HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 13924
City of Palo Alto (ID # 13924)
Office of the City Clerk
City Council CAO Report
Meeting Date: 2/14/2022 Report Type: Special Orders of the Day
Title: Select Applicants to Interview for the Architectural Review Board
From: Lesley Milton, City Clerk
Recommendation
Direct Staff to schedule interviews with selected applicants for the scheduled vacancies on the
Architectural Review Board (ARB).
Background
Boards and Commissions are established as advisory bodies to the City Council, made up of
community volunteers that provide essential feedback on matters of importance to the
community. The City Clerk’s office advertises and recruits for vacancies, the Council considers
the applications, interviews desired candidates, and makes recommendations for appointment
for the open positions.
Per City Council’s motion on December 13, 2021, the Special Architectural Review Board (ARB)
recruitment was initiated to invite more applicants through January 31, 2022:
MOTION: Mayor DuBois moved, seconded by Council Member Cormack to:
A. Vote tonight for two ARB positions;
B. Direct the Clerk to open a new recruitment opening from now until the end of
January for the open positions; and
C. Request the incumbent to serve the holdover position until recruited.
MOTION PASSED: 6-0, Kou absent
Another position was added to the one unfilled vacancy due to Board Member Grace Lee’s
resignation from the ARB on December 2, 2021. Board Member Lee’s vacancy was unable to
be added to the Fall Recruitment at that time per PAMC 2.16.060, which required an
advertising period of at least 15 days before vacancies are scheduled to be filled. The
appointments at that time were on December 13, 2021.
Furthermore, Ordinance 5529 (which outlined the new Board, Commissions, and Committees
term limits approved by City Council on August 9, 2021) came into effect this past January 1,
2022. The Ordinance states, “Effective January 1, 2022, terms of office due to expire on
December 15 of each year shall be extended to expire on March 31 of the following year, and
Page 2
thereafter terms of office shall commence on April 1.” Advertising was updated to include the
extended terms. As such, the current vacancies staff is requesting to be filled are:
• One (1) position with a term ending March 31, 2025
• One (1) position with an unexpired term ending March 31, 2024
For the Architectural Review Board (ARB) Special Recruitment effort, a total of 13 qualified
applications; 7 new applications were submitted during the extended recruitment period and 6
applications were from the previous Fall recruitment.
Scheduling Interviews
During the last several recruitments, the City Council has elected to interview all qualified
applicants for respective Boards and Commissions. It is at the discretion of the Council to
determine if they wish to continue the past practice, interview all candidates, or select identify
and provide direction on a select cohort of applicants to continue to the interview processes.
Applicants from the previous Fall Recruitment period (Yujin Jeon, Kathryn Jordan, Brigham
Wilson, Jim Xiao, and Bin Zhou) were also interviewed on November 16, 2021. Council may
move to defer to their previous interviews when considering appointments, or schedule
another set of interviews with the previous and new applicants.
Staff is recommending that interviews of the selected candidates be scheduled during a Special
City Council meeting on the week of February 21, 2022 starting at 5:00 PM. Appointments
then can be presented for approval at the February 28, 2022 Meeting.
Membership Requirements
Per PAMC 2.21.010, the Architectural Review Board requires at least 3 of its members to be
architects, landscape architects, building designers or other design professionals. Board
Members Peter Baltay, David Hirsch, and Osma Thompson are architects. As a result, the
current ARB Members fulfill these requirements.
Architectural Review Board: Two positions
• At least three members must be architects, landscape architects, building designers or
other design professionals. (Fulfilled by current members)
• No Palo Alto residency requirement
(PAMC 2.21.010)
• NEWLY RECEIVED APPLICANTS:
1. Yingxi Chen
2. Joao (Johnny) Baptista DaRosa
3. John Kunz
4. Dave Madwed
5. Alfred J. Mandel
6. Kendra Rosenberg
7. Curtis Smolar
Page 3
• PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED APPLICANTS:
8. Yujin Jeon (Preference of the March 31, 2024 term)
9. Kathryn Jordan
10. Manix Patel
11. Brigham Wilson
12. Jim Xiao
13. Bin Zhou (Resubmitted an updated application)
Public Outreach
Palo Alto Municipal Code 2.16.060 requires public notification regarding vacancies of the
Commissions as follows, “The City Clerk shall exercise their discretion in choosing the method
of advertisement that will most effectively reach potential candidates.” Based on the
September 14, 2021 Policy & Services Committee meeting report (available here) regarding
Board and Commission Member demographics and community representation the City Clerk’s
office expanded recruitment efforts through additional means to “most effectively reach
potential candidates”.
The Fall 2021 Boards and Commission recruitment invited applications from September 16,
2021 through October 26, 2021 through the new online application process. From that
previous recruitment, 6 unselected applicants of the 7 confirmed their continued interest for
the 2 vacancies.
