Report Prepared by: Alejandra Medina, Deputy City Clerk, City Clerk’s Office
Title
SUBJECT: Annual Appointments to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (District 3) 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 accepting nominations and appointing individuals to serve as members of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (District 3) and (1 Ex-Officio).
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.
At the Council meeting of July 17, 2023, Council directed staff to reopen the recruitment process to help fill the District 3 vacancy.
The Clerk’s office began a recruitment campaign that consisted of a series of emails for each board or commission sent to over 7,000 recipients and 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 received eligible applications from Randall Pellissier, Sabrina Abong, and William McClellan.
Ex-Officio (1) - The seat became vacant on July 1, 2022. The Clerk’s Office received eligible applications from Natalia Austin, Micah Cade, Noah Venegas, Daniel Murphy, Omar Sandoval, and Donald Hoornaert.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Applications
2. Current Roster