HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2301-08382.Select Applicants for Interviews for Board and Commission Openings on the Historic
Resources Board, Human Relations Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission,
Planning and Transportation Commission, Utilities Advisory Commission.
Item No. 2. Staff Report Page 1 of 31
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CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
From: City Clerk
Report Type: SPECIAL ORDER
Lead Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: March 6, 2023
Report #: 2301-0838
TITLE
Select Applicants for Interviews for Board and Commission Openings on the Historic Resources
Board, Human Relations Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning and
Transportation Commission, Utilities Advisory Commission.
RECOMMENDATION
Direct Staff to schedule interviews with selected applicants for scheduled vacancies on the
Historic Resources Board, Human Relations Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission,
Planning and Transportation Commission, Utilities Advisory Commission. The applications will
be released in a late packet report on March 2nd, 2023 upon completion of the recruitment
period.
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 for vacancies twice per year after which the
Council considers the applications, interviews desired candidates, and makes recommendations
for appointment for the open positions.
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 identify and
provide direction on a select cohort of applicants to continue to the interview processes.
Staff is requesting the City Council select the candidates to be interviewed for:
•Three (3) positions on the Historic Resources Board with terms ending 3/31/2026.
•Two (2) positions on the Human Relations Commission with terms ending 3/31/2026.
•Four (4) positions on the Parks & Recreation Commission with terms ending 3/31/2026.
Item No. 2. Staff Report Page 2 of 31
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•Three (3) positions on the Planning & Transportation Commission with two terms
ending 3/31/2027 and one unexpired term ending 3/31/2025.
•Four (4) positions on the Utilities Advisory Commission with three terms ending
3/31/2026 and one unexpired term ending 3/31/2025.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Each Board or Commission has different requirements for appointment such as mandatory
residency, specialized training, or professional service in a specified area. For each of the Board
or Commission with current vacancies, the requirements are listed below. Additionally,
appointed members cannot be council members, officers or employees of the City of Palo Alto.
Historic Resources Board:
•Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of history, architecture or historic
preservation. (PAMC 2.27.010)
•One member shall be an owner/occupant of a category 1 or 2 historic structure, or of a
structure in a historic district. (PAMC 2.27.010)
•Three members shall be architects, landscape architects, building designers or other
design professionals. (PAMC 2.27.010)
•At least one member shall possess academic education or practical experience in history
or a related field. (PAMC 2.27.010)
Human Relations Commission:
•Palo Alto Residency. (PAMC 2.22.010)
Parks and Recreation Commission
•Demonstrated interest in parks, open space and recreation matters. (PAMC 2.25.010)
•Palo Alto Residency. (PAMC 2.25.010)
Planning and Transportation Commission:
•Palo Alto Residency. (PAMC 2.20.010)
Utilities Advisory Commission:
•Each member of the commission shall be a utility customer or the authorized
representative of a utility customer. (PAMC 2.23.010)
•Palo Alto Residency for at least six members of the commission. (PAMC 2.23.010)
PUBLIC OUTREACH
Item No. 2. Staff Report Page 3 of 31
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The 2023 Annual Boards and Commissions recruitment invited applications from January 1,
2023 through February 28, 2023 through the new online application process. 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 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”.
This recruitment was advertised through various methods including paid print and digital
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 through established distribution lists to community based organizations,
individuals and City subscription based notification lists.
APPROVED BY:
Lesley Milton