meeting 6/12/24 -In support of Dianne Whitaker for the Planning Commission Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 9:37:20 AM
Honorable Mayor and Council Members,
As someone who served 14 years on the Planning Commission (in the 70's and again in the 90's) I believe I have an "inside look" at what makes a good choice for the commission.
I heartily endorse Dianne Whitaker for appointment to the Planning Commission vacancy. As she has proven in the past, she will be a quietly thoughtful presence in any discussion the commission undertakes. Her long history with the city allows her to bring a useful corporate memory to issues. Her professional architect's eye is a plus.
Her long time residence and community involvement in the North Central
neighborhood is another advantage, since much of what keeps coming before the city seems to have a significant effect on that part of town.
I was thrilled when I heard that Dianne was willing to serve another term. I encourage you to take advantage of her deep qualifications and appoint her to the Planning Commission.
Karen Herrel
Hillsdale Blvd.
San Mateo
From: Laurie Hietter
To: Clerk; City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Planning Commissioners
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 10:40:49 AM
Dear Planning Commissioner Review Committee:
Dianne Whitaker is the right person for the Planning Commission. She will bring the needed expertise, balance, and objective review. Dianne is not only an experienced architect but also a small business owner who understands the needs of all of San Mateo residents, especially since she is a long-term North Central resident. Dianne is thorough and will read all materials to understand the project and make a decision that works for all of San Mateo.
Dianne will be an independent voice who is not beholden to developers and their interests. We need qualified, independent
Planning Commissioners who are not beholden to special
interests.
Please consider the voices of the people who live in San Mateo.
Thank you,
Laurie Hietter
From: Tom Huening
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Planning Commission Appointment
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 11:22:22 AM
Honorable Councilmembers,
I have had some experience with applicant Diane Whitaker and highly recommend her to fill the position on the Planning Commission.
Regards,
Tom Huening,
San Mateo
--
Spiritual Choices Publishing
Thomas Huening - Amazon
From: Shirley Melnicoe
To: City Council (San Mateo); Clerk
Subject: Dianne Whitaker for Planning Comm.
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 2:23:32 PM
Dear Council Members,
I am writing to offer my enthusiastic support for Dianne Whitaker’s candidacy for a position on the Planning Commission. As a long-time resident of our community and a seasoned architect, Dianne possesses the knowledge, experience, and dedication necessary to make significant contributions to the commission.
Diane's extensive experience in architecture provides her with a unique perspective on urban planning and development. She possesses a deep understanding of the local building codes, zoning regulations, and land use policies. This firsthand knowledge will undoubtedly prove invaluable in ensuring that any decisions made by the Planning Commission are not only in compliance with existing regulations but also aligned with the long-term vision and goals of our community.
In addition to her professional expertise and prior experience, Dianne is known for her integrity, collaborative spirit, and strong work ethic. She is someone who listens attentively, thinks critically, and communicates effectively—a true asset to any decision-making body.
I think you will find her fair and impartial which are
important attributes for this Commission.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly endorse Dianne Whitaker for a position on the Planning Commission. I am confident that she will continue to serve our community with distinction and contribute significantly to shaping its future in a positive and inclusive manner.
Thank you.
Respectfully,
Shirley Melnicoe
San Mateo Resident
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From: Thomas Morgan II
To: Clerk; City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Planning Commission Appointment Support for Dianne Whitaker Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 8:56:00 AM
Dear Mayor and City Council
I would like to express my support for Dianne Whitaker for the vacant position. Dianne is a practicing architect and brings that perspective which is under-represented on the current commission.
During her past service on the commission I always found Dianne's comments to add value to the projects brought before the commission and helped make those projects and San Mateo a better place for people living and visiting San Mateo.
I believe Dianne would strike the right balance of celebrating our past and building the future San Mateo we all strive to be a part of.
Thank you,
Thomas Morgan
From: Dana Sahae
To: City Council (San Mateo); Adam Loraine
Subject: Planning commissioner appointment
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 2:36:13 PM
Dear Council,
I'm writing this letter to urge you to appoint Dianne Whitaker to the San Mateo Planning Commission.
She has already proven herself as fair and hard-working. I believe her experience will be a tremendous benefit to the commission, and to our city.
I hope you consider this request when making your decision tonight.
Sincerely,
Dana Sahae
From: Francie
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Planning Commission
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 2:09:01 PM
Dear City Council -
I’m a resident of Central San Mateo and am encouraging you to select Dianne Whitaker for the Planning Commission. I believe she has the right combination of experience and training to be an asset to the city of San Mateo. As you are aware, she is an architect, lives in North Central and has been on the PC before. She has proven herself to be capable and is the best choice to fill our Planning Commission vacant seat.
Thank you,
Frances Souza
Sent from my iPhone
From: jill valladares
To: [email protected]
Cc: Clerk
Subject: City Council Special Meeting Agenda - Appointment Subcommittee to the Planning Comisison Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 11:28:29 AM
Dear Council Members,
I support Dianne Whitaker for the vacant seat on the commission. Dianne is very qualified as a former planning commissioner, working architect and small business owner. We need experienced and knowledgeable architects on the Planning Commission. Dianne is a North Central resident who is very familiar with our community and can relate to our needs.
I strongly endorse Dianne Whitaker.
Thank you for your consideration,
Jill Valladares
From: Michael
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Cc: Martin McTaggart
Subject: Please appoint Dianne Whitaker to the Planning Commission Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 11:11:17 AM
Dear City Council,
The City has a rare opportunity to unequivocally do the right thing tonight. Dianne Whitaker is clearly the best choice to fill our Planning Commission vacancy.
Dianne can hit the ground running, having served on the Planning Commission for years, where she was highly respected. She has proven herself impartial, intelligent, and capable, She also
possesses the architectural background that is very valuable in this role. As a resident of North Central, she will represent that neighborhood well.
Dianne would return much-needed credibility, integrity, and representation to a planning commission that has lost that in recent years.
I remind the council that your job is to select the best person for the role who will best represent the residents of San Mateo, not the one who will most likely drive your personal agenda. Representative government only works as well as the people purporting to represent its residents.
Thank you
- Michael Weinhauer
From: Connie Weiss
To: City Council (San Mateo); Zachary Dahl
Subject: City Council Special Meeting Agenda - Appointment Subcommittee to the Planning Commission Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 1:10:03 PM
Hello Mayor Diaz Nash and City Council Members,
I cannot write a more perfect email to you than what Lisa Taner has already sent (see below). Please consider her input to reflect my thoughts as well.
Thank you,
Connie Weiss
San Mateo Resident
Begin forwarded message:
On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, 9:01 AM, Lisa Taner wrote:
Dear City Council,
The City has an opportunity to get things SO right this evening. Dianne Whitaker is the far and away best choice to fill our Planning Commission vacant seat.
Dianne has proved herself to be impartial, intelligent, capable and she has the architectural background that is currently lacking on this commission.
Dianne's return to throw her hat into the ring is nothing short of an answered prayer, what with the contentious relationship the public has had with members of this commission for a number of years.
A Code of Conduct revamp is not necessary for the likes of Dianne and she would do more than bring a unique skill set and proven record back to this Commission.
Seating Dianne is a step toward repairing relationships between the City and its residents, who are seeking calm, level-headed, approachable representatives.
Thank you for your consideration.
From: Stephen Weller
To: City Council (San Mateo); Clerk
Subject: Appointment to City Planning Commission
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 1:30:44 PM
We are long term residents of The City of San Mateo.
I understand that an appointment will be made to a Subcommittee of the Planning Commis.
I endorse Diane Whittaker for appointment to this Committee Post.
Diane brings
experience as an architect, business owner and City Resident, plus prior experience on the Planning Commission to this important task.
Stephen Weller, MD
From: weller323
To: City Council (San Mateo); Clerk
Subject: Subcommittee Planning Commission Appointment: Diane Whitaker Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 12:47:24 PM
As a San Mateo resident, I urge the City Council to nominate Diane Whitaker to the Subcommittee of the Planning Commission.
Diane is an architect, small business owner and North Central resident---all of which will lend valuable perspective to the Planning Commission. And she has had previous experience as a planning commissioner. Her approach to balanced growth for our city is what we need for planning the future of San Mateo.
Sincerely,
Nancy Weller
From: Genel Morgan
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Candidate for appointment to vacant Planning commission position Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 3:52:56 PM
To whom it may concern:
I strongly support the appointment of Diane Whitaker to the vacant Planning Commission position.
There have been many complaints about the conduct of present Planning Commission members and I believe Diane will add some impartiality to the Commission.
The Planning Commission should prioritize concerns of San Mateo residents over building contractors and other special interests.
I also urge that there be a Code of Conduct adopted for all San Mateo City boards, commissions and the City Council.
Regards
Genel Morgan
Sna Mateo
From: Frank Elliott
To: Clerk
Subject: Comment regarding Planning Commission Appointment Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 3:56:06 PM
On behalf of Less Red Tape, we highly recommend the subcommittee for Planning Commission Appointment avoid appointing someone who is firmly aligned with San Mateo Heritage Alliances, as an officer of that organization.
It is my understanding that Diane Whitaker is Secretary of San Mateo Heritage Alliance, and while she may be able to take a neutral role as a commissioner, the potential for conflict of interest, or the perceived conflict of interest, will likely be problematic for the City.
I believe an appointment of Diane would add to the already divisive tone among Baywood neighbors. I urge the Sub Committee to give preference to a candidate who is not conflicted.
Thank you,
Frank Elliott