Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Appointments to the Citizens Oversight Committee (Measure Y and E) and Traffic Commission.
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publichearing
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From: Sandra Escudero, Interim City Clerk
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Tanya Ramirez, Interim Assistant City Clerk
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Waive strict compliance with the appointment process set forth in Westminster Municipal Code section 2.42.020 and appoint members to the following Commissions and Committees:
A. Two regular members as recommended by Vice Mayor Mark Nguyen and District 1 Council Member Amy Phan West to the Citizens Oversight Committee (Measure Y and E); and
B. One regular member as recommended by District 1 Council Member Phan West to the Traffic Commission.
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BACKGROUND
At the City Council Meeting on December 13, 2023, the Mayor and City Council appointed members to serve on the Citizens Oversight Committee (Measure Y and E). District 1 Council Member Phan West appointed Robert Furman. The City Clerk’s Office received a resignation effective September 23, 2026 from Robert Furman.
At the February 26, 2025 Regular Meeting, Vice Mayor Nguyen appointed Tami Hammell to serve on the Citizens Oversight Committee (Measure Y and E). At the regular meeting of September 9, 2026, the Mayor and City Council voted unanimously to remove Tami Hammell from the Committee.
At the Council Meeting of March 12, 2025, the Mayor and City Council appointed members to serve on the Traffic Commission; District 1 Council Member Phan West appointed Jeffrey Cyril. Staff was notified of the unexpected passing of Mr. Cyril.
With these unexpected vacancies and remaining terms, this item is being presented to provide Vice Mayor Nguyen and District 1 Council Member Phan West the opportunity to appoint members to the Citizens Oversight Committee and to the Traffic Commission.
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 Commissions 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).
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 City Clerk also requires applicants to read and sign the Code of Ethics policy. Upon verification and submittal of all required documents, the application is considered received.
If the City Council appoints the three individuals who submitted applications, then the City will have followed all of the default procedures stated in Chapter 2.42, except for calling a special meeting to interview the applicants. The Council may opt to waive this, and any other requirement which applies to the appointment process.
Citizens Oversight Committee (Measure Y and E)
The Citizens Oversight Committee (Measure Y and E) is composed of five members. The WMC Chapter 3.11.130 outlines various matters relating to this commission. Each member of the City Council shall nominate someone to the Committee and appointment will be based on a majority vote of the City Council. The Citizens Oversight Committee members do not receive any compensation.
Traffic Commission
The Traffic Commission is composed of five members. The WMC Chapter 10.12 outlines various matters relating to this commission. Each member of the City Council shall nominate someone to the Traffic Commission and appointment will be based on a majority vote of the City Council. The Traffic Commissioners are paid $50 for each meeting, with maximum compensation of $100, whichever is less, pursuant to WMC 10.12.080(f).
Applicants
At the time this staff report was prepared, the City Clerk’s Office had received application(s) for the following applicant(s):
|
CITIZEN’S OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE (MEASURE Y AND E) APPLICANT |
|
1. |
Stephanie Tapia |
|
2. |
Wenmeng Cui |
|
TRAFFIC COMMISSION APPLICANT |
|
1. |
Armando Gamez |
FISCAL IMPACT
Compensation is provided in the form of stipends for attendance at regular or adjourned regular meetings for the Traffic Commission, at a rate of $50 per meeting (Account No. 10200-40020).
The members of the Citizens Oversight Committee (Measure Y and E) do not receive compensation.
Funds are budgeted and available in the various General Fund accounts as listed above.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
Consider the applicants and proceed to appoint.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance No. 2597
2. Resignation Letter
3. Application(s) (Redacted)
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager