PREPARED BY: MATT RODRIGUEZ DATE OF MEETING: 04/06/26
SUBJECT:
TITLE
SAN PABLO PLANNING COMMISSION
A) INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS:
(1) CONDUCT INTERVIEWS, AND
(2) APPOINT ONE COMMISSIONER TO FILL ONE VACANCY BY RESOLUTION FOR A FOUR-YEAR TERM (APRIL 2026 THROUGH APRIL 2030) OR PROVIDE OTHER DIRECTION TO STAFF
B) ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE TO NEWLY APPOINTED COMMISSIONER.
Label
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendation
1. Consider any public comments;
2. Conduct interviews of Planning Commission applicant(s) individually;
3. Deliberate;
(a) Make a motion to appoint one candidate for an April 2026 - April 2030 term by Resolution; or
(b) Provide alternative direction to staff (e.g. continue advertising for opening);
4. Administer Oath of Office to appointed Planning Commissioner.
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COMPLIANCE STATEMENTS
FY 2025-27 Council Priority Workplan Compliance Statement
This action is consistent with the Strategic Initiative areas of Enhance Community Resilience: Civic Engagement in the FY 2025-27 Council Priority Workplan, effective April 7, 2025, by Resolution 2025-044.
CEQA Compliance Statement
This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
BACKGROUND
The Planning Commission currently has one vacancy due to the expiration of the term of Paul Morris on February 28, 2026. Paul Morris was not reappointed, resulting in one vacancy on the Commission. Commissioner Morris is authorized to continue serving as a Planning Commissioner until such time as a successor is duly appointed and sworn in.
On December 16, 2025, in compliance with California Government Code § 54972, the Local Appointments List was posted identifying upcoming vacancies for the remainder of 2025 and 2026. On March 3, 2026, following City Council direction, a Notice of Boards and Commissions Vacancy was posted inviting applicants for a Planning Commission vacancy. The application deadline was 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026.
Two timely applications were received by the City Clerk’s Office from Joseph R. Donaldson Jr. on Monday, March 9, 2026 and Y’Anad Burrell on March 23, 2026.
Applicant Eligibility for Appointment
As confirmed by the City Clerk’s Office, all applicants meet the residency requirement, are registered voters, and were available for the interviews.
Interview and Appointive Process
The City Manager is developing a list of potential questions for interviewing Planning Commissioner candidates. Staff intends to provide these questions to the City Council prior to the City Council meeting (at which time they will become public record) to ensure fairness and impartiality. Therefore, these interview questions are not contained in the agenda packet, as initially posted.
Following the interview process, the City Council will deliberate and may select one candidate for an April 2026 - April 2030 term. The official appointment must be approved by formal motion and majority vote via Resolution. The new Planning Commissioner would then be sworn in. Alternatively, the City Council can provide direction to staff to pursue other recruitment options for the vacancy (e.g. re-posting a vacancy notice with an extended application deadline.)
Once appointed by the City Council, any newly appointed commissioner will be required to attend a mandatory orientation prior to participating in the upcoming Planning Commission regular meeting as scheduled, as well as submit a Form 700 pursuant to the City’s Conflict of Interest Code and Fair Political Practices Commission regulations.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact associated with this item.
AttacHMENTS:
Att A - Resolution
Att B - Members List PC Roster
Att C - Maddy Act Local Appointments List Posting
Att D - Vacancy Notice Posting
Att E - PC Application Donaldson, Joseph D. Jr
Att F - PC Application Burrell, Y’Andad