Report Prepared by: Alejandra Medina, Deputy City Clerk, City Clerk’s Office
Title
SUBJECT: Annual Appointments to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (Districts 3 and 5) and (1 Ex-Officio)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Accept nominations to fill vacancies on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting nominations and appointing individuals to serve as members of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (Districts 3 and 5) and (1 Ex-Officio); or,
B. Accepting nominations and appointing as many members as Council sees appropriate and directing staff to continue the recruitment of applicants.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Direct the Clerk’s Office to continue recruitment for the vacancies.
AUTHORITY
Merced Municipal Code, Section 3.38.050.
DISCUSSION
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission serves as an advisory body to the City Council on matters relating to improving conditions for bicycling, pedestrian activity, and other modes of active transportation within the City of Merced, as well as the mobility needs of the elderly and those with disabilities. It is the intent of the City Council to improve conditions for users of all active modes in the City of Merced, promote active transportation with the associated benefits of improved air quality, improved safety conditions for users of all modes, health benefits, and to advise on matters of policy, programs, and bike routes for active transportation users of all ages. The Commission also helps to implement policy, programs, and bike routes. Of the 7 voting members, 6 are appointed by Council District and 1 is appointed at-large. City Council may appoint up to an additional 4 Ex-Officio (non-voting members).
At the Council meeting of March 21, 2022, staff was directed to return to a yearly appointment process for the reappointment of eligible members and the appointment of new applicants to vacant board or commission seats.
The Clerk’s office began a recruitment campaign that consisted of a social media push over several weeks coordinated with the Public Information Officer to alert citizens of the vacancies and expiring terms.
District 3 - The term of Lisa Kayser-Grant expired on July 1, 2023. The Clerk’s Office did not receive eligible applicants.
District 5 - This seat became vacant with the resignation of Ann Thurston in November of 2021. If appointed, the end-term would be July 1, 2026. The Clerk’s Office received an eligible application from Lisa Kayser-Grant who now resides in District 5.
Ex-Officio (1) - The seat became vacant on July 1, 2022. The Clerk’s Office did not receive eligible applicants.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Applications
2. Current Roster