REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Conduct Applicant Interviews and Appoint Two Applicants to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee to Serve One Partial Term Ending June 30, 2027, and One Full Term Ending June 30, 2029
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
At the March 11, 2025, City Council meeting, Council declared a vacancy on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee for one partial term ending June 30, 2027.
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 for six weeks and received eight (8) applications by the April 25, 2025, 5:00 p.m. application deadline.
A past practice has been that 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 after appointments have been made.
The City Clerk’s Office proceeds with the recruitment/interview process with the following candidates:
1. Vernon Shure
2. Bekele Galeta
3. Vamsi Gunda*
4. Jorge Haro
5. Ram Iyengar
6. Patrick Kallas
7. Valerie Katz
8. Jonathan Marinaro
*Applied to multiple commissions (Cultural Commission, Historical & Landmarks Commission and Parks & Recreation Commission)
Each candidate meets the requirement of being a resident of the City of Santa Clara and have each submitted proof of residency.
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
1. Appoint two Applicants to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, one to Serve One Partial Term Ending June 30, 2027, and one to Serve One Full Term Ending June 30, 2029; and
2. 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. Voting Guidelines