REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Consideration of Action on a Resolution to Remove Ron Patrick from the Planning Commission in Accordance with Council Policy 032; and to Appoint First Eligible Appointee Mario Bouza to the Planning Commission
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
On July 5, 2022 the Council considered a Council Policy 030 written request submitted by Councilmember Becker to discuss the recent appointment of Ron Patrick to the Planning Commission at a future City Council meeting. The Council considered the petition and voted affirmatively to place this item on the July 12, 2022 Council agenda. The item was discussed at the July 12th Council meeting and the City Council provided direction to staff to return to the City Council for Council action to remove Mr. Patrick from the Planning Commission.
DISCUSSION
At the July 12, 2022 City Council meeting, the City Attorney provided a memorandum to the City Council (attached) providing background information on potential concerns regarding the appointment of Mr. Patrick to the Planning Commission and provided the Council with four possible courses of action:
1. Determine the staff investigation sufficiently provided evidence of irregularities regarding Mr. Patrick’s residency and take action in accordance with Policy 032.
2. Determine that Mr. Patrick remain as a Planning Commissioner and take no further action.
3. Direct staff to conduct further investigation.
4. If Mr. Patrick is removed, there should be an action to appoint a new Commissioner.
The City Council discussed the four possible actions and concluded that the staff investigation sufficiently provided evidence of irregularities regarding Mr. Patrick's residency and for the City to take action in accordance with Policy 032. Following the advice of the City Attorney regarding the correct procedure to implement Action #1, the City Council directed staff to return to the City Council with a Resolution to remove Mr. Patrick from the Planning Commission.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact related to the writing of this report.
COORDINATION
This report was 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 or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff makes no recommendation.
Staff
Reviewed by: Andrew Crabtree, Director of Community Development
Approved by: Rajeev Batra, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution to Remove Ron Patrick from the Planning Commission with exhibits
2. Exhibits to Removal Resolution