The Special ARB recruitment invited applications from December 13, 2021 through January 31,
2022. The vacancies were advertised through various methods in partnership with the
Communications team. This included paid print advisements in The Palo Alto Weekly and the
Daily Post; via the City’s website and social media channels; in physical locations of the Palo
Alto Libraries and Community Centers; and distributed by e-mail and through City
subscription-based notification lists.
To effectively reach architectural professionals, further email outreach was done to 17 local
Palo Alto based architect companies and Stanford’s Architectural Design Program. Palo Alto’s
Public Works Engineering staff were also notified by email to share to their professional
networks, as several are licensed architects. A focused social media engagement was also
organized with AIA Silicon Valley.
ATTACHMENTS:
• Attachment A: ARB - All Applications (Redacted) (PDF)
Architectural Review Board Application
Name Yingxi Chen
Address
City -
Postal Code -
Cell Phone
Home Phone
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Do you have any relatives or members No
of your household who are employed
by the City of Palo Alto, who are
currently serving on the City Council,
or who are Commissioners or Board
Members?
Are you available and committed to Yes
complete the term applied for?
Fair Political Practices No
California state law requires
board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political
Practices Commission, Conflict of Interest,
Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in,
or do you or your spouse serve as an officer
or director of, a company doing business in
Palo Alto which you believe is likely to:
1.Engage in business with the City;
Joao Baptista (Johnny) DaRosa
Phone:
Email:
www.darosa.associates
PROFILE
Entrepreneur with visionary leadership. Over 35 years track record of success in San Francisco Bay Area
private sectors, with strategic resolutions to challenges, delivery of thriving growth performance. Corporate
citizen with passion and acute awareness, to helping others to succeed.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
DaRosa & Associates, Millbrae, California 1998 to present
Founder and Principal
•Advisory in three industries: planning, construction, and development
•Expertise in land planning, architecture design for high and low densities
residences
•Commercial project, focus on hotel interior architecture, athletic facilities,
restaurant, winery, medical office, childcare and industrial
•University campus master planning and building design
(Nordic Business School Campus, Chengdu China)
(Nottingham University Shanghai Campus, Shanghai China)
DaRosa and Company LLC, Millbrae, California 2003 to present
Founder and Principal
Residential sub-division, land and building development
D&A Construction Company, Inc. Millbrae, California 1998 to 2010
Founder and Principal
•General contractor for in-house sub-division developments
SJ Sung & Associates, San Mateo, California 1988 to 1998
Partner
•Expanded a traditional architectural firm to a full design consultation provider
•Grew company from $1.5M to $5.0 M in annual project design fee revenues
•Managed staff of five project architects in commercial and residential projects
•Responsible for marketing and operations management
TDR Enterprises USA/Canada Inc (Licensee of Christian Dior, Chemise) 1993 to 1998
Chief Operating Officer
•Developed merchandise products (man dress shirt) for two seasons every year
•Material sourcing and oversaw production
•Responsible for license renewal and product design with Christian Dior’s HQ
•Oversaw sales performance of shops and department stores
LRS & Associates, Architects, Sunnyvale, California 1986 to 1988
Assistant Project Architect
•Prepared construction documents and specification
•Construction administration
Johnny DaRosa
Page Two
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
• President, Peninsula Chinese Business Association, http://pcbausa.com 2020 to Present
• Founder of Encouragement Scholarship1 Since 2015
• Board of Director for (PCBA) 2010 to Present
1.For High School students in Burlingame, Millbrae, San Bruno, and South San Francisco
Oakland Family Bridges Inc.
• Interim Chief Financial Officer 2020 to Present
• Vice President of the Board 2016 to 2018
• Board of Directors for Oakland Family Bridges Inc. 2014 to 2018
• Harvard Business School Community Partners (Northern California)
• HBS alumni volunteer in multiple projects 1-5 2011 to Present
to assist nonprofits address management and financial challenges
Participated projects:
1 Children Hospital & Research, Oakland (CHRCO Rehabilitation TBI Business Plan)
2 1% Program of Public Architecture, Nationwide (Strategic Growth Plan)
3 New Story, San Francisco (Construction Management Template for low income
housing development in South America and Africa)
4 Greenbelt Alliances, San Francisco (Recommendation for protecting Bay Area open spaces)
5 Pier 39 Aquarium, San Francisco (Marketing strategic plan)
• Harvard Alumni Real Estate Board 2017 to Present
To promote the study of real estate across the university
To provide an enhanced experience for students studying real estate
To create a beneficial network of alumni working in real estate to foster professional and personal
growth
Coaching and mentoring graduate students
TEACHING AFFILIATIONS
Lecturer, mentor to graduate students, lecturing in urban design, ecological urbanism, and self-improvement
in varies universities
Guide students in using case studies to support research
Prepare course materials such as syllabus and assignments
Foster student’s commitment to lifelong learning by connecting course materials to broader themes
PUBLICATION
• Journey to Your Dream Home
(A book for what you needs to know to build your dream home)
Johnny DaRosa
Page Three
• Nuts and Bolts to Assemble Your Dream Home
(A book for crafting your living quality)
EDUCATION
• London School of Economics and Political Science: MBA Essential 2021
• Harvard Derek Box: The Higher Education Teaching Certificate 2020
• Harvard University, Graduate School of Design (AMD) in Real Estate 2010
• Hong Kong University, Bachelor of Architecture 1982
