Report Prepared by: Kirsten Waller, Deputy City Clerk, City Clerk’s Office
Title
SUBJECT: Annual Appointments to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (Districts 2, District 5, District 6, and Two 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 2, District 5, District 6, and Two 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
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Roles
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).
Past Council Actions
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.
Appointments - Terms
Members appointed to a Board or Commission shall serve a term of four years. When members resign or leave the Board or Commission in which they serve, the term dates remain the same. Per the Municipal Code, Sections 702 and 702.1, a "term" shall be defined to include serving fifty percent plus one day of a term as a board member or commissioner on a particular board or commission. Members who are appointed to a term that is less than fifty percent, are considered to serve partial terms. Additionally, partial terms begin once the member has been officially appointed to a Board or Commission by the City Council.
Recruitment
The Clerk’s office began a recruitment campaign that consisted of a social media post coordinated with the Public Information Officer to alert citizens of the vacancies and expiring terms, an email blast was sent to over 3,000 subscribers on the boards and commissions list notifying them of the recruitment.
Applications
District 2 - The term for Dina Gonzalez expired on July 1, 2026, she has served a partial term. Ms. Gonzalez has shown interest in being re-appointed. The applicant appointed to this position will serve a full term ending on July 1, 2030. The Clerk’s Office received an application from Dina Gonzalez. The Clerk’s Office did not receive any additional applications for this district.
District 5 - The term for Lisa Kayser-Grant expired on July 1, 2026. Ms. Kayser-Grant has graciously served two full terms on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission and is not eligible to re-apply. The applicant appointed to this position will serve a full term ending on July 1, 2030. The Clerk’s Office did not receive any eligible applications for this district.
District 6 - The term for Arturo Martinez Jr expired on July 1, 2026. Mr. Arturo has not shown interest in being re-appointed. The applicant appointed to this position will serve a full term ending on July 1, 2030. The Clerk’s Office did not receive any eligible applications for this district.
Two Ex-Officio - These seats became vacant, the term for Omar Sandoval and Craig Harmelin expired on July 1, 2026. The applicant appointed to this position will serve a full term ending on July 1, 2030. The Clerk’s Office received three eligible applications: Amanda Estrada from District 1, Craig Harmelin from District 1, and Sabrina Abong from District 3.
One non-eligible application was received.
The matter of appointment to fill five seats on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission is now before the Council.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Applications
2. Current Roster