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 ...
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