EXECUTIVE PROGRAMS
• Education Redesign: Building 21st Century Systems of Child Development and Education 2020
• Harvard University, Graduate School of Design, “Back to the Future” Master Program 2016
• Harvard Law School, The Harvard Negotiation Master Program 2015
• Harvard Graduate School of Education: Learning Environments for Tomorrow,
Practice for Architects and Educators Program 2013
• Harvard Graduate School of Design, Master Planning,
o Moving Towards a Sustainable City Program 2013
o Residential Universal Design Program 2013
• Harvard Law School, Negotiation and Leadership Program 2011
• Graduate School of Design, Real Estate Advanced Finance Program 2009
• Harvard Business School, Advanced Business Management Program 2008
• Harvard Business School, Real Estate Management Program: Developing Effective Leaders 2008
• Harvard Business School, Strategies for Project Development and Capital Market Access 2008
• Stanford University, Graduate Business School, Professional and Personal Development Program 2008
OTHER LANGUAGES
Cantonese and Mandarin
Architectural Review Board Application
Name Yujin Jeon
Address
City -
Postal Code -
Cell Phone -
Home Phone
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? No
Do you have any relatives or members No
of your household who are employed
by the City of Palo Alto, who are
currently serving on the City Council,
or who are Commissioners or Board
Members?
Are you available and committed to Yes
complete the term applied for?
Fair Political Practices No
California state law requires
board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political
Practices Commission, Conflict of Interest,
Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in,
or do you or your spouse serve as an officer
or director of, a company doing business in
Palo Alto which you believe is likely to:
1.Engage in business with the City;
2.Provide products or services for City
projects; or
Architectural Review Board Application
Name Kathryn Jordan
Address
City -
Postal Code -
Cell Phone -
Home Phone -
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Do you have any relatives or members No
of your household who are employed
by the City of Palo Alto, who are
currently serving on the City Council,
or who are Commissioners or Board
Members?
Are you available and committed to Yes
complete the term applied for?
Fair Political Practices No
California state law requires
board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political
Practices Commission, Conflict of Interest,
Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in,
or do you or your spouse serve as an officer
or director of, a company doing business in
Palo Alto which you believe is likely to:
1.Engage in business with the City;
2.Provide products or services for City
projects; or
Architectural Review Board Application
Name Manix Patel
Address
City -
Postal Code -
Cell Phone -
Home Phone
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Do you have any relatives or members No
of your household who are employed
by the City of Palo Alto, who are
currently serving on the City Council,
or who are Commissioners or Board
Members?
Are you available and committed to Yes
complete the term applied for?
Fair Political Practices Yes
California state law requires
board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political
Practices Commission, Conflict of Interest,
Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in,
or do you or your spouse serve as an officer
or director of, a company doing business in
Palo Alto which you believe is likely to:
1.Engage in business with the City;
2.Provide products or services for City
projects; or
Architectural Review Board Application
Name Brigham Wilson
Address
City -
Postal Code -
Cell Phone -
Home Phone
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Do you have any relatives or members No
of your household who are employed
by the City of Palo Alto, who are
currently serving on the City Council,
or who are Commissioners or Board
Members?
Are you available and committed to Yes
complete the term applied for?
Fair Political Practices No
California state law requires
board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political
Practices Commission, Conflict of Interest,
Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in,
or do you or your spouse serve as an officer
or director of, a company doing business in
Palo Alto which you believe is likely to:
1.Engage in business with the City;
2.Provide products or services for City
projects; or
Architectural Review Board Application
Name Jim Xiao
Address
City -
Postal Code -
Cell Phone -
Home Phone
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Do you have any relatives or members No
of your household who are employed
by the City of Palo Alto, who are
currently serving on the City Council,
or who are Commissioners or Board
Members?
Are you available and committed to Yes
complete the term applied for?
Fair Political Practices No
California state law requires
board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political
Practices Commission, Conflict of Interest,
Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in,
or do you or your spouse serve as an officer
or director of, a company doing business in
Palo Alto which you believe is likely to:
1.Engage in business with the City;
2.Provide products or services for City
projects; or
Architectural Review Board Application
Name Bin Zhou
Address
City -
Postal Code -
Cell Phone -
Home Phone
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Do you have any relatives or members No
of your household who are employed
by the City of Palo Alto, who are
currently serving on the City Council,
or who are Commissioners or Board
Members?
Are you available and committed to Yes
complete the term applied for?
Fair Political Practices No
California state law requires
board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political
Practices Commission, Conflict of Interest,
Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in,
or do you or your spouse serve as an officer
or director of, a company doing business in
Palo Alto which you believe is likely to:
1.Engage in business with the City;