TO: CLAREMONT CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JENNIFER STARK, MAYOR
ED REECE, VICE MAYOR
DATE: JULY 28, 2026
Reviewed by:
City Manager: AP
SUBJECT:
Title
APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO CITY COMMISSIONS AND CITY COUNCIL APPOINTED 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 help 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.
Jesse Emmert is currently serving on the Planning Commission but when initially applying for commission service expressed an interest in the Architectural and Preservation Commission. As the opportunity now exists to fill a vacancy, the transfer of Jesse Emmert is recommended as is the appointment of John Neiuber.
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 appointments of Nancy Brower, Deborah Scott Toux, and Julie Williams are recommended.
The Planning Commission is established and created under and by the authority of the Government Code. The Commission provides review and recommendations on land use issues which preserve the character of Claremont and the unique identities of specific neighborhoods; and reviews and acts upon requests for development applying General Plan goals, policies, and codes with consideration given to environmental impacts associated with development.
The appointments of Nicole Love and Richard Rosenbluth are recommended. If the City Council confirms the Committee’s recommendation to transfer Jesse Emmert to the Architectural and Preservation Commission, the appointment of David Medak to the Planning Commission is also 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 Joel Gonzales and Nona Tirre are recommended. One vacancy would remain on the Commission for which the City is seeking applicants.
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 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 Opoku Acheampong is recommended. One vacancy would remain on the Committee for which the City is seeking applicants.
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 Ryan Gilmore is recommended. One vacancy would remain on the Committee for which the City is seeking applicants.
The City Council Ad Hoc Selection Committee, comprised of Mayor Jennifer Stark and Vice Mayor Ed Reece, conducted interviews and are making these recommendations for City Council appointment.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
The City Council Ad Hoc Selection Committee recommends the City Council make the following appointments:
Architectural and Preservation Commission
Jesse Emmert for a term to expire August 31, 2029
John Neiuber for a term to expire August 31, 2030
Community and Human Services Commission
Nancy Brower for a term to expire August 31, 2030
Deborah Scott Toux for a term to expire August 31, 2030
Julie Williams for a term to expire August 31, 2030
Planning Commission
Nicole Love for a term to expire August 31, 2030
David Medak for a term to expire August 31, 2030
Richard Rosenbluth for a term to expire August 31, 2030
Police Commission
Joel Gonzales for a term to expire August 31, 2030
Nona Tirre for a term to expire August 31, 2030
Traffic and Transportation Commission
Paul Wheeler for a term to expire August 31, 2030
Public Art Committee
Opoku Acheampong for a term to expire August 31, 2030
Sustainability Committee
Ryan Gilmore for a term to expire August 31, 2030
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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 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 2026-28 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:
Jennifer Stark Shelley Desautels
Mayor City Clerk
Ed Reece
Vice Mayor