TO: CLAREMONT CITY COUNCIL
FROM: SAL MEDINA, MAYOR
COREY CALAYCAY, MAYOR PRO TEMPORE
DATE: SEPTEMBER 10, 2024
Reviewed by:
City Manager: AP
SUBJECT:
Title
APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO CITY COMMISSIONS
Body
SUMMARY
Citizen volunteers provide 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 public.
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 Planning Commission provides review and recommendations on land use issues which preserve the character of Claremont and the unique identities of specific neighborhoods. It also reviews and acts upon requests for development applying General Plan goals, policies, laws and regulations, with consideration given to environmental impacts associated with development. The appointment of Richard Rosenbluth is 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 Paul Wheeler 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 confirmation.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
The City Council Ad Hoc Selection Committee recommends the City Council make the following appointments:
Planning Commission
Richard Rosenbluth for a term to expire August 31, 2026
Traffic and Transportation Commission
Paul Wheeler for a term to expire August 31, 2026
Body
ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there are the following alternatives:
A. Request additional information.
B. Do not make one or both appointments.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The staff cost to coordinate interviews and prepare this report is estimated at $376 and is included in the operating budget of the Administrative Services Department.
ANALYSIS
Currently, there are five citizen commissions, whose powers and duties can be found in Title 2 of the Claremont Municipal Code. These advisory bodies study a variety of issues and tasks in detail. After gathering all pertinent information, hearing arguments, and weighing values, they make recommendations to the City Council. In certain situations, commissions are empowered to make specific decisions, subject to appeal to the City Council.
Commissions are an important part of the community decision-making process, and the City Council relies on each member to be dedicated, professional and open-minded throughout their term. The City Council seeks commissioners who are willing to embrace the time commitment associated with preparing for and attending all commission meetings, understanding that the study and deliberation undertaken by commissions ultimately informs policy decisions made by the City Council. Therefore, the Council seeks to appoint individuals to City commissions who can be unbiased, open-minded, willing to listen to all perspectives pertaining to each matter that comes before the commission, and work collaboratively with staff, keeping in mind that their role is to be an advisor, not an advocate.
The City Council Ad Hoc Selection Committee, comprised of Mayor Sal Medina and Mayor Pro Tempore Corey Calaycay, conducted interviews and are making their recommendation for City Council confirmation.
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, 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