REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Accept a Resignation and Conduct Applicant Interviews and Appoint One Applicant to the Planning Commission to Serve One Partial Term ending June 30, 2030.
Report
BACKGROUND
On July 21, 2026, the City Clerk’s Office received a resignation email from Planning Commissioner Nancy Biagini (Attachment 2).
Advertising of the vacancy was done via the City’s website, social media outlets. The City Clerk’s Office also emailed vacancy notification to all parties listed on the email vacancy interest list.
DISCUSSION
The City Clerk’s Office held a recruitment between July 22, 2026, and August 18, 2026, and received six (6) applications by the August 18, 2026, 5:00 p.m. deadline. One applicant withdrew from the process leaving a total of five (5) applicants.
Based on past practice upon appointment to fill a vacancy, the City Council may choose to establish an eligibility list with an applicant(s) of their choice for six months should a vacancy arise.
The City Clerk’s Office proceeds with the recruitment/interview process with the following candidates:
1. Najmul Hai
2. Jonathan Marinaro
3. Jeffrey “Jeff” Poddraza
4. Nicholas Repetto
5. Shawn Williams
Each applicant met the requirement of being a qualified elector of the City verified by the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters Office, and a resident of the City of Santa Clara and have each submitted proof of residency.
Attached are the voting guidelines (Attachment 3) for the appointment of Boards and Commissions members, which outline the process for conducting interviews. The City Attorney’s Office has provided a Conflict Review (Attachment 4) for each applicant.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(a) as it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no additional cost to the City other than administrative staff time and expense.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Appoint One Applicant to the Planning Commission, to serve One Partial Term Ending June 30, 2030 and Establish an Eligibility List for six months should a vacancy occur.
Staff
Reviewed by: Nora Pimentel, Assistant City Clerk
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Applications
2. Resignation
3. Voting Guidelines
4. Conflict Review