Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
City Council Appointment to the Planning Commission and Cultural Arts Commission.
End
From: Christine Cordon, City Manager
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Tanya Ramirez, Interim Assistant City Clerk
____________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Consider the applications and appoint members to the following Commissions and Committees:
A. One regular member (Vice Mayor Mark Nguyen’s appointee) to the Planning Commission for a term to expire in December 2026, waiving other applicable requirements; and
B. One regular member (District 1 Council Member Amy Phan West’s appointee) to the Cultural Arts Commission for a term to expire in December 2026, waiving other applicable requirements.
end
BACKGROUND
During the March 26, 2026 Regular City Council meeting, Vice Mayor M. Nguyen appointed Nhan Tran to serve on the Planning Commission. On January 6, 2026, the City Clerk’s Office received a letter of resignation from Commissioner Tran.
During the February 26, 2025 Regular City Council meeting, Council Member Phan West appointed Pam Gremling to serve on the Cultural Arts Commission. On January 21, 2026, the City Clerk’s Office received a letter of resignation from Commissioner Gremling.
With the two unexpected vacancies and remaining terms, this item is being presented to provide Vice Mayor Nguyen and Council Member Phan West the opportunity to make their appointments for the Boards and Commissions, with a term ending December 2026.
Appointment Eligibility and Process
The Mayor and City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2579 that amended the Westminster Municipal Code (“WMC”) relating to general rules and processes for appointments to Commission Boards and Committees by adding Chapter 2.42. Each City Council Member appoints a commissioner, and the appointment must then be approved by the majority of the City Council, per WMC 2.42.020(C).
Each appointment will be appointed to serve two-year terms (term ending December 2026) and will continue to serve until their successors are appointed. Reappointments are not automatic, and every member must submit a new application for consideration.
In accordance with the WMC, applicants are required to fill out an application, must be at least 18 years old, and a resident of the City, in order to qualify for appointment. The City Clerk’s office verifies proof of residency by contacting the Orange County Registrar of Voters or by verifying that the applicant has 60 days of continuous documents at their residency address, such as utility bills. The applicant is also required to read and sign the Code of Ethics policy. Upon verification and submittal of all required documents, the application is considered received.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is composed of five members, each serving for a term of two years. The WMC Chapter 2.44 outlines various matters relating to this commission. Each member of the City Council shall nominate someone to the Planning Commission and the appointment will be based on a majority vote of the City Council. The Planning Commissioners are paid $80.00 for each regular or adjourned meeting, but shall not exceed 36 meetings per year, pursuant to WMC Section 2.44.060.
Cultural Arts Commission
The Cultural Arts Commission is composed of five members, each serving for a term of two years. WMC Chapter 2.57 outlines various matters relating to this commission. Each member of the City Council shall nominate someone to the Cultural Arts Commission and appointment will be based on a majority vote of the City Council. The Cultural Arts Commissioners do not receive any compensation.
Applicants
At the time this staff report was prepared, the City Clerk’s Office received applications for the following applicants:
|
PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICANTS |
|
1. |
Daniel Garcia |
|
2. |
Ashton Kauwe |
|
3. |
Donald Lank |
|
4. |
Steven Mai |
|
5. |
Alvin Nguyen |
|
6. |
Joseph Nguyen |
|
7. |
Toan Nguyen |
|
8. |
Tommy Nguyen |
|
9. |
Dylan Slayton |
|
10. |
Stephanie Tapia |
|
CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION APPLICANTS |
|
1. |
William Belisle* |
|
2. |
Jeff Cyril* |
|
3. |
Uyen Hoang* |
|
4. |
Joseph Nguyen |
|
5. |
Alex Vaz |
*Applications currently on file
FISCAL IMPACT
There is a compensation in the form of stipends for attendance at regular or adjourned regular meetings for the Planning Commission - $80 per meeting, Account No. 10100-40020.
The Cultural Arts Commission does not receive compensation.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
Consider the various applicants and proceed to appoint.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance No. 2597
2. Ordinance No. 2582
3. Resignation Letters
4. Applications (Redacted)
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager