REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Appointment of Members to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) was established by the City Council as an advisory body on matters relative to modifying and expanding the City’s bicycle and pedestrian transportation systems. The BPAC represents a cross section of Santa Clara’s bicycling and pedestrian community, contributing their knowledge to the City regarding bicycle and pedestrian-related issues and projects. The committee is composed of nine members, with a member of the City Council serving as the committee’s chair. Members are appointed for three-year terms. Councilmember Karen Hardy currently serves as the BPAC chair, with Councilmember Suds Jain as the alternate. Unlike the other City Boards and Commissions whose applicants interview directly with the City Council, the BPAC interviews applicants and then provides a recommendation to the Council.
DISCUSSION
In September 2021, City staff advertised the upcoming openings for the BPAC on the City’s website, City Hall News publication, social media, the City’s channel 15, and on the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition’s social media channels. The terms for three members (Bruce Donoghue, Thomas Granvold, and Donald Sterk) expire on December 31, 2021. In addition, member Yury Perzov, whose term expires on December 31, 2022 is resigning from the BPAC.
On October 25, 2021, the BPAC reviewed applications and conducted interviews to recommend four appointments effective January 1, 2022. A total of 19 membership applications (Attachment 1) were submitted in response to the advertisement. After receipt, four applicants withdrew their applications, which resulted in 15 candidates for consideration. Bruce Donoghue applied for re-appointment. Donald Sterk also applied for re-appointment, but voluntarily withdrew his application to establish a quorum of members for the purpose of voting on the recommended appointments. Thomas Granvold did not apply for re-appointment.
The BPAC also voted on the following procedure:
1. Use open rank choice voting. Each member would state a candidate name and rank. The higher rank would indicate the greatest preference.
2. Member Bruce Donoghue, who applied as a candidate for appointment, would not be allowed to participate or vote during candidate interviews.
3. Member Diane Harrison, who was a spouse of candidate Ken Kratz, would be allowed to participate in candidate interviews including asking questions and voting.
After interviewing the applicants, the BPAC members (with Bruce Donoghue recusing himself) each ranked the applicants in order of preference. The BPAC then voted to recommend Jane Casamajor, Bruce Donoghue, and Sukrit Ganesh for appointment, with terms expiring on December 31, 2024; and Cecily Cox for appointment for the balance of Member Perzov’s term which expires on December 31, 2022.
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 government organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no additional cost to the City other than staff time and expense.
COORDINATION
This item was coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office, the BPAC, and the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition.
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.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Appoint Jane Casamajor, Bruce Donoghue, and Sukrit Ganesh to serve three-year terms on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, expiring on December 31, 2024. Appoint Cecily Cox to serve a one-year term on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, expiring on December 31, 2022.
Staff
Reviewed by: Craig Mobeck, Director of Public Works
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. BPAC Membership Applications