REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Conduct Applicant Interviews and Appoint Two Applicants to the Historical and Landmarks Commission to Serve Two Full Terms Ending June 30, 2030
Report
BACKGROUND
At the February 24, 2026, City Council meeting, Council declared two vacancies on the Historical and Landmarks Commission for two full terms each ending June 30, 2030.
Advertising of the vacancy was done via the City's website, and social media outlets and the 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 for six weeks and received two applications by the April 17, 2026, 5:00 p.m. application deadline. The recruitment was extended for an additional three weeks for a May 11, 2026, 5:00 p.m. deadline yielding an additional two applications for a total of four applications. Since there were two applicants who withdrew from the process on June 22, 2026 and June 25, 2026, leaving two applicants to interview.
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.
The City Clerk's Office proceeds with the recruitment/interview process with the following candidates:
1. Ruhina Surendran
2. Kumar Viswanathan*
*Also applied to the Cultural Commission and Senior Advisory Commissions
Each candidate meets the requirement of being a resident of the City of Santa Clara and have 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.
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 ...
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