HomeMy WebLinkAbout11 2019 COMMISSION APPOINTMENTSAgenda Item 11
AGENDA REPORT Reviewed:
City Manager
Finance Direct N/
MEETING DATE: FEBRUARY 5, 2019
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ERICA N. YASUDA, CITY CLERK
SUBJECT: 2019 COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
SUMMARY:
Council direction is needed to fill (2) two vacancies on the Planning Commission and (1)
vacancy on the Community Services Commission.
RECOMMENDATION:
Pleasure of the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT:
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BACKGROUND:
On December 18, 2018, the City Council reappointed Commissioners on the Audit
Commission, Planning Commission and Community Services Commission whose terms
were expiring on March 1, 2019. Further, the City Council appointed an ad hoc
committee consisting of Councilmember Letitia Clark and Councilmember Austin
Lumbard to interview candidates for the remaining vacancies and make a
recommendation to the full City Council.
On January 23, 2019 the ad hoc committee interviewed a total of (23) twenty-three
candidates. The following candidates applied for the Community Services Commission:
Renee Bond, Tierra Burns, Ken Eckman, Emi Embler, Geraldine Date, Stephen Kozak,
Bernard Miller, Aaron Peters, and Jonathan Smith. The following candidates applied for
the Planning Commission: Rafat Abbasi, Sam Altowajii, Renee Bond, Tierra Burns, Lisa
Chu, Ken Eckman, Tim Haider, Eric Higuchi, Ryan Gallagher, AJ Jha, Bernard Miller,
Toby Moore, Aaron Peters, Leo Savoie Jr., John Schroeder, Jeremy Schwartz, Lupe
Solis, Osman Cemal Tashan, and Kevin Verdi.
2019 Commission Appointments
February 5, 2019
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Councilmember Clark and Councilmember Lumbard are recommending the following
candidates for Council's consideration:
Community Services Commission (one vacancy)
1. Emi Embler, P.h.D, Instructional Laboratory Director University of Southern
California, Los Angeles, CA Human and Evolutionary Biology Section
As a mother of 2, the quality, variety, and types of recreation, parks, park design,
facilities, and programs in Tustin are very important to me. My older son started
playing sports and taking music lessons through the programs offered through
the city, and we plan to do the same once my younger one is old enough. I have
taken sports classes through the city as well. We regularly use various parks
around the city - either on our own or through various sports organizations. Most
recently, I worked with Lieutenant Manny Arzate from TPD to remove a park
bench from a small "parkette" by my house - which had become a spot for illicit
activities and completely unsuitable for the neighborhood. I was grateful for the
task force at TPD headed by Lieutenant Arzate to address these types of issues
in the city and this experience made me realize that as a resident of the city,
there are things I, as a resident, can do to maintain the safety, comfort, and the
quality of life in Tustin. Therefore, I am interested in serving on the Community
Services Commission to have an opportunity to be part of the decision-making
process to improve the various city services that enhance the quality of life in
Tustin.
Planning Commission (two vacancies)
1. AJ Jha, Chief Executive Office, Tustin Auto Gas Works
I wish to serve on the Planning Commission using my vast experience and
knowledge through my involvement within Tustin the last six years. My goal is to .
help make Tustin a more vibrant and prosperous community for its residents and
visitors.
2. Ryan Gallagher, Vice President, Gannett Fleming, Irvine
Over the past 15 years, I have lived in Los Angeles County, San Diego County,
Ventura County and San Luis Obispo County. My wife and I moved to Tustin
2019 Commission Appointments
February 5, 2019
Page 3 of 3
about 3 years ago and it was clear within the first month that this is where we
wanted to live long-term and raise our kids. Tustin is a unique town in a unique
position, and the next few years of development will shape the future of my
community. I have value to add to this process and want to be a part of it.