REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Conduct Applicant Interviews and Appoint Two Applicants to the Civil Service Commission to Serve One Partial Term ending June 30, 2028, and One Full Term Ending June 30, 2030
Report
BACKGROUND
At the February 24, 2026, City Council meeting, Council declared one vacancy; and on May 13, 2026, Commissioner Pumarejo submitted a resignation effective June 2026 creating a second vacancy to fill one partial term ending June 20, 2028, and one full term ending June 30, 2030. At the June 30, 2026, Special City Council meeting the Council conducted the annual Board, Commissions and Committees interviews. The two applicants who applied withdrew from the process due to emergencies, therefore the vacancies were not filled. A recruitment took place between July 3, 2026, and August 7, 2026 yielding 4 applications.
Advertising of the vacancies was done via the City’s website, social media outlets and Santa Clara weekly. 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 and received four (4) applications by the August 7, 2026, 5:00 p.m. deadline.
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. Barbara Estrada
2. Karl Lopes
3. Tyrrell Nelson
4. Timothy Tsai
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 2) 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 for each applicant (Attachment 3).
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 Two Applicants to the Civil Service Commission, to serve One Partial Term Ending June 30, 2028, and One Full Term Ending June 30, 2030; and Establish an Eligibility list for 6 Months.
Staff
Reviewed by: Nora Pimentel, Assistant City Clerk
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Applications
2. Voting Guidelines
3. Conflict Review