CCMIN 02162021 - Laserfiche WebLink

19. Ratify Mayor's appointments to the Planning Commission City Manager Fialho reported the Council hosted interviews with Planning Commission candidates for both the immediate vacancy left by Councilmember Balch and an alternate position. He advised the proposal is to appoint Brandon Pace as a permanent member of the Planning Commission and Matthew Gaidos as the alternate. He advised the report identifies impending vacancies for Commissioner Greg O'Connor and Herb Ritter. He noted Commissioner O'Connor has informed the City his last day will be March 31st, and Mayor Brown recommends Mr. Gaidos be appointed to this position with Jeffrey Nibert backfilling the alternate position. Lastly, he explained when Commissioner Ritter retires effective May 1st, Mr. Nibert would take his seat with Greg Wohlenberg becoming the alternate. Mayor Brown opened public comment. Herb Ritter spoke personally of his concerns with the recommendations. He stated former Mayors typically called Commissioners to learn the type of candidates needed to strengthen the Commission and he did not receive this call. He stated he asked former Mayor Jerry Thorne why no diversity candidates were seated, and he stated because so few qualified ones applied. He expressed his disappointment many diverse candidates for these current seats were overlooked in favor of what he perceives as agenda-driven applicants. He noted the City is an ethnic medley, citing those of Asian descent encompassing 47% of Pleasanton school children, and urged the Council to embrace diversity for the betterment of all residents. Mayor Brown closed public comment. Mayor Brown stated she did interview good diversity candidates and had one she liked but could not approve after checking deeper into their background. She expressed confidence in the people she selected. Councilmember Testa moved to ratify the appointments. Councilmember Arkin seconded the motion. Councilmember Balch read an email from resident W. Ron Sutton for the record who noted he discussed the item with then-Councilmember Brown who agreed with his Inclusion Committee and voting for qualified women over older white males. Mr. Sutton reiterated the need to be inclusive in both thinking and actions and noted Mayor Brown's first appointments would be a time and place to act inclusively. Mr. Sutton asked for the reconsideration of the appointment of four white males for seats through 2025. Councilmember Balch expressed his appreciation for these competent residents who have expressed a desire to serve the City. He noted a large part of their duty as Councilmembers is to make sure public service endures. He agreed with Mr. Sutton about missing the diversity issues. He noted the Planning Commission will not be reflective of the ethnic and gender diversity of the community with these selections and added it may disenfranchise many to the call of public service. Councilmember Balch commented that during his campaign he spoke with many residents of diverse backgrounds who share a common love for Pleasanton. He added he consistently encourages them to serve the community and lead it to a bright future. He noted he was happy to see diversity among the 17 interviewees. He stated the nominees are all well-qualified to serve on the Commission, but he would be remiss if he did not mention the community's diversity and full voice is not reflected in the nominees. He asked Mayor Brown to continue the item to further assess diverse candidates. Mayor Brown stated there will be diversity coming forward in other positions. City Council Minutes Page 15 of 16 February 16. 2021