Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Consideration of the Removal of a Member of the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Traffic Commission.
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From: Christine Cordon, City Manager
Requested by: Council Member NamQuan Nguyen, District 4
Prepared by*: Scott Porter, City Attorney
*Staff reports prepared by staff on behalf of members of the City Council do not reflect the opinions of staff and are generated in collaboration with the requesting council member(s).
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Consider the request to remove Donald Lank from the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Traffic Commission.
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BACKGROUND
At the October 14, 2026 City Council meeting, a motion was made by District 4 Council Member NamQuan Nguyen, and seconded by District 1 Council Member Phan West, to place an item on the agenda to consider the removal of Donald Lank from the Parks and Recreation Commission (District 3 Vice Mayor Mark Nguyen’s appointee) and from the Traffic Commission (District 2 Council Member Carlos Manzo’s appointee).
For both the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Traffic Commission, Mr. Lank’s term of office will automatically expire at the first City Council meeting after the Council certifies the results of the November election. Most likely that first Council meeting would be in December, although it may be different. That stated, commissioners stay in office until the appointment of his or her successor.
The rules for the removal from the two commissions differ.
Parks & Recreation Commission
Pursuant to Municipal Code 2.56.030, each member of the Parks & Recreation Commission is directly appointed by a City Council Member, in this case, Vice Mayor Mark Nguyen.
Municipal Code 2.56.040.B establishes that “A member of the parks and recreation commission may be discharged from his or her position and duties at any time and without cause by the council member who appointed said commissioner, or by majority vote of the city council.”
Stated differently, Vice Mayor Mark Nguyen has the option to unilaterally remove Mr. Lank. If the Vice Mayor declines to do so, the council majority has the option to remove Mr. Lank from the position.
Traffic Commission
There are no special rules for the removal of traffic commissioners. Therefore, Municipal Code 2.42.030 applies and committee members serve at the pleasure of the City Council; removals “are entirely within the council’s discretion, and may be with or without cause.” Any member of the Traffic Commission may be removed by a majority vote of the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
The Council is requested to consider and discuss the removal of Donald Lank from the Parks and Recreation Commission and/or Traffic Commission and provide direction to staff.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager