TO: CLAREMONT CITY COUNCIL
FROM: SAL MEDINA, MAYOR
COREY CALAYCAY, MAYOR PRO TEMPORE
DATE: JULY 23, 2024
Reviewed by:
City Manager: AP
SUBJECT:
Title
APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO CITY COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
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SUMMARY
Citizen volunteers provide important community insight into various issues and play an important role in achieving community aspirations and the City Council’s vision for the community. Commissions and committees play a key role in helping to maintain effective local government, dedicating a good portion of their time as advisors to the City Council and in service to the community.
The City Council seeks commissioners and committee members who are willing to embrace the time commitment associated with preparing for and attending meetings, understanding that the study and deliberations by them ultimately inform policy decisions made by the City Council.
The Architectural and Preservation Commission works to enhance the quality of life in Claremont by guiding the design and redesign of physical elements and ensuring the harmonious composition and preservation of visual aspects of the City. It also encourages the preservation of the City's architectural, historic, and cultural resources. Composition of the Commission is established in Claremont Municipal Code Section 16.300.020, which states that one member shall be a licensed architect, two shall be from the design profession, and four may be appointed from the community at large. The appointments of Lisa Castillo and John Neiuber are recommended.
The Community and Human Services Commission is responsible for the City’s provision of a variety of innovative community events, recreation activities including contract classes, youth and senior programs, youth sports, social services, and the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park; maintenance of parklands, streets and street lights, public sidewalks and landscaping; protection and maintenance of City trees; sustainability efforts, trash collection and recycling; graffiti removal; and water quality. The appointment of Dirk Silva is recommended.
The Police Commission provides a forum for community discussion on police issues; makes recommendations to the City Council, City Manager, and Police Chief on police issues; and promotes education and communication between citizens and the Police Department. The appointments of Tim Dunfee, Aundre Johnson, and Vickie Noble are recommended.
The Traffic and Transportation Commission serves to help promote a safe environment while traveling within the City and provides consideration for alternative modes of travel, including regional transportation systems, traffic hazard mitigation, bicycle and pedestrian-oriented development, mitigation of traffic noise and maintenance of good air quality, circulation and parking management, and long-range traffic plans. The appointment of Dylan Arya is recommended, and one appointment will be presented to the City Council at a future meeting, once background investigation results are received.
The Public Art Committee is responsible for supporting the Public Art Master Plan, providing expert advice regarding the City’s public art policies and procedures, selecting artists for municipal and private development projects, and supporting the development and conservation of the City’s public art collection. Length of term is established by Claremont Municipal Code Section 16.148.100. The appointment of Maureen Wheeler is recommended.
The Sustainability Committee, serves to monitor progress towards achieving the City’s sustainability goals, prepares an annual report, and updates the Sustainable City Plan, which helps implement the sustainable community vision that is detailed in the City’s General Plan. The term for service is set at four years by the Sustainable City Plan. The appointment of Katie Distelrath is recommended.
The City Council Ad Hoc Selection Committee, comprised of Mayor Sal Medina and Mayor Pro Tempore Corey Calaycay, conducted interviews and are making their recommendations for City Council appointment.
If these appointments are confirmed, one vacancy will exist on the Planning Commission and one on the Sustainability Committee.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
The City Council Ad Hoc Selection Committee recommends the City Council make the following appointments:
Architectural and Preservation Commission
Lisa Castillo for a term to expire August 31, 2028
John Neiuber for a term to expire August 31, 2026
Community and Human Services Commission
Dirk Silva for a term to expire August 31, 2027
Police Commission
Tim Dunfee for a term to expire August 31, 2028
Aundre Johnson for a term to expire August 31, 2026
Vickie Noble for a term to expire August 31, 2028
Traffic and Transportation Commission
Dylan Arya for a term to expire August 31, 2028
Sustainability Committee
Katie Distelrath for a term to expire January 31, 2028
Public Art Committee
Maureen Wheeler for a term to expire August 31, 2028
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ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there are the following alternatives:
A. Request additional information.
B. Do not make some or all of the appointments.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The staff cost to coordinate interviews and prepare this report is estimated at $1,576 and is included in the operating budget of the Administrative Services Department.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Staff has evaluated the agenda item in relationship to the City’s strategic and visioning documents and finds that it applies to the following City Planning Documents: Council Priorities, Sustainability Plan, General Plan, Public Art Master Plan, and the 2024-26 Budget.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the City Clerk’s office.
Submitted by: Prepared by:
Sal Medina Shelley Desautels
Mayor City Clerk
Corey Calaycay
Mayor Pro Tempore