REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Appointment of Members to the Santa Clara Station Area Plan Task Force (SATF)
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Promote and Enhance Economic, Housing and Transportation Development
BACKGROUND
On September 13, 2022, the City Council approved the Cooperative Agreement between the City of Santa Clara and the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) for the preparation of the Santa Clara Station Area Specific Plan. As presented at the hearing, the community engagement strategy includes the formation of a Station Area Task Force (SATF).
On December 6, 2022, the City Council reviewed the recommended Task Force and appointed the following seven members:
§ Jonathon Evans - Representative of Old Quad Residents Association (OQRA)
§ Dan Ondrasek - Representative of Reclaiming Our Downtown (ROD)
§ Dave Schoenwetter - Representative of Santa Clara University
§ Patricia Leung - Representative of the Historical and Landmarks Commission
§ Candida Diaz - Representative of the Cultural Commission
§ Rob Mayer - Architect and Santa Clara resident
§ Jane Casamajor - Representative of the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee
The City Council also voted to include four additional members on the Task Force, with one a representative of the S.E.S Portuguese Hall of Santa Clara and with three, to be selected through an application process, to include a transportation advocate, a representative from the business community, and an at-large community member.
The initial application was open from December 16, 2022 through January 10, 2023. A total of 111 applications were submitted. Due to the high number of applications, staff asked the applicants to complete a secondary application with four supplemental questions. The secondary application was open from January 20, 2023 through January 30, 2023. A total of 31 of the initial applicants completed the supplemental questions (Attachment 1), distributed as follows:
• 8 Transportation Advocate applicants
• 10 Business Community applicants
• 13 At-Large applicants
Staff also contacted the S.E.S. Portuguese Hall to recruit a representative for the Task Force. However, a representative of the S.E.S. Portuguese Hall informed staff that no members of the Hall were available to participate.
DISCUSSION
Based upon the responses provided in the 31 supplemental applications, staff is recommending the following appointees in each category. Staff recommends the appointment of two at-large members as representatives from the S.E.S. Portuguese Hall of Santa Clara were available to serve on the Task Force.
Jill Hough, Transportation Advocate
Jill Hough is a professional transportation planner with a background in sustainable transportation.
Dylan Plane, Business Community
Dylan Plane is a real estate professional with a background in land use and development.
Michael Stockwell, At-Large
Michael Stockwell is the Chairman of the South Bay Historical Railroad Society.
Shruti Mirashi, At-Large
Shruti Mirashi is a Santa Clara resident and served as the Chair of the Redistricting Commission.
Following City Council appointment of the additional SATF members, the SATF will commence meeting in order to select a representative to participate in the interview process to select a consultant to support the preparation of the Santa Clara Station Area Specific Plan.
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(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment. The Santa Clara Station Area Plan will undergo environmental review and an environmental document will be brought to the City Council at the time when the Council considers the Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City for appointing the Santa Clara Station Area Plan Task Force other than administrative staff time and expense.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office.
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 <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Appoint four additional Task Force members including: Jill Hough - Transportation Advocate, Dylan Plane - Business Community, Michael Stockwell - At-Large, Shruti Mirashi - At-Large.
2. Appoint four additional Task Force Members different from those recommended in Alternative 1 from the pool of 31 supplemental applications received
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Appoint four additional Task Force members including: Jill Hough - Transportation Advocate, Dylan Plane - Business Community, Michael Stockwell - At-Large, Shruti Mirashi - At-Large.
Staff
Reviewed by: Andrew Crabtree, Community Development Director
Approved by: Office of the City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Supplemental Applications