SUBJECT: Interim Appointments of Two Former Commissioners to the Heritage Preservation Commission 

REPORT IN BRIEF

Due to three vacancies on the Heritage Preservation Commission and an extended absence of a member of the Heritage Preservation Commission, Council is being asked to approve two interim appointments of former commission members to allow the Heritage Preservation Commission to review and take action on development applications and other items involving heritage resources.    

BACKGROUND

As part of the 2005 Spring Boards and Commissions Recruitment, two applicants indicated an interest in the Heritage Preservation Commission. Ms. Amrit Verma was appointed for a term expiring in 2009 and the other applicant was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Heritage Preservation Commission is composed of seven members.  With the appointment of Ms. Verma, the commission has a quorum of four members with three appointments remaining vacant.

EXISTING POLICY

Legislative Policy 7.2.5 Eligibility Requirements for Boards and Commissions

V. Heritage Preservation Commission

D. Term of Office – The members of the Heritage Preservation Commission shall serve for a term of four years and until their respective successors are appointed and qualified.

DISCUSSION

Ms. Amrit Verma recently notified staff that she will be traveling outside of the United States for a period of approximately three months due to business and family obligations.  She is expected to return to the commission in January 2006. With her absence, the commission does not have a quorum and cannot conduct business. 

Part of the commission’s role is to review and take action on development applications and other items involving heritage resources.  The commission’s October and November meeting agendas include items that require commission action.  To cancel these meetings due to the lack of a quorum would have a negative impact on the applicant’s rights and expectations to have applications proceed in a timely manner.

To address the situation and in accordance with the City policy noted in this report, Community Development Department staff contacted two former Heritage Preservation Commission members to determine their interest in an interim appointment. Ms. Jane Shoemaker and Mr. Brian McQueen both expressed availability and would accept an interim Council appointment.  Ms. Jane Shoemaker is available to attend the October meeting but at this time is not available to attend the November meeting.  Mr. Brian McQueen is available to attend the November meeting but not the October meeting.  Based on their availability, staff is recommending the appointment of both former commissioners in an effort to provide a quorum for the two remaining meetings.

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact related to this requested action.

Conclusion

To address the lack of a quorum for the remaining 2005 Heritage Preservation Commission meetings, staff recommends that Council appoint the designated individuals on an interim basis.

PUBLIC CONTACT

Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda and report on the City’s official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City’s web page, and the availability of the report in the Sunnyvale Public Library and the City Clerk’s Office.

ALTERNATIVES

1. Council approves two interim appointments of two former commission members (Ms. Jane Shoemaker and Mr. Brian McQueen) to the Heritage Preservation Commission for the remainder of 2005.

2. Council does not approve two interim appointments of former commission members (Ms. Jane Shoemaker and Mr. Brian McQueen) to the Heritage Preservation Commission for the remainder of 2005 and directs the Community Development Department to cancel the October and November meetings of the Heritage Preservation Commission.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends Alternative No. 1

Reviewed by: 

Robert Walker, Assistant City Manager

Prepared by: Katherine Bradshaw Chappelear, City Clerk

Approved by: 

Amy Chan

City Manager