Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
City Council Appointment to the Planning 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 vote on the approval of a person (appointment by Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen) to become a member of the Planning Commission for a term to expire in December 2026, waiving other applicable requirements.
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BACKGROUND
During the February 26, 2025 Regular City Council meeting, Mayor Nguyen appointed Alin Hamade to serve on the Planning Commission. On January 22, 2026, the City Clerk’s Office received a letter of resignation from Commissioner Hamade.
With the unexpected vacancy and remaining term, this item is being presented to provide Mayor Nguyen the opportunity to make his appointment 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).
Appointments are for 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, to qualify for appointment, applicants are required to fill out an application, be at least 18 years old, and a resident of the City. 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.
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 |
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3. |
Donald Lank |
|
4. |
Steven Mai |
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5. |
Alvin Nguyen |
|
6. |
Toan Nguyen |
|
7. |
Tommy Nguyen |
|
8. |
Dylan Slayton |
|
9. |
Stephanie Tapia |
|
10. |
Carmen Fernandez |
|
11. |
Tam Do |
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.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
Consider various applicants and proceed to appoint.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance No. 2597
2. Resignation Letter
3. Applications (Redacted)
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager